Organic Lawn Fertilizer: The Key to a Thriving Lawn

A healthy lawn requires a delicate balance of care, nutrients, and environmental considerations. Organic lawn fertilizers have become popular as an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers.

When you choose an organic lawn fertilizer, you’ll find it provides a natural, sustainable way to enhance your lawn’s health while protecting the environment.

So let’s take a closer look at the available options.

Why Choose Organic Lawn Fertilizer?

Organic fertilizers are derived from natural matter, such as plant matter, animal waste, blood meal, soybean meal, and minerals, and are free from synthetic chemicals. Unlike chemical fertilizers, which can distress the environment when used excessively, organic fertilizers promote long-term soil health while enriching the soil with essential nutrients.

Here’s why you should consider making the switch, as these fertilizers offer several advantages:

Improved Soil Quality

Organic fertilizers enrich the soil with vital nutrients, like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N-P-K), while promoting beneficial fungi and microorganisms. They add organic matter to the soil, boosting its structural strength, water retention, and microbial activity.  

Safe for Pets, Children, and Plants

Organic fertilizers are OMRI-listed and are free from harmful pesticides, making them safe for families, pets, local wildlife, and the environment.

Enhanced Disease Resistance

The natural ingredients support stronger root systems and improved disease resistance.

Environmentally Friendly

Organic fertilizers minimize runoff, reducing the risk of polluting waterways, like lakes and rivers, and protecting the broader ecosystem, a common issue with synthetic options.

Slow-Release Nutrients

Organic fertilizers release nutrients gradually, providing steady nourishment for your lawn over time.

Sustainability

Using organic products aligns with environmentally conscious practices, promoting sustainable lawn care.

Top Organic Lawn Fertilizer Products in the Market

Here’s a curated list of some of the best organic lawn fertilizers, complete with their specifications, usage guidelines, and pricing:

Espoma Organic Lawn Food

• Type: Granular organic fertilizer
• Nutrient Ratio: 15-0-5
• Coverage: Covers up to 6,000 sq. ft. per 20-pound bag
• Average Price: $41 per bag

• Usage: Apply in early spring and fall for cool-season lawns or during the growing season for warm-season grass types.
• Advantages: Rich in nitrogen for enhanced root growth and a green lawn; supports beneficial fungi in the soil. Enriched with bio-tone microbes for improved soil health. Helps lawns recover from stress.
• Ideal For: Established lawns requiring year-round nutrition and homeowners preparing their lawns for changing seasons.

Milorganite Slow-Release Nitrogen Fertilizer

• Type: Nitrogen organic fertilizer, OMRI-listed
• Nutrient Ratio: 6-4-0
• Coverage: Covers up to 2,500 sq. ft. per 32-pound bag
• Average Price: $33 per bag

• Usage: Suitable for lawns, shrubs, garden beds, and trees. Apply during spring and late fall for optimal results.
• Advantages: Slow-release formula ensures nutrients are absorbed over time and steady feeding; drought-resistant properties help lawns thrive. Contains 4% non-staining iron for a greener lawn. Safe for children and pets.
• Ideal For: Dry lawns and areas prone to drought, and homeowners seeking an eco-friendly, low-maintenance solution to boost grass growth and lawn color.

Dr. Earth High Nitrogen All-Purpose Fertilizer

• Type: Granular organic fertilizer, OMRI-listed organic lawn food
• Nutrient Ratio: 5-0-2
• Coverage: Covers up to 2000 sq ft per 18-pound bag
• Average Price: $42

• Usage: Apply on sod, perennial ryegrass, and Kentucky bluegrass for greener lawns and better disease resistance. Apply once every 8 weeks.
• Advantages: Contains mycorrhizae and probiotics for soil health. Also, it contains beneficial fungi and essential nutrients that enhance turf and root systems. 100% natural and free from synthetic chemicals. Feeds lawns for up to three months.
• Ideal For: Environmentally conscious homeowners seeking a chemical-free, eco-friendly solution for their entire lawn.

Jonathan Green Organic Lawn Food

• Type: Granular organic fertilizer
• Nutrient Ratio: 10-0-1
• Coverage: Covers up to 5,000 sq. ft. per 17-pound bag
• Average Price: $35

• Usage: Designed for turf-type tall fescue and other grass types. Apply in the growing season.
• Advantages: Boosts nitrogen levels for vibrant grass. Safe for pets and kids. Improves soil structure with natural ingredients. Stimulates beneficial soil microbes. Ideal for seeding new lawns.
• Ideal For: Lawns undergoing new growth or reseeding projects. Large lawns and commercial properties.

