The best pre-emergent for your lawn is The Anderson’s Barricade pre-emergent because it is the highest quality, purest, and safest pre-emergent. I’ve been using Barricade for the past few seasons and have had amazing results – but there are other good options, too.
Upgrading to a nice pre-emergent made a huge difference in my lawn. I had historically used a generic all-in-one pre-emergent and fertilizer combo like Scotts Turf Builder. This worked okay until I started noticing new weeds that I had never had in my lawn. Scotts just wasn’t high quality enough and didn’t seem to care as much as we did about our lawn.
We made the switch over to The Andersons and have started using a ton of their products. My first recommendation to you is to grab their Yard Star spreader. It is a bit expensive but absolutely worth it when compared to other broadcast spreaders.
Pre-emergents are herbicides used to prevent weeds from sprouting in your lawn. I apply granular pre-emergent to my lawn in the Spring using a broadcast spreader before it starts to get too warm.
Pre-emergents work by selectively preventing weeds and invasive grasses from growing at the same time as your grass. Weeds love the spring because fools like me will stand outside and do everything to create an amazing environment for my grass to grow. Meanwhile, weeds are feeding off of the same fertilizers, water, and sunshine as grass.
Nipping weeds in the bud (literally) with pre-emergents is the best way to get year-round green grass without a ton of weeds mixed in.
When do I put down pre-emergent?
The best time to apply pre-emergent is in the Spring as the soil begins to warm up. I live in Tennessee, so I put pre-emergent down usually around the first week of March – depending on what the weather is doing that year.
Later in the year, I put down pre-emergent again in the Fall prior to aerating and overseeding my lawn. This helps the other opportunistic weeds from enjoying my Fall lawn routine just like my grass does.
For folks that live further North, pre-emergent may be put down in late April once all the snow has melted and your lawn is thawed out.
How much pre-emergent do I need?
It depends on the type of pre-emergent you need. The Andersons Barricade has 18 lbs of pre-emergent to cover 5,800 sq. ft.
If you need to know how many square feet your lawn is, simply go to myyardsize.com and follow the instructions. This is super helpful because I know how big my lot is WITH my house, but not the actual lawn size that I would apply the pre-emergent.
What are the best pre-emergents?
I’ve used quite a few pre-emergents and have had varying results. Here are the three best pre-emergents I’ve used in my lawn.
The Andersons Barricade pre-emergent
The Andersons Barricade is what I used in my lawn last year and what I will be using again this year. Barricade is super high quality and absolutely pinned down any weeds that I would have normally gotten. It also comes in a nice granular form and was easy to put down in my spreader.
The next best pre-emergent is Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy weed preventer. This is a cheaper pre-emergent than The Andersons Barricade, but is a bit of a decrease in quality. At about half the price, Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer is still a great option that will provide broad coverage against weeds and invasive grasses.
The Andersons Crabgrass Preventer is a great all-around pre-emergent AND fertilizer mixture. This pre-emergent is better suited for the Fall when growth is more active than in the early Spring when growth hasn’t started yet. The combination of pre-emergent and fertilizer allows you to keep the new growth weeds at bay while providing solid nutrition for your lawn.
As a gardener, it is natural to constantly look for a way to make your plants grow stronger, taller, healthier, and happier. For a long time, people have used Miracle-Gro as the best way to make the most out of their plants.
However, as with anything else in life, Miracle-Gro has its ups and downs. If you have been using Miracle-Gro without any sense that it isn’t the best thing for your plants, then this may be an important life lesson.
Composting means focusing on the quality of your soil. You can organically do this without turning to chemical additives as a solution.
The organic way is always environmentally friendly, cheaper, and can be way easier. But, if you have your heart set on using plant nutrition from the store, make sure you understand its pros and cons.
You can choose between an organic or chemical fertilizer to use in your garden. There is a difference between the two – just like when you get produce at Whole Paycheck.
Some other types of commercial fertilizers
Organic plant foods are created from manure (yum) or compost – any type of animal or plant source. On the other hand, chemical plant foods undergo a certain process where there is a manufactured formula, and ingredients are added to the soil conditioner you love and buy. Think science dorks in a lab.
There are always some pros and cons whenever we talk about organic or chemical plant additives.
Pros to organic fertilizers
The organic one is excellent in the long run. It is safe for children and pets, and it does not have a salt buildup. It contributes to the environment and is overall a good choice. Organic fertilizers are focused on the health and longevity of the plant, not so much the immediate results
Organic vs Chemical fertilizers
But organic fertilizers work slowly, so you would need a lot more time to see some results. On the contrary, chemical plant foods act much faster, and they are easy to apply to the soil. They are filled with essential nutrients that your garden needs.
On the other hand, these soil conditioners create salt buildup. The nutrients you add to the soil can diminish very quickly, and you may even end up having some burnt plants on your hands. Also, they are a little more expensive.
So Is Miracle-Gro Bad?
Are you using Miracle-Gro already? Some conditioners have an increased salt rate, and over time, this can result in stripping the soil from essential nutrients, leaving your plants with nothing more than an empty patch of land.
And here’s a note for all those new gardeners – don’t think that more is better! Adding more fertilizer to your soil can lead to some terrible results and can put your plants in grave danger.
My plants after taking Miracle-Gro.
Miracle-Gro is kind of like taking steroids. Looks good but has major side effects to your health.
What to consider before using Miracle-Gro
When it comes to Miracle-Gro, there are a few things you should consider:
If you put too much soil conditioner on your plants, you may make your plants sick. This means they will be more prone to cold and hot weather and diseases too.
