Though herbicides control weeds, these chemicals can pose serious health risks to humans and wildlife. Manual weeding, on the other hand, gets the job done without harm to people, pets, or the environment. With a well-made weeding tool and some vigilance, banishing these pesky plants can be fairly simple.

Weeds proliferate in your garden seemingly overnight, and it’s easiest to remove them when they’re young. Some weeds, such as dandelions, develop a single taproot that grows deeper into the soil as the plant matures. The longer the taproot, the more difficult it becomes to eradicate. Though some weeds release without a fight, others will have gardeners wondering whether they need a jackhammer to dislodge them. That said, timing and soil conditions are key to weed removal: After a rainfall, soil is softer and more willing to release roots.

With a proliferation of weed-control tools available, choosing the right one for the task at hand may feel like a shot in the dark. To help, we searched out and tested tools that work best for a variety of circumstances. Our favorite was the Original Weeder from CobraHead, thanks to its versatile uses and durable tempered steel head. Shoppers looking for the best weeding tool will want to check out our shopping considerations and product reviews ahead.

1. BEST OVERALL: CobraHead Original Weeder & Cultivator Garden Tool
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Radius Garden Ergonomic Weeder
3. BEST KNIFE WEEDER: Nisaku NJP801 Yamagatana Stainless Steel Knife
4. BEST STANDING WEEDER: Grampa’s Weeder
5. BEST FORK WEEDER: Corona Extended Reach ComfortGel 2-Prong Weeder
6. BEST SHORT-HANDLE HOE: Elegital Blue Arrow Express Kana Hoe 217 Garden Tool
7. BEST LONG-HANDLE HOE: Truper Tru Tough Welded Warren Hoe

Product Comparison

Our Top Picks

With our shopping considerations in mind, which we look at later in greater detail, we created a list of the best weeding tools for typical lawn, garden, and landscape projects. Read on to learn more about these tools and how they performed in our tests.

Best Overall

CobraHead Original Weeder & Cultivator Garden Tool

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Bob Vila Approved recognizes the household and DIY products that impressed us most in our real-world testing and that exemplify core values of the Bob Vila brand, including craftsmanship, innovation, and value for the dollar. Winners of this designation come recommended by our professional review team and are personally approved by Bob Vila.

This Bob Vila Approved product carries our brand’s highest level of recommendation.

Bob Vila Approved recognizes the household and DIY products that impressed us most in our real-world testing and that exemplify core values of the Bob Vila brand, including craftsmanship, innovation, and value for the dollar. Winners of this designation come recommended by our professional review team and are personally approved by Bob Vila.

Product Specs

• Type: Digging, cutting, raking
• Handle length: 8 inches
• Head size: 5 inches long by 1 inch wide

What We Like

• Multiuse tool works great for both for weeding and planting
• Tempered steel head is durable and easily lasts several seasons
• Thick, comfortable handle; ideal for long hours in the garden
• Works in any soil type; provides excellent versatility

What We Don’t Like

• Only for up-close work; may require lots of bending and kneeling
• Cuts deep taproots instead of pulling them

Great for removing stubborn weeds from heavy soil, this weeding tool’s curved, forged-steel end hooks deeply beneath the weed to lift and remove it. It’s made to easily pierce soil and let the user apply pressure from the side, bottom, or any angle in between to find the weed’s weakest point.

The multifunction tool’s shovellike tip resembles a snake head and can be used for planting rows of seeds, scratching in fertilizer around plants, and scraping out young weed seedlings. The plastic grip is designed to help gardeners keep a firm hold while they work.

In testing, the CobraHead’s versatility truly impressed us. The curved shaft and fingernail-like shape of the blade dug deep into the soil for removal of taproot, yet it just scratched the surface to cultivate safely next to young seedlings. In addition to our in-ground and container garden weeding tests, we used the CobraHead to prepare planting spots for new seedlings. The tough blade quickly loosened the surface to a depth of about 4 inches with little effort.

The thick handle provided a sure, comfortable grip in either hand. The drawback of this tool’s design is that it easily cuts off the deepest taproots, leaving the stump behind to resprout. But for young weeds of all types, cultivating near sensitive plants, and occasional soil preparation work, this is a handy little tool. We can highly recommend the CobraHead’s unique shape and lightweight design to tackle weeding and many other garden-related tasks.

Get the CobraHead weeding tool at Amazon, Gardener’s Edge, or Grow Organic.

Best Bang for the Buck

Radius Garden Ergonomic Weeder

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Product Specs

• Type: Digging
• Handle length: 5.75 inches
• Head size: 9 inches long by 1.5 inches wide

What We Like

• Digs deeply to remove the whole tap root
• Comfortable ergonomic handle helps reduce fatigue after prolonged use
• Strong die-cast aluminum blade will not bend

What We Don’t Like

• Requires bending or kneeling; not a long tool
• Thick blade is more difficult to use in heavy soil

Gardeners need a strong grip to weed in dense soil, but as hands tire, grip strength suffers. The curved handle on the Radius Garden weeding tool is designed to keep the user’s hand and wrist aligned while pushing the serrated aluminum tool next to the root to lift out the weed. This impressive tool helps remove deeply rooted weeds that grow at the base of vegetables, shrubs, and perennials—and it’s a bargain, to boot.

