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Last updated on March 23rd, 2021
Best Lawn Feeds Review and Top 6 Products to Consider
Like any living organism, your lawn needs good food and water to grow strong and healthy. We review the best lawn feeds to supplement the nutrients in the soil to help your lawn become lush and vibrant. Read the pros and cons of each product along with their features and our specific recommendations before you make your choice. Our Buyer’s Guide and FAQ sections give further advice on what features of lawn feed to look for and how to feed your lawn.
Our Best Pick for granular lawn feed is the EverGreen Complete 4-in-1 Lawn Care Bag. Have a visibly greener lawn in seven days with this fertiliser and notice also that the weeds are limp and that the moss is black and dead.
Tradefarmini Iron Sulphate Premium Soluble Fertiliser is our Best Pick of liquid lawn feed. This fertiliser is a hardworking multi-tasker, delivering nutrients to the grass roots, conditioning your lawn, killing the moss and tackling the weeds.
Our top recommended lawns feeds
BEST PICK
Best Soluble Lawn Feed
These are our top 6 recommended granular applied and water-soluble lawn feeds for a healthy green lawn.
- EverGreen Complete 4-in-1 Lawn Care – Best Granular Lawn Feed
- Scotts Lawn Builder Lawn Food
- Sportsmaster Spring and Summer Professional Fertiliser
- Tradefarmini Iron Sulphate Premium Soluble Fertiliser – Best Water Soluble Lawn Feed
- Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Lawn Food Tub
- Ferromel 20 Iron Sulphate Premium Lawn Conditioner and Lawn Feed
Our Top 6 Lawn Feed Reviews
Granular Lawn Feeds
1. EverGreen Complete 4-in-1 Lawn Care Feed
BEST PICK
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The EverGreen Complete 4-in-1 Lawn Care Bag feeds your lawn whilst working to control moss and kill weeds. The best time to use this feed on your lawn is between March and September but the earlier the better which is typically when weeds are actively growing. EverGreen also recommends applying the feed to your lawn under fair weather conditions, when the soil is moist, the grass is dry and when no frost is expected. Additionally, you should only use the feed once or twice a year, with three months interval between each treatment. Ideally, we recommend using it in April and then again in early September for best results and to keep on top of weeds and moss.
When it comes to application, a lawn spreader is the way to go with granular feeds, much easier and safer than applying by hand. Check out our review of the best lawn spreaders you can buy. A lawn spreader will help in even spreading the feed and avoid potential ‘scorching’ of the lawn due to excessive application as long as you use the correct setting.
Another thing to keep in mind is that after feeding your lawn with the Evergreen 4-in-1 feed, you should not walk on it until the feed has been watered in and dried, or until after it rains. Otherwise, the iron sulphate in the feed can stain clothes but worse can stain flags and patios. Make sure to clean up any spillages and, if you do get it on paths, be sure to wash it off well with your garden hose.
One thing that everyone wants to know is when they can see results. The answer is if the conditions are good, within one week is normal with this product. EverGreen 4-in-1 provides your lawn with the essential nitrogen and potassium nutrients for a greener and tougher lawn. Nitrogen will keep your lawn green and thick whilst potassium makes grass strong and healthy. Potassium also gives roots enough strength for better water and nutrient absorption which is one key factor to a healthy lawn. The nitrogen content in the EverGreen 4-in-1 is 14% whereas potassium oxide is 5%, forming part of the unique WaterSmart Formula by EverGreen.
While moss growth is inevitable in shady areas of a lawn, applying this feed can help curb the problem. Weed seeds that invade your lawn from other areas may also affect the richness of your lawn. Using the 4-in-1 results in a weed-free lawn but we found this can take up to five weeks to properly work.
Pros
- Visible results to your grass in just seven7 days in favourable conditions so you don’t have to be too impatient.
- Works in three to five weeks to kill moss and control weeds so just hang in there.
- Ideal to use with EverGreen and Scotts lawn spreaders, which offer even coverage.
- Consists of EverGreen’s WaterSmart Formula which strengthens roots and helps them absorb water and nutrients better.
Cons
- Can burn grass if applied without following instructions.
Thoughts and recommendations
The EverGreen Complete 4-in-1 Lawn Care Bag is a very popular and affordable granular lawn feed that does a great job of creating a thick and green lawn and helps in dealing with moss and weeds. The most amazing thing is that results are visible in only seven days after application as the feed value is fairly high compared to some other brands we have seen. We like the fact that it works with EverGreen and Scotts lawn spreaders as it brings flexibility to users and these lawn spreaders are also very affordable.
