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Best Lawn Fertilizers Reviewed & Rated for Quality
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Effectiveness
Why is a quality lawn fertilizer worth it? Well, the quality of lawn fertilizer will determine exactly how well the lawn will grow and the flowers will bloom. With that in mind, we took into heavy consideration the overall quality of the fertilizer, this not only included the fertilizer itself but the consistency and all of the different elements of the fertilizer.
Materials
To pick out the best fertilizers, we had to look at the ingredient list to better see exactly what the fertilizer is made out of. Our goal was not just to share the best quality fertilizers that had a quality ingredient content but also fertilizers that did not use any harmful substances and materials. As we move into a more conscience and health-aware state when it comes to our food, individuals are reading the ingredient list more often when it comes to fertilizer ingredients. With that in mind, we can say that some of the fertilizers on this list include some of the best mineral content to ensure the best quality when it comes to consistency, nutrients, and other aspects.
With that, we wanted to share some of what we discovered when picking out the top ten. Many brands use a granule coating that consists of semi-permeable resin that is nutrient filled. These fertilizer brands offer plenty of different rich nutrient content to ensure and promote the healthiest of growth. With that said, one aspect that we wanted to take into consideration is that brands only included fertilizer that did not have any pesticides or GMOs, etc. Therefore, one criterion that we wanted to include to appeal to all kinds of buyers is whether or not the brand was organic or not organic.
Size
As one of the most important criteria to take into consideration, we wanted to evaluate the size of the cost. Many brands offer their fertilizers in many different sizes and depending on the quality of the fertilizer, the cost will go up. Therefore, we wanted to ensure that the fertilizer was built and designed with the best quality content matter in the bag for the price. Now, as one of the criteria, we looked for, the cost will go up depending on whether or not the material of the bag is organic or non-organic. With that in mind, individuals should expect the best quality for the cost of all the brands that are above.
Safety Hazards
When it comes to growing food, individuals have different preferences and since planting has such a wide variety of available options, we wanted to consider both organic and non-organic foods. With that said, part of the reason this was an important criterion to consider is that of individuals preferences. If an individual prefers to plant organic, then we have shared brands such as Organic Plant Magic. However, some consumers are completely okay with using products such as Miracle Grow, which is also considered one of the better quality fertilizers.
When it comes to fertilizers, however, many brands offer non-GMO, and other harmful chemical-free fertilizers that are intended for safe use. With that said, individuals can expect that many of these fertilizers offer the best possible quality consistency and organic and non-organic matter that will cause all plants to fruit.
Value
As another one of the most important guidelines we ensured to meet, we wanted to only showcase and share the top ten brands that offer quality assurance. With this in mind, many of the brands an individual will encounter on this list are often known because they can be found at hardware or department stores. However, we also wanted to share the lesser known brands that many people will overlook. The reason this was so important, so we could offer variety for our readers.
As another important criterion that we considered, one important element that was crucial to us is the reviews. We read a lot of reviews when it comes to the best quality brands in the industry for lawn fertilizers. With that, the reviews helped us decide and realize which were the best when it comes to lawn fertilizers. We took aspects into consideration such as the strength of the scent, the power of the lawn fertilizer to offer maximum growth, and the consistency as well as the mineral content of the fertilizer.
BEST LAWN FERTILIZERS REVIEWED & RATED FOR QUALITY
1. Real Growers Recharge
Real Growers Recharge is a little unusual for this list: rather than providing the direct infusion of minerals and other nutrients into the soil, Recharge adds a blend of plant and fungal microbes to your lawn or garden that promotes overall growth and health.
Dual-Action Microbial Formula
Recharge is a growth formula made with plant microbes, mycorrhizal fungi, and Trichoderma fungi, which complement one another to improve soil quality, root health, and development. Fungal microbes and rooting plants develop mutually beneficial relationships that not only foster plant growth but can, over time, create a web of nutrient-sharing throughout your garden or lawn. They do so by breaking down organic matter in the soil, thereby making it nutritionally available to nearby plants.
Safe With Other Fertilizers
The Trichoderma microbes are also resistant to chemical fertilizers, so whether you’re making the switch from conventional fertilization or you want to supplement an existing plant system, you won’t have to worry about pre-existing fertilizers interfering with new growth.
Cost and Value
Recharge is a significant investment per weight, coming in close to the top of this list in price vs. volume, but it’s not an “ordinary” fertilizer. It gives your existing plant systems a boost without relying on harsh nitrogen salts that can burn leaves and blossoms.
2. Osmocote Plus Outdoor Indoor
With a proprietary blend of 11 nutrients and minerals, Osmocote Plus Smart-Release Plant Food is a pellet fertilizer that slowly releases into the soil, nourishing your lawn or garden for up to six months after application. Smart-Release technology means that you won’t overexpose your lawn or garden to excess nitrogen, so long as Osmocote is used as directed.
