The best fertilizers for grass keep lawns lush and healthy. So, we researched lawn fertilizers from America’s leading lawn care retailers—Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon, and Walmart. After carefully comparing each product, we found the best ones.
Even among the best grass fertilizers, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. But there’s no need to stress. We provide detailed reviews of the top lawn fertilizers and a helpful buyer’s guide.
Our Top Picks
Top 7 Fertilizers for Grass – Reviews
1. The Andersons PGF Complete with Humic DG – Best Spring Fertilizer
Our favorite spring fertilizer is The Andersons PGF Complete with Humic DG. It gives grass a balanced diet for dense green growth, healthy roots, and a boosted immune system. The high-quality granules are super fine and easy to apply evenly. We recommend it for both warm- and cool-season grasses.
The formula is in line with leading lawn care research. In addition to a perfectly proportioned NPK ratio, it contains micronutrients and organic matter. The slow-release fertilizer strengthens and greens the grass for up to eight weeks.
Specifications
- Coverage area: 10,000 sq. ft.
- Effective period: 8 weeks
- Fertilizer type: Granular
- N-P-K: 16-4-8
- Package size: 40 lbs.
- Time release: Slow
Pros and Cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Ideal NPK ratio ✓ Contains organic material ✓ Easy to apply ✓ Can use in spring, summer, and fall | ✗ Phosphorus can pollute runoff water |
Where to buy
2. The Old Farmer’s Almanac Lawn Food – Best Organic Fertilizer
The best organic fertilizer is The Old Farmer’s Almanac Lawn Food. It inspires lush green lawns without using harsh chemicals. The slow-release formula improves grass’s overall health and appearance for up to 8 weeks. You can apply it to warm- and cool-season grasses in the spring, summer, and fall.
Don’t worry. It doesn’t have a foul smell, like manure-based organic fertilizers, nor the ammonia-like odor of urea. It contains plant-based ingredients, such as soybean meal and distilled dried grains. It’s great for parents and pet owners because the lawn is safe to play on immediately after fertilizing.
Specifications
- Coverage area: 5,000 sq. ft.
- Effective period: 8 weeks
- Fertilizer type: Granular
- N-P-K: 10-0-2
- Package size: 20 lbs.
- Time release: Slow
Pros and Cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Great for long-term use ✓ Can use in spring, summer, and fall ✓ Safe for children and pets ✓ Doesn’t burn grass ✓ Certified organic | ✗ Not good for new grass |
Where to buy
3. Simple Lawn Solutions Advanced 16-4-8 – Best Liquid Fertilizer
The best liquid fertilizer is Simple Lawn Solutions Advanced 16-4-8. Like The Andersons PGF Complete, its NPK ratio is ideal for most lawns. It encourages dense green grass that’s well-rooted and resilient.
It contains feed-grade ingredients like seaweed and fish. Although it isn’t certified organic, its natural ingredients inspire healthy roots and savory soil. It’s an excellent option for homeowners seeking fast results this spring.
Specifications
- Coverage area: 12,800 sq. ft.
- Effective period: 2 weeks
- Fertilizer type: Liquid
- N-P-K: 16-4-8
- Package size: 1 gal.
- Time release: Quick
Pros and Cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Ideal NPK ratio ✓ Fast results ✓ Easy to apply ✓ Contains organic material ✓ U.S. Family-owned business | ✗ Phosphorus can pollute runoff water ✗ Short-lived results without reapplication |
Where to buy
4. Scotts Turf Builder Winterguard Fall Lawn Food – Best Fall Fertilizer
The best fall fertilizer is Scotts Turf Builder Winterguard Fall Lawn Food. It rejuvenates lawns after summer stresses like heat, drought, and foot traffic. It also fortifies grass so it can withstand winter weather and diseases. As a result, lawns quickly turn green in spring.
It yields noticeable results for up to 6 weeks and is safe for all grass types. It’s also easy to apply, working well whether the ground is dry or wet.
Specifications
- Coverage area: 12,000 sq. ft.
- Effective period: 6 weeks
- Fertilizer type: Granular
- N-P-K: 32-0-10
- Package size: 32.3 lbs.
- Time release: Slow
Pros and Cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Helps lawns recover from summer ✓ Strengthens grass for the winter ✓ Can apply to wet or dry ground | ✗ Over-fertilizing can burn grass ✗ Not good for new grass |
Where to buy
5. Milorganite Slow-Release Nitrogen Fertilizer – Best Summer Fertilizer
Our favorite summer fertilizer is Milorganite Slow-Release Nitrogen Fertilizer. 85% of it is organic material, and it contains no synthetics. The eco-friendly formula inspires healthy, green grass with extensive roots and well-draining soil. It strengthens summer lawns to prevent damage from pests and seasonal changes.