If you apply the fertilizer when the weather is rainy, the rain may wash it away, leaving almost nothing for the plants.
Make sure to carefully follow the instructions when you are applying chemical plant food. Once you apply too much of it, it may result in killing or burning your plants.
Think about the environment too. It is, after all, a chemical soil amendment, meaning that it can do a lot of damage to the environment. Even though the organic options can’t give some swift results, they may be the better option for your lovely patch of land.
Using Miracle-Gro safely
As we already mentioned, Miracle-Gro can be an excellent fertilizer if you know how to use it in moderation. In these cases, it is bound to help the plants in their growth process and keep them happy and healthy by dumping nitrogen straight into their veins.
Remember these?
However, it is still a very concentrated growth enhancer. This means that you can easily kill a plant while using it if you overdo it. The main issue with this fertilizer is that it contains a lot of nitrogen. This component comes from synthetic materials, which produce chemicals potentially harmful to the soil and the plants that aren’t listed as active ingredients. Fillers, if you will.
This is why there is a general rule that too much of anything is not good. The same applies here. Too much Miracle-Gro can hurt the plants, and it can result in the death of the plant. All you need to do is know how to properly apply this growth enhancer, and you are golden. Your plants will thrive and get the proper, balanced amount of all the right nutrients.
How to know if you’ve overused Miracle-Gro
If you are looking for signs of overfertilization, watch for the following:
Wilted foliage
Not enough leaves
Smaller leaves
Developing leaves in a different color (yellowish)
Dead branch tips
Make sure to prune the wilted ones.
Organic alternatives to Miracle-Gro
Think about how you can use something that you already have. If you have been lucky enough to have a large garden filled with trees, then the answer to all your worries is probably staring you in the face.
Wanting to move away from Miracle-Gro and turning to something more organic is a good choice – probably the best one you can make. No need to dwell on it – you can use leaf mulch! The perfect growth enhancer tool! When decomposing, leaves release micronutrients and nutrients not normally found in commercial fertilizers.
Just drop them in and let it whirl!
Potassium, magnesium, calcium, and other essential nutrients are only the beginning of the list. Considered a true gift to gardeners worldwide, the leaves are a great addition to your landscape. There is a way to use them rather than throwing them away.
All you need to do is take a look at a leaf mulcher, like this mulcher from Worx we reviewed, and see if this is something you could use. We consider it a necessity when it comes to the health of the soil and plants in our gardens.
Final words about Miracle-Gro and plant sustainability
Growing your fruits and vegetables has never been easier than it is today. Opt for the right material that can help you get there. You can choose between the non-organic option that includes products such as Miracle-Gro. You can also opt for an organic option, such as compost or leaf mulch. The decision is yours to make.
Why We Started The Lawn Review
The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site.
We roll up our sleeves and take this seriously!
As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.
The best fertilizer for your yard varies on where you live, but a nice balanced fertilizer like a 4-1-2 is great for most yards.
In order for your lawn to have a thick, lush green look naturally, you’ll need to provide it with some TLC. Fertilization is a significant aspect of this and probably the most important one.
Like all plants, grass needs certain nutrients to promote healthy and strong growth, and these are provided with the help of fertilizers. However, you should be aware that not every fertilizer is suitable for all grass types.
Believe it or not, this was news to me at one point.
For first-time gardeners, we understand that this can be tricky but we’ve broken it down by each type of grass. Don’t know your grass type? Keep scrolling…
Additionally, all fertilizers contain a specific N-P-K (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium) ratio, with each number specifying the richness of the nutrient. Furthermore, fertilizers typically come in a liquid or granular form – the former provides results usually in 2-3 days, while the latter is slow-releasing.
This can help you identify your grass.
For that reason, if you’re starting up a lawn, you should pick out a grass fertilizer rich in phosphorus to establish healthy roots. In contrast, you’ll find that most fertilizers are rich in nitrogen since all of us are aiming toward a flourishing lawn. Nonetheless, you should pick one with a ratio that best suits your grass type – which we’ll get into later.
Best time to fertilize your lawn
Finally, you should be aware of the ideal fertilization time. Keep in mind that the time varies whether you’re starting up your lawn or nurturing your existing one, as well as the grass type. With that said, early spring is ideal for using starter fertilizer which is heavy in phosphorus. In addition, cool-season grass, like Fescue grass, benefits from fertilization during this time, including early fall.
On the other hand, warm-season grass, such as Bermuda and Zoysia, is best to be fertilized during the summer months, when their growth is very much in effect. Almost all grass types benefit from late summer to early fall fertilization – including in May, June, September, and October.
Identify your zone!
Oh – and make sure to water your lawn consistently after application. Follow that link for our watering schedule that we use.
Best Fertilizers for Every Grass Type: 2024 Update
Now that we’ve covered the basic grounds of a grass fertilizer, the next step is finding the ideal one for your specific grass type. Below you’ll find an in-depth look into the best fertilizer for various kinds of grass.
Best Fertilizer For St. Augustine Grass
St. Augustine grass requires a balanced N-P-K ratio fertilizer, typically 3-1-2 or 4-1-2. Remember that the ratio can vary depending on the soil conditions, climate, and other factors that are specific to your area. Additionally, it is best to use a slow-release fertilizer in contrast to a liquid one to help maintain a consistent level of nutrients in your soil and prevent excessive growth, pests, and diseases. However, if your St. Augustine grass is already established, a quick and regular spray of liquid fertilizer rich in nitrogen will give your lawn a lush, green look.
