The Best Liquid Lawn Fertilizers (Professional Review and Guide)
Liquid lawn fertilizers are an easy way to keep lawn looking lush and healthy with vibrant growth. Spraying lawns with high-quality liquid fertilizers provides all the nutrients that robust turfgrass needs. The best liquid fertilizers for lawn contain high concentrations of nitrogen—the crucial nutrient for healthy lawns.
Choosing the best type of liquid lawn fertilizer can be challenging. Some fertilizers are ready to use—all you need to do is attach a hose to the lawn fertilizer bottle. Other types of liquid lawn fertilizers are concentrate that you mix to the right proportions before spraying them.
This article is a guide to the best liquid lawn fertilizers currently on the market. As well as discussing each liquid fertilizer, you’ll find out how to use lawn fertilizers to boost your lawn’s appearance. We’ll also guide you in choosing the best type of liquid fertilizer for your garden’s needs.
The Advantages of Using Liquid Lawn Fertilizer
The primary advantage of using liquid fertilizers on lawns is their ease of use. Other benefits include the fact that they work quickly, are easy to apply, and many types of fertilizers are highly concentrated. Additionally, liquid grass fertilizers are easier to customize based on your lawn’s needs.
Many gardeners choose liquid lawn fertilizers for natural lawn care and maintenance. Let’s look in detail at more of the benefits of spraying lawns with fertilizer:
Even distribution—Mixing lawn fertilizer concentrate or using a “ready-to-use” brand helps ensure you distribute fertilizer evenly. The hose with the spray bottle attachment sprays the fertilizer solution at a uniform amount. This type of application benefits your turfgrass, as it’s easy to fertilize all parts of your lawn evenly.
Better bioavailability—Researchers from Michigan State University say that liquid fertilizers have a more significant spatial difference. In other words, fertilizer in liquid form is more mobile and nourishes grass roots more effectively. (1)
Liquid lawn fertilizer concentrate—From a cost perspective, liquid grass feed has advantages because a little can go a long way. The cheaper cost per fluid ounce can save you money, especially if you have to maintain lush, green grass on a large lawn.
Versatility—Most types of liquid lawn fertilizers require dilution, which means you can care for your lawn’s needs precisely. After all, every lawn is different and requires individualized care to maintain soil structure, root strength, and healthy blades of grass.
Easy to apply—Some types of liquid fertilizers attach to a hose, and you’re “good to go.” Even if you have to dilute liquid lawn fertilizer concentrate to use in a gallon sprayer, it is easier and quicker to apply than granular grass feed.
So, using liquid turfgrass fertilizers is as easy as watering your lawn. If you can spray a lawn with water without creating puddles, then you can apply liquid lawn feed easily.
Disadvantages of Liquid Lawn Fertilizer
The main disadvantage of liquid lawn fertilizers is that they need to be applied frequently. They are fast-release fertilizers that provide instant result but it is short-lived. Another disadvantage is that applying too much liquid fertilizer can burn your lawn and damage your plants.
Another disadvantage of liquid lawn fertilizers is their higher total cost. Because they need to be applied more frequently than granular lawn fertilizers, their total cost is higher. However, the cost of quality liquid grass feed is offset by its ease of use. If you decide to go for organic liquid lawn fertilizers, the price can be even higher.
Liquid Lawn Fertilizer vs. Granular Fertilizer
The primary nutrient content is the same when comparing liquid lawn fertilizers and granular fertilizers. The main difference between liquid lawn fertilizers and granular ones is how the nutrients are delivered. Water-soluble, liquid fertilizers tend to release nutrients quickly. Most granular lawn fertilizers release their nutrients slowly.
One of the most significant decisions regarding organic or “traditional” lawn care is to use granular or liquid fertilizers. What are the other pros and cons of using liquid lawn fertilizer compared to granular lawn fertilizers?
Absorption rates—A primary difference between liquid grass fertilizers and granular ones is the rate at which grass roots absorb nutrients. Nutrient uptake from liquid fertilizers is fast compared to granules. Results from using liquid lawn feed are often apparent after a few days. Granular fertilizers are mostly slow-release fertilizers and can be better for long-term lawn care.
Starter lawn fertilizers—Comparing the two types of fertilizer, liquid fertilizer is the preferred option for new grass. The fertilizer solution quickly boosts the growth of grass seeds, helping them to sprout and develop strong roots.
