Pre-Emergent Seeding Safe Zones 3-8

Scotts Turf Builder Starter Food + Weed Preventer

by Scotts

Beginners doing their first overseeding who want a simple one-product solution

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Mesotrione (granular) + starter fertilizer · Beginners doing their first overseeding who want a simple one-product solution

$25-35 per bag

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Product Details

Active Ingredient:
Mesotrione (granular) + starter fertilizer
Form:
Granular (apply with spreader)
Coverage:
~5,000 sq ft per bag
Cost:
$25-35 per bag

Compatible Grass Types

Kentucky Bluegrass Tall Fescue Perennial Ryegrass

Community Consensus

The simplest possible seeding option. One product, one pass — starter fertilizer + mesotrione. Ideal for beginners who don't want to spray. Not as flexible as liquid mesotrione but gets the job done.

Overview

This product combines mesotrione (the only seeding-safe pre-emergent) with starter fertilizer in a single granular application. It simplifies overseeding by eliminating the need for a separate sprayer and multiple products.

How It Works

The granular mesotrione provides approximately 28 days of pre-emergent weed protection while the starter fertilizer (high phosphorus) feeds emerging grass seedlings. Apply with a standard broadcast spreader at seeding time.

Who Should Use This

This is the ideal product for homeowners doing their first overseeding who want the simplest possible approach. One bag, one spreader pass, and you have both weed prevention and seedling nutrition handled.

Tradeoffs vs. Liquid Mesotrione

Experienced users often prefer separate liquid mesotrione + Scotts Starter Food because it allows independent rate control. The combo product locks you into fixed ratios. However, for simplicity and convenience, the combo product is hard to beat.

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Affiliate disclosure: we may earn from qualifying purchases.