8 Best Organic Lawn Fertilizers [Reviewed]

If you are a DIY gardening enthusiast, you will know how important it is to provide the right nutrient to the soil. It should get organic matter, which will add the necessary microbes and nutrition while not sticking to the ground. That’s not all; water drainage is essential, and the soil should be well aerated for that.

That’s precisely why we detest chemical fertilizers - they often burn the grass. But, looking for an organic alternative is not easy with so many options in the market.

Hence, we decided to make it easier for you by curating this list of the 8 best organic lawn fertilizers. We have also mentioned the pros and cons of each to make it easier for you to decide.

So, without further ado, grab a cup of your favorite beverage and dive in!

Best Organic Lawn Fertilizers

Here is the list of the 8 best organic lawn fertilizers that you can use to keep your yard healthy and looking vibrant.

1. Espoma EOSR30 Organic Summer Revitalizer - Best for Organic Gardening

The first on our list is a brilliant product that is suited for organic gardening. The Espoma EOSR30 Organic Summer Revitalizer offers a non-burning formula that will work wonderfully well on your lawns. They are cost-effective and will provide you with deep green grass. Read on to know all about its bells and whistles.

Why Did We Like It?

First of all, the fertilizer mix is made of feather meal, iron oxide, poultry manure, and sulfur. These have bio-tone microbes and contain 2% non-staining iron. All of this together makes for the perfect formula that your soil needs. They work well in turning your yellow lawn green.

We were very happy to see that natural ingredients have been used to make the mix. There are no synthetic raw materials in it, and that makes it environmentally friendly. This is also a great use of natural wastes to provide nutrients to the soil.

Plus, the product weighs 30 lbs and covers an area of 5,000 square feet. That makes it suitable for both small and large lawns. You can store it in a cool dark place in case you have a small lawn, and it will remain in good condition.

What Could've Been Better?

Yes, this product is very efficient, but it stinks too. The smell is overpowering, and you may not want to venture into your lawn for the first few days. But it works really well and will provide all the nutrients that your grass needs.

2. The Andersons 7-1-2 Innova Premium Organic - Best for Low-Odor Application

If you are looking for a product that is easy to apply, The Andersons 7-1-2 Innova Premium Organic is a great choice. It has a low-dust formula that can be applied easily. and is made for all kinds of grasses. We were very happy with the 100% plant-derived content of the pack.

Why Did We Like It?

This product has a lot of benefits. It is OMRI listed and a USDA BioPreferred product and contains amino acids. The mix keeps the soil healthy and full of nutrients. It contains a lot of amino acids and a nitrogen release source.

The item supplied our grass with a lot of highly-digestible carbon, which helped in the growth of microbes. This enhanced the level of good bacteria making the soil fertile and rich.

Because it does not contain sewage or manure, there is no smell. We were very happy with this as our kids could play in the yard the same day.

Another amazing benefit is that there is no risk of burning the turf even if you apply more than necessary. It is suitable for all weather conditions, and you can apply it throughout the year. There is no toxic element in it, and hence, you do not have to worry about the fertilizer mixing with a pond or well in the backyard.

What Could've Been Better?

While you will love the results, this product takes more time to work than its peers. In a month, we found that our grass is greener and thicker. But you will not see immediate results, and you will need to wait at least 3 weeks to see a difference. Be patient with it, and it will work well.

3. Espoma EOLB30 Organic Lawn Booster - Best for Pet Owners

Do you have pets in the house? The Espoma EOLB30 Organic Lawn Booster will help you get a clean lawn while being absolutely pet-friendly. You do not have to worry about your pets consuming any part of the mix as it does not contain anything toxic.

Why Did We Like It?

This contains a mixture of pasteurized poultry manure, feather meal, and gypsum, which together make for a great mix. It comes in a 30 lbs pack, which is sufficient for a 5,000 square feet area.

A great fact that we noticed is that nitrogen is released at a slower pace. It is 2.5 times slower than its peers, which is very beneficial for the soil. This ensures that there is a constant nitrogen supply for the soil. It makes the soil healthy and keeps it like that for weeks.