Long Lasting Nutrition
Osmocote Plus is a pellet-based fertilizer that you apply directly to the soil where needed. It provides a proprietary blend of eleven minerals and nutrients and gives a nutritional boost to your lawn or garden for upwards of six months.
Safe and Gentle Time-Release
Osmocote Plus pellets dissolve on a time-release, allowing the nutrition your plants need to be delivered gradually; this product also carries a “no-burn” guarantee, so when it’s used properly you won’t have to worry about wilting leaves and stems due to nitrogen overexposure.
Cost and Value
While it comes in a small package, suitable for veggie gardens and smaller lawns, Osmocote Plus is a high-quality product that can yield long-lasting results. It is more of an investment, per pound than most fertilizers on this list, but when used correctly it fosters long-term yield and growth for your plants.
3. Jobe’s Organics Fast Start
If you need a reliable, organic, dry fertilizer, Jobe’s Fast Start 4-4-2 is a great place to start. With Jobe’s Organics, you’re getting a pesticide-free, a food-grade fertilizer that’s safe for children and pets and can be used on a variety of plants and grasses!
Certified USDA Organic
Jobe’s Organics Fast Start is USDA certified organic, meaning it contains no pesticides, and then this product is also safe for food-grade crop growth. Suitable to use around children and pets, you can supplement your garden or lawn, or get a new project going, without having to worry about hazardous and toxic chemicals.
New Growth and Long-Term Health
Fast Start contains Jobe’s Organics proprietary Biozome, which assists new plantings with root growth and seed development. A blend of mycorrhizal fungi, good bacteria, and beneficial Archaea microorganisms, Biozome contributes to root length and surface area, while removing harmful microorganisms from the surrounding soil. Archaea is relatively new to the fertilizing world, highly prized for its ability to survive in extreme environments like ocean-floor hydrothermal vents, so its inclusion in the Biozome formula brings its symbiotic potential to your lawn environment.
Cost and Value
Fast Start has a very low price for such a high-quality product and will be an excellent addition to your garden, lawn, orchard, or another green outdoor project. Its USDA organic certification makes it not only inexpensive, but very safe to use, and it provides multiple, complementary growth boosters that can help keep your lawn or garden green, vibrant, and healthy for years to come!
4. Simple Lawn Solutions
SLS Advanced is easy to use and comes in its own handy applicator so you don’t have to spend a lot of time mixing and diluting the solution: just open the container and go!
Potent, Ready-To-Use Formula
Simple Lawn Solutions Advanced comes with a 16-4-8 NPK ratio, ideal for nourishing a well-rounded growth profile for your plants, flowers, and other growing leafy friends. Advanced Liquid Fertilizer is ideal for use in spring and summer when your garden or lawn is in its period of high growth.
Safe on Your Lawn
Free of harsh chemicals, SLS Advanced supplements the mineral profile of your lawn turf, allowing well-watered grasses of all types to grow and stay healthy and strong during the warm months.
Cost and Value
SLS Advanced is a good bargain for the volume; like most liquid fertilizers, its relatively small (32oz) packaging holds enough plant nutrition for your whole garden or lawn! Used on well-watered grass during the growing months, this product can improve the longevity, root health, and overall robustness of your grasses, helping your lawn sink deeper roots that make it better able to nourish itself!
5. Simple Lawn Solutions Superior
Are you looking for a new, mineral-based fertilizer for your lawn, but you’re worried about excessive phosphates in your soil? Too much phosphorus in the ground can inhibit plants’ uptake of important micronutrients, like trace minerals, affecting their long-term health. To give your dirt a break, a nitrogen/potassium blend like SLS Superior Nitrogen & Potash could be just the thing!
Effective and Easy to Apply
SLS Nitrogen & Potash is another mineral liquid fertilizer from Simple Lawn Solutions. If you want a fertilizer that focuses on root health and beautiful, vivid green leaves, look no further! Just connect the container to a watering hose, turn the nozzle, and begin refortifying your lawn.
Gentle On Your Lawn and Loved Ones
SLS Nitrogen & Potash is child- and pet-friendly and can help you restore undernourished grasses to good health. This product is useful in a variety of soil types, including sandy soil, and can help you keep your grass green and strong without relying on phosphates.
Cost and Value
With a lower price-point than the SLS Advanced due to its targeted, phosphate-free nutrition profile, SLS Nitrogen & Potash is a good bargain that can be applied to weak or damaged grasses again and again without dipping into your wallet.
6. Scotts Turf Builder Winter
Scotts is a well-known and much-loved brand, and their line of Turf Builder lawn products has the right food for your grass. When your lawn has begun to enter its dormant state for the winter months, and you’re getting everything ready for freezing temperatures, try Winter Guard to help your lawn recover from warm-weather damage before you settle in for the season!
