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Speeding up grass seed germination is possible, but it requires quite a bit of extra work and commitment. Keeping the soil moist is key, but here are a few other tried-and-true methods for growing your new grass as quickly as possible:

• Mist grass up to eight times per day to keep the soil moist.

• Purchase a moisture-retaining seed coating for your grass seeds.

• Amend soil that is compacted or in the wrong pH range.

• Choose the right grass seed for your area’s climate and soil conditions.

• Avoid planting on windy days or during periods of extreme rain or drought.

Yes, you can use compost on your lawn alongside or even instead of standard fertilizer. Compost is rich in nutrients and organic matter and restores the balance and health of your soil. It also replenishes depleted soil, adding volume as well as nutrients. It's a great alternative to synthetic slow-release fertilizer. And if you compost at home, you can save money by applying your own compost. 

The best time to apply fertilizer to your lawn is in early fall, though some climates necessitate a different schedule. In most cases, avoid fertilizing late into fall, as this opens up your yard to winter injuries and poor health (though this is a great time to kill weeds.) You should avoid early spring fertilization, as this helps the grass leaves grow, but at the expense of developing root systems. Remember to water your lawn after fertilizing to increase its effectiveness and reduce the likelihood of runoff during a rainstorm. 

Whether organic or synthetic fertilizers are better for your lawn depends on your goals, budget, and plans for other lawn treatments. Organic fertilizer costs more but is likely to benefit your lawn more in the long run by improving the soil as well as feeding your grass. Synthetic fertilizers get faster results but don’t enrich the soil and may contaminate nearby bodies of water if you live on a shoreline. A hybrid fertilizer may be an option to give you the benefits found in both organic and synthetic fertilizers.