Why Autumn Lawn Feed Is Still Worth It – Even If You Missed Seeding

If you didn’t get around to overseeding your lawn this autumn, you’re not alone. Many homeowners run out of time, and by late October, it's often too cold for grass seed to germinate reliably.

But here’s the good news: you can still make a big difference to your lawn by applying autumn feed. In fact, feeding your lawn now is one of the most important things you can do before winter — even without overseeding.

Why You Might Have Missed Overseeding

Overseeding is best done in early autumn, when daily temperatures are above 12°C and there’s still enough daylight and soil warmth for seed to germinate.

By mid to late October, most UK lawns drop below that threshold, especially in the north, making seeding unreliable.

So, what now?

What Autumn Feed Does (And Why It Still Matters)

Even without new seed, your existing grass still needs care, especially before winter. A proper autumn lawn fertiliser helps your lawn:

• Strengthen root growth
• Increase disease and frost resistance
• Recover from summer stress
• Prepare for a faster green-up in spring

Unlike spring or summer feeds, autumn fertilisers are low in nitrogen (so you don’t get soft, frost-sensitive growth) and higher in potassium, which supports strong root systems and hardiness.

This root-focused support is essential, especially if your lawn is already thin or under stress.

Can I Use Spring or Summer Feed Instead?

NO! Spring/summer feeds are too high in nitrogen.

Using them now can encourage top growth that’s vulnerable to frost, disease, and foot traffic.

Always choose a dedicated autumn feed that’s formulated for this time of year.

How to Apply Autumn Lawn Feed

• Ideal window: September until late November (before first hard frost)
• Apply on dry grass, then water in (or let the rain do the work)
• Works well even if your lawn has stopped growing above ground - the roots are still active

If your lawn is compacted or patchy, consider aerating before feeding to help nutrients penetrate deeper.

What If You’ve Recently Scarified?

Autumn feed is also essential after scarifying. It helps your grass recover faster by supporting root growth and regrowth, even if you haven’t added seed.

Final Thought: Feed Now, Reap the Rewards Later

Even if you missed the seeding window, applying an autumn fertiliser now will help your lawn stay strong through winter and bounce back healthier, greener, and thicker in spring.

Don’t think of it as “too late” - think of it as protecting your lawn's foundation.