Fertilizer application—Most homeowners prefer liquid lawn fertilizers over granular lawn feed because they are easier to apply. Unless you have a large granule spreader, evenly spreading the right amount of fertilizer can be tricky. In comparison, liquid lawn fertilizers have the advantage because they’re easier to apply for consistent results.
Fertilizer salt content—Compared to liquid lawn fertilizers, granular feeds have a high mineral salt content because they release nutrients slowly. This mineral content can lead to excess salts in the soil and a root burn. If you’re concerned about excess nitrogen or potassium buildups, then liquid fertilizer is a better choice.
One alternative to prevent excess salts from building up in turfgrass soil is to choose an organic lawn fertilizer.
The Best Liquid Lawn Fertilizers
The best liquid fertilizers for grass should have a high ratio of nitrogen (N) to the other two fertilizer nutrients—phosphorous (P) and potassium (K). You will sometimes see this written as N-P-K, and the number tells you how many parts of the nutrient make up the liquid grass fertilizer.
Let’s look in some detail at the best fertilizers you can buy.
1. Medina Ready-to-Spray Liquid Lawn Fertilizer
This liquid lawn fertilizer is ready to use by attaching a hose to the sprayer bottle. This high nitrogen liquid lawn food is fast-acting and will quickly “green-up” your lawn. The manufacturer claims that this liquid fertilizer is absorbed quickly by grass. It is absorbed through the leaf not through the root.
The liquid lawn food formula has an N-P-K analysis of 12-4-8. The solution contains traces of iron, manganese, and zinc for healthy, deep-green grass as well as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
2. Simple Lawn Food Natural Liquid Fertilizer
Another balanced liquid fertilizer is this concentrated spray by Simple Lawn Solutions which also contains seaweed and fish. It is suitable for all types of grass. It has an N-P-K rating of 16-4-8.
This easy-to-use liquid lawn feed comes in a handy sprayer bottle. All you have to do is attach a hose to start spraying lawn fertilizer on your grass. You can use this liquid fertilizer as a starter fertilizer, repair solution, or high-quality lawn maintenance product.
One possible issue that we have with this fertilizer is that it’s not clear how “natural” this product is. The manufacturer claims it contains a blend of seaweed and fish, however it is unclear what the rest of the ingredients are. If you look for an organic liquid fertilizer this may not be the right one.
3. Simple Grow Solutions Organic Liquid Food for Grass
Applying organic liquid fertilizers to lawns means that grass is safe for kids and pets. This organic grass feed is ideal for chemical-free lawn care. Unlike other liquid lawn fertilizers, this product contains a blend of micro-nutrients for healthy lawns. There is a blend of magnesium, zinc, iron, sulfur, and manganese.
Before using this organic lawn micro-booster, you’ll have to dilute it and use a spray bottle hose attachment to apply it to your grass. The blend of micro-nutrients boosts soil health and helps prevent and correct mineral deficiencies in the soil.
4. Just Scentsational Organic Liquid Lawn Fertilizer
This organic lawn fertilizer comes in liquid form to help get nutrients quickly to grass roots. The nutrient and mineral source is all-natural from natural fish products. These nutrient sources enhance grass soil with amino acids, microbes, enzymes, and vitamins. Because this is an all-natural and organic, the liquid fertilizer builds healthy soil.
Although this grass feed is an organic fish fertilizer, there is minimal odor from the liquid. Dilute the liquid fertilizer to the appropriate concentration and use it in a hose sprayer to apply to your lawn. Also, it is entirely safe on lawns where children and pets play.
5. Organic Liquid Lawn Fertilizer Concentrate
This liquid fertilizer for organic lawn care boosts soil health by providing a wide range of beneficial nutrients. The liquid grass feed contains organic humic to stimulate healthy grass growth. The beneficial bacteria also naturally help fix nitrogen issues in soil, as well as helping to build disease resistance in the grass.
This organic lawn care product is suitable for all types of lawn grass, and it helps lawns grow lush, green, and healthy. The 1 gallon of concentrate can make up to 128 gallons of ready-to-use liquid lawn fertilizer.