Because it stays in the root zone, there’s no risk of contaminating groundwater. It doesn’t burn grass, grass seed, trees, or shrubs. And it’s salt-free, so it won’t dry out your soil. Although it’s our favorite summer fertilizer, it benefits any season’s soil. It works on all grass types and can also be used as a garden fertilizer.
Specifications
- Coverage area: 2,500 sq. ft.
- Effective period: 10 weeks
- Fertilizer type: Granular
- N-P-K: 6-4-0
- Package size: 32 lbs.
- Time release: Slow
Pros and Cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Can apply any season ✓ Great for long-term use ✓ Contains organic material ✓ Doesn’t burn grass ✓ Safe for children and pets ✓ Can also fertilize vegetable gardens | ✗ Not good for potassium-deficient soil |
Where to buy
6. Sta-Green All-Purpose Lawn Starter – Best Fertilizer for New Grass
The best fertilizer for new grass is Sta-Green All-Purpose Lawn Starter. It provides the precise nutrients needed for newly established and recently seeded lawns.
The formula accelerates grass’s growth and strengthens its defense against weeds, insects, and diseases. Its organic content conditions the soil, inspiring a healthy root system. You can use it any time of year.
Specifications
- Coverage area: 1,000 sq. ft.
- Effective period: 8 weeks
- Fertilizer type: Granular
- N-P-K: 18-24-8
- Package size: 3.6 lbs.
- Time release: Quick and slow
Pros and Cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Speeds growth ✓ Encourages extensive plant roots ✓ Contains organic material ✓ Ideal NPK for new grass ✓ Can apply any season | ✗ Phosphorus can pollute runoff water |
Where to buy
7. Preen One LawnCare – Best Weed and Feed
The best weed and feed is Preen One LawnCare. A single application provides:
- Nourishment: The high nitrogen plant food feeds lawns for up to 8 weeks. It promotes thick, vibrant grass with fortified defenses.
- Broadleaf weed control: It kills over 250 lawn weeds, including dandelions and dollarweed.
- Crabgrass control: It prevents crabgrass all season and kills it up to 4 weeks after it sprouts.
Preen’s all-in-one lawn care solution is safe for the following established lawns:
- Bahiagrass
- Bermuda
- Buffalograss
- Centipede
- Fescue
- Kentucky bluegrass
- Perennial ryegrass
- Zoysia
Its formula is best for spring, but you also can use it any growing season. Just make sure you don’t overuse it, because that can burn your lawn or degrade your soil.
Specifications
- Coverage area: 5,000 sq. ft.
- Effective period: 8 weeks
- Fertilizer type: Granular
- Herbicides: Contact, Systemic, Pre-emergent, Post Emergent
- N-P-K: 24-0-6
- Package size: 18 lbs.
- Time release: Slow
Pros and Cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Feeds lawns up to 8 weeks ✓ Kills broadleaf weeds ✓ Kills and prevents crabgrass ✓ Easy all-in-1 solution | ✗ Over-fertilizing can burn grass ✗ Using too often can damage grass and soil ✗ Not good for new grass |
Where to buy
Buyer’s Guide
To find the best fertilizer for your lawn, please consider the following:
Soil Testing
A soil test helps you identify what the plant needs. It shows soil pH, nutrients levels, and soil conditions. To find the best lawn fertilizer, get your soil tested.
You need to know the soil’s nutrient deficiencies to select the best plant nutrients for your lawn. For example, if the test shows your soil lacks potassium, you can choose a fertilizer with a lot of potassium. Likewise, you can avoid nitrogen-heavy fertilizers if your soil has excess nitrogen.
How do I get my soil tested? You can get a soil test from your state’s university extension service.
NPK
NPK are the essential nutrients needed for lush, healthy lawns:
- Nitrogen (N) inspires deep green color and fast plant growth. Most lawn fertilizers are high in N.
- Phosphorus (P) encourages deep, vigorous root development. It’s vital for new grass, but established lawns only need a little bit. Many fertilizers omit it entirely because P pollutes waterways, endangering aquatic life. Some states have banned phosphate fertilizers.
- Potassium (K) improves grass’s tolerance to weather, pests, and diseases. Fall fertilizers typically contain more K than spring fertilizers, giving grass the strength to make it through winter. The K in fertilizer is sometimes called potash.
Each fertilizer package prints its NPK ratio:
- The NPK ratio tells you how much macronutrients the fertilizer contains.
- For example, The Andersons PGF Complete Fertilizer has an NPK ratio of 16-4-8. It’s 16% nitrogen, 4% phosphorous, and 8% potassium.
- Calculate the amount of nitrogen: If you buy a 40-pound bag of 16-4-8 fertilizer, 16% of 40 pounds is 6.4 pounds of N (.16 x 40=6.4).