The narrow blade easily cuts through any type of soil to remove pesky weeds and help to navigate around nearby plants without damaging their roots. The unusual shape of the thermoplastic grip provides a smooth, comfortable surface that’s easy to hang on to.

Another versatile weeder that doubles as a transplanter, this Radius hand tool proved impressive for the price. It was very effective at removing established taproot weeds, with the narrow blade easily reaching 5 to 6 inches deep to loosen the soil for thorough removal without breaking the root. For shallow, fibrous weeds, we slid the blade just below the soil surface at a shallow angle, a slow process, but ultimately successful.

As a transplanter for seedlings, however, it worked quite well. It was lightweight and easy to use, and the oversize ergonomic cushioned grip left us with virtually no hand fatigue after extended use. Those who need a taproot weeding tool for working in confined spaces will find this one quite helpful, and it’s likely to come in handy for other chores as well.

Get the Radius Garden weeding tool at Amazon.

Best Knife Weeder

Nisaku NJP801 Yamagatana Stainless Steel Knife

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Product Specs

• Type: Digging, cutting
• Handle length: 5.5 inches
• Head size: 7.5 inches long by 1.75 inches wide

What We Like

• Mid-tang stainless steel blade is very sharp and durable
• Sharp edge and measured blade markings helps with precision
• Comfortable nonslip grip feels good in the hand
• Hard plastic sheath included to protect the blade when not in use

What We Don’t Like

• Premium price point compared to similar products
• Sheath not as durable as the knife; may need replacing every few seasons

Though several popular configurations of weeding knives exist, we prefer the classic Japanese hori hori knife design. This weeding tool by Nisaku combines classic style with modern materials that will probably last a lifetime. The stainless steel blade features one smooth sharpened edge and one serrated edge to cut easily through weed roots, divide clumps of perennials, and cut garden twine. The concave face of the blade is ideal for removing taproots, and engraved measurement markings help to gauge transplant planting depth.

The ergonomic contoured handle includes a textured surface for improved grip and a wide molded hilt loop for hanging on a hook in the garden shed. The knife comes with a plastic sheath for safe carrying and storage.

In testing, the do-it-all Nisaku hori hori garden knife proved comfortably constructed, well-balanced, and easy to use for large and small hands. It did a great job of taproot removal and skimming the soil beneath fibrous rooted weeds, though it was less successful when it came to prying weeds from narrow cracks between bricks and pavers. We also used it to dig, divide, and transplant a few hostas that had finished blooming, and it made quick work of the tough fibrous roots.

The blade’s material construction looks, feels, and is in fact extremely high quality: high carbon 440C stainless steel hardened to HRC 58—similar in material and hardness as professional kitchen knives and top-notch pocket knives. Even after digging around in the dirt, the edges were still sharp enough to slice easily through ¼-inch-thick forsythia branches. Though we found the plastic scabbard to feel rather cheap, we believe that serious gardeners will want to keep this tool close at hand for all sorts of chores.

Get the Nisaku weeding tool at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Best Standing Weeder

Grampa’s Weeder

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Product Specs

• Type: Digging, pulling
• Handle length: 39 inches
• Head size: 1 inch wide by 2.5 inches deep, with a 5.5-inch step lever

What We Like

• Can easily pull taproot lawn and garden weeds
• Made from durable hardwood handle and steel head
• Works from a standing position; better for reducing back pain

What We Don’t Like

• Specialty single-task tool not as versatile as other weeders
• Weeds can clog the tool head; can require manual removal

Before the days of spray-on weed killers, obtaining a weed-free lawn meant pulling the pesky unwanted plants by hand. Grampa’s Weeder was probably hailed as a miracle back saver when it was introduced in 1913. Now the classic design represents an efficient alternative to chemical controls. Plus, it can be rather fun to use.

The simple, ingenious design features a steel step-on lever connected to a hinged jaw. Step down to insert the tool into the soil, then lever back on the handle to pull out the weed, root and all. Results are immediate, with no ugly dead weeds left in the lawn.

During tests, we found Grampa’s Weeder was most effective for use on dandelions and other fleshy rooted and rosette-forming weeds such as wild violet and wild lettuce. We had the greatest success when our clay-based soil was moist but not muddy. When the soil was too wet, the tool lost gripping ability, and when the soil was dry, the weed roots were more likely to break off. But in the most favorable conditions, we pulled 10 to 12 weeds per minute (5 to 6 seconds per weed).

Working just a few minutes a day, long enough to fill a bucket with weeds, we completely eradicated weeds from 5,000 square feet of lawn in 3 days. Grampa’s Weeder worked just as well in landscape and flower beds. For those who deal with regular invasions of taproot and fleshy root weeds, this could be a helpful weapon to fight the good fight.

Get the Grampa’s Weeder weeding tool at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or Garrett Wade.

