The Best Garden Fertilizer Options [& When To Use Each]

Maintaining a vibrant, healthy lawn requires proper care. That includes regular mowing, watering, and most importantly, fertilization. 

Whether you’re nurturing a lush vegetable garden, maintaining a vibrant flower bed, or cultivating a robust fall garden, selecting the right fertilizer is crucial.

For homeowners and commercial properties across the Midwest, a balanced approach to fertilization ensures healthy plants and sustainable lawn care.

Types of Garden Fertilizers to Choose From

There are several types of garden fertilizers, each suited for different needs.

• Organic fertilizers like compost and bone meal release nutrients slowly, improving soil health over time.
• Inorganic fertilizers provide quick results but require careful use to prevent over-fertilization.
• Natural fertilizers, such as manure and compost, are eco-friendly but should be properly composted.
• Specialty fertilizers like seaweed extract offer extra nutrients and boost soil microbes.
• Granular fertilizers are great for large areas and long-term feeding, while liquid fertilizers work quickly and are ideal for potted plants or immediate nutrient boosts.

Choosing the right fertilizer depends on your soil condition and plant needs.

Organic options are best for sustainability, while inorganic fertilizers help struggling plants recover quickly.

Natural fertilizers enrich the soil gradually, and specialty fertilizers provide extra support.

Granular fertilizers are easy to spread over large spaces, whereas liquid fertilizers are perfect for targeted feeding.

A soil test can help you determine which type is best for a thriving garden.

Best Garden Fertilizer Products on the Market

Our experts compiled this list of top commercial garden fertilizers that work for various applications, along with information you might find valuable about each one. 

Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food

The Miracle-Gro Water soluble fertilizer is ideal for garden beds and potted plants. It’s also suitable for growing vegetables, flowers, and shrubs.

• Type: Water-soluble, synthetic
• NPK ratio: 24-8-16
• Coverage: 1.6 pounds covers up to 600 sq. ft.
• Average price: $8.5 up to $30 based on weight
• Usage: Mix with water and apply with a watering can or sprayer.
• Advantages: Fast-acting formula. Boasts growth for flowers, vegetables, and lawns. Easy to use.

Dr. Earth Organic 5 Tomato, Vegetable & Herb Fertilizer

The Dr. Earth organic fertilizer is a popular choice among homeowners for their vegetable gardens and fruiting vegetables.

• Type: Organic fertilizer, OMRI
• NPK ratio: 4-6-3
• Coverage: 1 pound bag covers up to 15 sq. ft.
• Average price: $23 per 4 lb bag
• Usage: Before growing, then every 2 months during the growing season.
• Advantages: Contains seaweed extract, fish emulsion, and natural fertilizers for sustained growth.

Jobe’s Organics Vegetable Fertilizer Spikes

Jobe’s organic spikes are an excellent choice to ensure consistent nutrition for vegetable gardens and potted plants.

• Type: Fertilizer spikes
• NPK ratio: 2-7-4
• Coverage: 8 spikes per square foot of garden bed
• Average price: $9 for a pack of 50 spikes
• Usage: Place spikes in the soil near plants every 6-8 weeks.
• Advantages: Easy to use. Promotes fruit and vegetable growth. OMRI-certified for organic gardening.

Espoma Garden-Tone Organic Fertilizer 

This Espoma fertilizer is most suitable for vegetable gardens, especially cucumber plants and fruiting vegetables.

• Type: Organic fertilizer
• NPK ratio: 3-4-4
• Coverage: 10 lbs covers up to 1,000 square feet
• Average price: $10 to $36 based on the size of the bag
• Usage: Before planting, then monthly during the growing season. 
• Advantages: Packed with organic matter. Promotes natural growth.

Osmocote Smart-Release Plant Food

The Osmocote smart-release fertilizer is optimal for potted plants and raised beds.

• Type: Synthetic fertilizer
• NPK ratio: 14-14-14
• Coverage: 1 lb. covers up to 40 square feet 
• Average price: $8 to $38 based on the size
• Usage: Up to 4 months per application.
• Advantages: Long-lasting formula. Reduces the need for frequent applications. 