In terms of fertilization time, use a grass fertilizer in the early spring when the grass starts to green up or late summer when it goes dormant.
A great fertilizer for St. Augustine Grass is Andersons 16-4-8 (which follows the 4-1-2 guideline). You can grab it from Amazon for a good price as well.
This one is a great all-around fertilizer and will fit many grasses.
Best Fertilizer For Centipede Grass
Compared to other grass types, Centipede grass generally prefers a lower nutrient level in order to thrive. For that reason, you should use a grass fertilizer with a lower nitrogen count and a higher potassium content. The ratio you need to look for is typically 1-0-1 or 2-0-1. Since this type of grass benefits from lower nitrogen levels, you should avoid using liquid-based fertilizers. Instead, go for slow-release formulas that will provide long-lasting nutrition.
The best time to fertilize your Centipede grass is in the early spring and once again in the early fall for optimal results. Be careful not to overuse it, though, since it can lead to thatch buildup – which will cause you to bust out the dethatcher.
If there is one thing you should know about Zoysia grass, it is that it definitely loves its nutrients! That said, you should pick out a grass fertilizer that’s very rich in nitrogen and has moderate phosphorus and potassium levels. Aim for those who have a 3-1-2 or 4-1-2 N-P-K ratio, similar to the fertilizers for St. Augustine grass.
While Zoysia can benefit from a quick-release formula for instant greenery, it’s recommended that you use slow-release grained fertilizer to prevent overgrowth. Additionally, make sure to test out your soil before you fertilize, since this type of grass prefers acidic soil. Therefore, you may need to include an amendment like sulfur to lower its pH level.
Like most grass types, Zoysia grass mainly benefits from fertilization in the early spring and late summer.
Zoysia fertilizer can be found in the appropriate ratio using Andersons PGF complete – which you can buy on Amazon if that’s more convenient.
Best Fertilizer For Fescue Grass
Like St. Augustine and Zoysia grass, Fescue grass typically grows in the same conditions; hence it benefits from the same formula of fertilizers. With that in mind, you should pick out a fertilizer with high levels of all the essential nutrients, typically with a 3-1-2 or 4-1-2 ratio. Furthermore, if you’re establishing a lawn with Fescue grass, you may want to pick up a grass fertilizer that’s amped up with potassium and phosphorus to ensure a healthy root system. We highly recommend using a slow-release formula to provide a steady supply of nutrients over time.
To prevent Fescue grass from weeds and overgrowth, fertilize it during the spring months, generally every three to four months. Make sure to give your lawn plenty of water at least once a week!
I’ve got fescue in my front yard.
Usually around early March and late September (after aerating, dethatching, and overseeding), I’ll bust out some Andersons fertilizer and use that to get my lawn started. I get mine off on Amazon for a great price.
Best Fertilizer for Bermuda Grass
As with its other counterparts, Bermuda grass thrives in lots of nitrogen which it uses to form its thick, green blades. Therefore, you need to pick out a fertilizer rich in this specific nutrient and potassium. The optimal ratio for this specific grass type is 3-1-2; however, if there’s no chance of frost, you can use fertilizers with higher nitrogen levels.
The timing of fertilization for Bermuda grass is of utmost importance. Generally, it’s recommended to fertilize it every 4 to 6 weeks while growing during late spring until early fall. But, you should stop about 6 weeks before the expected fall frost, in order to prevent growth that can be damaging during the winter.
I hope that this guide will serve you in picking out the ideal grass fertilizer for your lush lawn. If you want to read more articles related to taking care of your yard, check out some other posts, like how to get rid of invasive grasses in your lawn.
We started The Lawn Review out of frustration. We couldn’t find clarity around what type of products were actually good and reliable. All the fertilizers we tried didn’t work. We ended up with a dying lawn, wasted time, and wasted money.
We take our tool testing seriously!
So we started buying and reviewing lawn tools and figuring out which ones were the best. And now we’ve moved onto actually keeping that lawn looking nice all year around.
We’ve spent thousands of hours building this content for people just like you and me – normal people.
Essentials of lawn fertilizer
As we stated earlier, all plants require nutrients to thrive, with the three essentials being nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Each of these essentials plays its own vital role – nitrogen is responsible for the outside look or the greenery of your lawn; phosphorus promotes healthy root growth, while potassium provides an all round-coverage.
In terms of lawn care, you’ll mostly want to look for a nitrogen-rich grass fertilizer in order to achieve vigorous, lush green growth. On the other hand, phosphorus and potassium can be already found in your soil (depending on your region), and overfertilization in these nutrients can do more harm than good.
With that in mind, it’s best to find out your type of soil beforehand to choose the best fertilizer. Lawn fertilizer is different from fertilizer used for plants, like rose bushes.
Lime for your lawn? Is it margarita season? Always.
The best lime for your lawn is Espoma Lightning Lime Fertilizer. You can grab it here on Amazon or keep scrolling and read about some of the runner-ups.
When you hear the word “lime,” you probably think of the green citrus fruit that goes well with a handcrafted cocktail. Well, lime doesn’t just describe a tart fruit – it’s also a soil amendment formulated with limestone rock.
It doesn’t sound so tasty now, unless you’re Fred Flintstone. Your lawn would beg to differ – lime is full of nutrients that keep grass lush and vibrant in color. Not only that, but lime helps grass maintain an ideal pH level (5.8 – 7.0).