Best Fork Weeder

Corona Extended Reach ComfortGel 2-Prong Weeder

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Product Specs

• Type: Digging, pulling
• Handle length: 34 inches
• Head size: 3 inches long by 0.5 inch wide

What We Like

• Cushioned nonslip grip is easier to handle for long periods
• Capable of pulling out tough taproot weeds
• Works from a standing position to save users’ backs
• Also useful as a trash gatherer; multi purpose tool

What We Don’t Like

• Taller or shorter users may find it less comfortable
• Sharp head sometimes cuts off some of the root

Two-prong weeders are taproot specialists, and this one from Corona is one of the best. This weeding tool is made of steel with a sharpened heat-treated fork-tipped blade. It features a long handle that turns weeding into stand-up work, saving the user’s back and knees, while a trapezoidal-shaped cushioned-grip handle reduces hand fatigue.

We used this Corona tool to pull weeds from lawn, landscape, and garden beds. Although it is made of steel, it felt lightweight to carry around, and we appreciated the simplicity of the design—a complete lack of moving parts. It proved easy to operate one-handed: Slide the head into the ground next to the weed, then pull the lever backward to excavate the weed. It worked best on medium to large weeds (smaller weeds often slipped between the forks) when soil was damp. Mud, unfortunately, prevented the lever action from working properly, while hard dry soil led to root breaks and only partial removal. This weed puller was especially useful for woody weeds such as young oak, sweet gum, and elm seedlings. Despite soil condition issues, the tool proved to be an easy-to-use, easy-to-store asset for patrolling the yard.

Get the Corona weeding tool at Ace Hardware, Lowe’s, or Acme Tools.

Best Short-Handle Hoe

Elegital Blue Arrow Express Kana Hoe 217 Garden Tool

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Product Specs

• Type: Digging, chopping, slicing
• Handle length: 5 inches
• Head size: 5 inches long by 1.25 inches wide

What We Like

• Sharp blade easily slices through roots; great for dealing with lots of weeds
• High-carbon-steel blade and hardwood handle
• Blade easy to sharpen and stays sharp a long time
• Blade is angled for user comfort and efficient work

What We Don’t Like

• Not designed for left-handed use
• Overall tool length feels a bit too short

A kana hoe, which works on the pull stroke, is used for scraping and slicing cleanly through shallow roots in the upper layers of soil. This one from Elegital is built for up-close work in raised beds, container gardens, and in-ground gardens. The broadly curved blade is attached to the handle at a comfortable angle to reduce hand and wrist fatigue while working aggressively. It features a hardwood handle and a high-carbon-steel head that stays sharp longer and resharpens more easily than other types of steel.

The size of this tool was just right for scratching out 2 or 3 square feet of weeds at a time. The sharp blade sliced right through, whether the weeds were young or well established. In established garden areas, three or four strokes were adequate to cut through weed roots and break up the resulting debris. It works the soil to a depth of up to 4 or 6 inches, so it’s useful for preparing planting holes as well. However, where thick tree roots or large rocks were present, it became much less effective.

This kana hoe would be a great choice for general weeding and replanting in raised beds or well-established in-ground gardens but probably not for landscape beds. Note: The blade orientation is for right-handed users. Lefties may want to check out this one from Bonsai.

Get the Elegital weeding tool at Amazon.

Best Long-Handle Hoe

Truper Tru Tough Welded Warren Hoe

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Product Specs

• Type: Digging, chopping
• Handle length: 54 inches
• Head size: 6 inches long by 4.75 inches wide

What We Like

• Welded steel head and hardwood handle is durable and long lasting
• Lightweight and easy to use; works large soil areas quickly
• Also useful for planting and cultivating

What We Don’t Like

• Not built for use in untilled soil

This garden hoe is designed to be effective at eliminating different kinds of weeds in different garden spaces, and help with planting too. With an overall length of 54 inches, the Truper Tru weeding tool is a back-saving weed slayer. It offers plenty of reach to work through raised beds efficiently and in-ground gardens without unnecessary bending and stooping. It features a 54-inch hardwood handle and welded steel head.

We liked that we could easily use any edge of this hoe to eradicate weeds in different ways. Between rows of garden vegetables, we mostly used the long, slightly curved sides of the blade to scrape the weeds away, switching to the right or left side as needed to avoid damaging garden plants. Between plants spaced at least 4 or 5 inches apart, we employed the pointed end to scratch out weeds. In addition to weeding, we used this hoe to pull soil into mounds (“hills”) to plant squash and to create long, narrow furrows for planting beans.

The hardwood handle was lightweight and strong, and it felt good in hand, but it is no doubt susceptible to degradation if left exposed to the elements. Plus, we found that the tool was not particularly effective at working in heavy clay soil that had not been previously tilled. Still, this Warren hoe would make an excellent primary weeding tool for any vegetable gardener, and its versatility will suit those just beginning to establish a garden tool collection or with limited storage space.

Get the Truper weeding tool at Amazon, DK Hardware, or North 40 Outfitters.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Weeding Tools

Those looking for nontoxic ways to eliminate weeds from lawns and gardens typically begin by simply pulling them by hand. Soon enough they realize that specialized tools are better for controlling the toughest weeds. The locations where those tools will be used and the types of weeds that are present play dominant roles in deciding which weeding tools are best suited for the job. Our tests, therefore, included a variety of tools designed for specific tasks.

