Skip to Content

9 Best Fertilizers to Help Your Lawn Thrive All Year Long

The grass is always greener—when you use these products. 🌱

By
fertilizer for lawn grass
Grace Cary//Getty Images

Every item on this page was chosen by an editor from The Pioneer Woman. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

It’s often said that the grass isn't always greener on the other side—but with the right care, it certainly can be. Imagine a lush, envy-inducing lawn that could give the pastures of Drummond Ranch a run for their money. (Okay...maybe not quite that iconic—but close!) The secret? It all starts with the right fertilizer. But here's the catch: not all lawns are created equal, and neither are fertilizers. To simplify your search, check out this list of the best grass fertilizers for lawns—perfect for preparing any yard for the seasons ahead.

Lawn fertilizers can be found in both granular and liquid formulas and contain three main nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (N-P-K). These are responsible for making your grass green, promoting root development, and keeping it strong no matter the conditions. Synthetic options work quickly but may be harsher on your lawn while the natural ingredients in organic fertilizers offer slow and steady release and won’t burn your lawn.

As for liquid or granular fertilizers, liquid has a quick-release formula that is sprayed across the lawn and granular comes in the form of dry pellets with slow-release qualities, typically over a six to eight week period. You can also find formulas for different seasons or all-season options. Once you find the formula that's right for your lawn, only fertilize when necessary to avoid leaf burn. (Scotts has a great guide on when to fertilize.) Then, water thoroughly with garden hoses to ensure the nutrients soaks in. Once you've got a well-fed and healthy yard, consider landscaping ideas to really bring your lawn to life!

Check out even more helpful lawn care tips:

1
Best Overall

Milorganite Long Lasting All Purpose Lawn Food 6-4-0

Milorganite Long Lasting All Purpose Lawn Food 6-4-0
Now 19% Off
Credit: Walmart

This popular pick delivers impressive greening power at an accessible price point. Its slow-release formula provides a steady, long-lasting supply of nutrients—nourishing the lawn gradually over ten weeks. Enriched with essential micronutrients such as iron and nitrogen, it promotes dense, vibrant growth without encouraging excessive top growth. The extended-release design may also help reduce watering needs and minimize mowing frequency. It's also non-toxic, making it safe for both pets and people.

2
Best All Season

Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food 32-0-4

Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food 32-0-4
Now 67% Off
Credit: Walmart

As a staple in lawn care, Scotts has earned its reputation for reliability and performance. This particular formula is especially well-suited for homeowners who prefer a fuss-free approach—it works across all grass types and in any season, making it a convenient choice for a wide range of lawns. With 32% nitrogen, it encourages lush, vibrant growth by reinforcing root strength and boosting nutrient and water uptake. It's also formulated with safety in mind, so it can be used confidently around children and pets. However, users should take care when applying, as overuse can lead to lawn burn despite its ability to repair damaged areas.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3
Best for Warmer Seasons

Pennington Ultragreen Lawn Fertilizer 30-0-4

On Sale
Pennington Ultragreen Lawn Fertilizer 30-0-4
Now 27% Off
Credit: Amazon

Because it works to strengthen your grass against heat and drought, this fertilizer is great to use as we head into the spring and summer months. It's suitable for all grasses and full of essential plant nutrients like 5% iron for deep, dark green color as well as both fast acting and slow release nitrogen to not only produce quick greening, but extend feed time for up to three months. The manufacturer recommends keeping pets and kids away from the treated area until it settles or dries.

4
Best Professional Grade

The Andersons PGF Complete Lawn Fertilizer 16-4-8

The Andersons PGF Complete Lawn Fertilizer 16-4-8
Credit: Amazon

According to the manufacturer, a year of researching and testing lent itself to this fertilizer which combines other top products plus all the needed plant nutrients into a single all-in-one formula. It's a professional grade fertilizer made available to the average homeowner for high grade growing and greening results on all grass throughout all seasons. Additional ingredients like humid acid will enrich soil, quicken greening, and increase turf quality. Slow release nitrogen provides uniform growth and extended feeding for up to eight weeks.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
5
Best for Thicker Grass

Safer Brand Lawn Restore All-Purpose Fertilizer 9-0-2

Safer Brand Lawn Restore All-Purpose Fertilizer 9-0-2
Credit: Amazon

Here's another all natural and organic formula that won’t pollute the environment or harm pets and children—but this one is specifically built to repair and revitalize thin grass to leave you with healthy and thick turf. Nitrogen will give you a greener lawn in just three to five days, while other naturally derived plant food ingredients won't deprive the soil of nutrients or burn your lawn as it works to increase soil biological activity, nourish grass, and strengthen root systems. It will also help the grass withstand outside stresses.

6
Best for Cooler Seasons

Winter Survival Fall Lawn Fertilizer 10-0-20

Winter Survival Fall Lawn Fertilizer 10-0-20
Credit: Jonathan Green

There's no need to let your yard lose its shine in the winter—especially when you can get products like this to help you keep it alive. The slow-release of a nutrient rich formula will stimulate deep root growth and help your yard withstand cold stresses like frost, lack of irrigation, weed germination, fungus development, and more. Not to mention, your yard will green up sooner and appear brighter when spring comes around. For this one, people and pets are safe to re-enter the area once it's dry.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7
Best Liquid

Simple Lawn Solutions Advanced Balanced NPK 16-4-8

Simple Lawn Solutions Advanced Balanced NPK 16-4-8
Credit: Amazon

If you're looking for a liquid fertilizer, this complete nitrogen, phosphate, and potash formula will provide green results and promote lush growth for all grass types—all in a ready-to-use sprayer. Those high-quality ingredients will improve root vigor and support essential plant functions, too. And to enhance the formula even further, this fertilizer also contains both seaweed and fish (which work as a burn-free nitrogen) to provide your lawn with additional nutrients. Just make sure your lawn is watered sufficiently to ensure proper nutrient absorption and let it dry before sending the dogs or kids out.

8
Best Lawn Starter

Scotts Turf Builder Starter Brand Fertilizer 24-25-4

Scotts Turf Builder Starter Brand Fertilizer 24-25-4
Credit: Home Depot

When starting a new lawn, finding the right nutrients for your soil is essential. That's where this formula comes into play! It's said to grow all new grass (including seeds, sod, and plugs) 70% thicker and 35% quicker versus unfed grass. The nutrients makeup helps establish roots and healthy blades, plus it works quickly to deliver the needed ingredients during the lawn’s six-week germination period. Better yet, it's a kid and pet-friendly formula. But be sure to use it correctly to prevent any runoff pollution.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
9
Best Organic

Espoma Organic All-Purpose Lawn Food For All Grasses 9-0-0

Espoma Organic All-Purpose Lawn Food For All Grasses 9-0-0
Credit: Amazon

With this all natural and organic formula, you can be sure the product you're using is safe for your whole family (including furry friends) as well as the environment. It's an all-season and all-grass fertilizer that contains bio-tone microbes which aid in long-lasting healthy soil, grass growth, and green coloration. Additionally, it won't burn your lawn or leach the soil. The manufacturer says your yard will also require less frequent mowing.

Headshot of Macie Reynolds
Macie Reynolds
Assistant Editor

Macie Reynolds is the assistant editor of E-Commerce and SEO for The Pioneer Woman.

Watch Next 
fertilizer for lawn grass
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below