Why I use lime on my lawn
The great thing about lime is that you don’t have to apply it very often (unlike fertilizer). In fact, most homeowners only have to apply lime every three to five years. In contrast, some people use fertilizer a couple of times per month.
Photo cred: Target – who is known for their limes?
Best of all, lime is cheap and readily available on the internet and in your local brick-and-mortar gardening or big box store, like Home Depot or Lowe’s. With that said, I’m a big fan of buying lime on the internet and getting it shipped straight to my house (I’m lazy).
The Best Lime Products for Your Yard
If you’re ready to apply lime to your lawn or just want to stock up, you’ve come to the right place. Lime is not all made equally, however. While the active ingredients are generally the same, how they are made, the size of the package, and the price are all major considerations when looking to buy the BEST lime for your lawn.
Here’s a look at some of the lime products I considered for my lawn when I was doing my search. After you get a chance to review my list of the top products, be sure to keep reading to learn about the best way to apply lime.
Espoma Lightning Lime Fertilizer
Perhaps one of the most popular lime products on the planet is Espoma’s Lightning Lime Fertilizer. At first glance, I was a bit skeptical of the use of “lightning”.
I thought to myself, “will my lawn transform into a luscious green retreat in the blink of an eye?”.
Well, not so fast, the lime adjusts pH levels in six to eight weeks. Certainly not lightning fast, but still a viable option. Remember, we are in it for the long haul when it comes to lime, knowing that it is a 2-3 times per decade application for most folks. Let’s dig some more.
Photo cred: Amazon.
Espoma claims the lime is safe to use around kids and pets. The safety element of this product comes from how it is treated. The organic product is treated with natural humic acid. And given the package’s 30-lb size, you get around five bags of regular-sized lime as compared to some of the others.
So far, so good. Comparable products take up to 14 weeks to do the job, and Espoma slices that in half (pun intended).
Additionally, Espoma claims that this lime is less dusty than other products on the market, making it easier to handle and less messy when opening. One consideration here is that this thing can cover 5x what a normal bag of lime can cover, so you need to make sure you have the right setting on your broadcast spreader (instructions are on the bag).
We all have busy lives, so I picked another “fast-acting” lime for the list. Earth Science Fast-Acting Lime covers 5,000 square feet of yard and comes in granular form.
Like traditional lime products, it raises the pH level to promote nutrient absorption. Similar to Espoma’s lime, the Earth Science formula is also safe around kids and pets. While this product dubs itself “fast-acting,” I couldn’t find an exact time frame. But on the bright side, the packaging says the lime is 100% guaranteed and keeps working all season.
Although this one is a bit more expensive per square foot of coverage than the Espoma lime, it does highlight that it is able to cover what is traditionally covered by 4 bags of lime.
Looks science-y. Photo cred: Amazon
Compare this claim to Espoma, which mentions that they can cover 5 bags of lime. This one is 25 lbs, Espoma is 30 lbs, so the formula is likely very similar.
At about the same price as Espoma, I have to say that this one is going to be a little costlier, but a great alternative for someone who doesn’t need as much lime. It’s also available on Amazon for just over $30.
Solu-Cal Enhanced Calcitic Lime
Don’t panic; Solu-Cal isn’t a soul catcher. Despite the rather cryptic name, Solu-Cal Enhanced Calcitic Lime is a relatively new product with a different formula.
This product’s formula is unique in that it combines pellet limestone with calcium to produce results as quickly as a few weeks. It seems a little far-fetched at first glance, doesn’t it? Imagine giving your grass some milk (this was actually my fourth grade science fair project and it rotted).
Solu-Cal photo from Amazon.
It’s a really good lime product for large yards, as it covers up to 10,000 square feet per bag. Other than the additional bio-available calcium, this is your run-of-the-mill lime. Nothing bad to say about it, nothing particularly great to say about it. It will do the job just fine, it just comes in a larger quantity.
Last but not least is Hoffman’s Pelletized Garden Lime. I wanted to throw this product in as an option because it is designed for gardens. It’s a solid supplemental product to purchase alongside the products I’ve highlighted above. The lime comes in an 8-lb package and “sweetens” the soil while increasing nutrient availability to plant roots.
I probably would just get a larger bag and use some on my lawn and some in my garden instead of specifically buying an overpriced bag. But if you don’t have a lawn and just want to get some lime in your garden, then this is a nice alternative.
Lime is an important component of lawn care. And even though you only have to apply it every few years, choosing the right product can make or break your lawn. Fortunately, you shouldn’t have to spend more than $150 on lime, depending on the size of your yard. However, you need a tool to apply the lime to your yard with a tool (from my own personal experience, I don’t recommend using your hands).
Before you hit the ground running with your new bag of lime, make sure you get your hands on a spreader. My favorite is Scotts Elite Spreader, which is available on Amazon for a deal.
The spreader features dual rotor technology and holds up to 20,000 square feet of product. It also has an ergonomic handle (kiss those pesky blisters goodbye). I also recommend Scotts EdgeGuard Broadcast Spreader, which I’ve written about extensively.
Your yard will thank you no matter which lime or spreader you use. You’ll also thank yourself after your lawn transforms into lush and vibrant grass that leaves the neighbors envious.
Why we started this site
We started The Lawn Review out of frustration. We couldn’t find clarity around what type of products were actually good and reliable. All the fertilizers we tried didn’t work. We ended up with a dying lawn, wasted time, and wasted money.
How we spend our time now.
So we started buying and reviewing lawn tools and figuring out which ones were the best. And now we’ve moved onto actually keeping that lawn looking nice all year around.