We carried out our weeding tool tests in two trial areas: a lawn and a vegetable garden. Both areas included a variety of common weeds with different growth habits, such as dandelions, wild violet, crabgrass, and spurge. We used each tool for a minimum of an hour to weed in one or both of these areas, depending on the tool design. For instance, we used the Warren hoe only in the garden, but we tested the Radius weeding tool in both areas.

For inclusion in this guide, we required that a tool offer excellent results in one or more critical weeding tasks: general weed control in raised or in-ground garden beds, general weed control in container gardens or confined spaces, or removing taproot and rosette weeds from lawns. Because of the diversity of designs tested, we evaluated each tool based on its ability to perform its own designed purpose instead of comparing dissimilar tools.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Weeding Tool

With a wide array of weeding tools from which to choose, it may be difficult to decide on the best ones to maintain garden beds and lawns. However, shoppers may appreciate the variety when they understand the features each tool offers, from pulling weeds to cutting through compacted soil. Take some time to learn about these implements and the factors that set them apart to find the best tool for weeding any yard.

Types of Weeding Tools

The method of weed removal, such as digging, chopping, cutting, slicing, or raking, distinguishes the several types of weeding tools from one another.

Digging and Chopping

Taproot weeds such as dandelions require a digging tool that penetrates soil deeply enough to dislodge the entire root. Traditional fork-tongue fishtail weeders work well. Snakehead and spearpoint tips also rise to the task. Grub hoes, the toughest of these tools, may make the best match for large weeds in heavy soil.

Short-handled chopping hoes help remove large weeds in areas that require more precision, such as around the base of perennials and shrubs. Steel diggers, perhaps the best digging tools for hard clay soil, won’t bend or break in denser soils.

Cutting and Slicing

Although not always useful on deeply rooted weeds, cutting tools such as knives and sickles work well on roots that are more fibrous, such as those of crabgrass and creeping Charlie, which sit close to the soil surface.

Knives cut away entire pieces of weed-infested turf and scrape out weeds from sidewalk cracks and pavers. Slicers, such as stirrup-style hoes, skim the surface of the soil with a push/pull motion. They quickly remove smaller weeds or those in cultivated beds.

Raking

Ideal for loose, easy-to-work soil in cultivated flower and vegetable gardens, raking weeders, like stirrup hoes, forks, and hybrid cultivators, combine digging and raking tools on a single head to lift clusters of shallow-rooted weeds.

These tools work with a push/pull action, skimming the soil surface and dislodging smaller weeds that gardeners can gather and discard or leave in place to decompose and feed the soil. Consider a long-handled raking weeder for removing weeds around shrubs and a short version for raised beds and tight spaces.

Size and Weight

The size and components of a weeding tool have the most impact on its weight. Hand tools may weigh less than a pound and usually no more than 5 or 6 pounds. Lighter manual full-length tools such as hoes and forks usually weigh between 5 and 10 pounds.

A heavy tool can be tiring to wield when weeding for a long period, so try to strike a balance between durability and weight (not to mention cost). Aluminum and plastic garden tools are lighter and less expensive, but they most likely won’t last very long. Steel and fiberglass are pricier and last longer. Wooden tools weigh more and cost less.

Those working on a small flower bed with minimal growing areas may find a smaller, lighter tool sufficient. Smaller tools allow for more flexibility and precision in tighter spaces. More extensive gardens require heavier, sturdier tools that provide more leverage for digging and breaking up soil.

Blade and Handle Material

Stainless steel, aluminum, plastic, wood, and fiberglass figure prominently into the handles and blades of weeding tools.

• Steel lasts a long time and gets the job done, but it’s not lightweight. A steel shaft or handle weighs more than aluminum, plastic, and fiberglass. And only stainless steel or powder-coated steel resists rust.
• Aluminum weighs less than steel and resists rust. On the other hand, this less expensive material bends and dents more easily than steel. Aluminum may not stand up well to hard, rocky soil.
• Plastic handles weigh less and cost less, but the lightweight, inexpensive material can break or crack with heavy or extended use—so they’re hardly a bargain in the long run.
• Wood handles and shafts provide a cost-effective, durable, and moderate weight option. But wood can break, crack, and rot in certain weather conditions.
• Fiberglass provides a strong and lightweight handle at a slightly higher price. This material stands strong against rust and extreme weather.

Handle Length

For the right handle length, consider both the work area and the user’s own physical limitations. Large garden beds and walkways are best weeded from an upright position that takes the stress off the back, helping gardeners do the greatest amount of work with the least amount of effort. If bad knees or hips make it difficult to kneel comfortably, choose a longer handle.

Some weeders include a feature that lets users pull the weed and discard it without having to bend over. Raised beds and tight spaces are conducive to short-handled weeders that let gardeners—especially those with healthy joints—get up close. Some weeding tools include an ergonomic grip that keeps the hand and wrist at the same angle, eliminating strain on joints caused by prolonged repetitive use.

