Top Selected Lawn Fertilizers
Whether you're looking to
increase water penetration, growth patterns
or just green-up your grass
this review will give you
the options and tools needed
to get the job done.
How to Read a Fertilizer label
All fertilizer labels will include a three number code or series on the packaging or label. These three numbers represent the percentage of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the fertilizer which are the three macro-nutrients in plant nutrition. The three numbers will always read with nitrogen first followed by phosphorus and lastly potassium.
If there is a fourth number followed by a lettering abbreviation it indicates a micro-nutrient.
This fertilizer has a 16-4-8 analysis on the label. That means it is guaranteed 16% nitrogen, 4% phosphorus and 8% potassium. This is true for both dry and liquid forms of fertilizer. You will usually find the analysis published on the front packaging or label of the product.
Urea Fertilizer
If you need a quick shot of nitrogen fertilizer the best bang for your buck is Urea. This product usually provides the most amount of nitrogen for the lowest price compared to other nitrogen based products. This dry fertilizer has an analysis of 46-0-0 which means it is 46% nitrogen, 0% phosphorus and 0% potassium. Urea is produced using an anhydrous ammonia and can gas off if not either incorporation in the soil and or watered into your lawn soon after application. If you are looking to green up your grass apply Urea using a hand held dry fertilizer application at a rate of 1-3 lbs. per 1000 sq. ft.
Pros
1. Best bang for your buck for a nitrogen fertilizer
2. Highest nitrogen percentage per pound of material
3. Low use rates and fast acting
Cons
1. Contains only nitrogen, no other nutrients
2. Risk of burning lawn with over label rate application
3. Need to water in or incorporate to not risk losing nitrogen
Calcium Nitrate - PowerGrow
You can apply Calcium Nitrate to not only your grass but to shrubs, flowers and any perennial or annual plants around the house. With a 15.5% Nitrogen and 19% calcium load, this is the perfect product to green up your lawn and plants all while also increasing water penetration. The nitrate nitrogen that is in the PowerGrow is a fast acting nitrogen source which will help with green up and push growth in any plant. The calcium component will help maintain soil chemical balance, reduce salinity and increase water penetration. Apply PowerGrow in the Spring and Summer to increase growth and keep your soil balanced.
Pros
1. Two in one product with nitrogen and calcium for both plant growth and soil balance
2. Nitrate nitrogen which is the fastest acting from of nitrogen for a quick plant response
3. Help combat blossom end rot in crops such as tomatoes
Cons
1. Lower nitrogen rate compared to other available products
2. Higher price per pound compared to other products due to the calcium content
3. Excessive calcium in soils could lead to other issues
Fall Lawn Fertilizer
As the weather changes it is important to fertilizer your lawn before the first winter freeze. Many people say that the fall fertilizer timing is the most important application of the year as your lawn is both repairing itself from a long hot summer and preparing and storing nutrients for next spring. Apply a fertilizer that includes nitrogen and potassium, the nutrients will be stored in plant to ensure vibrant growth in the spring. October and November are the best months to apply your fall fertilizer, just make sure your application is done a few weeks prior to the first winter freeze. A great product to use is Scotts Turf Builder Winterguard Fall Lawn Food as it holds a 32-0-10 analysis (32% nitrogen, 10% Potassium). Always apply at label rates and specification.