Best organic lawn fertilizer – [2021] Expert Recommendations
Ever noticed an apartment or house having gardens and lawns filled with lush, exotic dark greenery spread all over the area surrounding the place, beautiful enough to not get your eyes off them? But not all lawns are lucky to have such a beautiful mesmerizing look.
Most individuals face problems like their lawn doesn’t look beautiful. Plants, shrubs, grass and even vegetation agricultural productivity, due to lack of fertility, gets affected by the absence of good fertilizer.
There can be many reasons for these problems and the most common reason is that your soil is not providing essential nutrients to plants.
If you are facing such problems, then don’t worry, you have come to the right place. In this article, I’m going to tell you about the best fertilizer, its types and how to choose the best organic lawn fertilizer.
7 best organic lawn fertilizer
1. Organic Lawn Starter Seed and Sod Food
The first pick in our list is organic lawn starter seed and sod food. The manufacturer of this product is Espoma. It is one of the best and ideal organic fertilizer for a new lawn with the rating of 4.2 on Amazon. The advantages of organic lawn starter seed and sod fertilizer are that it’s an environment-friendly and enduring fertilizer.
It nourishes grass and its roots which makes your lawn grass thick and green and unlike other fertilizers, it never burns the grass which makes the product best.
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2. Milorganite 0636 Organic Nitrogen Fertilizer
Milorganite organic nitrogen fertilizer is the best option for those who are encountering problems with lawn grass. The formula of milorganite organic nitrogen fertilizer is completely safe and meets EPA standards. It does not burn the grass.
Moreover, milorganite fertilizer has 4% iron which will make your lawn grass lush green and beautiful. For the best result, you have to use milorganite fertilizer four times a year. Additionally, it covers up an area under 2500 sq.ft.
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3. Espoma EOLF28 Organic All Season Lawn Food
The third product on our list is Espoma EOLF 28 fertilizer. The manufacturer of this fertilizer is Espoma. It’s a trustful company which has been producing fertilizers since 1929.
The best thing about Espoma EOLF 28 is you don’t have to wait for a specific season to use fertilizer. You can use Espoma EOLF 28 in any season. It’s an environmental-friendly, safe and long-lasting fertilizer. It covers an area under 5000 sq.ft.
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4. The Andersons 7-1-2 Innova Premium Organic Fertilizer
The Andersons 7-1-2 Innova premium organic fertilizer is listed by (OMRI) which makes this fertilizer reliable for lawn use. It contains Phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium, and amino acid. The fertilizer has the slow-release formula which protects the grass from burning. It does not contain animal parts, manure, or wastage.
The Andersons fertilizer is the perfect choice for grasses It is safe and reliable not only for the environment but for children and pets as well. The fertilizer is easy to use, and suitable for all seasons. One pack of Andersons’ premium organic fertilizer is about 40lbs and covers an area of around 5600 sq. ft.
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5. Root Hume Natural Lawn & Garden Treatment:
The fifth pick is Root Hume, a treatment for unhealthy grass. The manufacturer of this product is UAS of America. They have been providing their services for agriculture for over 25 years. Root Hume is a liquid fertilizer made for various types of plants, citrus, hardy trees, indoor plants, seeding, overseeding, fruit, or vegetable plants.
The product is about 32 ounces and covers an area of around 1000 sq.ft. For better results use fertilizer after 2 to 3 weeks. You can use this product for multiple types of grass. It contains carbon and minerals, and many nutrients including potassium, calcium, nitrogen, magnesium, and phosphorus, which enhance the quality of the soil.
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6. Purely Organic Products Liquid Lawn Food
Liquid lawn food fertilizer is an organic fertilizer. The purely organic product is the manufacturer of liquid lawn food which is specially made for making your lawn lush, green and beautiful.
The ratio of liquid lawn food fertilizer is 13-0-4 which means the product accommodates 13% nitrogen, 0%phosphorus, and 4% potassium. It is not made from chemical products which damage your lawn and burnt grass. In fact , liquid lawn food obtains plant proteins and delivers all necessary nutrients which nourish your lawn.
One bottle of liquid lawn food is 32 ounce and covers the area around 5000 sq. ft. According to the product description you can use this product in 15 to 30 days.
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7. Organic Liquid Humic Acid
The manufacturer of organic liquid humic acid is GS plant food. The feature of this product is that it contains humic acid which is famously known for its benefits for plants and soil. Organic liquid humic acid helps and improves the productivity of soil and plant, so they can acquire all nutrients. Humic acid also protects plants from the damages of heat, cold, diseases or insects.
It is very easy to use what you have to just mix the 2 ounces of organic liquid humic acid in water (1 gallon) and then just apply it on with the help of a spray bottle, watering can or with any type of sprayer whatever suits you.
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Why are fertilizers used?
