Best lawn fertilizer

Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard Fall Lawn Food

(Image credit: Scotts)

published 21 April 2021

The lawn is the centerpiece of many a yard, and to keep it looking its best, it needs a little help from time to time. That’s where lawn fertilizer comes in. It can provide the nutrients the grass needs to be green and healthy as well as encourage good growth. It can also help the lawn recover from the weather’s wear and tear. Take a look at our picks.

Best overall

Simple Lawn Solutions Advanced 16-4-8 Balanced NPK Lawn Food

Enhances soil

This liquid fertilizer is suitable for established lawns of every grass type. It contains the recommended ratio of macronutrients along with seaweed and fish. Application is simple: you just need to attach your hose to the container.

For annual use

Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard Fall Lawn Food

Generous coverage

Fertilize your lawn in fall, and you can get it ready for next year. This product is made specifically for the job. Its nutrients will help repair heat damage and prepare roots for winter conditions. One bag covers 5,000 square feet.

For small yards

Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Lawn Food

Quick results

Opt for this fertilizer, and your lawn should become greener in just a few days. It can be applied with a watering can or a separate garden feeder. One pack will feed up to 7,200 square feet of grass. It’s recommended for use every two to three weeks during the grass-growing season.

For less mowing

Milorganite 0636 Organic Nitrogen Fertilizer

Golf course favorite

This fertilizer has a slow-release formula designed to cut down the time you have to spend mowing. It’s also made to reduce the need for watering. The 36-pound bag contains enough fertilizer to cover 2,500 square feet.

Walk-on immediately

Scotts Natural Lawn Food

Any-season application

You can step straight onto the lawn after you’ve applied this fertilizer. It’s also safe to use around kids and pets. It can be used at any time of year and on any grass type. It will both feed and green the lawn.

Our verdict

Why you can trust Gardeningetc Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

For green, dense, and healthy grass, take the time to use lawn fertilizer on a regular schedule. Our top pick is Simple Lawn Solutions Advanced 16-4-8 Balanced NPK Lawn Food. It’ll work on any type of grass, delivers macronutrients, seaweed, and fish, and it’s simple to apply.

Sarah is a freelance journalist and editor writing for websites, national newspapers, and magazines. She’s spent most of her journalistic career specialising in homes and gardens and loves investigating the benefits, costs and practicalities of home improvement. It's no big surprise that she likes to put what she writes about into practice, and is a serial house revamper.