Overall this is a very effective feed. After careful consideration, we decided it was certainly worth the Best Pick spot for granular lawn feed.
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2. Scotts Lawn Builder Lawn Food
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The Scotts Lawn Builder Lawn Food Bag is a great choice for lawn experts who want deluxe results and enjoy taking care of their lawns regularly. It is a scorch-free fertiliser that requires no watering. Simply apply with a suitable lawn spreader such as the Scotts or EverGreen models which are well known for even spreading. You can also hand-spread the fertiliser on your lawn but you must mark treated areas to avoid over-application. Also, make sure to wear gloves if you want to apply by hand.
Scotts recommends using this lawn feed between March and September or applying it according to their recommended annual programme. The best time to apply as always is when the soil is moist, grass is dry and the weather is frost free. You can still apply the feed in hot dry conditions but we recommend watering in this scenario. Ensure you use the right lawn spreader settings for even application by confirming the appropriate settings for your spreader on the product packaging.
Speaking of results, this lawn feed greens in as little as one week. The fertiliser contains nitrogen that ensures a thicker and tougher lawn for some months. The slow-release granules feed essential nitrogen to your lawn day after day, ensuring it stays healthy for a long time. Your lawn will benefit from uniform greening without surge growth and additional mowing. Scotts Lawn Builder Lawn Food is used to maintain many sports venues across the UK and Europe, so you can trust this brand. It’s one we have personally used for many years.
Pros
- Greens in only seven days and maintains results for months.
- Won’t scorch your grass even though you don’t water it in.
- Easy to use the lawn feed – can be spread by hand or using a lawn spreader.
- No surge growth due to slow nutrient release and water smart formula.
- Does not need watering in, thus it can be spread even in hot dry conditions.
- One 8kg bag covers a relatively large area – 400m2.
Cons
- Does not control moss or kill weeds.
Thoughts and recommendations
Scotts Lawn Builder Lawn Food is a top quality lawn feed for the avid gardener. It is easy to apply even without a lawn spreader although using a suitable lawn spreader guarantees the best results and makes the job much easier. As long as you follow the instructions, this lawn feed gives desirable results for a long time because of the slow release fertiliser which we particularly like. Preferred by many sporting venues in the UK, it does not cause surge growth and requires no extra mowing unlike other granular lawn feeds which can cause the lawn to grow excessively fast which is not ideal.
Even though it’s quite pricey, the Scotts Lawn Builder Lawn Food is a great choice for regular lawn feeding for those looking for a lawn feed without weed killer.
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3. Sportsmaster Spring and Summer Professional Fertiliser
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The Sportsmaster Spring and Summer Professional Fertiliser is not the fastest-acting lawn feed we review but speed isn’t everything. If you can wait six weeks to see the excellent results, this compound fertiliser of mini granules is easy to apply to your lawn with a wonderfully even distribution.
Use this lawn care product, like all others, between April and September – the beginning of spring and the end of summer – for active growth of the grass. It has been specially designed for a reduced risk of scorching the grass due to its quick breakdown into the soil. However, if you apply it thickly, it will still scorch the lawn.
We recommend watering this Sportsmaster fertiliser into the lawn to aid the dispersion of the fertiliser if it does not rain. Also, delay mowing the lawn for at least three days after application. This fertiliser is an innovative lawn feed that is a sustainable solution that works well for thinning grass.
We recommend, as always, that you use a spreader to apply this mini granular feed to your lawn. If you have to spread it by hand, segment your lawn into five-metre squares to keep track of where you’ve applied the granules. Ensure you weigh the required quantity of fertiliser so you don’t put down too much; use the conversion chart in the spreader for accuracy.
Sportmaster Fertiliser is animal-friendly and does not affect your pets or other domesticated animals. We advise that you scarify your lawn so as to remove the moss on top of it.
Pros
- Application time is anytime between April and September for best results.
- Breaks down rapidly and makes it easy for the uptake of minerals and nutrients into the soil.
- Lowers the risk of scorching since it disintegrates into the soil after watering the lawn.
- Free sample pack of 100g of Gardeners Dream Grass Seed is included in case you need to reseed some thinning areas of grass.
- It has a longevity of 6 weeks, a turf response of 7 days and a granule dispersal of 4-5 days.
- High phosphate and potash levels encourage harder growth and better root development for that luscious growth.
- Ensures even growth, quality and colour over the whole area.
Cons
- No moss or weed killing properties.
- Takes six weeks to see results.