Micronutrients
In addition to NPK, your grass needs many micronutrients to thrive. Grass only needs a little of these, so standard soil naturally fulfills most micro needs. Examples include:
- Calcium (Ca) strengthens grass’s cell walls, so lawns that lack calcium have trouble fighting off diseases.
- Iron (Fe) aids nitrogen in giving grass its vibrant green color. Iron-deficient grass typically turns light green or yellow.
- Magnesium (Mg) helps lawns stay strong and healthy. Sandy soils are more likely to lack magnesium than loam or clay. Symptoms include discoloration and an increased sensitivity to pests and diseases.
- Manganese (Mn) helps grass with nitrogen consumption and photosynthesis. Deficiencies are most common in sandy, alkaline soils. Signs included spotted or discolored grass blades.
Types of Fertilizer
To choose the right fertilizer type, consider the following comparisons:
- Liquid vs. Granular: Liquid fertilizers are mixed with water and applied using a sprayer, while granular fertilizers are applied using a fertilizer spreader. When comparing liquids to granules, liquids are easier to apply and yield faster green up. But granules release nutrients slowly for long-lasting results.
- Slow-Release vs. Quick-Release: Slow-release fertilizers gradually break down, feeding lawns for several weeks. They are cost-effective and require fewer applications. In contrast, quick-release fertilizers emit a quick burst of nutrition that greens up grass fast. But the results are short-lived and too much fast-release nitrogen can burn grass.
- Organic vs. Synthetic: Organic lawn fertilizers cost more and yield slower results than synthetic fertilizers. But they’re much better in the long run. Organic matter sustains soil, while synthetic products degrade it. Additionally, organic fertilizer is safe for children and pets. Some fertilizers have safe natural ingredients, but aren’t certified organic.
There are fertilizers that kill two birds with one stone by containing one of the following pesticides:
- Insecticides kill and prevent common lawn pests, such as grubs, armyworms, and chiggers.
- Herbicides control weeds, and “weed and feed” fertilizers contain them. They green up grass while wasting woeful lawn weeds. Sometimes, they get a bad rap, but when used right weed and feed’s not harmful. An all-natural example is corn gluten meal.
- Fungicides cure common lawn diseases. The best lawn fungicides take out pesky pathogens, including brown patch, dollar spot, and snow mold.
Other special purpose fertilizers are tailored to suit the grass’s type or maturity:
- Starter fertilizers are for newly established and freshly seeded lawns. Starter fertilizers have a lot of phosphorus to inspire dense root growth.
- Grass-type precise fertilizers have nutrients that cater to a particular type of grass. For example, the best fertilizers for Bermudagrass improve pest and disease defense. And the best fertilizers for St. Augustine have enough nitrogen to support St. Augustine’s striking deep green blades.
Cost of Fertilizer
Most retail fertilizer packages cost $25 to $70 and cover 2,500 to 10,500 square feet.
| Average Cost | $45 |
| Typical Price Range | $25 – $70 |
| Extreme Low | $8 |
| Extreme High | $100 |
Liquid fertilizers typically cost more per square foot than granules, but liquids sell in smaller quantities that cost less.
| Liquid | Granular | |
| Average Cost | $30 | $50 |
| Typical Price Range | $20 – $45 | $25 – $70 |
| Typical Cost / 100 sq. ft. | $0.60 – $2 | $0.50 – $1 |
FAQ about Fertilizing Grass
When should you fertilize your turfgrass?
The best time to fertilize your lawn depends on your type of grass:
- Cool-season grass: April, September, and November are the best times to fertilize cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, and fine fescue.
- Warm-season grass: April, June, and September are the best times to fertilize warm-season grasses like Bermuda, St. Augustine, zoysia, and centipede.
How do you make your own fertilizer for organic gardening?
To make your own fertilizer at home, you can use:
- Grass Clippings
- Bone Meal
- Eggshells
- Coffee Grounds
- Compost
- Wood Ash
- Aquarium Water
Should you fertilize your lawn before or after rain?
Neither. Fertilizing your lawn right before or right after heavy rain can cause the fertilizer to wash away before sinking into the soil.
Ideally: You should fertilize your lawn at least two days after heavy rain and when the forecast shows no rain for at least two more days.
It’s OK: You can fertilize right before rain if you’re only expecting a light sprinkle, but you never truly know what to expect from Mother Nature. Use caution.
When to Call a Pro
With all that goes into selecting a lawn fertilizer, remember, that’s only half the battle. It takes proper equipment and heavy lifting to fertilize your lawn. And there’s much more to lawn care than just fertilization. That’s why LawnStarter links you to qualified lawn care pros with affordable services.
LawnStarter participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other retailer affiliate programs. LawnStarter may earn revenue from products promoted in this article.
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