Milorganite Slow-Release Nitrogen Fertilizer

The Milogranite nitrogen fertilizer is fitting for homeowners with gardens that need consistent feeding.

• Type: Organic granular fertilizer
• NPK ratio: 6-4-0
• Coverage: 5 lb. covers up to 390 square feet, 32 ib. covers up to 2500 square feet
• Average price: $19 per 32 ib. bag
• Usage: Spread evenly across the lawn once 8 to 10 weeks.
• Advantages: Slow release for long-lasting results. Non-burning formula. Adds organic matter to the soil. 

Jobe’s Organics Bone Meal Fertilizer

This Jobe’s bone meal fertilizer is a classic choice for root crops and flowers.

• Type: Organic fertilizer spikes.
• NPK ratio: 2-14-0
• Coverage: 1 lb. covers up to 25 square feet
• Average price: $8 for a pack of 50 spikes
• Usage: During the growing season every 6 to 8 weeks. 
• Advantages: Promotes healthy roots and enhances soil structure.

Homemade Organic Fertilizers for Your Garden

If you’d rather DIY, here are a few homemade fertilizer recipes to choose from depending on what you have available:

Compost

Compost fertilizer enriches organic matter in the soil. It boosts beneficial microorganisms and nutrients. Therefore, it improves the soil structure.

• Ingredients: Kitchen scraps, yard waste, and vegetable scraps.
• How to make: 
  • Fill a bucket with compost.
  • Add water in a 1:5 ratio.
  • Let it steep for 24-48 hours.
  • Strain and use the liquid as a fertilizer.
• Usage: Spread over your garden bed or mix with existing soil.

Banana Peel Fertilizer

This banana peel fertilizer is high in potassium and phosphorus. It promotes flower and fruit development.

• Ingredients: Banana peels, water.
• How to make: 
  • Chop banana peels into small pieces.
  • Blend with water until smooth.
  • Apply the mixture around plants.
• Usage: Bury near vegetable plants or blend into compost.

Egg Shells 

An egg-shells fertilizer is rich in calcium. It prevents blossom-end rot in tomatoes and reduces soil acidity.

• Ingredients: Crusted eggshells.
• How to make:
  • Rinse and crush eggshells into a fine powder.
  • Sprinkle around the base of plants.
• Usage: Crush and incorporate into soil or compost.

Epsom Salt Solution

This solution supplies magnesium for healthy foliage. It also enhances nutrient uptake.

• Ingredients: Epsom salt, water.
• How to make: 
  • Put 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt in 1 gallon of water.
  • Dissolve and spray onto plants or pour around roots.

Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds solution adds nitrogen to the soil. It improves soil acidity for crops like blueberries. 

• Ingredients: Coffee grounds, water.
• How to make:
  • Put 2 cups of coffee grounds.
  • Add 5 gallons of water.
  • Steep overnight.
• Usage: Sprinkle directly onto soil or mix into homemade compost.

Grass Clippings

This grass clippings tea is nitrogen-rich and greatly improves the soil structure.

• Ingredients: Fresh grass clippings, water.
• How to make: 
  • Fill two-thirds of a 5-gallon bucket with fresh grass clippings, then add water.
  • Soak the grass clippings in water for 3-5 days, then strain.
• Usage: Use as mulch or add to compost.

How to Avoid Over-Fertilizing

Using too much nitrogen or other nutrients can lead to excessive foliage growth with the sacrifice of fruits and flowers.

Always follow these guidelines:

• Conduct soil testing before applying fertilizers.
• Use precise measurements based on the garden area.
• Apply fertilizers during the growing season for the best results.
• Regularly add compost to maintain organic matter and foster beneficial microorganisms.

Partner With Sunco for Optimal Lawn Health 

Choosing the right fertilizer comes down to understanding your soil, plants, and long-term goals.

Whether you go organic, synthetic, or DIY, a balanced approach keeps your garden healthy and thriving.

If you want expert help, our team is here to ensure the best results. Call us at (402) 553-5204 or visit our website to get started!