We’ve spent thousands of hours building this content for people just like you and me – normal people.
Lawn fertilizer in the summer? Fertilizing your lawn in the summer can be a great idea if done correctly.
Summer is a season of extremes – drought, torrential rainstorms, and intense heat. It’s important to keep your lawn healthy and protected during the summer, no matter what the season brings. Using a fertilizer designed for summer use is one of the best ways to maintain your lawn, ensuring that it stays lush and green.
However, before picking out an ideal fertilizer, you must first understand the NPK ratio and why it matters.
The Best Fertilizer Ratios for Summer
The best fertilizers ratios for summer are rich in nitrogen and may or may not contain potassium. A healthy dose of nitrogen is important during the summer because it promotes growth. Remember that you shouldn’t fertilize cool-season grasses during summer (unless the grass would die otherwise). On the other hand, warm-season grasses do need fertilizer in the summer. However, they don’t need excessive amounts of potassium or potash.
The best NPK Ratios for summer:
10-0-4
15-0-8
6-0-0
Below, we reference some that match or come close to matching these ratios pre-packaged. You can buy these ingredients separately and disseminate the perfect ratio, but the ones below make it easier.
The Best Lawn Care Fertilizers for Summer
I know you have a lot of options when it comes to choosing the best lawn fertilizer for summer. With that said, you should consider the fertilizer’s NPK ratio when looking for the optimal product. Now, it doesn’t have to be exactly 10-0-4, 15-0-8, or 6-0-0. Variations of these ratios are fine – you just want to aim for a fertilizer higher in nitrogen and lower in phosphate and potash.
Ready to spruce up your lawn this summer? You can’t go wrong with any of these summer fertilizers:
Scotts Turf Builder Summer Lawn Food
You’re probably familiar with the Scotts brand if you’ve wandered around the lawncare section of any big box store. But there’s a good reason for that – Scotts fertilizer uses unique Eyedrop Technology that keeps your lawn thick and protects it against extreme summertime elements (i.e., drought and scorching temps).
This stuff will work.
I think Scotts Turf Builder Summer Lawn food is an awesome choice if you want to keep your lawn green while minimizing water use. This product is available in two sizes – 4,000 and 12,00 square feet. You can use it on all grass types; the results last up to six weeks. However, water your grass immediately after using the Turf Builder if the temperature is above 85 degrees.
Another solid summertime product is Simple Lawn Solutions Liquid Fertilizer. This fertilizer is high in nitrogen, with an NPK ratio of 16-4-8. You can get your hands on this fertilizer in two sizes – one gallon and one quart.
For reference, a gallon of liquid fertilizer can cover 12,800 square feet. Like Scotts Turf Builder, Simple Lawn Solutions works on all grass types – Buffalo, Bahia, Kentucky Bluegrass – you name it.
Photo cred: Amazon
While all the fertilizers on my list are great at nourishing your yard, Simple Lawn Solutions Liquid Fertilizer has a unique blend of seaweed and fish (don’t worry; it doesn’t stink). The fertilizer’s high nitrogen density will keep your grass vibrantly green during the summer and encourage healthy growth. On the other hand, potassium enhances turf hardiness, while a small amount of phosphorus promotes strong roots.
If you think Simple Lawn Solutions Liquid Fertilizer is a good fit for your lawn (and I’m confident it is), check it out on Amazon. Since it comes in a concentrate, you’ll want to water it down and spread it with a backpack sprayer.
Milorganite Organic Nitrogen Fertilizer
Milorganite claims its Organic Nitrogen Fertilizer has been used on golf courses for decades, and I believe it. The fertilizer has a 6-4-0 NPK ratio, meaning it’s rich in nitrogen and ideal for summertime use.
We’ve written extensively about Milorganite and it’s role in supporting and promoting grass growth.
It works!
Milorganite product comes in a 36-pound bag with an organic composition. And like Scotts Turf Builder Summer Lawn Food, Milorganite fertilizer reduces the need for watering, which is great for summer droughts. In addition, the slow-growth formula means less mowing (I certainly won’t complain about that).
Milorganite Organic Nitrogen Fertilizer is a great choice if you want an easy-to-use product that keeps your yard green all summer. Check it out on Amazon to stock up as summer approaches.
Scotts Green Max Lawn Food
I couldn’t end the list without choosing another product from Scotts. The brand’s Green Max Lawn Food can be used during the spring, summer, and fall.
If you’re in Florida, you’re in luck – Scotts has a special lawn food designed exclusively for Florida residents. There’s also a standard option that’s suitable for all other states. Depending on the size of your lawn, you can choose between a 5,000 or 10,000-square-foot package.
Definitely can get your lawn green in a pinch!
Applying Scotts Green Max Lawn Food is pretty straightforward and requires either a Scotts broadcast, rotary, drop, or Wizz Spreader. The best part about this fertilizer is that you’ll see results as soon as three days. Not only does this fertilizer produce quick results, but it also lasts up to three months. It’s available on Amazon for a great price.
The Bottom Line: Summer fertilizers
Not all fertilizers are suitable for summertime use. You should aim for one with a higher nitrogen concentration (preferably one of the NPK ratios noted above). If you’re unsure which fertilizer is right for your lawn, I highly encourage you to check out the four products on my list. These fertilizers are all excellent for summer use and work well on different types of grass.
Why we started this site
We started The Lawn Review out of frustration. We couldn’t find clarity around what type of products were actually good and reliable. All the fertilizers we tried didn’t work. We ended up with a dying lawn, wasted time, and wasted money.