Every plant needs sixteen to seventeen different nutrients which are following
Nitrogen (N), Potassium (K), Phosphorus (P), Magnesium (Mg), Calcium (Ca), Boron (B), Chlorine (Cl), Molybdenum (Mo), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Nickel (Ni), Carbon (C), Oxygen (O), Hydrogen (H) and Iron (Fe) without nutrients plants can’t grow and these nutrients come from the soil, but not all soils provide these necessary nutrients with proper compositions, that’s why fertilizers are used. Fertilizers provide the necessary nutrients to plants so that they grow well and increase agricultural output.
Benefits of fertilizers
- Fertilizer boosts up the quality of the soil.
- Upgrades the agricultural activity of the soil.
- Nourishes the roots.
- Provide necessary nutrients.
- Enhances growth rate.
- and many more.
Why choose organic fertilizer?
Organic fertilizers are always preferred for all types of plants, shrubs, and vegetation. These have natural nutrients that keep the growth of plants smooth and steady by providing the required strength to the roots. Organic fertilizers are made from natural resources and give quiet natural habitat to the plants in order to make them grow naturally.
Types of Fertilizer
Fertilizer has two types:
- Organic fertilizer
- synthetically fertilizer.
Organic fertilizers are made from natural resources, mostly from animal and plant waste. Whereas, synthetic fertilizers are not made from natural products. Synthetic fertilizers have mostly been made from phosphorus, potassium, nitrogen, chemical components.
Choosing a fertilizer between organic and synthetic one is pretty difficult but don’t get yourself stuck with this issue. We have got your back in this matter, just have a look at this article and we are going to show you below a brief analysis of organic and synthetic fertilizers, their types and advantages alongwith their disadvantages.
Both organic and synthetic have their merits and demerits. Carefully, choose which fertilizer is best for your lawn.
Organic Vs Synthetic Fertilizer
Organic Fertilizer
Most people suggest organic fertilizer and the major reason for choosing organic fertilizer for your lawn is that it is not harmful for your grass and lawn, as synthetic fertilizers are. Organic fertilizers do not show results fast or on an immediate basis like synthetic fertilizers do and one of the major benefits they give is that they do not harm plants nor burn them up.
The particular problem with organic fertilizer is that there are a huge variety of products in the market and vendors make such claims that this fertilizer is made from 100% organic products but in reality they are something else. Manipulative behaviors cost customers a lot. So check product description and all details carefully before buying any organic fertilizer that either their claims are valid or not and that you are spending your earned income on the right thing!
Benefits of Organic Fertilizer
- Made from animals and plant organic output.
- Protects your lawn and plants.
- Upgrades the quality of your soil.
- Improves the agricultural productiveness of soil.
- Organic fertilizer is environment friendly.
- Provide all necessary nutrients to roots and stems.
- Costs less.
- Allows healthy bacterial activity.
- Carries and allows water to sustain for a longer period of time.
- Helps roots and soil both to grow smoothly with health and strength.
Disadvantages of Organic Fertilizer
- Organic fertilizer does not show results faster as compared to synthetic and prefers to implement its effect at a natural pace.
- Most of the organic fertilizer products are difficult to use.
- You have to apply it to the required area, after some time again and again. In order to have good results.
Synthetic Fertilizer
Synthetic fertilizers are made from products that have a propensity for superphosphate, ammonium phosphate and potassium sulphate. The reason people preferred synthetic fertilizer is because it works faster than organic fertilizer.
Synthetic fertilizers fulfill the need of soil and provide all necessary nutrients like magnesium, calcium, nitrogen, phosphorus instantly. Synthetic fertilizer is an excellent choice for a dying lawn.
Benefits of Synthetic Fertilizer
- Synthetic fertilizers are easy to use.
- Synthetic fertilizer gives you instant results.
- Fulfill the need for soil instantly.
- Synthetic fertilizer helps to improve pasture which then helps animals to eat and get fat easily.
Disadvantages of Synthetic fertilizer
- Synthetic fertilizer works fast but leaves negative impact.
- It’s not natural and an excess amount can cause your lawn grass to die.
- The components are present in the most basic form that they can easily get washed away with rain water or usual watering.
- Too much use can cause excretion of greenhouse gases and eutrophication.
- They contaminate water with chemicals.
- Can cause damage to human health and diseases for example Alzheimer disease, can cause disorder in hemoglobin and diabetes along with others.
- They cost a lot.
- Causes the soil to harden making it prone to infertility which results in increased rate of pesticides and there on leads to further disaster creating pollution.
3 Things to consider when buying lawn fertilizer
Never buy fertilizer for grass or plants if you don’t know about the exact need and the type of lawn soil or plant. There are many things which are important to consider before buying any fertilizer for your lawn. So, you get the maximum satisfaction from your expensed cash.
Identify your soil type
The first thing you have to consider is knowing the soil. Without knowing the soil, if you buy fertilizer for your lawn, there can be many chances that your money will get wasted. The major reason for this is because soil needs various types of nutrients when it is used without checking and identifying what is the problem with the soil you can’t come up with the solution.
How to test soil?
For testing your soil, what you have to do is dig the surface and make 6 to 7 small holes in your lawn. Then take 6 to 7 samples with the help of a soil probe, mix all samples in a bucket. Wait till your soil gets dry and send samples to the lab.