6. Pendelton Turf Supply Liquid Fertilizer
This liquid grass fertilizer concentrate has a combination of fast-release and slow-release nitrogen for quick, but long-lasting turf growth. There is a range of micro-nutrients for grass growth, as well as N-P-K of 18-3-6.
The balance of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium boosts grass growth, helps develop strong roots and increases resistance to drought and disease. The lawn fertilizer liquid concentrate needs only 3 oz. of fertilizer per gallon of water to feed up to 1.000 sq. ft. of grass.
What is the Best Liquid Lawn Fertilizer?
The best type of liquid lawn fertilizer depends on your specific gardening needs. High-quality liquid fertilizers for grass usually produce quick results. But you need to consider the size of the lawn, soil quality, type of grass, and equipment you need to spray lawn fertilizer.
Here are a few helpful tips for choosing the best liquid lawn fertilizer:
- Speed—If you need quick results, a high-nitrogen liquid lawn fertilizer is the best choice. You should see results in a few days. For long-term, regular maintenance, the best option would be granular fertilizer.
- Lawn size—The best type of liquid fertilizer for large lawns is a liquid concentrate. Spraying fertilizer evenly on the grass is easy, and the liquid fertilizer concentrate makes lawn care cost-effective.
- Nutrient source—Organic liquid lawn fertilizers are better for the health of your soil and grass. Organic grass feeds use natural nutrient sources such as plant extracts to provide nitrogen and potassium. You also avoid polluting the environment with synthetic chemicals.
When Should You Apply Liquid Fertilizer on Your Lawn?
Apply liquid lawn fertilizers after the first lawn mowing in spring. Using lawn feed at this time encourages vigorous, vibrant growth that lasts throughout the summer. The next time to apply liquid grass feed is in early fall. Fertilizing lawns before winter helps grass roots withstand cold, freezing conditions.
Fertilizing your lawn two times a year is the best way to ensure healthy roots and luscious grass growth. Applying liquid fertilizer to lawns in spring also helps prevent weeds from popping up. Fertilizing in spring causes grass to grow and crowd out unwanted plants before they germinate.
How Much Liquid Lawn Fertilizer to Apply?
The amount of fertilizer to apply to your lawn depends on its condition, type of grass, and manufacturer’s instructions. Using liquid lawn fertilizer twice a year means you have to measure fertilizer concentrate precisely. You also have to ensure that you spray the lawn fertilizer carefully for even application.
Applying too much fertilizer in one spot and not enough in another spot results in a patchy lawn. You could have brown patches in one area from using too much fertilizer or not enough grass feed. Then in other parts of your lawn, you could have lush, emerald-green blades of grass.
How to Use Liquid Lawn Fertilizer
The easiest way to use liquid lawn fertilizers is with an attachment to your garden hose. Many liquid fertilizers—organic and synthetic ones—have an attachment near the nozzle or faucet. As you water your lawn, the right amount of fertilizer mixes in the water to nourish your grass and soil.
Using Weed and Feed as Part of Lawn Care
Weed and feed can rid your lawn of unwanted plants such as crabgrass, dandelion, and clover. These weed preventions products contain herbicides to prevent weeds from taking root. They also contain nutrients to feed your grass to make it more resistant to weeds.
Not all gardeners like using weed and feed products on their lawns. The weed killers are herbicides that can destroy grass if misused. Also, not everyone is happy putting toxic chemicals on lawns, especially if children and pets use the yard.
One way to reduce the need for weed and feed products in lawn care is to switch to organic lawn maintenance methods. Growing grass organically, with only natural products, improves soil structure and health. Also, grass becomes more resistant to weeds, pests, and diseases.
For an environmentally friendly option you can use organic weed preventers. These natural products contain corn gluten meal that works by preventing weed seeds from rooting after germination. Weed preventer is not an herbicide. So, if you already have unwanted weeds growing in your lawn, you will need to remove them naturally using these homemade natural weed killers.
For more information read our article about organic lawn care.
How Often to Apply Liquid Fertilizer on Your Lawn
In most cases, fertilizing your lawn twice a year is often enough. Giving turfgrass a nutrient boost in the spring encourages vigorous growth and lush, green grass. The second time to apply liquid fertilizer is in early fall to boost the nutrient content of the soil and help the grass survive harsh winters.
You can find more helpful information in our guide for the best organic lawn fertilizers.
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