So we started buying and reviewing lawn tools and figuring out which ones were the best. And now we’ve moved onto actually keeping that lawn looking nice all year around.
How we spend our time now.
We’ve spent thousands of hours building this content for people just like you and me – normal people.
What is the NPK Ratio?
If you’re familiar with the periodic table, you may already be familiar with N, P and K. Pick up any pack of fertilizer, and you will see a three-digit ratio known as the NPK ratio.
The NPK ratio indicates the proportion of nitrogen, phosphate, and potash the fertilizer contains by weight. For example, a fertilizer with a 10 10 10 ratio has equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphate, and potash. Now, you may wonder, “what’s so important about these three nutrients?”
Study up!
Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium play a vital role in grass development and health. Nitrogen promotes growth and gives grass its color. Phosphorus helps strengthen roots, making for a lush and thick yard. Potassium, on the other hand, keeps your yard alive and thriving thanks to its disease-fighting abilities.
While these three nutrients are important for your yard, that doesn’t necessarily mean a fertilizer product needs to contain them in equal amounts. During the blistering summer months, you’ll want a fertilizer that’s dense in nitrogen.
If you need to improve the pH of your lawn, which promotes deeper root growth, try adding in lime to your lawn as an amendment.
The Scott’s Edgeguard Broadcast Spreader is proof that you can’t get those pearly whites without a toothbrush, you can’t get that perfect ‘doo without a hairbrush, and you can’t get that beautiful lush green yard without a broadcast spreader. In all disciplines, there’s a product, and equally as important, there’s a tool that applies the product.
When it comes to applying seed, fertilizer, pre-emergent, etc., the broadcast spreader is the cog that makes the wheel turn. It doesn’t get the love it deserves – always the bridesmaid and never the bride. Today, we’re going to be talking about the MacDaddy of them all – the Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Spreader.
This is the piece of equipment that you need before laying down any of the Scott’s products that bring your lawn to the next level. Why do we recommend this specific spreader? Have no fear, I’ll break it down for you below:
Breaking down the Scott’s EdgeGuard Broadcast Spreader
Let’s get started with our breakdown of this broadcast spreader
Scott’s EdgeGuard Technology
In my opinion, the most useful feature on this broadcast spreader is right in the name. The tool comes with Scott’s patented EdgeGuard technology which is designed to keep product where it belongs and away from landscaping, driveways, and sidewalks. This allows you to have the accuracy of a drop spreader, but with the reach and coverage of a broadcast spreader. The best of both worlds!
Look at the Edgeguard as a knight in shining armor, protecting your beds from receiving unwanted fescue seeds (far and away the best type of grass, IMHO) from your beautiful flower beds. The flap that controls your spreading circumference is able to be slid back and forth depending on your need. Seeding right next to a bed? Move that sucker to the halfway position, and you won’t see any seed thrown to the right-hand side of the spreader. In the middle of your yard? Open that sucker up and let the seed spray!
The undercarriage
Rate Setting on the Scott’s EdgeGuard Broadcast Spreader
Possibly my favorite feature on this piece of equipment is the intuitive rate setting knob.
The Scotts Edgeguard has 14 setting levels for how much you want to disburse and exactly where you want to throw it. This prevents burning or overseeding your lawn. The best thing about it is, when you buy a Scotts product, whether that be fertilizer, seed, or pre emergent, it tells you exactly what setting to use on your broadcast spreader. I know in my case; I always tend to lean on the side of overseeding.
Setting the rate!
This feature, paired with the setting recommendation on the Scott’s products, completely removes the guesswork from the process – saving time AND money.
Scott’s Broadcast Spreader Yard Size
In the broadcast spread game, let’s face it: size matters. The Edgeguard certainly doesn’t struggle with that. This thing holds enough product to cover 15,000 square feet. Unless you live at the Biltmore, that’s plenty of capacity for more than 99.9% of residual properties.
This is where it shoots out.
Nothing worse when spreading seed than running out of product mid-yard and forgetting exactly where you left off after refilling. It’s also very compact, making it easy to store in your garage or crawlspace during the off-season.
Scott’s EdgeGuard Broadcast Spreader Cost
You might be asking – a tool this useful, that saves me THIS much time and money, must cost a fortune. Well brother, you are in luck. The Scott’s Edgeguard Broadcast Spreader comes out at a measly $64 on Amazon. Additionally, this product literally pays for itself in less than a year.
This could be you!
With how expensive seed and fertilizer have gotten over the past decade, this product allows you to throw down exactly as much as you need for your yard, removing the issue of lost product in beds and ancillary areas.
Final recommendation: Scott’s EdgeGuard Spreader
To my point in the introduction, if you’re going to go through the trouble of applying product to your lawn, whether that be seed, fertilizer, pre-emergent, herbicide, etc., a broadcast spreader is vital to the process. It the cog that makes the wheel go around.
If you’re in the market for a spreader, the Scotts Edgeguard Broadcast Spreader is going to be the best bang for your buck, and has some incredible features and benefits that simplify the process and take the guess work out of the game.
The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site.
As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.
Why to fertilize your lawn using a broadcast spreader
Before we dive into the specifics of the Scotts Edgeguard Broadcast Spreader, I want to back up and explain what a spreader is and what makes it crucial for the development of a lush, green lawn. Why do you need a spreader? Honestly, it’s all about timesaving and efficiency. Getting an even coating of fertilizer or seed over your lawn by hand is nearly impossible. Of course, you can do it by hand, but it will take MUCH longer, and you will likely end up applying product unevenly.