Grip

Rubber coating on grips and handles can help alleviate wear and tear on hands. Shoppers will want to keep in mind that regardless of the ergonomic or fatigue-relieving features any handle or grip might offer, it’s still a good idea to wear a quality pair of gardening gloves to avoid scratches and cuts from branches, stones, and thorns.

Plastic handles designed in ergonomic shapes that offer a comfortable grip work fine for smaller tools. However, they often can’t handle the leveraging pressure that larger tools can, and they will snap easily.

FAQs

The post The Best Weeding Tools, Tested and Reviewed appeared first on Bob Vila.

If you’ve ever used a hose around the garden, you may know the struggle of wrangling it when you’re done with a given task. Although many garden hose storage options seek to simplify putting away a garden hose, few make it as easy as a retractable hose reel. There are a number of retractable hose reels on the market, and we tested eight top models for functionality, durability, installation ease, value, and curb appeal.

How does a retractable hose reel work? A round housing unit holds a garden hose and a reel powered by a large spring. As you extend the hose from the unit, a spring attached to the reel begins to wind and tighten. When you’re finished using the hose and want to store it, simply tug the hose to release a locking mechanism and engage the spring-loaded reel, which automatically winds up the hose in about 20 seconds. 

Our top pick was the 130-foot retractable option from Giraffe Tools thanks to its lockable hose and 180-degree swivel. Find out how each product fared in our hands-on testing and which ones are our top picks for the best retractable garden hose reels in various categories.

1. BEST OVERALL: Giraffe Tools 130-Foot Retractable Garden Hose Reel
2. RUNNER-UP: Aquazilla 100-Foot Retractable Garden Hose Reel 
3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Eneacro 100-Foot Retractable Garden Hose Reel 
4. UPGRADE PICK: Macnaught 60-Foot Retractable Garden Hose Reel
5. BEST FOR SMALL YARDS: Gardena 50-Foot Wall-Mounted Hose Reel
6. BEST FOR MEDIUM YARDS: Giraffe Tools 90-Foot Retractable Garden Hose Reel
7. BEST FOR LARGE YARDS: Giraffe Tools 155-Foot Retractable Garden Hose Reel
8. BEST SPIKE-MOUNTED: Gardena 66-Foot Retractable Hose Reel on Metal Spike 

Product Comparison

Our Top Picks

These top picks represent some of the best retractable garden hose reels on the market today. They are easy to operate, with proven designs that will quickly retract a hose without tangling. We’ve included a selection of reels to accommodate various hose lengths, and we extensively tested each model for functionality and durability.

Best Overall

Giraffe Tools 130-Foot Retractable Garden Hose Reel

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What We Like

• 130-foot hose locks at any length, making it ideal for all yard sizes
• Auto-rewind system retracts the hose without any kinking or tangling
• Hose reel features a 180-degree swivel and is removable for storage

What We Don’t Like

• Loose rubber gaskets inside the hose’s couplings fell out upon unboxing

Our Ratings: Installation 5/5; Curb Appeal 5/5; Functionality 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 5/5 

Product Specs

• Length: 130 feet
• Size: ½-inch diameter
• Nozzle: Adjustable with 9 spray patterns

With its ample length and durable construction, this retractable garden hose reel from Giraffe Tools is a quality choice for just about any yard. It comes equipped with a 130-foot hose that locks at any length, allowing it to reach even the far corners of a lawn. The hose itself is made of an abrasion-resistant hybrid material that can handle pressures of up to 600 pounds per square inch (PSI)—nearly twice what most hoses can handle—without bursting. This is a key feature, given that the hoses in retractable reels generally aren’t replaceable. 

The Giraffe Tools retractable hose reel came with everything we needed to mount the bracket to our wooden post, and the process was simple, taking less than 10 minutes. The handy quick-release system made it easy to set the reel in the bracket and remove it for portability or storage. The hose pulled out smoothly, requiring little effort on our part. To retract the hose, we gave it a gentle tug, and the auto-rewind system kicked in, rolling it up without any kinking or tangling. 

We also appreciated the hose’s high-quality spray nozzle, which features nine unique spray patterns. We repeatedly dropped the hose on our concrete patio to test for durability, and there was no damage to the nozzle or couplings. The only malfunction we encountered was minor: The rubber gaskets in the hose’s couplings were loose, falling out as we unboxed the reel. It was easy to put them back in place, but potential buyers will want to keep this in mind.

Get the Giraffe Tools 130-foot retractable garden hose reel at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.

Runner-up

Aquazilla 100-Foot Retractable Garden Hose Reel

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What We Like

• Easy-to-install mounting bracket; hose reel locks in place via a metal pin
• 100-foot hose length is ideal for yards and gardens of all sizes
• Durable 9-pattern spray nozzle is suitable for various applications

What We Don’t Like

• Retraction requires the gentlest of pulls; required several attempts after each use

Our Ratings: Installation 5/5; Curb Appeal 5/5; Functionality 4/5; Durability 5/5; Value 5/5

Product Specs 

• Length: 100 feet
• Size: ⅝-inch diameter
• Nozzle: Pistol grip with 9 spray patterns

The Aquazilla retractable water hose reel was on par with our top pick, earning it the Runner-Up award. The hose features a ⅝-inch diameter and a 100-foot length, perfect for extended reach through the yard. The mounting bracket has a 180-degree swivel, and the hose locks at any length. 

