Last fall I started a brand-new lawn and was pleasantly surprised with how it came in with the one seeding. However, it's nowhere near as full as I would eventually like it to be so I plan to reseed this spring. The problem I'm having is what type of fertilizer I should use. The lawn is still thin enough for me to have a weed and crabgrass problem, but I know if I use a fertilizer with preemergent, I'll interfere with the germination of the new seed. What should I do?

You’re right. Using preemergent crabgrass control will prevent new grass seed from germinating, so you’ll have to work around it, manually removing as much of the weed as possible before seeding. You don’t say how large your lawn is, but if that isn’t practical, you can apply seed right over the crabgrass now, and then apply a preemergent product next spring.Using a starter fertilizer will, indeed, provide new seedlings with a boost. Starter fertilizers are available from multiple brands; look for packages marked “lawn starter” or “turf starter.”For a lush, thick lawn, apply seeds in two directions, using a broadcast spreader, once a week for about four weeks. Water deeply once after each seeding session, then only lightly every day in between. Don’t miss even one day or seeds may dry out, and you’ll have to start over.Jessica Damiano is a master gardener and journalist with more than 25 years experience in radio, television, and print and online media. Send questions to jessica.damiano@newsday.com