Best Organic Fertilizer for My Lawn

Publushed by:

Rebecca

Last updated:

January 2, 2022

WINNER

 4.7/5

Espoma Fall Winterizer Organic Lawn Food

RUNNER UP

 4.3/5

Scott’s Natural Lawn Food

BEST BUY

 4.1/5

True Organic Liquid Lawn Food

There are loads of products out there promising a healthy, green lawn, but most of them are packed full of harmful chemicals. If your approach to gardening is the organic one and you’re looking to provide your lawn with a natural boost, there are loads of options out there to try.

Does organic fertilizer really work? From the perspective of the grass, using an organic fertilizer is just as effective as a non-organic one, but for the owner of the grass, it delivers better peace of mind.

These fertilizers can still give you a lush lawn but without any nasty ingredients scattered around your home, so they’re safe and successful.

Using an organic grass fertilizer gives you the usual benefits of fertilization without any of the harmful chemicals, and for many people, it’s the only approach they trust.

If you want to give these natural ingredients a go, we’ve hand-picked our favorite organic lawn fertilizers for you to consider.

Our Expert Picks for Best Organic Lawn Fertilizer

If you’re ready to give up the synthetic fertilizers and focus on natural and organic products only, we’ve got the only products you need to know about.

Our hand-picked favorites in both dry and liquid fertilizers will show you what’s possible with organic lawn fertilizer and what the best of the best looks like.

Best Overall: Espoma Fall Winterizer Organic Lawn Food

Short summary

Espoma’s Fall Winteriser Organic Lawn Food is a natural grass fertilizer designed to deliver early spring greening and protect your lawn during winter.

The key ingredients in this slow release fertilizer are sulfate of potash, as well as feather meal and manure from poultry, all packaged in a massive 30lbs container that’s capable of covering 5,000 square feet of grass.

If your goal is to prepare for your lawn for winter and provide it with an early spring greening, the Espoma Fall Winterizer Organic Lawn Food is the best way to do it.

This 30lbs container of organic fertilizer contains manure and father meal from poultry, as well as sulfate of potash, and all taken from organic sources.

The Fall Winterizer fertilizer features an 8-0-6 formulation which makes it perfect for winter, so those looking for a general purpose greening or strengthening fertilizer will want to look around.

With double the amount of nitrogen that other fertilizers have, it gives a powerful boost to your grass. The results from this are long lasting as well, with many people finding just once a year is all they need to get healthy and luscious grass.

An average container of Espoma’s organic fertilizer will get around 5,000 square feet of coverage, but it does require some work to spread it.

It’s suitable for all grass types and homes with pets and children, thanks to the all organic ingredients that make it gentle and natural. If you want the most potent organic fertilizer around, Fall Winterizer from Espoma is our favorite pick.

Quick Facts

Ingredients: Potash, manure, feather meal
Dimensions: 30lbs
Grass Types: All
Usage (Area): 5,000 square feet

Pros

One of the best slow release options with more than double the usual nitrogen content in most fertilizers.
You’ll have true peace of mind that your pets and family are safe to play on the lawn when you use this.
A single bag of this gets you up to 5,000 square feet of coverage so it’s an economically friendly pick.
The addition of extra potash means this fertilizer will work well into the following spring with amazing slow release capabilities.
Customers loved this for winterizing their lawn and ensuring they didn’t lose any green in the colder months.

Cons

As a winter friendly lawn fertilizer, this might not be the best pick if you’re looking for a general-purpose lawn treatment.
This fertilizer leaves behind a strong odor that takes weeks to disappear, so keep that in mind if you’re sensitive to smells.
Having to spread the dry pellets of fertilizer around will take a while and you’ll need to invest in a broadcaster to make it easier.

Runner-Up: Scott’s Natural Lawn Food

Short summary

Scott’s Natural Lawn Food is the key to building healthy and thick grass using a natural lawn fertilizer and it comes in a 29lbs bag to cover up to 4,000 square feet around your property.

This is an all purpose fertilizer that suits any grass type, can be applied any season, and works at any stage of growth, including before sodding, and it’s safe enough for use around pets and children.

For those happy to patiently wait, a slow release organic fertilizer like Scott’s Natural Lawn Food will turn your grass into the most luscious and healthy it’s ever been.

Although you won’t see results immediately, when you do they’ll last for a long time, and you can apply this fertilizer in any season for just as much effectiveness.

Scott’s Natural Lawn Fertilizer works on all grass types, even sensitive ones, and it also works at any stage your grass is at, including before and after sodding.

A single bag of this fertilizer will cover 4,000 square feet of grass, so it’s one of the better options in this regard, and Scott’s recommends using one of their broadcasters to get an even spread.