Thoughts and recommendations
The Sportsmaster Spring and Summer Professional Fertiliser is ideal for use in professional environments such as fairways, parks and sports fields. We also recommend it for use by ornamental horticulture growers, turf managers, landscapers and farmers. That being said, it’s also a great product for home gardeners, especially those who take great pride in their lush and vibrant lawns. Its ease of use and evenness in distribution makes it a charm to work within any garden.
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Soluble Lawn Feeds
4. Tradefarmini Iron Sulphate Premium Soluble Fertiliser
BEST WATER SOLUBLE LAWN FEED
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Tradefarmini Iron Sulphate Premium Soluble Fertiliser encourages a vibrant lawn by making your lawn greener while highly effectively killing any moss. This water-soluble lawn feed works best from January to the beginning of spring in killing moss and then from spring to autumn for feeding the lawn.
This lawn feed also acts as a turf-hardener since it works to prevent lawn disease. From late autumn to early spring, it reduces worm casts on the lawn. Worm casts are small, slimy soil mounds caused by the overturning of soil by earthworms. However, long term use of this fertiliser can acidity your lawn which is not a great environment for anything that prefers alkali or neutral pH soil.
What we really like about this Tradefarmini feed is the pure ease of use. It is highly soluble in water. To make it even easier to mix, simply dissolve some in warm water, then mix this warm water with cold water. Then use it in a watering can with a fine hose or sprayer. You may see the moss blackening within two hours before you’ve even finished the whole lawn if it’s a large lawn.
Since you use this fertiliser for several purposes, a 5kg tub is enough for 5,000 square metres when you use it for greening and 6,250 square metres for moss killing. It is easily stored since it comes in a tub with an easy open and close clip top. It has simple measurements for different uses such as 1-2g/L for greening, 2-5g/L for moss killing and 2-3g/L for turf hardening purposes.
Iron sulphate has been proven to be one of the best components in weed and moss killing fertilisers due to its multipurpose use. It will ensure you are left with a clean, beautiful looking lawn. The moss and weeds blacken and die and all you have to do is rake your lawn (also known as scarifying) to get back your even green colour, especially after a cold season.
Pros
- Three-in-one water soluble fertiliser greens and conditions your lawn, kills moss and toughens the turf.
- Simple to mix and apply, and then use with a watering can and sprayer.
- The high coverage area for both greening and moss killing.
- Easily stored in optimum conditions in an easy to close and open clip top tub.
- Works almost instantly as a moss killer.
- Helps prevent lawn issues such as worm casts.
Cons
- Only kills surface moss.
- Acidifies the ground after long-term use.
Thoughts and recommendations
The ferrous sulphate properties of the Tradefarmini Iron Sulphate Premium Soluble Fertiliser make it a highly effective moss killer, lawn greener and lawn conditioner. This plus the turf hardening and reduction of worm cast qualities make it one of the best liquid lawn feed and weed killers that exist. Best of all, it’s super easy to apply without the worry of burning the lawn.
If you’re looking for the easiest way to treat your lawn and kill moss without the risk of scorching anything, this is the water soluble lawn feed we recommend as our Best Pick.
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5. Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Lawn Food Tub
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One of the best known soluble lawn feeds out there is the Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Lawn Food. Since it is water-soluble, you can distribute it from a watering can or you can use the affordable Miracle Gro feeder which you can fill with the feed. As with all lawn feeds, it is best used from early spring to autumn during the months of April to September when the lawn is actively growing.
This convenient and easy-to-use application lawn feed should be applied once a month to your lawn. However, if your lawn is in poor condition, it should be applied every two weeks so as to help it recover quickly. This Miracle Gro fertiliser, unlike some others we review, is good for newly turfed lawns and seeded spring lawns. It comes in a 2kg tub and you should start to see the effects within around five days as your grass starts to become more lush and green.
Since this fertiliser is very water-soluble, it is important that you dissolve the granules in water before application. Don’t apply then to the grass and then water them in as this can lead to over-application. Also, avoid getting the feed onto the plants. This fertiliser’s application rate is 500g per 100m². (But check what the instructions on the tub say in case things change.) What you do is mix 15ml of the feed in 4.5L of water and spray it over 2.5 m² of lawn.
This fertiliser has a low scorch risk but we came to the conclusion that the wrong measurements can still lead to scorching our lawn. Also, make sure that you seal the tub tightly after use to avoid moisture getting into the crystals.
This lawn feed is high in nitrogen and chelated iron for the deep green colour you desire in the grass. It provides solar feeding through the roots and grass blades making it easy for the even distribution of nutrients. It also has an indefinite shelf life so will keep it if you store it.
Pros
- Apply with a watering can or by using the Miracle Gro Sprayer.