Scotts Natural Lawn Food

• Type: Granular organic fertilizer, OMRI-listed organic lawn food
• Nutrient Ratio: 11-2-2
• Coverage: Covers up to 4,000 sq. ft. per 29-pound bag
• Average Price: $38

• Usage: Safe for all grass types. Apply up to 4 times per year.
• Advantages: Kid- and pet-friendly formula. Can be applied in any season. Enhances natural lawn growth without burning the grass.
• Ideal For: Families who prioritize safety and convenience with active children and pets.

Safer Brand Lawn Restore Fertilizer

• Type: Granular organic fertilizer
• Nutrient Ratio: 9-0-2
• Coverage: Covers up to 5,000 sq. ft. per 20-pound bag
• Average Price: $35

• Usage: Revitalizing thinning, yellow lawns.
• Advantages: Delivers quick greening results in 3-5 days. Non-burning, with no risk of over-application. Promotes root development for long-term lawn health.
• Ideal For: Lawns in need of quick restoration after drought or poor maintenance.

How to Choose the Right Organic Fertilizer

Selecting the most suitable organic lawn fertilizer depends on various factors, including the size of your lawn, the type of grass, and specific lawn care goals. Here are some tips:

• Assess your lawn’s needs: Identify issues like thinning, discoloration, or poor soil quality to choose a fertilizer that addresses these concerns.
• Consider coverage area: Match the fertilizer’s coverage with your lawn size to avoid over- or under-application.
• Seasonal application: Choose fertilizers that align with seasonal needs–higher nitrogen for spring growth and balanced nutrients for fall preparation.
• Check ingredients: Look for organic materials like bone meal, feather meal, and alfalfa meal, which are rich in essential nutrients.

How to Use Organic Lawn Fertilizer for Best Results

Proper application is indispensable to maximizing the benefits of organic lawn fertilizers. Follow these steps for the best results:

• Test your soil: Before applying any fertilizer, do a soil test to find out the pH levels and nutrient shortage. This ensures your lawn gets the right mix of essential nutrients. For a lawn to flourish, the soil’s pH should typically stay within the range of 6.0 to 7.0, creating conditions that support vibrant grass health.
• Choose the right time:
  • Early spring: To promote root growth and prepare for the growing season.
  • Late fall: To strengthen the root systems for the following year.

• Mow and water: Mow your lawn to a manageable height and lightly water it a day before application to ensure even absorption.
• Use the right tools and spread the fertilizer: A rotary spreader helps evenly distribute granular fertilizers across the lawn, avoiding over-application and waste. You can also use a broadcast or drop spreader to distribute the fertilizer evenly. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for coverage.
• Water again: Water your lawn slightly after application to help the nutrients penetrate the soil.
• Apply to existing lawns and new seedings: Organic fertilizers are versatile, suitable for established lawns, new sod, and even bare spots needing reseeding.
• Follow irrigation guidelines: Water the lawn thoroughly after applying grass fertilizer, especially during dry spells, to ensure proper absorption and minimize the risk of a dry lawn.
• Repeat as needed: Organic fertilizers often require reapplication every 8-12 weeks, depending on the product and lawn needs.

Organic Fertilizer Benefits for Different Lawn Types

• Cool-season lawns: Grass types like Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass thrive when fed with organic fertilizers during spring and fall.
• Warm-season lawns: These grasses require organic fertilizers during their active growing season to maintain vibrant, green lawns.
• Turf-type tall fescue: This versatile grass benefits from organic fertilizers that promote root growth, disease resistance, and drought tolerance.

Tackling Lawn Weeds with Organic Lawn Food

Natural fertilizers help suppress weeds like clover and crabgrass by promoting a thick, healthy lawn. A dense turf discourages broadleaf weeds, making your lawn more resistant to infestations.

They are natural alternatives for weed control. Pair organic fertilizers with weed-preventing products or manual removal for a sustainable approach to lawn care.

Tips for Commercial and Residential Lawn Care

• For commercial properties: Focus on large-coverage products like Jonathan Green Organic Lawn Food to reduce application time.
• For residential lawns: Choose OMRI-listed products like Scotts Natural Lawn Food for safe, pet-friendly applications.

Enjoy Sustainable Lawn Care With SunCo

Organic lawn fertilizers are an excellent choice for homeowners and businesses seeking greener, healthier lawns while preserving the environment.

With the wide range of organic lawn food products available, you can tailor your lawn care routine to meet specific needs, ensuring lush, vibrant grass year-round.

For homeowners and businesses in the Midwest, maintaining a healthy, sustainable lawn can be challenging without professional guidance.

SunCo offers comprehensive lawn care services, including weed control, fertilization, and sprinkler system management. With years of experience, we prioritize eco-friendly tailored practices and solutions to ensure your lawn thrives year-round.

Contact us today to learn more about our assortment of lawn care services! Call us at (402) 553-5204 or visit our website to schedule a consultation with our lawn care experts.