Secondly, it has calcium in it, which makes the soil healthier. It adds all the necessary ingredients without burning the ground. You can apply it without worrying about burning or promoting excess bacteria growth.

Overall, we found this to be a very efficient product. The 30 lbs pack will last you long in case of a small or a medium-sized lawn.

What Could've Been Better?

The one issue we had with this product is that it does not prevent weeds from growing. That means you will have to clear the garden often to ensure that there is no weed. This could be problematic for those leading a busy life.

4. EON NATURAL Indoor Plant Food

Up next is a top-quality product known for its organic formula, which can transform your garden altogether. The EON NATURAL Indoor Plant Food will provide you with sufficient nutrients for 6-12 months from a single bottle. We were very happy with the quantity, and the quality received.

Why Did We Like It?

This is an all-natural formula that contains 3% nitrogen, 1% phosphorus, and 2% potassium. It promotes healthy leaves and stronger root growth. The roots become really fibrous and spread well in the soil while flowers thrive in it. You will be able to see a difference in the overall plant condition post-application.

Further, it is very easy to use. All you need to do is dilute 1 teaspoon of the mix with 2 cups of water. Then pour this water over the required area. Whenever you are watering the plants, use this formula, and you will be boosting growth and development.

Coming to the plants that thrive well with this formula, fig trees, orchids, succulents, rubber plants, red-edged dracaena, and aloe vera can be added to the list. You will see them grow faster, and the leaves look fresher. If you have plants that have begun to droop, use this to replenish them.

What Could've Been Better?

While we mentioned a number of plants that are compatible with this product, there are others that will not accept this, and you might not see any changes. We would suggest applying it to a small area of your garden and checking it. If you see a change for good, then continue to spread it all around.

5. Gardener’s Supply Organic All-Purpose Fertilizer

Another brilliant product, the Gardener’s Supply Organic All-Purpose Fertilizer is absolutely natural and will give a lush green yard to boast about. We loved how quickly it worked, and our yard was surrounded by healthy plants, thanks to this.

Why Did We Like It?

One problem that often occurs with fertilizers is that it gets absorbed by the soil and the excess washes off when you water your plants. This means that the effect lasts only for a short while, and you will have to reapply again frequently. With this product, you can rest assured that the formula is going to work for a long time.

This is because of the slow-releasing feature that ensures that it dissolves with the soil over time. It will keep releasing important nutrients in the soil and hence will ensure that your plants stay healthy for a long while.

Also, we were happy to see how well the roots developed over time. If you are using it for new plants, this will ensure that they grow well and the roots grip the soil in a very short time.

What Could've Been Better?

This one works very well, but we felt that they could make it odorless. The smell is strong and pungent, and you will not be able to walk in your yard for the first few days. The smell then diminishes and disappears over time. So, if you are planning a garden party, do not apply just before it.

6. Simple Lawn Solutions Superior Lawn Food

Are your grasses going yellow or dying off? This is the potion that can revive a completely yellow patch of grassland and turn it into lush green again. The Simple Lawn Solutions Superior Lawn Food has some brilliant properties to boast of! Read on to know all about it.

Why Did We Like It?

This product is made specially to address a common problem with gardens. If your lawn lacks potassium or nitrogen, then this is the right choice to make. Blended with both nitrogen and potassium, it is made to provide all kinds of nutrients and food to the soil and plant cells. This will make them stronger and healthier over time.

Also, it contains Humic/Fulvic acid, which is present in the soil. This helps plants transfer food to their leaves and cells. It conditions soil and makes it more fertile too.

Another great benefit that we found is that it is suited for all kinds of grass. That means you can use it for Bermuda, Zoysia, Palmetto, and Bluegrass, to name a few. Kids and pets can easily play on it without you worrying about any kind of toxicity.

Overall, this item proved to be beneficial, and even our neighbors asked us about it. They were amazed by the complete transformation of our lawn.

What Could've Been Better?

The only problem we noticed with this product is that you have to mix it well with water before application. If you apply it in its concentrated form, there is a chance that it will burn out the grass. Hence you should be very careful about it. We mixed a lot of it and kept it in a bottle so as not to make this mistake.