Upon unboxing the Aquazilla retractable garden hose, we were impressed with the attractiveness of the design. A handle at the top of the reel made it easy for us to carry and then install the product. It took us a mere 5 minutes to install the mounting bracket on our wooden post; the reel hooked to the bracket via a removable metal pin. 

During testing, we could pull the hose smoothly from the reel, and it locked into place the second we stopped pulling. Our only issue was that retracting the hose required only the gentlest tug, which we never could seem to achieve on the first try. However, once the hose did retract, the hose guide prevented any kinking. The heavy-duty, pistol-grip spray nozzle resisted any cracking when we dropped it on our concrete patio. We also found the nozzle’s nine different spray patterns useful for many applications, including rinsing off our patio and watering flowers.

Get the Aquazilla retractable garden hose reel at Amazon.

Best Bang for the Buck

Eneacro 100-Foot Retractable Garden Hose Reel

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What We Like

• Reasonably priced compared with retractable hose reels of a similar size
• Easiest to pull the hose of all the models we tested
• 100-foot hose length is suitable for yards and gardens of all sizes

What We Don’t Like

• Plastic housing unit appears to be of lower quality than other top picks

Our Ratings: Installation 5/5; Curb Appeal 3/5; Functionality 5/5; Durability 3/5; Value 5/5 

Product Specs

• Length: 100 feet
• Size: ½-inch diameter 
• Nozzle: Pistol grip with 9 spray patterns

This retractable garden hose reel from Eneacro offers several good features at a reasonable price. It automatically locks at any length and retracts slowly using an internal breaking mechanism. The hose’s 100-foot length makes it suitable for yards and gardens of all sizes. The reel includes a side mount and can rotate 180 degrees to reach all parts of a yard, and users can remove the reel from the bracket for easy winter storage. 

Upon unboxing, it was apparent why this garden hose reel was cheaper than other products on our list. The plastic housing unit was thinner, and the hose looked to be of lower quality. However, looks can be deceiving, as we were pleasantly surprised by this hose reel’s performance. 

We installed the mounting bracket by drilling four pilot holes and then screwing the bracket in place. We then attached the reel and began using the hose. This hose was the easiest to pull among all of our top picks. There was no resistance, and drawing out the entire hose length took zero force. When we had finished using it, the hose retracted smoothly. The hose also features a handy pistol-grip nozzle with nine spray patterns. While this model’s housing unit appears to be a lower quality than that of the other products, it’s still an ideal option for users who value ease of use—and at a lower price.

Get the Eneacro retractable garden hose reel at Amazon.

Upgrade Pick

Macnaught 60-Foot Retractable Garden Hose Reel

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What We Like

• Features durable construction and an attractive modern design
• Hybrid polymer hose is thick, flexible, and resistant to kinking
• Simple installation and easy to remove from the mount for portability or storage

What We Don’t Like

• Inconsistent retraction; the hose sometimes rewinds to one side rather than evenly throughout the reel
• Doesn’t include a spray nozzle or screws for the mounting bracket

Our Ratings: Installation 5/5; Curb Appeal 5/5; Functionality 3/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4/5

Product Specs

• Length: 60 feet
• Size: ½-inch diameter 
• Nozzle: Not included

For shoppers who want to invest in a higher-priced retractable hose reel, it’s best to choose a sturdy model designed for ease of use like this Macnaught hose reel that features heavy-duty construction and a high-quality hose. Although the 60-foot hose has a smaller ½-inch diameter, it’s made from a hybrid polymer material that doesn’t hold a coiled shape, making it easier to extend and less likely to kink. 

When we unboxed the hose reel, we were impressed with the material quality. The hose felt flexible but thick—definitely a grade above the other options. The housing unit featured durable plastic and a modern design. It included a metal bracket for installation; unfortunately, though, no screws were included. Luckily, we had some screws on hand and were able to mount the bracket to our post in just a few minutes.

Similar to other retractable garden hose reels, this model locks automatically and retracts with a gentle pull. However, the retraction was inconsistent during our testing. Sometimes the garden hose would retract in an even pattern, while other times it would all go to one side. In those instances, we’d have to unwind the hose and retract it again to straighten it out. An additional downside to this model is that it didn’t include a spray nozzle.

Get the Macnaught retractable garden hose reel at Amazon. 

Best for Small Yards

Gardena 50-Foot Wall-Mounted Hose Reel

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What We Like

• Includes hose guide for easy, even retraction within the reel
• Reel attaches to the mounting bracket via a removable metal pin
• Hose is easy to pull out, locks in place, and smoothly retracts

What We Don’t Like

• Hose features plastic couplings with snap-on connections, which may be less desirable 

Our Ratings: Installation 5/5; Curb Appeal 4/5; Functionality 4/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4/5 

Product Specs

• Length: 50 feet
• Size: Unspecified
• Nozzle: Fire hose

The shorter 50-foot hose on this Gardena model is ideal for keeping flower beds and landscaping in smaller yards well irrigated. Similar to other hose reels, it mounts to a wall and swivels 180 degrees to access different parts of the yard. A bracket on the mount pairs with a standard padlock (not included) to prevent theft. Users can easily remove the reel from the mount for winter storage. 

