Does your lawn look more like a patchy, sad carpet than a vibrant green paradise? You’re not alone! Many homeowners struggle to get that lush, picture-perfect grass they dream about. The secret weapon? The right lawn feed. But stepping into the garden center can feel overwhelming. Do you need nitrogen? What about phosphorus? And which one is best for summer versus spring?
Choosing the wrong fertilizer can lead to wasted money, burned grass, or simply no noticeable improvement. It’s frustrating when you put in the effort but don’t see the green payoff. We understand that confusion, and that’s why we’ve created this essential guide.
By the end of this post, you will know exactly what ingredients matter, how to read those confusing labels, and which lawn feed will give your yard the boost it truly needs. Get ready to transform your turf from dull to dazzling! Let’s dive into the world of lawn feeding.
Top Lawn Feed Recommendations
- Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food feeds and strengthens grass to help protect against future problems
- Fertilizer builds strong, deep roots and improves the lawn's ability to absorb water and nutrients (vs. unfed lawn)
- Apply lawn care product to a wet or dry lawn
- Grass fertilizer works on any grass type
- One 12.5 lb. bag of Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food covers 5,000 sq. ft.
- Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed3 weed killer plus fertilizer kills existing listed weeds and feeds to thicken your lawn and crowd out future weeds
- Weed Control and Lawn Fertilizer: controls over 50 listed lawn weeds, including clover, dandelion, plantain, morningglory, chicory, eveningprimrose, and purslane
- Weed and Feed for Lawns: Apply this combination weed control and lawn food to a wet lawn when weeds are actively growing and daytime temperatures are consistently between 60°F and 90°F; do not apply more than 2X per year
- Use on Listed Grass Types: Apply this lawn care product to Bahiagrass, Bermudagrass, Bluegrass, Centipedegrass, Fescue, Ryegrass, and Zoysiagrass (temporary discoloration may occur on some grasses)
- Coverage: One 14.29 lb. bag of Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed3 covers 5,000 sq. ft.; use a Scotts spreader for even, uniform coverage
- Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard Fall Weed & Feed3 is a weed killer and lawn fertilizer that controls weeds and feeds grass in the fall for a better lawn next spring
- Fall weed and feed kills over 50 listed lawn weeds, including clover, dandelion, plantain, morningglory, chicory, eveningprimrose, and purslane
- Apply weed control plus grass fertilizer to a moist lawn when weeds are actively growing and temperatures are consistently between 60°F and 90°F
- This lawn care product is for use on Bahiagrass, Bermudagrass, Bluegrass, Centipedegrass, Fescue, Ryegrass, and Zoysiagrass
- One 11.43 lb. bag of Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard Fall Weed & Feed3 covers 4,000 sq. ft.
- Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard Fall Lawn Food builds strong, deep grass roots for a better lawn next spring
- Fertilizer delivers the nutrients lawns need to help recover from damage caused by summer heat, drought, and activity
- Apply to a wet or dry lawn in the fall, as this is the best time to feed
- This lawn care product is for use on any grass type
- One 10 lb. bag of Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard Fall Lawn Food covers 4,000 sq. ft.
- Scotts Green Max Lawn Food is a dual-action fertilizer and iron formula that feeds your lawn and provides deep greening in just 3 days
- This lawn care product contains 5% iron, a micronutrient that enhances the greening process for fast results
- Apply this fertilizer plus iron supplement to any grass type in the spring, summer, or fall
- Guaranteed not to stain concrete, driveways, or other surfaces surrounding your lawn (when used as directed)
- One 16.67 lb. bag of Scotts Green Max Lawn Food covers 5,000 sq. ft.
- DUAL-ACTION FORMULA: Kills major broadleaf weeds while feeding your lawn.
- FEEDS LAWN: Fertilizes with 20 percent nitrogen formulation.
- KILLS WEEDS: Controls dandelion, chickweed, knotweed, plantain, clover, mallow, purslane and many broadleaf weeds as listed.
- QUICKFLIP SPRAYER: Just connect to your hose and spray – just grip, flip and go.
- COVERAGE: 32 ounces treats up to 7,500 square feet of lawn.
- Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed5 weed killer plus fertilizer kills existing listed weeds and feeds to thicken grass and crowd out future weeds
- Weed Control and Lawn Fertilizer: controls over 50 listed lawn weeds, including clover, dandelion, plantain, morningglory, chicory, eveningprimrose, and purslane
- Weed and Feed for Lawns: Apply this combination weed control and lawn food to a wet lawn when weeds are actively growing and daytime temperatures are consistently between 60°F and 90°F; do not apply more than 2X per year
- Use on Listed Grass Types: Apply this lawn care product to Bahiagrass, Bermudagrass, Bluegrass, Centipedegrass, Fescue, Ryegrass, and Zoysiagrass (temporary discoloration may occur on some grasses)
- Coverage: One 11.32 lb. bag of Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed5 covers 4,000 sq. ft.; use a Scotts spreader for even, uniform coverage
- Scotts Liquid Green Max Lawn Food is your go-to liquid fertilizer and iron supplement for greening your lawn in just 3 days, so bring on those last-minute barbecues and an outdoor season chock-full of fun
- The dual-action, 2-in-1 formula feeds and supplements with iron to enhance and deepen the green color of your grass
- Apply to any type of grass, from Kentucky Bluegrass to Bermudagrass; for the best results use regularly from early spring through late fall
- A well-fed lawn leads to a green lawn, which cleans air, prevents runoff and soil erosion, and makes the great outdoors even greater
- Application is as easy as connecting your hose to the bottle, pointing the spray nozzle and letting this liquid fertilizer cover up to 2,000 sq ft—no granules, no spreaders, no hassle
Your Guide to Greener Grass: Choosing the Best Lawn Feed
Want a lush, green lawn that makes your neighbors jealous? Choosing the right lawn feed is the first step. This guide breaks down what you need to know before you buy.