7. Pet Safe Lawn 24-0-6

If you have pets who are constantly sniffing and eating on your lawn, then this can be a great choice. Like some of its peers, the Pet Safe Lawn 24-0-6 works very well with pets and will not cause any harm to them. What’s more! The grass grows quickly, and your garden will be covered by a green carpet.

Why Did We Like It?

First of all, it was very easy to apply. The product is available in granulated form, and it does not have any dust in it. The particles will fall into the soil directly and mix with it without any wastage. It also contains enough amounts of nitrogen and potassium, which works well for wilted plants and yellow grass. If your garden needs nutrition badly, this will provide it all.

Secondly, it dissolves very quickly, and the soil will be dry within an hour. Your pets can then run around on it easily. It enters the roots of plants immediately, and you can see how the leaves turn vibrant within days. They should be shining and have a beautiful dark green color.

Overall we were impressed with the efficiency that it showed. One bag can easily cover an area of 5,000 square feet, and you can store it in case of small lawns. Keep it in a cool, dry place, and it should thrive for a long time.

What Could've Been Better?

Although it works very well in stimulating the growth of plants, it is not a herbicide and hence does not affect weeds at all. Weed will grow along with the grass, and you will have to remove them yourself. So, it is best to remove all weeds before applying this fertilizer.

8. Purely Organic Lawn Food

Last but not the least, is the Purely Organic Lawn Food lawn fertilizer. This includes a 25 pounds bag filled with rich fertilizer that will ensure good soil and plant health. You can store it easily for a year and use it over time if you have a small lawn.

Why Did We Like It?

This product has ample iron content that helps the roots develop without burning the lawn. The mix does not contain any harmful chemicals or manure. It is devoid of biosolids, which can stink. Hence, you are going to love this odorless formula. It will ensure that lush green turf replaces your patchy or bare lawn.

Many fertilizers need time to be soaked in, and hence you cannot venture around the lawn within an hour or 2 of applying. But here, because of its organic and 100% natural formula, you do not have to restrict yourself, your pets, and your kids at all. They can immediately play on the lawn after application and will face no health issues.

Also, this 10-0-2 formula does not contain phosphorus. This meets the Town & Municipality Regulations that restrict the use of phosphorus. Hence, you can use it around water bodies easily.

What Could've Been Better?

The product works really well, but we would have been happier if the price would be lesser. It is on the expensive side, and if you have a large lawn, then it can exceed your budget. However, if you have the liberty to spend a little more, then we would recommend this product.

Buying Guide For The Best Organic Lawn Fertilizer

Now that you have gone through the top lawn fertilizers, you must have a clear idea as to what to expect. There are different kinds of mixes, and they come in different amounts. Now it can still be very confusing to choose one. To help you out, we have curated this buyer’s guide, which will help you make a choice. Read on to know all about it.

1. Material Used

One of the major considerations is the kind of materials that have been used for making the fertilizer. Now generally there are 2 kinds of materials. One mix contains bone meals and feathers, which work wonderfully for the soil.

There are other ingredients derived from animal manure and fishes, which are very nutritious for the soil. But on the other hand, these smell a lot and could be a problem if you plan on hosting a party in your backyard soon.

Also, these are blood meals and hence can attract animals. Make sure you do not have a lot of rodents or other unwanted visitors before applying it.

That brings us to the next type of mix, which contains plant remains, seaweed, alfalfa meal, cottonseed meal, and microbes. These usually do not have any smell while providing all kinds of nutrients to the soil. If the smell is a problem, this is a great alternative.

Sometimes, some products may have a toxic element that may not work with pets and kids. So, ensure that your product is free of all toxins so that your pet does not fall sick upon consuming it.

2. Use Of Sewage Sludge

Earthworms, fungi, and bacteria which are part of sewage sludge are positive additions to the soil, and they can improve the texture and composition. Roots grow better, and they are able to send food upwards to the leaves in an efficient manner thanks to the lots of minerals and nutrients.