This is the way.
There are two main types of spreaders, and I’ll explain the difference in applications below:
Drop Spreader
Drop spreaders are slightly more accurate than broadcast spreaders, as they distribute even rows of fertilizer precisely where you want it (similarly to a lawn mower, if you don’t go over a specific area under the spreader, it will not receive product). These are best used for smaller lawns, usually those under 5,000 square feet. Drop spreaders cover a smaller surface area of lawn per pass compared to broadcast spreaders, which means it’ll take a bit more time to fertilize your lawn.
Broadcast Spreader
Broadcast spreaders distribute fertilizer in a fan-like pattern in all directions and cover a wider area per pass than drop spreaders. The rate you walk and the spreader’s hole size (In Scott’s Edgeguard’s case, the rate setting knob) impact how much product is distributed. Broadcast spreaders distribute less product toward the edge of its broadcast range.
Some broadcast spreaders, the Scott’s Edgeguard in particular, have a side-shield feature that allows you to block off half of the spreader, which is particularly helpful for applying product around the perimeter of your lawn and avoiding driveways, sidewalks, and garden beds
Not a tough choice!
With a broadcast spreader like the Scott’s Edgeguard, you’re able to cover more lawn in a less amount of time. And with the Edgeguard technology that I’ll explain below, it has the benefits of both drop spreader and broadcast spreader.
I’ll be honest, when I hear 3-in-1 like we do with Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action, I think of shampoo, conditioner and body wash all in one.
Man, I love to not have to switch bottles when I go to wash my hair and toes. All in one, baby, simple as that. So when I saw Scott’s assembled the next best dream team of lawn care excellence, I nearly collapsed out of my chair! Kills, prevents and feeds all in one?! You serious, Clark?
No more need to switch bags or remember measurements for each. Scott’s treats us like the cavemen and women we are and does it for us.
I’m always terrified I’ll scorch my lawn when I fertilize so the less that’s on me the better. BUT – Does this product really do what it says it does? Let’s discuss…
The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site.
How we test tools.
As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.
When to use Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action
The specs on this bag lead me to believe this packs an awfully powerful punch! But just like when you use a 3-in-1 shampoo, conditioner and body wash, you lose flexibility and oftentimes quality. So you’ve got to take the good with the bad here. Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action is a pretty good formula that kills some weeds, prevents crabgrass, and fertilizes turf to help ensure a thick, green lawn for you and your family to enjoy. At least right off the bat.
Scott’s Turf Builder bag – we tried it!
But it’s important to note that Scott’s only controls existing listed lawn weeds, including dandelion, clover, dollarweed, ground ivy, chickweed, plantain (I don’t think this is the banana cousin), and english daisy. If you’ve got other challenges in your yard, you’re going to need to use a non selective herbicide to clear those out.
We made a couple of web stories that highlight the power of Scott’s as well as when and how to use Scott’s.
A warning to heed
It will not kill existing crabgrass, it only prevents it for about 4 months. I’ve found 4 months is generous. Usually more like 2 to 3. You can use this on all several types of turf including tall and fine fescue, zoysia, kentucky bluegrass, bermuda and ryegrass.
When you apply this you’re going to make sure you use the Scotts spreader on a wet lawn, this helps adherence to leaves. Also, water it again 24 hours later so help it soak in. A bag will usually cover about 4,000 sq ft so you’ll probably need 3 to 4 bags to get the job done right.
Applying the turf builder to your lawn
When applying this to your lawn it is important you do it at the right time. Spring is usually best, though this can be applied in the fall as well. Just whatever you do please don’t apply this in the middle of the summer or the dead of winter. Both will leave you very disappointed and with a burnt up lawn.
Also, make sure you give your lawn a nice quick drink before you apply this. As discussed previously, this just helps it stick to the grass. If you’re putting it down in the spring, just do it in the morning when the dew is still on the grass. Also throw some more water on it in 24 hours to help soil soakage, (no I’m not talking about your baby’s diaper).
Using the Scotts Triple Action with the Edgeguard broadcast spreader.
As explained w/ the Milorganite it’s best to use the Scotts broadcast spreader for this type of material. The back of the pack tells you which setting to turn the dial to then just pull the handle and walk in a back and forth pattern across a lawn. I usually stick to 5 to 6 feet from pass to pass. This allows some overlap to ensure coverage but not enough to over apply. I also usually wear pants because fertilizers tend to dry my skin out pretty good. Just imagine what this does to your yard if overapplied.
It’s best to only apply this in spring and fall as not to overload your yard with chemicals. This is a key to keeping a healthy lawn. Growing lush lawn too fast can be a bad thing too.
Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action: Key Specs
A quick primer on Scotts Turf Builder from the experts themselves.
This particular fertilizer/herbicide uses a 16-0-1 which is pretty heavy on the nitrogen. A quick primer on fertilizer blends The three most important ingredients, which are usually displayed right on the front of the bag in the order, N – P – K. N means % nitrogen, P means % phosphate and K means % potassium. Ex, a bag of 10-10-10 fertilizer contains 10 percent nitrogen, 10 percent phosphate and 10 percent potassium. Basically, nitrogen helps you have a thick GREEN lawn, phosphate helps with the plant tissue and root development – very important for a new lawn, potassium helps you with a new lawn.
Easy to apply!