- Fast reaction time of five days for a richer and greener lawn
- Feed and water your lawn at the same time – multitask!
- Low scorch risk as the dissolved crystals are absorbed easily.
Cons
- No weed or moss killing properties.
- Stains fingers and clothes if spilled.
Thoughts and recommendations
One of the best lawn fertilisers in the market is the Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Lawn Food Tub. It gives you miraculous results for your lawn and is very easy to measure out and use. If you need to feed your newly laid lawn with the hopes of a dark green lush look, you should seriously consider this lawn feed.
This fertiliser is an excellent choice for anyone on a budget looking to green up their lawn but remember that it does not kill moss or weeds.
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6. Ferromel 20 Iron Sulphate Premium Lawn Conditioner and Lawn Feed
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The Ferromel 20 Iron Sulphate PREMIUM Lawn Conditioner and Lawn Feed acts as a lawn feed, lawn greener/conditioner as well as a moss killer. It also assists in turf hardening to help it stay healthy. This lawn care product has been known to assist in horticulture in the treatment of iron chlorosis problems.
This lawn conditioner and feed dissolves in water to form a solution that results in a correct, even distribution. You can also distribute it using a spreader and then water the lawn to activate it. As a moss killer, it is so powerful that you notice the blackening and dying of the moss within hours.
However, with this product, you do need to test the type of soil you have in your garden first. Different types of soil need different amounts of lawn feed so as not to acidify the soil immediately. However, usually, 1kg is enough for a 40:1 spray solution.
This fertiliser is mostly used during the growing period of grass. After the treatment of your lawn, do not walk on the freshly cut grass as it will prevent the proper delivery of the nutrients to the plants.
You can also use this fertiliser as a feed for acid-loving plants. Mix it with compost or, for even better results, dig it into the soil to create a long-lasting stock of nutrients. It is also a food tonic for lime-hating plants such as heathers and rhododendrons.
Pros
- Extremely powerful and high quality three in one formula that encourages strong growth and healthy dark green grass while killing moss and weeds.
- Helps to prevent lawn diseases by hardening the turf and reducting and destroying worm casts.
- Easy to use since the measurements are easy to follow.
- Results take four to five days to become visible.
- Each mini granule contains the right proportion of nutrients so every art of your lawn gets what it needs.
- High phosphate and potash levels encourage harder growth and better root development.
- Also useful as a plant tonic for feeding acid loving plants in the garden.
Cons
- Stains hard surfaces if spilled.
Thoughts and recommendations
One of the most used and trusted brands of lawn feeds is the Ferromel 20 Iron Sulphate Lawn Conditioner and Lawn Feed. We would recommend it for use by professional groundskeepers, lawn keepers, park keepers and sports groundsmen or if you have a very large garden. It is also good for anyone who has rhododendrons in their garden that are looking yellow as it can be used as a plant feed. It should be handled with care since it is made of very fine particles.
Buyer’s Guide
Deciding which lawn feed is best for your particular lawn rests on just a few decisions. We cover these in this Buyer’s Guide along with some advice on how and when to apply this lawn care product.
Granular or water soluble?
There are two main types of lawn feeds and fertiliser to choose from.
Granular fertilisers
Also known as dry fertilisers, granular lawn feed is applied to the grass preferably using a mechanical spreader or a shaker container. It is then usually watered in within 24 hours if it does not rain after the application. It is relatively easy to regulate how the granules are applied and dispersed, especially with a lawn spreader. The only downside is that if spread too thickly, particularly in patches, the fertiliser can sometimes burn or scorch the lawn.
Water soluble fertiliser
With this style of fertiliser, the granules are dissolved in water (in particular ratios) and then applied to the lawn using a watering can with a fine nozzle or sprayer. These solutions are fast-acting since the grass absorbs them directly and quickly through the roots and the blades. This fertiliser is usually applied once or twice a month depending on the quality of the lawn beforehand. These are great for anyone who is worried about burning the lawn or looking for a hassle-free way to feed the lawn. Clear measurements are usually provided as to what volume or weight of granules per litre of water to use.
Size of granules
The size of granules goes a long way in ensuring that the nutrients in the fertiliser are absorbed by the lawn. The larger crystals take longer to dissolve when you water them into the lawn. This means that it takes some time for them to reach down to the roots of the grass. Finer crystals, whether soluble or granular, are easier to spread or dissolve.
Weed and/or feed?
Fertilisers by themselves do the worthwhile tasks of boosting the general nutritional profile of the soil. This leads to better nutrition for your grass, allowing it to grow healthy, strong and really green.