Although an OMRI listed fertilizer, not all of the products within this product are organic but a majority are.

This is worth knowing if you only want to choose a 100% organic alternative, even though Scott’s Natural Lawn Food is safe for use around children and animals, and there’s no wait time before you can enjoy your lawn again after applying it.

For the healthiest and most luscious grass you’ve ever had, you can put your trust in Scott’s to deliver.

Quick Facts

Dimensions: 29lbs
Grass Types: All
Usage (Area): 4,000 square feet

Pros

A safe lawn fertilizer that you can feel total peace of mind using, especially if you have children and pets.
You can walk on the lawn immediately after applying it without damaging the grass or being exposed to chemicals.
One of the better choices for slow release that will provide healthy, luscious grass year round.
This is a multipurpose lawn fertilizer that can be used during any season and on any type of grass.
Can be used with new lawns as well, and even before sodding, so it suits every growth stage of your grass.

Cons

Can be used with new lawns as well, and even before sodding, so it suits every growth stage of your grass.
This is one of the more expensive options for fertilizer but it has decent coverage for the price which evens it out.
Although it uses all natural ingredients, they're not all organic, which can be a deal-breaker.

Alternative: Milorganite Organic Nitrogen Fertilizer

Short summary

The Organic Nitrogen Fertilizer from Milorganite is a top seller and an organic, iron-rich, and high nitrogen formula that will transform your grass in just one month.

As a slow release solution, it takes time to get results, but will also reduce cutting and watering time once it gets to work. The 32lbs bag covers around 2,500 square feet of lawn and it suits all grass types, so anyone can benefit.

Milorganite’s Organic Nitrogen Fertilizer is one of the world’s most renowned grass fertilizers and it’s made with a 100% organic composition.

The key ingredients of iron and a high nitrogen count mean you’ll get an amazingly green and luscious lawn after just one application of the fertilizer, and it’s been used for decades on golf courses to keep the perfect grass.

One of the best things about this organic fertilizer for lawns is that it actually cuts mowing time down, and has to be watered less.

Both of these mean a low-maintenance yard that looks better than it ever has before, as long as you’re prepared to pay the premium price attached to this natural alternative.

Some people were concerned to find that sewage sludge was an ingredient of this fertilizer, but it’s a common one in organic alternatives like this, so if you can look past it, the results will speak for themselves.

As a slow release formula, the 36lb bag of fertilizer takes a little time to see results, but it’ll amaze you when it does.

With a 6-4-0 composition and higher content of nitrogen than others, it’s one of the best things you can do for your lawn.

The Milorganite Organic Nitrogen Fertilizer is a favorite of ours and a must for anyone looking to copy the golf course look but with minimal effort.

Quick Facts

Ingredients: Iron, nitrogen, phosphorus
Dimensions: 32lbs
Grass Types: All
Usage (Area): 2500 square feet

Pros

This makes for a low maintenance lawn with less mowing and less watering, which are both bonuses for you.
A truly organic composition that you can feel good about using and with no concerns for safety.
The thickness and greenness of your grass once this has taken effect will astound you.
As a popular choice for golf courses, this fertilizer has been used for years and has a great reputation.
Easy to apply and only needs to be used every six months or as needed, making it even more low maintenance.

Cons

This fertilizer has a powerful smell that lasts for up to a week, so be prepared to put up with it if you choose this one.
For how much square feet of coverage you get, this is an expensive option for organic fertilizers.
Some people didn't like that this contained activated sewage sludge in the ingredients, which might be a turn-off.

Alternative: Wiggle Worm Soil Builder

Short summary

Wiggle Worm Soil Builder is an organic fertilizer made exclusively of worm castings and it’s 100% organic and natural.

This fertilizer comes in a 15lbs bag and can be used on your grass, gardens, greenhouses, and indoor plants for a multipurpose approach, targeting the health of the soil underneath.

There are no synthetic or chemical ingredients and it suits all grass types and seasons, so you can use it with total peace of mind.

Soil Builder from Wiggle Worm is a soil-boosting fertilizer and one of our favorites when it comes to improving the state of your lawn.

As the name suggests, this fertilizer is made exclusively of worm castings and is one of the only products that can stand by its claim of being all natural.

Unlike other fertilizers, there’s no nasty smell when you lay this, so you never have to give it a second thought.

There are loads of benefits that worm castings offer your lawn, including better soil aeration, healthier growing conditions, and an all-natural approach that you can feel good about using.

Better still, there’s no need to fear your dog accidentally eating some or your kids playing on the lawn after it’s been spread, so it’s one of the safest and most natural options around.