Build Root Mass For Your Grass
Scotts Winter Guard Fall Lawn Food is a specialized fertilizer that nourishes and restores damaged, unhealthy grasses, as well as helping build deeper, stronger root systems that help your lawn to survive the cold winter months.
Part of Your Seasonal Routine
Apply Scotts Winter Guard in the fall as part of your winter lawn and garden preparations, and help your grass make the most of available nutrients and moisture; come springtime, the results will wow you!.
Cost and Value
Scotts Winter Guard has a low price point for its 5,000 sq. ft. (or “5M”) spreading area. While it’s not as useful for flowers or vegetables, what it does, it does well: just add it to your fall lawn preparations and reap the results come spring!
7. Miracle Gro All Purpose
With a high mineral content and a convenient liquid format, Miracle-Gro All Purpose Plant Food is a great addition to any gardener’s toolkit.
Versatile and Easy to Use
This fast-acting liquid fertilizer is suitable for all plant types, and you can apply it as often as every 7-14 days for continued growth promotion. Mix the Plant Food into your watering can and apply as part of your normal water routine.
High Mineral Content
This formula has a 24-8-16 NPK ratio, so it’s important to not overfeed your plants, but the high (24%) nitrogen content is excellent for root length and volume when used correctly.
Cost and Value
With an excellent price point and a well-established brand you can rely on, Miracle-Gro All Purpose Plant Food is a good buy for the investment. Its versatility means it’s suitable for most garden and lawn projects, too!
8. Scotts Turf Builder Southern
The Scotts Turf Builder line of products includes a special formula for the drier and warmer climates of the Southern United States. Turf Builder Southern can be applied to any type of grass in any season, making it a versatile addition to your lawn and gardening routine!
Helps Prevent Browning and Loss of Root Mass
Specially formulated for grasses growing in the southern United States, Scotts Southern Lawn Fertilizer is a quality product from a brand you know and trust. Apply to a wet lawn and watch the results appear over the next few days.
Low in Phosphates, Great For Thirsty Grasses
Scotts Southern Lawn Fertilizer has a 26-2-13 mineral profile, so if you’re trying to limit the number of phosphates in your soil, this is a great buy. Apply to your lawn before watering or before it rains, and whether the dry months like never before.
Cost and Value
While this product has a fairly specialized use compared to most others on this list, if you’re trying to grow a healthy, beautiful lawn in adverse conditions, this could be your Gardener’s Helper! With a good price point for its 5M (5,000 sq. ft.) volume, Scotts Southern Lawn Fertilizer is a great product for what it does, but if you don’t live in a hot, arid, or subtropical region, there are many other excellent Scotts lawn fertilizers you can try instead.
9. Scotts Turf Builder Weed
Weeding your lawn can be an exhausting, back-breaking process. As if it weren’t enough work already to keep your grass alive and healthy, a well-nourished lawn is a tempting target for weeds to encroach upon. Give your grass more room to grow by weeding and feeding at the same time!
Great For Large, Weedy Lawns
Scotts Weed and Feed is a dual-acting fertilizer that kills major weed species while nourishing the grasses and other plants you want to grow. A single bag of Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed is good for 5,000 square feet of lawn: that’s almost as big as two tennis courts!
Deep Roots Means Healthy Grass
More and healthier grasses in your lawn mean less moisture, space, and nutrition available for weeds to use, and a deeper, more stable root system. Deeper roots mean your grasses will be better equipped to handle inclement weather conditions and survive damage and severe temperatures.
Cost and Value
With a high price point for its volume, Scotts Weed and Feed is a bit of an investment, better used for weed-choked lawns than as a general-use fertilizer. At the same time, Scotts is a known and trusted name in the industry, so you know the quality you’re getting.
10. Plant Magic Plant Food
Plant Magic Organic Fertilizer is a “compost tea”, a composite of nutrients that you mix with water and then apply like you would any solid compost-based fertilizer. Versatile and certified organic, Plant Magic Plant Food is a welcome and pet-safe addition to your garden or lawn.
Good for New and Mature Plants
Plant Magic Plant Food is an effective, organic nutrient booster and growth promoter for most plant types, both indoor and outdoor. Suitable for plants at all stages of growth, from seedling to mature, you can use Plant Magic Plant Food throughout your garden’s life cycle.
Highly Nutritious and Easy to Use
Also known as a “compost tea”, you can add this directly to your watering can and it will dissolve quickly, making it perfect for adding to your normal gardening routine. Even better, as a compost tea, this product can replace the need to make and spread compost directly, which can be time-consuming.
Cost and Value
Plant Magic Plant Food comes in a small package, but you can spread out its use over many watering sessions, easily applying it to a much larger area than its 16-ounce size would suggest. More versatile than many of the fertilizers on this list, Plant Magic is suitable for new lawns, saplings, and newly planted bulbs and seeds.
Sources
- , Engledow Group, Gardening Blog
- , Today's Home Owner, Home Blog
