Enjoy a Healthy Lush & Green Lawn With The Best Fertilizer for Grass
[Editor’s Choice]
Scotts Turf Builder Summerguard
Scotts Turf Builder Summerguard provides outstanding protection against heat and drought. Choose this for established lawns going into the warm season months.
CHECK CURRENT PRICEScotts Turf Builder Starter
Need to get a new lawn established quickly? Scotts has you covered with this perfectly formulated starting mix available over at DoMyOwn.
CHECK CURRENT PRICEScotts 2X Rapid Grass Seed & Fertilizer Mix
Want to know the secret for dealing with patchy grass? This product includes a sun and shade grass seed mix along with an extended feeding blend of fertilizer!
CHECK CURRENT PRICEIs your lawn looking a little worn out? Is it turning yellow and crispy in the summer heat year after year? Yikes! I bet your neighbors secretly hate you! 😩 Getting them [or your spouse] off your case though is going to be easy, so don’t worry! There are many different fertilizers on the market that can help give your lawn a healthy green look in any season.
Whether you only interested in buying organic fertilizer or need the most affordable lawn care, there is something for everyone and any type of lawn below! We’ll discuss some of the best types of fertilizers and how they can help improve your grass quality in one season. After that, we’ll check out a few basic questions about lawn fertilizer from our readers. If you’re in a hurry though, use the links below to find the perfect product for your yard.
Table of Contents:
- Why is it important to fertilize your lawn?
- Organic versus Conventional Fertilizers – Which Should You Choose?
- The Many Types of Grass Fertilizers
- What Month Should I Fertilize Lawn Grass?
- Our 5 Recommended Grass Food Products
- Best for Late Season – Scotts Turf Builder SummerGuard Lawn Food
- For Establishing New Lawns – Scotts Turf Builder Starter Food for New Grass
- Repair Patchy Lawns with Scott’s Turf Builder Rapid Grass Sun & Shade Mix
- Best for Sprayer Use – Water Soluble Lawn Food by Miracle-Gro
- Top Slow Release Fertilizer – Andersons Professional PGF Complete
- The Verdict: Our #1 Choice for Any Lawn
Why is it important to fertilize your lawn?
Before we dive into discussing what are the best grass fertilizer options out there, let’s start with understanding why fertilizing your lawn is an important task that you shouldn’t miss. Below are some of the reasons why fertilizing your lawn is a must if you want to enjoy lush green grass.
- Fertilizers provide nutrients to the soil. This allows for better root growth and overall healthier plants.
- It helps provide the necessary nutrients for healthy grass.
- Fertilizers help to keep the soil healthy and free of disease. Using some types of fertilizers may also deter pests that are harmful to plants.
- With proper fertilization, you can have more even turf with fewer weeds on your lawn.
- Properly fed grass requires less water from rainfall or irrigation systems for survival, so it’s important that you choose the right fertilizer if you want to cut down on expenses at home! You’ll also prevent water erosion by having a green oasis within your landscape instead of an area where there is only exposed dirt.
And here’s three important reasons why you should always take care to choose the right one:
- Keeps insects from eating away at your beautiful yard. Fertilizer helps keep pests like grubs and slugs under control so they don’t eat up all of your greenery! It also often helps to control weeds by adding broadleaf herbicides, which makes them grow slower and take up less water. That means you can spend more time enjoying summer outside without worrying about your lawn being eaten by pests or crowded out by dandelions.
- The best lawn fertilizing options provide both quick-release and slow-release nutrients for a more balanced feeding than what is offered by products with only one type of nutrient release! Slow-release fertilizers will feed your grass over time, while fast-acting fertilizers can give an instant boost without harming roots or other parts of the plant.
- The best lawn fertilizers don’t just help your yard stay beautiful and healthy, they also make it easier for you to spend time outdoors.
Organic versus Conventional Fertilizers – Which Should You Choose?
Ultimately, this get’s down to personal preference, but let’s take a quick look at the pros and cons of each before we introduce you to our featured organic product from Sunday. Here’s the benefits of choosing organic grass feed:
- Don’t worry about bare feet and toxic ingredients
- Far less likely to burn grass
- Doesn’t contribute to runoff pollution in our waterways
However, there’s some advantage to conventional products we have to list out so you can make an impartial decision. Namely:
- Generally lower costs
- Consistency
- Often includes weed and pest control
Now if cost isn’t an issue and you want the best yard science can offer, we’ve got the perfect subscription box for you…
Looking for an Easy to Use Organic Lawn Food?
Get Sunday! You’ll save time on the weekend while helping to save aquatic wildlife by using organic lawn care products. Sunday is more than that though…They send you a soil test kit to help select the perfect nutrients custom tailored to your lawn.