We installed the bracket to our wooden post with four screws and then set the reel on top, locking it in with a metal pin. We then tested the hose, pulling it out and retracting it more than a dozen times. The hose extended and retracted smoothly and efficiently each time. This product includes a handy hose guide for installation on the corner of a house or building to prevent snags.

Rather than metal couplings like the other hose reels we tested, this product has plastic couplings with snap-on connections. The water source hook-up, however, has a standard threaded connection. Additionally, this hose reel has a basic fire-hose nozzle, which wasn’t our favorite, but it works well for watering plants.

Get the Gardena 50-foot retractable garden hose reel at Amazon.

Best for Medium Yards

Giraffe Tools 90-Foot Retractable Garden Hose Reel

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What We Like

• Attractive and high-quality housing unit made from reinforced propylene plastic
• Kink-proof hose retracts via a guide that keeps it tidy inside the housing unit
• 90-foot hose length and versatile spray nozzle are ideal for many applications

What We Don’t Like

• Doesn’t pull as smoothly as other tested products from this brand; requires force

Our Ratings: Installation 5/5; Curb Appeal 5/5; Functionality 4/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.5/5 

Product Specs 

• Length: 90 feet
• Size: ⅝-inch diameter
• Nozzle: Pistol grip with 9 spray patterns

The Giraffe Tools 90-foot retractable garden hose reel is an attractive option for midsize yards and gardens. The housing unit is durable, consisting of reinforced propylene plastic that won’t fade in the sun. The reel features a self-layering system that guides the hose into the unit smoothly and without any kinking. 

This model included everything we needed to mount it, including a propylene bracket and four screws with plastic anchors. After mounting, all we had to do was set the reel in place. We started our functionality testing by pulling the length of the hose out of the reel multiple times. We immediately noticed that this model required much more force to pull than the other Giraffe Tools models we tested.

The retraction on this hose worked as expected, rewinding smoothly and without kinks. We repeatedly dropped the nine-setting spray nozzle on the concrete patio to mimic the regular wear and tear the hose might experience. The couplings never warped, and the nozzle didn’t crack or show any signs of damage. Overall, this is a high-quality retractable garden hose reel, but it requires some upper body strength to extend the entire length of the hose.

Get the Giraffe Tools 90-foot retractable garden hose reel at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.

Best for Large Yards

Giraffe Tools 155-Foot Retractable Garden Hose Reel

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What We Like

• Extra-long hose length of 155 feet is ideal for large yards, gardens, and barns
• Durable, heavy-duty housing is made from reinforced and fade-resistant propylene
• Versatile spray nozzle with 9 spray patterns meets multiple needs

What We Don’t Like

• Long hose length makes reel heavier to carry and install
• Wider mounting bracket may limit installation options

Our Ratings: Installation 5/5; Curb Appeal 5/5; Functionality 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.5/5 

Product Specs

• Length: 155 feet
• Size: ½-inch diameter 
• Nozzle: Pistol grip with 9 spray patterns

With a whopping 155 feet of hose length, this Giraffe Tools option is one of the longest retractable garden hose reels on the market, making it ideal for yards that extend far from the spigot. The reel functions similarly to other retractable hose reels, locking automatically at any length and retracting with a simple tug. 

The mounting bracket was wider than others on our list, requiring a minimum of a 4-inch by 6-inch post on which to mount it. Alternatively, users can mount it directly to the side of a house or building. We installed the bracket on our wooden post, which took only a few minutes. We then set the reel in place and began using the hose. The reel weighs about 40 pounds, making it slightly more challenging to install.

We expected such a long hose to be more difficult to pull, but it wasn’t. It pulled smoothly from the reel, locking in place each time we stopped. It also retracted with a gentle tug, never kinking. The durable sprayer nozzle featured the same nine-setting pistol grip as on all the Giraffe Tools models we tested. We subjected the nozzle to many drops on our concrete patio, and it held up well. And we found the multiple sprayer settings useful for a variety of applications.

Get the Giraffe Tools 155-foot retractable garden hose reel at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Best Spike Mounted

Gardena 66-Foot Retractable Hose Reel on Metal Spike

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What We Like

• Easy-to-install metal ground spike eliminates the need for wall mounting
• Hose pulls out smoothly and retracts with a gentle tug
• 66-foot length suits small to medium yards and gardens

What We Don’t Like

• Includes a basic adjustable nozzle instead of a higher-quality spray nozzle
• Expensive for the quality and size of the hose reel

Our Ratings: Installation 4/5; Curb Appeal 4/5; Functionality 5/5; Durability 3/5; Value 3.5/5 

Product Specs 

• Length: 66 feet
• Size: Unspecified
• Nozzle: Fire hose

Users who can’t or don’t want to wall-mount a hose reel can still enjoy the benefits of a retractable garden hose with the spike-mounted Gardena 66-foot hose reel. The housing unit is constructed with frostproof and UV-resistant material and features RollControl technology for safe retraction.