However, some fertilisers are multi-taskers in that they also kill weeds and surface moss in your lawn at the same time. Moss and weeds thrive mostly in areas where the nutritional profile of the soil is low. Usually, you give the lawn a good scarifying (raking) around two weeks later to remove moss. The lawn then starts to establish itself again where it once looked bare.
The really high-performing lawn feeds add yet another task to their to-do list – turf hardening. Turf is a layer of soil covered with grass. The turf needs to be hard enough to prevent lawn diseases such as brown patch, dollar sport and powdery mildew. These diseases usually affect the general feel and look of the lawn. More often than not, once they have attacked, the only option a gardener has is to scorch the entire lawn and start again. In order to prevent this, getting a fertiliser with turf hardening properties goes a long way. It will also help reduce the number of worm casts that exist.
Pet and child friendly
If you have pets and children who love to be in the garden, look for lawn feed that’s friendly to them. That is, it doesn’t harm them if it comes into contact with their feet or other body parts. Organic fertilisers here are the best way to go. They do not have harsh chemical that will affect the health of the children. If you have pets or children we recommend using a water-soluble fertiliser (that’s quickly absorbed by the soil and grass) if you cannot guarantee to keep the little ones and pets off the lawn.
How to use lawn feed
Time of the year
Your choice of the type of fertiliser depends in part on the time your lawn grows. Some fertilisers are better for use in summer while others work well in the spring and autumn. Knowing which fertiliser works best for which season is crucial. However, you can’t only rely on the calendar for your lawn needs – you need to observe the overall condition of your lawn to know what it needs when.
Spring fertilisers have more phosphorous so that the lawn can take root and grow strongly soon after a dormant winter. Winterizers (autumn fertilisers) are low in nitrogen and give your lawn the nutrients to defend against diseases.
Application rate
Generally, the application rate of fertiliser tends to be very light. However, the rate also depends on the type of soil. Be aware that, with some soils, you have to adjust the application rate to ensure that you do not scorch your lawn. It is important to remember that the distribution of lawn fertiliser is not like getting your meal from a buffet table – a little goes a long way to ensure your lawn is healthier. Too much fertiliser can harm your lawn so never overdo it. Always follow the recommended amounts on the packaging. Each year many people scorch their lawn by applying fertiliser incorrectly.
FAQs
How is lawn feed good for the grass and bad for moss at the same time?
Moss grows in conditions that are bad for grass to grow in, most notably soil with not enough nutrients. So by fertilising the soil and grass with lots of good nutrients, you create an environment in which moss can’t grow. What’s good for the grass is bad for moss. But be sure to select a lawn feed that says that it kills moss as it contains the right proportion of iron compound to do so.
What do nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in lawn feed do for my grass?
Nitrogen (N) keeps your lawn green and thick, phosphorus (P) stimulates root growth while potassium (K) makes grass strong and healthy. On the lawn feed container, three numbers tell you the percentages (by weight) of these three elements in the order N-P-K. For example, 21-3-3 is 21% nitrogen, 3% phosphorus and 3% potassium.
When can I water my lawn after fertilising it?
Well, it depends. Some of the granular lawn feed products in our review require you to water in the granules after you’ve put them down on the lawn. Another one states that you don’t have to water in the granules at all. Most weed and feed products should be watered two or so days after fertilising the grass.
The best thing is to check the instructions on the lawn feed container. Remember that it’s best to apply any lawn fertiliser to a damp lawn so you never have dry soil and dry granules in contact.
Our Final Conclusion
Lawns always benefit from regular feeding and maintenance. A healthy lawn equals a happy (and proud) lawn owner. Lawn feed that delivers lush green and vibrant results with a convenient, easy-to-use application is a must-have in any garden shed. And multi-tasking lawn feed that also gets rid of weeds and moss is indispensable in saving previous gardening time and effort.
Our Best Pick for granular lawn care is the EverGreen Complete 4-in-1 Lawn Care Feed. This is a multi-functional lawn care product that kills weeds and moss at the same time as delivering nutrients to your lawn and delivers quick results.
Tradefarmini Iron Sulphate Premium Soluble Fertiliser earns our recommendations as the Best water Soluble Lawn feed. This product is extremely easy to mix up and use and it greens, conditions and toughens your lawn as well as kills moss, weeds and worm casts.
Before applying lawn feed to your lawn, consider preparing it by aerating and scarifying the grass. Our reviews on the Best Aerators and the Best Scarifiers explain what these tools are and which are the best ones to buy. And when your lush green lawn is ready for cutting, treat it well with one of the Best Lawnmowers.
Best Pick
Best Soluble Lawn Feed
Last update on 2021-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