Key Features to Look For
1. Nutrient Ratios (The NPK Numbers)
Lawn feeds show three numbers on the bag, like 20-5-10. These are the NPK ratios. N stands for Nitrogen (makes grass green and grow fast). P is Phosphorus (helps roots grow strong). K is Potassium (helps the grass fight off disease and drought).
- High Nitrogen (N): Great for fast green-up in spring.
- Balanced Feed: Good for general health throughout the year.
- Winter Feed: Usually lower in N and higher in K to toughen the grass up.
2. Feed Type: Quick vs. Slow Release
How fast do you want results?
- Quick Release: These feed the lawn right away. You see results fast, but you might need to apply more often.
- Slow Release: These feed the grass steadily over several weeks or months. This gives more consistent growth and reduces the risk of burning your lawn.
3. Added Ingredients
Some feeds come packed with extras:
- Weed Killers: These products kill broadleaf weeds while feeding the grass. They are very popular.
- Moss Killers: These contain iron sulfate or similar ingredients to blacken and kill moss before you rake it out.
Important Materials in Lawn Feed
The main materials are the nutrients (N, P, K). But the source of these nutrients matters greatly.
Organic vs. Synthetic
- Synthetic (Chemical) Feeds: These are usually cheaper and offer precise, quick nutrient delivery. They are very effective but can sometimes wash away if it rains too much.
- Organic Feeds: These come from natural sources like manure or bone meal. They improve soil structure over time. They release nutrients slowly as microbes break them down. Many gardeners prefer these for long-term soil health.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes Feed Better?
High-quality feeds use premium slow-release coatings on the nitrogen granules. This ensures an even feed over a long period. Feeds that include micronutrients, like magnesium or iron, also boost color and health.
What Reduces Quality?
Low-quality feeds often use too much quick-release nitrogen. This causes rapid, weak growth that easily burns if the sun gets hot. If a product promises huge results for a very low price, check the NPK numbers—they might be very low.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the feed changes what you should buy.
Application Ease
Most granular feeds require a spreader (either drop or broadcast). Look for small, uniform granules. Large, irregular granules tend to clog spreaders or fall unevenly, leading to stripes in your lawn.
When to Use What
- Spring (March/April): Use a high-N feed to kickstart growth after winter.
- Summer (June/July): Use a balanced or slow-release feed to maintain color without causing excessive growth during the heat.
- Autumn (September/October): Use a feed higher in Potassium (K) to harden the grass for winter.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Lawn Feed
Q: How often should I feed my lawn?
A: Most lawns benefit from three to four applications per year: early spring, late spring/early summer, late summer, and autumn. Check the bag instructions for specific timing.
Q: Can I use lawn feed when it’s hot outside?
A: Be very careful. High heat combined with quick-release nitrogen can burn your grass. Always water the lawn thoroughly before and after applying feed in hot weather, or choose a specialized summer feed.
Q: What do I do after applying granular feed?
A: You must water the lawn thoroughly after application. Watering washes the granules into the soil, preventing them from burning the grass blades and starting the feeding process.
Q: Is it better to use a liquid feed or a granular feed?
A: Granular feeds are easier for large areas and usually last longer. Liquid feeds work faster and are great for quickly correcting a yellow patch, but they require more frequent application.
Q: My lawn is full of weeds. Should I buy a weed-and-feed product?
A: Yes, if you have many weeds, a weed-and-feed product saves time. However, make sure the weed killer is appropriate for the types of weeds you have.
Q: What is the purpose of iron in lawn feed?
A: Iron helps produce chlorophyll, which is essential for deep green color. It’s often added to feeds to give the lawn a very dark green boost without causing excessive growth.
Q: Will a high-nitrogen feed make my grass grow too fast?
A: Yes, especially quick-release types. Fast growth means you will have to mow more often. Slow-release feeds prevent this sudden surge.
Q: When is the best time of year to start feeding?
A: The best time to start is in early spring, usually when the grass starts actively growing again, often around March or April, depending on your climate.
Q: Can I use a lawn spreader if I have uneven ground?
A: For very bumpy lawns, a drop spreader is often better. Drop spreaders deposit fertilizer straight down, which helps prevent fertilizer from scattering onto flower beds or pathways.
Q: How long until I see results after feeding?
A: With quick-release feeds, you might see color improvement in just a few days. Slow-release feeds might take two to three weeks to show their full effect.