Then the rest is on autopilot! If you subscribe to Sunday, the perfect option for your specific grass type and soil conditions gets delivered right when it’s needed in each season. If you want easy DIY maintenance that’s also good for the environment, click the image on the right and check out our recommended lawn fertilizer subscription box.
Smart Lawn Plan
from: Sunday
The Many Types of Grass Fertilizers
Grass fertilizers come in different types. You’ll find a variety of options available for your lawn. It may all come to personal preference but each of them is beneficial to your lawn when used properly.
The four main types of grass fertilizers are as follows:
- Organic Composts: This type of fertilizer is made from decomposed plant material and manure. It’s also an excellent way to add composting materials back into your yard while feeding it at the same time with natural enzymes, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, etc. You may need to apply this in layers as it breaks down because these products don’t provide immediate results as inorganic fertilizers do.
- Inorganic or Synthetic Fertilizers: These fertilizers typically contain chemical nutrients that are not organic-based and can be more harmful to the environment, but they take effect quickly.
- Granular Fertilizers: These fertilizers are usually in a pellet form that is applied by spreading it over the lawn and watering the product in.
- Liquid Fertilizer: These come as either an emulsified liquid or dissolved dry fertilizer, which may be more costly but can also provide faster results than granular products. But don’t rely on these too much because you need some time for your grass to get used to any changes before it starts showing obvious signs of improvement.
What Month Should I Fertilize Lawn Grass?
The best way to keep your lawn healthy is by fertilizing it first in the fall, but do not overdo it. Quick-release fertilizers will make a difference because they are more easily available and have been proven effective for cool season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass or tall fescue. Also apply a light application in the Spring, but be sure to stop using fertilizer before the summer heat sets in!
Our 5 Recommended Grass Food Products
Let’s get down to business! Below are our top 5 picks to help you keep that lush green lawn grass of yours.
Scotts Turf Builder SummerGuard Lawn Food with Insect Control
Scotts Turf Builder not only feeds and strengthens your lawn against heat and drought, it also protects it against common lawn bugs.
That makes Scotts Turf Builder SummerGuard Lawn Food with Insect Control your perfect remedy against summer lawn stresses. It’s guaranteed to feed and strengthen your lawn against heat and drought by improving its ability to absorb water and nutrients. It’s also guaranteed to not burn your lawn as long as you follow the information on the label. Moreover, Scotts Turf Builder SummerGuard will make the outdoors enjoyable again for people and pets by protecting your lawn against ants, ticks, and fleas.
The best lawn fertilizers for healthy grass of any type. If you’re looking to have the greenest, healthiest lawn in your neighborhood this summer then Scotts Turf Builder is what you need. Use a proven formulation that will give you everything from increased water retention to improved root growth and density. And don’t worry if it’s too late in the season because Scotts Turf Builder works all year round, so you’ll always get lush green plants no matter what!
QUICK FACTS
Perfect if you forgot to fertilize earlier in the year! This is formulated to be safer for use in hot weather during late spring or early summer.
PROS
- Covers 5,000 square feet per bag
- Added in pest control
CONS
- Not listed as an organic product
- Better to choose this bundle for year-round care
Editors Choice for Establishing New Lawns
Scotts Turf Builder Starter Food for New Grass
If you’ve just planted your grass, then Scotts Turf Builder Starter is your best pick. This fertilizer is proven to help new grass take root and grow. Newly planted lawn grass that is fed by Scotts grows 70% thicker and 35% quicker as opposed to unfed grass.
Just like the first one, it’s also safe for all types of grass. Whether you’re planting new grass, starting a new lawn, re-seeding an existing one, or installing sod, sprigs, or grass plugs, Scotts Turf Builder Starter Food for New Grass is perfectly safe to use. With Scotts Turf Builder, you need not be an expert lawn grower to enjoy lush green grass.
QUICK FACTS
Promotes faster root and blade development on newly seeded grass, sod or plugs. Works in any season, but it’s best to establish new grass in cooler weather.Â
PROS
- Massive 14,000 square foot coverage
- Use on any type of grass
CONS
- Will require that you purchase a spreader.
- Not listed as an organic product.
Our Pick for Patchy Lawns
Scott’s Turf Builder Rapid Grass Sun & Shade Mix
Most homeowners want their lawns to be lush and green as soon as possible. It’s not always fun to wait for the grass to grow on its own so if there are viable options to speed up the growth, then it’s the route most of us would take. If there’s a specific type of grassy that you want to be the dominant one on your lawn, then Scotts Turf Builder Rapid Grass Sun & Shade Mix is perfect for you.
It will grow green and healthy even with little sun exposure. This product also contains natural fertilizers, so it won’t harm or kill other types of vegetation around the area where it was applied. It doesn’t matter if you’re planting new grass plugs or re-seeding areas with existing turf – this starter food has everything your soil needs!