Types of fertilizer based on ratio
The biggest mistake people do is they buy fertilizer without reading the proper description of the product. Mostly people buy fertilizer without even knowing what compositions are there in fertilizer.
What is the fertilizer ratio?
Every fertilizer has a ratio on its product, for example 6:4:3. The meaning of this ratio is every fertilizer accommodates three important nutrients: Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium. (N) stand for nitrogen (P) stand for phosphorus and (K) stand for potassium.
So the ratio formula is N.P.K – 6:4:3. Number 6 is showing the quantity or percentage of nitrogen (N), number 4 is showing the percentage of phosphorus (P) and number 3 is showing potassium (K) percentage. So, it’s best to choose wisely and choose a compatible fertilizer according to your lawn or grass needs.
Always consider climate before buying fertilizer
Fertilizing your lawn once in a year is good but if you want a beautiful thicker greener lawn, then It’s necessary to fertilize the lawn 3 to 4 times in a year. There are many fertilizers in the market that are specifically made for a season or for a unique motive.
The fertilizer which is made for Florida’s summer season does not help you much in autumn or winter. So always consider the climate situation before buying fertilizer.
Usage of lawn fertilizer
You might be thinking what is the best season for fertilizing?
You can fertilize your lawn in any season but if you are searching for the best season for fertilizing, then the answer is spring and fall season. Spring season is the best season because it’s the season for developing and growing grass. The temperature of fall is also the best lawn feed season. The reason for this is that fall season comes after summer and in summer grass and other plants face problems like dry-spell and heat. The temperature of fall is also the best lawn feed season.
How much fertilizer should I have to apply?
Remember, one thing just like too much of anything is not good. If a specific fertilizer is helping to make your thicker and greener. Then it does not mean you can use fertilizer like you want. Always read the description of fertilizer and only use the recommended quantity.
How to apply fertilizer?
You can apply fertilizer using both of your hands or a spreader. The best option to apply fertilizer with a spreader. Before applying fertilizer, do check the product guideline for applying fertilizer. After applying, save the remaining product, store fertilizer in a safe area and use it next time.
How to keep a lawn beautiful?
The next step after fertilizing is how to keep the lawn beautiful and green. These tips will help you to keep your lawn beautiful and green.
Tips to keep your lawn beautiful
- Fertilize your plants or grass 4 times in a year.
- Water your lawn grass but not daily. According to research, watering grass may damage the root system of grasses. So water your plant two to three times in a week. Or you can make a schedule for watering according to the weather.
- Trim your lawn according to the growth of grasses or weather.
- Take proper care of your lawn and save it from weeds.
FAQ’s
Yes, it is better to use organic fertilizer as compared to synthetic fertilizers because the greenhouse gases excretion is not good for overall health of lawn, plant, earth animals and humans. The excess use of synthetic fertilizers have made many soils barren leading to no fertilization. This can be horrendous as it can result in dried land and hardened soil leading to no or very less agricultural activity.
However, It depends upon what you prefer for your lawn. If you want to fertilize your lawn but do not want to use any chemical products, then organic fertilizer is the best option and if you want a quick solution to your lawn problems and do not want a slow-release formula, then synthetic fertilizer is good for you. It depends upon you and your needs but in the long term the most beneficial is the organic one. As organic fertilizer has natural ingredients, it leads to making it easy for the soil to work naturally in a healthy environment letting the lawn and grass grow in a pure natural way.
Spring and fall season is the best season to apply any type of fertilizer. In spring season the best time to apply fertilizer is between April to May and in fall season the best time to apply fertilizer is between September and November.
In the case of Organic Fertilizer, No!
Organic fertilizers have this natural stamina to hold on to the soil as it is a mixture of animal waste. It’s not present in component form (the nutrients have not been separated from each other like synthetic fertilizers) so they can’t get easily washed away unless they are made to get so intentionally . It’s not too sensitive to flowing water. Moreover, rain is helpful for such types of fertilizers.
In the case of synthetic fertilizers, It depends on rainfall. If rainfall is mild, then it does not wash away. In fact, it is good for your lawn but if the rainfall is heavy, means (a down power, or rain for several days) wash away lawn fertilizer.
Fertilizing your lawn once a year is good and makes your grass healthy but if you want a thicker greener lawn, then fertilize your lawn 3 to 4 times in a year and the best time for fertilizing is spring and fall. Spring and fall are the best seasons for fertilization because one is the end of winter and the other is the start of winter.
Organic fertilizers last for longer periods than synthetic because of natural elements present in it’s compositions. Whereas, synthetic fertilizers have a particular expiry date, after which they get useless and provide no amount of fertilization and if used can cause the lawn to die because of the chemical reactions.
However, for storage purposes each type of fertilizer has its own time period. You can store dry fertilizer for 3 to 4 years and liquid fertilizer for 7 to 9 years. After using fertilizer, save the remaining product in a safe, dry and cooler place.