Best fertilizer

These best fertilizers carry a balanced ratio of essential nutrients to help your plants flourish.

Best fertilizer
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Fertilizers assist in prolific plant growth by supplementing the soil with vital nutrients in a balanced ratio. Without adequate levels of these nutrients, plants wilt, grow slowly, and become more susceptible to diseases. To support different plant needs and gardening preferences, fertilizers are offered in chemical or organic formulas. So, whether you're feeding your vegetable garden or a few houseplants, there's a fertilizer for the job. 

Best overall

Miracle-Gro all-purpose plant food

(Image credit: Amazon)

Miracle-Gro all-purpose plant food

Safe for direct application

Lush greenery is easier than ever with Miracle-Gro. This water-soluble fertilizer starts working soon after application.

Pros:

  • Great for all kinds of plants
  • Easy application
  • No risk of burns
  • Convenient size variations

Cons:

  • Inorganic

Green thumbs will be born with this simple all-purpose plant fertilizer by Miracle-Gro. Its nourishing formula works magic for both indoor and outdoor growth, feeding instantly through roots and the leaves, resulting in big, colorful blooms and lush vegetative growth. Simply mix the granules with water and generously feed your plants every 7 to14 days. For convenient buying, the fertilizer comes in different sizes.

Miracle trio

FoxFarm liquid nutrient soil formula

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FoxFarm liquid nutrient soil formula

A set for all growth stages

Growers with multiple needs require a more complete option. This magical trio is formulated to support robust growth, blooms, and seed formation.

Pros:

  • Applicable during all growth stages
  • Helpful feeding chart included
  • Can be used in soil and a hydroponic medium

Cons:

  • Big Bloom tends to run out fast because it's used throughout the growth cycle

These concentrated liquid fertilizers promote spectacular growth and instant green-up throughout the plant's lifecycle. Grow Big is an organic fertilizer that fuels vigorous stem and leaf development, while Tiger Bloom is an ultra-potent, high-phosphorus fertilizer that delivers micronutrients to help plants transition into the bloom stage. Big Bloom is ideal for all growth stages since it boosts microbial activity in the root zone and is responsible for profuse flowering, as well as seed formation.

Slow-release

Jobe's 01660 tree and shrub fertilizer

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Jobe's 01660 tree and shrub fertilizer

Promotes beautiful growth from the bottom up

Trees and shrubs need a little love. They are at the heart of every landscape, and this fertilizer distributes the good stuff right at the roots. 

Pros:

  • Pre-measured to reduce runoffs
  • Slow-release formula
  • 15 spikes per pack
  • Easy application

Cons:

  • Could possibly be dug out by raccoons or squirrels

A well-landscaped yard is a sight to behold, and leafy trees and shrubs are part of that view. Treating your standout specimens to Jobe’s fertilizer spikes is sure to help you achieve a vibrant look. Simply drive the spikes into the ground along driplines, and the active roots will start taking up the slow-released nutrients. The pre-measured spike format means no messy application and runoff. 

All-natural

Dr. Earth organic vegetable & herb fertilizer

(Image credit: Dr. Earth)

Dr. Earth organic vegetable and herb fertilizer

Applicable during all growth stages

This natural fertilizer is just what the doctor ordered for your organic fruits, herbs, and vegetables.

Pros:

  • Optimized for vegetables and herbs
  • Ideal for planters and garden soil
  • Simple and clear instructions
  • Can be used throughout the growth cycle

Cons:

  • You'll have to work it into the soil

Why go to the grocery store for veggies, when you can garden your own? Dr. Earth's plant-beneficial fertilizer will help you do so naturally.  The versatile organic fertilizer serves as a starter, transplant supplement, top dresser, or added to composting waste. In addition to broad-spectrum minerals and easy-to-assimilate nutrients, it also includes organic mycorrhizal fungi that trigger better root development and humic acid that enhances nutrient availability. This fertilizer is free from toxic and synthetic ingredients, making it great for organic gardening.

Best for lawns

Scotts turf builder lawn food

(Image credit: The Scotts Company LLC.)

Scotts Turf Builder lawn food

Spray it during any season to unlock your best lawn

Lovers of lush carpet-like lawns don't achieve the plush results on their own. This fertilizer thickens, toughens, and greens-up grass.

Pros:

  • Thickens lawns to crowd out weeds
  • Works for any grass type
  • Doesn't burn
  • Enough to cover 5,000 square feet

Cons:

  • For even application, you'll need a spreader

There's nothing like a thick, green lawn to make your property really sing. For strong, uniform, and weed-less results, you'll need a great fertilizer. Look no further than Scotts Turf Builder. This got-formula will help you grow a thicker and greener lawn without treatment burns. Its two-in-one composition facilitates better root development, ensuring your grass can absorb nutrients efficiently. In turn, you'll have a healthy, nourished lawn that'll oust weeds and stand up against everyday activities. Since this option comes in a 12.5-pound pack, there's enough to feed a 5,000 square feet lawn. 

Bring your plants to life

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Let’s face it, plants can be pretty finicky. Besides soil, water and sunlight, they need a well-balanced fertilizer to thrive and bloom.

Looking for a gardening savior? Use the Miracle-Gro all-purpose plant food to feed everything that grows and you'll be amazed by the results. The water-soluble fertilizer is an instant feed that delivers the right nutrient mixture to get plants off to a good start and keep them vibrant. 

If you'd like to add organic matter to your soil without the hassle and mess of compost, then Dr. Earth's organic vegetable and herb fertilizer is your best solution. It has a balanced mix of essential macro and micronutrients and can be applied throughout the growth cycle.

Why trust us?

At GardeningEtc, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.

Grace Monene is an avid writer with a keen eye for home and office improvement. She has a knack for finding the best little things that will improve the quality of indoor and outdoor living. When she's not writing, you will typically find her reading or testing out the latest technology.