If you’re like me, save yourself the headache of having a lawn that is just ok and go with Scotts Turf Builder Rapid Grass Sun & Shade Mix. It’s already blended so there will be no mixing involved on your part. The best part about this fertilizer is its amazing ability to give new sod or sprigs up to five times as much thick growth in comparison with unfertilized turf – Yep, we can’t emphasize how great that sounds!
QUICK FACTS
Combines seed and feed so that you can boost up the health of existing grass while working on those trouble spots where nothing seems to want to grow.
PROS
- 8,000 square foot coverage
- Most complete solution for problem areas
CONS
- Seeds may not match your existing grass type, if that’s of concern to you
- Not listed as an organic product
Our Top Water Soluble Lawn Food [Easy Sprayer Application]
Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Lawn Food
If you’re looking for a fast way to make your lawn thicker and greener, feed it with Miracle-Gro Soluble Lawn Food. This product is water-soluble so it’s easy to use, and will give your lawn a nice dark green tone.
Feed your lawn grass while you water to get quick, beautiful results. With Miracle-Gro, you should start to see a greener lawn within just a few days. Specially formulated for turfgrass, it’s rich in nitrogen and chelated iron. It feeds through both the grassroots and blades. Just like the first options above, it’s also safe for all types of grasses. It won’t burn your grass or any other plants in your lawn when used as directed.
NOTE: You’ll need the garden feeder attachment for your garden hose that’s sold separately at this link.
Pro Tip: In addition to fertilizing your lawn with Miracle-Gro, you need to avoid over-watering it. Over-watering can damage the grassroots and drown them out, as well as create an environment for moss or fungus growth on top of that. If there are natural conditions such as drought outside, then this is especially important because water supplies will be finite. Make sure you properly balance watering so the soil doesn’t dry out too much between sessions where water is applied.
QUICK FACTS
This one is great for those that like to get 2 things done at once! Fertilize and water your grass at the same time.
PROS
- Feed up to 7,200 square feet of turf
- Foliar feeding [directly on the blades] tends to be more efficient overall
CONS
- Requires that sprayer attachment from Miracle-Gro
- Takes about 12 minutes per 1,000 sg. ft…but hey! You’re watering anyway, right?
Our Pick for Slow Release Fertilizers – Andersons 16-4-8
Andersons Professional PGF Complete 16-4-8 Fertilizer with Humic DG
The last on the list is Andersons Professional PGF Complete 16-4-8 Fertilizer with Humic DG. Its super fine particles give you twice the number of particles per square foot. More particles mean better and more even distribution. The nutrients are released over a long period of time as well (max of 8 weeks). This is perfect for lawns with drought conditions, dry spots, or high traffic in the yard.
Anderson’s Professional also contains humic DG (humic and fulvic acid) which helps enrich your soil and allows plants to process nutrients better. This product is currently not sold in California and South Dakota, however.
QUICK FACTS
These super-fine particles provide better overall coverage and feed for up to 4 weeks! It contains humic and fulvic acids which naturally help with nutrient uptake.
PROS
- Covers about 5,000 square foot of turf grass
- Lower nitrogen strength less likely to burn grass
CONS
- Currently not available in California or South Dakota
- Should not be applied at full strength in summer (use 50-75%)
The Verdict: Our Editors Recommend Sunday for Any Lawn!!!
Smart Lawn Plan
from: Sunday
Overall we’re extremely impressed with the offerings from Sunday. If you’re looking for a way to never have to remember when it’s time to feed your grass, their subscription is perfect for you. Plus it’s organic and custom selected based on your unique landscape!
Subscribe to Sunday“It’s not rocket science, it’s harder — it’s plant science. Frank Rossi, Sunday’s Chief Science Officer, lives and breathes turfgrass. He has a PhD in turf science, has won too many awards to list, and helps to maintain some of the world’s most demanding turf (including Yankee Stadium!). Now, he’s helping to maintain your lawn too.”
Seeing is believing…check out this short product demo to learn just how easy it is for anyone to manage their own landscaping with Sunday.
The choice between these fertilizers really comes down to your budget and what you want out of it. If you have more than one type of grass in your lawn then getting a fertilizer that’s specially formulated for each would be best.
Otherwise picking something that feeds all types will work just fine too! Whatever you choose, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the label to get the most benefits out of your chosen grass fertilizer. Good luck growing a greener lawn!
Check out These Related Gardening Articles:
- https://www.fertilizerforless.com/2018/07/19/when-how-to-fertilize-centipede-grass/
- https://www.fertilizerforless.com/2019/03/10/what-is-the-best-way-to-rejuvenate-a-dying-lawn/
- https://www.fertilizerforless.com/2019/04/10/how-to-repair-your-grass-after-it-has-been-burnt-by-fertilizer/
About Blake
Blake’s been managing this website since 2016. He provides editorial review of all our content, publishes our newsletter and is the person to reach out to for advertising opportunities. Info@fertilizerforless.com