You must have noticed that some of the fertilizers have a large number of biosolids. These bio-solids are nothing but sewage wastes. The wastes are collected, composted, and then treated. It is known to be biologically safe, but we would suggest not to use it for growing food.

 If you have a vegetable or fruit garden, then stay away from fertilizers with biosolids. They may have metal accumulation or hormones which should not enter edibles.

3. Presence of Phosphorus

Phosphorus is also beneficial and helps in promoting root and plant growth. It is that ingredient that makes plants grow faster. But it also has a major problem. We would advise not to use phosphorus if you have a water body beside it.

This is because it tends to mix with the water and cause algae to grow in it. Algae reduces the oxygen level of the water and makes it unsuitable for living organisms like fishes.

So, if your garden needs a dose of phosphorus, then apply it very carefully. Ensure that you do not add too much water to the garden so that none of it flows into the pond or river beside.

4. Granules v/s Liquid

Fertilizers are generally available in 2 forms, liquid and granular. The most common type is the granular one, which needs to be mixed with water and then applied. Some organic products can directly be applied to the soil, and you can sprinkle water over it. Liquid ones usually come in concentrated form. You will have to mix it with water and then sprinkle it over the entire area.

5. Coverage

Check for the area it can cover before purchasing fertilizer. Most packs can cover an area of 3,000-5,000 square feet at one time. If it covers a very less area, then you will have to buy it frequently, and that will be expensive. Hence, make a note of it beforehand.

Organic Lawn Fertilizers FAQs

Are organic lawn fertilizers as effective as synthetic ones?

Organic fertilizers are often considered just as effective as synthetic alternatives. However, they release nutrients more slowly, so it may take longer to see results. With continued use, organic fertilizers can improve soil structure and create a healthier environment for your lawn.

How do I choose the right organic lawn fertilizer for my needs?

Determine your soil’s nutrient needs by performing a soil test. Based on the results, select a fertilizer with the necessary nutrients (N-P-K ratio) and follow the manufacturer’s application recommendations.

Can I use an organic fertilizer on a new lawn?

Yes, organic fertilizers can be used to establish new lawns or overseed existing ones. They can encourage root growth and help create a healthy environment for your new lawn.

Can I use organic lawn fertilizers for other garden plants?

Some organic fertilizers may also be suitable for other garden plants. Check the product label for appropriate use and application instructions.

How do I store organic lawn fertilizers?

Store organic fertilizers in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or moisture. Keep the package tightly sealed to maintain product quality.

Conclusion

As our gardens continue to be a crucial space for relaxation, enjoyment, and a connection to nature, providing proper nutrition to our lawns has become an essential part of preserving their beauty and health. Organic lawn fertilizers are not only eco-friendly and safe for our families and pets, but also nourish the soil and encourage the growth of lush green grass.

From the above 8 best organic lawn fertilizers, here are the top three expert recommendations:

The Espoma EOSR30 Organic Summer Revitalizer is an ideal option for those who want a top-performing organic fertilizer designed for organic gardening. Its non-burning formula and natural ingredients make it an environmentally friendly choice, while its ability to cover 5,000 square feet makes it suitable for both small and large lawns.

On the other hand, The Andersons 7-1-2 Innova Premium Organic is a good option for those who prioritize an easy, low-odor application. This OMRI-listed, USDA BioPreferred product contains amino acids, a nitrogen release source, and no sewage or manure, making it a great choice for those with kids and pets who want a high-quality product that is safe and effective.

Lastly, the Espoma EOLB30 Organic Lawn Booster is the right choice for pet owners, as it offers a clean, pet-friendly formula. This product’s slow-release nitrogen promotes consistent soil health, and its inclusion of calcium ensures a healthy, green lawn without the risk of burning or excess bacteria growth.

In summary, selecting the best organic fertilizer for your lawn is a crucial step in maintaining a healthy, vibrant outdoor space. By considering factors such as your lawn's size, desired application method, and safety for pets and children, these top three recommendations can help you nourish your lawn in an environmentally friendly way, ensuring that it thrives for years to come.

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