Wiggle Worm’s Soil Builder does have some downsides, like the higher cost and the smaller bag size of 15lbs. however, you can decide how much you want to use and let the results speak for themselves.

If you want something made in the earth that will get to work improving the growing conditions of your grass, there’s nothing better than Wiggle Worm.

Quick Facts

Ingredients: Worm castings
Dimensions: 15lbs
Grass Types: All
Usage (Area): NA

Pros

This fertilizer is focused on improving the soil which then helps your grass, so it’s ideal if you need to make your lawn stronger.
Having a fully organic material like worm castings means you're only putting the best and most natural stuff back into the earth.
You can use this on your lawn and the rest of your garden, including indoor plants, so it’s versatile.
Actively improves the soil structure underneath the grass which aids in growth and good health.
Unlike other fertilizers that have a strong odor, this one is natural and has none, so you won’t even know if you’ve laid it.

Cons

Best Liquid Fertlizer: True Organic Liquid Lawn Food

Short summary

True Organic’s Liquid Lawn Food is a unique blend of iron, soy protein hydrolysate, fish solubles, corn steep liquor, potash, and more.

The 4-0-1 formula is packaged in a 32oz spray bottle which covers up to 2,000 square feet of grass, and it works at replenishing the soil underneath as well as supporting root growth and starting new grass seed.

If you prefer the ease and minimal mess of liquid fertilizer, True Organic’s Liquid Lawn Food is one of the best in this category.

The 32oz bottle might be one of the more expensive options as it only covers around 2,000 square feet in one package, but the results are instantaneous and it works underneath the ground as well as the grass on top, giving a complete transformation to your lawn.

There are loads of good, organic ingredients in this liquid fertilizer, including sugar molasses, potash, kelp, soy protein hydrolysate, and fish soluble.

Understandably, it’s one of the worst smelling fertilizers as well, so you’ll want to give it at least a week before the odor starts to dissipate.

Some people found the stench worth it when they saw how previously dead patches of grass started to come to life, and sometimes in just days.

True Organic’s Liquid Lawn Food uses a 4-0-1 formula that greens your lawn immediately, and it features only farm grade and organic ingredients.

You will feel total peace of mind knowing this has been applied to your grass and you can step onto it right away without having to worry about chemicals.

True Organic recommends monthly application to keep your lawn in good shape, but the extra effort will be worth it once you see results.

Quick Facts

Ingredients: Kelp, potash, soy protein hydrolysate, fish soluble
Dimensions: 32oz
Grass Types: All
Usage (Area): 2,000 square feet

Pros

Within just a week people noticed results like a greener lawn and thicker, more luscious grass, and the dead spots starting to come back to life.
It works on all grass types and isn’t as harsh as synthetic fertilizers so there’s no risk of burning.
Actively works underneath and treats the soil as well as giving a boost to the blades of grass.
Comes with some of the highest quality and concentrated natural ingredients on the market today.
One of the best options if you’re growing new grass and need something that’ll give it a boost.

Cons

Organic Lawn Fertilizer FAQs

The key to healthy soil and vibrant grass is a good fertilizer, and thankfully, organic options have come a long way from where they used to be.

If you still want to learn more about this natural alternative for your lawn, read on for a few FAQS that will help.

Can You Have A Nice Lawn Without Chemicals?

Yes, it is possible to use natural and organic fertilizers that don’t contain harsh chemicals when treating your lawn.

A regular application of natural fertilizer plus ongoing mowing, weeding, and seeding are all possible without having to use any chemicals.

Is Organic Fertilizer Better For Lawns?

Most experts believe that organic fertilizers and those that include synthetic ingredients are just as effective at helping the grass.

The main difference is that an organic fertilizer poses no risk to the occupants of the property or the wildlife and insects that inhabit it, which is why many choose this natural approach.

When Should I Apply An Organic Fertilizer To My Lawn?

Autumn and early spring are the best times to apply fertilizer to your lawn, and some people do another application during winter.

However, for the most accurate application, you should consult the recommendations by the manufacturer that come with the specific fertilizer that you’re using.

What Are The Disadvantages Of Using Organic Fertilizers?

Some of the most common disadvantages of organic fertilizers are that they’re expensive and lower in key nutrients, but it depends on the product and formula.

There are shortcomings to every type of fertilizer though, so before you choose a product make sure you’ve researched its pros and cons.

An Organic Gardening Staple

Anyone interested in organic gardening would do well to start with organic lawn fertilizer, giving them a chance to see what these all natural products are all about.

If you’re ready to make the switch to this gentler style of gardening, our recommendations cover the best of the best in this market, so choose the one that best suits your lawn’s needs.

WINNER

 4.7/5

Espoma Fall Winterizer Organic Lawn Food

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