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7 Best Organic Lawn Fertilizers for a Lush, Chemical-Free Yard
Jan
Close-up of healthy green grass blades
By Rebecca Winke
Updated on Jun. 05, 2024
Achieving a vibrant, healthy lawn without harsh chemicals is possible with organic fertilizer. Safe for children and pets, these fertilizers nourish your grass and improve soil health. We’ve compiled a list of the top seven organic lawn fertilizers to help you choose the best option for your yard. Our editors and experts meticulously select each product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
The Growing Trend of Organic Lawn Care
Applying organic fertilizer to a lawn
Increasingly, homeowners are embracing eco-conscious practices, including chemical-free lawn care. This shift reflects a growing awareness of the potential environmental impact of traditional lawn care products. Organic fertilizers offer a sustainable solution, promoting robust grass growth without introducing harmful substances into the soil and water. As Alex Kronk of the Lawn Review explains, “Organic fertilizers not only keep your grass green but also ensure a clean and healthy yard ecosystem.” They replace synthetic chemicals with nutrients derived from organic matter, creating an optimal growing environment.
Dr. John Kauffman, a technical manager at TruGreen, emphasizes the importance of comprehensive soil nutrition: “Plants need 17 different nutrients to thrive.” While soil naturally contains most of these, supplementation with fertilizers, particularly nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, is often necessary. Below, we present our top picks for the best organic lawn fertilizers available.
Top 7 Organic Lawn Fertilizers
1. Best Organic Spring Fertilizer: Espona Organic Lawn Booster
Designed for the crucial growing season, Espona Organic Lawn Booster provides a chemical-free boost to your lawn in spring. This blend incorporates feather meal, pasteurized poultry manure, and gypsum, ensuring a vibrant and resilient lawn ready for the summer heat. While slightly more expensive than some competitors, Amazon reviewers consistently praise its effectiveness.
2. Best Organic Fall Fertilizer: Espoma Organic Fall Fertilizer
Prepare your lawn for winter and a lush spring revival with Espoma Organic Fall Fertilizer. In addition to feather meal and poultry manure, this formula boasts extra potash to strengthen the root system, protecting against winter wilt and disease. Apply six to eight weeks before the first frost. While a strong odor may persist until watering, your lawn is usable immediately after application.
3. Best All-Season Organic Fertilizer: Scotts Natural Lawn Food
Scotts Natural Lawn Food consistently ranks high for its versatility and ease of use. Suitable for all grass types and any season, it promotes greening, strengthens roots, and supports thick, lush growth. It’s also ideal for new lawns before or after seeding or sodding. While safe for kids and pets, its appealing scent might tempt dogs to consume the pellets, potentially leading to digestive issues and requiring reapplication.
4. Best for Yards with Flowers and Vegetables: Wiggle Worm Soil Builder
Gardeners with mixed lawns, flower beds, and vegetable gardens appreciate Wiggle Worm Soil Builder. Made from pure worm castings (vermicast), this odorless fertilizer delivers immediate and slow-release nutrients, benefiting all plants. Its versatility extends to indoor potted plants as well.
5. Best Slow-Release Organic Fertilizer: Milorganite Organic Nitrogen Fertilizer
Achieve a deep green lawn with Milorganite 0636 organic nitrogen fertilizer. Its high nitrogen content and four percent iron promote vibrant growth. While lacking potassium (best for established lawns), its slow-release formula nourishes for up to 10 weeks, requiring only a single spring or fall application.
6. Best Fast-Acting Organic Fertilizer: Safer Brand Lawn Restore
Unlike many slower-acting organic options, Safer Brand Lawn Restore delivers visible results in days. Nourishing roots directly, it enhances color and vitality quickly. However, recent formula changes have led to user complaints about messier application and a stronger odor.
7. Best Liquid Organic Fertilizer: Just Scentsational Trident’s Pride
For those who prefer liquid fertilizers, Just Scentsational Trident’s Pride offers an effective organic alternative. This fish-based formula provides fast absorption and easy application, enriching the soil with amino acids, microbes, enzymes, and vitamins. Be aware of a potential fishy odor.
Understanding Organic Fertilizer: Pros and Cons
Organic fertilizers utilize natural ingredients like alfalfa meal, bone meal, and compost to deliver essential nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of their advantages and disadvantages:
Pros:
- Reduced chemical exposure for people and pets
- Safe for immediate use after application
- Won’t burn the lawn with overapplication
- Improves soil quality and ecosystem health
- Prevents chemical leaching into groundwater
Cons:
- Slower results compared to synthetic fertilizers
- Potential for increased weed growth
- Possible higher susceptibility to grub infestations
Choosing the Right Organic Fertilizer
Before selecting a fertilizer, conduct a soil test to determine your lawn’s specific nutrient needs. Soil test kits are readily available and provide valuable insights. As Alex Kronk advises, “Soil tests are inexpensive and offer tailored results, enabling you to purchase the appropriate fertilizer.”
Types of Organic Fertilizers:
- Granular: Small pellets applied with a spreader.
- Liquid: Applied with a hose-end sprayer.
Non-composted or untreated manure should be avoided due to potential disease risks. Composted manure, however, is a valuable fertilizer for larger-scale applications. “Composted organic materials break down through microbial activity, releasing nutrients over time,” explains Dr. Kauffman. “Bone meal, blood meal, and feather meal are processed animal byproducts that provide nutrient delivery to soils.”
Why Trust Our Recommendations?
This article draws upon the author’s personal gardening and farming experience, combined with insights from expert professionals: Alex Kronk, founder of the Lawn Review, and Dr. John Kauffman, TruGreen’s Mid-Atlantic Region technical manager. Our product selections are based on expert opinions, thorough research, quality assessments, and analysis of real customer reviews. We strive to provide comprehensive and reliable information to help you make informed decisions about your lawn care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best organic fertilizer for grass?
A: Espona Organic Lawn Booster is widely considered the best, offering a robust blend of natural nutrients for vibrant growth.
Q: Is organic lawn fertilizer worth it?
A: Yes, organic fertilizer offers significant benefits, including reduced chemical exposure, improved soil health, and environmental protection. While slower-acting and potentially more susceptible to weeds and grubs, the long-term advantages outweigh the drawbacks for many homeowners.
Rebecca Winke is an Italy-based lifestyle and travel writer with extensive experience in gardening, DIY home improvements, and farm living. She provides valuable insights and practical advice for Family Handyman readers.