Establishment of low‐input turfgrass from seed with patch and repair mixtures: Mulch and starter fertilizer effects

Homeowners typically use commercial “patch and repair” products to seed bare or damaged lawn areas in the spring. Commercial products typically contain inert matter, fertilizer, and turfgrass seed, which is dominated by perennial ryegrass ( Lolium perenne L.) and tall fescue [ Festuca arundinacea Schreb.; syn. Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort., nom. cons.] mixtures, with a few fine fescues ( Festuca spp.). Our objective was to assess the establishment potential of low‐cost patch and repair ingredients in the spring that include low‐input fine fescues. Field experiments were initiated in Indiana and Oregon in April 2019 to investigate seven mulch ingredient treatments and two starter fertilizer treatments. All treatments included the same fine fescue seed mixture. All mulch ingredients, including the untreated (no mulch) control, eventually reached a similar turf cover; however, the rate of establishment was influenced by the mulch ingredient. Conversely, starter fertilizer had a minimal impact on the establishment rates but increased final turf cover. Compost‐derived mulch consistently resulted in faster turf establishment, which was generally ≥6 d sooner than other mulch options, with the exception of potting soil, no mulch, and, at times, topsoil, which may provide similar results. The results indicate if the newly seeded area is adequately irrigated, then neither mulch ingredient nor starter fertilizer may be necessary, thus providing more financial savings for consumers. The results also indicate there are multiple financially feasible options for homemade patch and repair ingredients for homeowners and lawn professionals to use in the establishment of low‐input turfgrasses from seed.