So with that blend, this particular fertilizer is not super great for helping you have a deep root system which is absolutely essential for having a healthy lawn. This is like building a beautiful hose on a pile of sand. It’ll look good for the first little bit but the minute a stresser is introduced it’s in trouble. It’s important to pick a fertilizer with a good blend of the three. I usually try to stick to a 10-10-10. But for what this bag does, kills and prevents weeds, it’s okay to add phosphate and potassium in a different application.
Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action: Official review
If you’re like me, easier is better. So Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action 3-in-1 is very enticing, 3 products in one is cool. But if those three products aren’t necessarily the highest quality or the “right blend” for long term lawn gains then it might not be a good choice in product.
This really comes down to a personal preference in my opinion. Do you want an easy one step approach? Then this product is right for you. However, if you want to be selective in the type of weeds you’re killing and controlling and want a more balanced fertilizer then you probably aren’t going to love this. The 16-0-1 blend is going to green you up really quick but like I said previously, it’s really not great for your yard in the long run. In order for lawn gains you’re going to need to have a more balanced fertilizer blend than that.
Do I use this on my lawn? No. Would I recommend someone to use this on there lawn? If they’re just looking to keep the weeds relatively at bay then yes. If they want the best lawn in the cul-de-sac then no. Break it up and apply each product one at a time.
Milorganite Fertilizer is one of the most popular fertilizers available on the market. Having good soil is absolutely ESSENTIAL for having a beautiful lawn.
Bottom line on Milorganite Fertilizer: Milorganite is a tried and true fertilizer that works just about anywhere on just about anything. You can grab it for a great price from your local hardware store or on Amazon.
How do you get good soil you ask? One of the best ways is to fertilize! Let’s check out one of the best products:
Milorganite is an OG of the fertilizer world. This stuff has been around almost 100 years and there’s a reason! It works.
Essentially Milorganite is a bunch of dead microscopic bug things that ate a bunch of crap out to the water in Lake Michigan. The company takes these little bug things and kills them, then dries them out and packages them in pellet form. (Super dumbed down version but that’s basically it.)
We took this picture right before we picked it up.
These dead bugs are PACKED with nutrients that are like Wheaties for your lawn, flowers, shrubs, trees, vegetables, etc. Like the Frank’s Red Hot commercial says, “I put this S** on everything!” Just don’t eat it. Well actually you kind of can eat it because you can use it in your vegetable garden. But don’t eat the actual pellets, silly.
Milorganite is safe to use. Not only has Milorganite been around longer than the dinosaurs, it’s also subject to strict environmental control regulations. It complies with all the state, local and federal regulations. There is essentially nothing fake in this product, no synthetics, salt or other mined resources. It’s basically just dead microbes. Because it has nothing added to it (LIKE SALT) it won’t burn up your yard or harm newly planted landscaping.
Photo cred: Utah State
Milorganite is also pet friendly! I can’t tell you how many times my wife has worried about our dog, Bella, eating up the fertilizer I apply to the yard. (And honestly she does). I can sleep easy at night knowing this stuff won’t poison our family pup. It might make your dogs stomach hurt or ruin a carpet if ingested but it shouldn’t kill them.
How does Milorganite work?
Milorganite is a slow releasing fertilizer, so in addition to not burning up due to salt additives, it also won’t damage plants because it doesn’t decompose into your lawn all at once. It continues feeding for 2 to 3 months after application.
This slow release system also is good for mother nature. Unlike some fertilizers, the slow release does a pretty good job at preventing it from being released into the groundwater. Like I said earlier, the key to a healthy lawn is healthy dirt!
How to apply Milorganite Fertilizer in your lawn
To apply Milorganite Fertilizer on your lawn, I highly recommend using the Scotts® Turf Builder® Edgeguard® DLX Broadcast Spreader. Depending on your lawn size, dump a bag of this stuff into the hopper of your spreader and adjust the disbursement setting on the edge of the hopper to whatever the bag recommends. It’s a big orange knob. You can’t miss it.
Looks like this!
Then pull the handle on the broadcast spreader and walk around your yard just like if you were mowing. Maybe a little more spread out than you would if you were mowing but in a similar pattern. Just make sure you’re getting some overlap of pellets on every pass.
Similar process as Scotts turf builder
A 32 lb bag should cover a 2,500 sq ft lawn. My yard is about 10,000 sq ft so I need about 4 bags per application.
You really should fertilize four times a year if you want that deep rich green lawn. Think a meadow in Ireland or something. This stuff will make your lawn look GOOD. You really can’t use too much unless you go crazy with it. Remember it’s slow releasing so I tend to use a little bit more than they recommend. I apply on the holiday schedule, Easter, Memorial Day, Labor Day and Halloween. But it depends on where you live. Check out the calendars below to help you out.
Application instructions for Milorganite fertilizer for cool-season grass.Milorganite Fertilizer instructions for warm-season grass.
Milorganite Fertilizer Review: Recommendation
Before I’d tell you to go buy a new mower, I’d tell you to buy this stuff. It truly is the foundation you’ll build your lawn kingdom on. You simply cannot have a lush, beautiful lawn that makes your neighbors do a double take without healthy soil. Trust me. You’ve got to be religious about fertilizing. Four times a year. Every year. FOREVER.
The certainties in life should be death, taxes and fertilization. A bag of it will run you about $30 on Amazon or at Home Depot. So for you Dave Ramsey budgeters, plan on spending about $240 a year on it. So yes, I would absolutely recommend this stuff to anyone wanting a show stopper lawn.
While it is still a secret, we are working to develop the ultimate sidekick to Milorganite. More to come Spring of 2024!
Why we review lawn tools
The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site.
We go to extreme measures.
As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.