This hose reel came with everything we needed to install it. We mounted the stake by finding a suitable, utility-free area in our yard and then used the included metal rod to twist the stake into place. We couldn’t get the stake all the way into the ground, but we pushed it deep enough to support the hose reel. We then assembled the reel and placed it on the mount. 

The hose didn’t feel quite as durable as the other models we tested, but it extended and retracted smoothly with no tangling or kinking. The 66-foot length makes it best suited for small to medium yards. This model has a fire-hose adjustable nozzle, which didn’t have the quality of the nozzles on other top picks. However, it still held up to many drops on the concrete patio and worked well for watering plants. 

Get the Gardena 66-foot retractable garden hose reel at Amazon.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Retractable Garden Hose Reels

• Products tested: 8
• Hours spent testing: 6.5
• Tests performed: 5
• Average price: $180

Before starting our hands-on testing of the best retractable garden hose reels, we researched top consumer needs and considered more than 15 options with high user reviews. Then, we narrowed our list to eight models to test and spent a month installing and using each retractable hose reel.

First, we mounted each hose reel to a wooden post using the included bracket and screws, if applicable. To test for functionality, we extended the full length of the hose and then retracted it at least a dozen times, noting the overall ease or difficulty, the smoothness, and how well it retracted. We also dropped the hose couplings and any included nozzles on our concrete patio multiple times to mimic the natural wear and tear these parts may undergo. Finally, we kept all of our test results in a rubric, and—at the end of the testing period—used these results to rate each product and award it as the top pick in one of the categories.

What to Consider When Choosing a Retractable Garden Hose Reel 

Although knowing the length of the hose is key when you’re purchasing a retractable garden hose reel, there are other important factors to consider, such as the hose diameter, nozzle type, and mounting design. 

Length

“Hose length is definitely a top consideration,” says Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO of Lawn Love. “If you want to be able to extend your hose out to water the plants across your lawn without requiring a watering can to make up the difference, then make sure to measure the distance you need.”

Though other types of hose storage solutions may allow you to add length by attaching an additional hose, you won’t be able to add to or replace the hose that comes with a retractable reel. The best way to determine the length you’ll need is to measure from an outdoor spigot to the farthest point in the yard. Hose lengths for retractable garden hose reels typically range from about 50 to 150 feet. 

Mounting and Portability 

A retractable garden hose holder comes with a mounting kit for installation on the side of a house, shed, or even a fence or post. The mounting kit allows the reel to hinge left to right 180 degrees, making it easier to direct the hose toward a flower bed, driveway, or other location. 

Mounting the hose reel is necessary to provide a solid base while pulling the hose for retraction. A hose reel wall mount typically has a removable pin that allows the user to detach the entire device from the mount, which is convenient when storing the hose in a shed or garage for the winter. 

Hose Size

Hose sizes for retractable garden hoses vary from ⅜ of an inch in diameter up to ⅝ of an inch in diameter. A larger-diameter hose can carry more water and therefore produce a higher flow rate than a smaller-diameter hose. With this in mind, a ⅜-inch or ½-inch hose is best suited for watering plants, while a ⅝-inch hose is ideal for uses that demand higher water volume, such as running a sprinkler or washing a car. 

Nozzle Type

Some garden hose reels feature one of two types of nozzle: pistol grip or fire hose. Pistol-grip models fit ergonomically in the hand with a grip and trigger that allow the user to regulate the amount of output. The nozzle has a throttle tip for toggling between eight or nine spray patterns, including a stream, broad fan, and mist. 

Fire-hose nozzles are long and straight. The user can adjust the spray from a high-pressure stream to a broad fan by twisting the nozzle. Though a fire-hose nozzle doesn’t offer the same variety of spray patterns as a pistol-grip nozzle, it is usually made from all-metal parts and is typically more durable. 

Most nozzle types use standard fittings, so you can easily replace one later with an aftermarket nozzle, if necessary.

The Advantages of Owning a Retractable Garden Hose Reel

Although retractable reels are one of the more expensive storage solutions for garden hoses, there are several good reasons to invest in one. A retractable hose reel makes it easy to collect and store a garden hose that is up to 155 feet in length, eliminating the need to wrangle a hose manually. Garden hose reels also feature wall mounts, which can inconspicuously attach to a house or shed, unlike a hose reel cart that requires indoor storage. These reels detach easily from their mounts and double as a storage container for the hose during winter months. A retractable garden hose reel can:

• Eliminate the need to manually wind up a hose
• Store the hose in an out-of-the-way place
• Allow for convenient transport of the hose for winter storage

“With longer hoses, it’s definitely helpful to have a crank feature or a retractable design to bring the hose back into place. If you don’t need a long hose and/or don’t need to take it out very far, a retractable hose may be an unnecessary expense,” says Yamaguchi. With that in mind, if you have a small yard with low water needs, a quality expandable hose may be sufficient.

FAQs

If you’re wondering how to use your new retractable garden hose reel or want to know what to do if the hose becomes damaged, read on for answers to these frequently asked questions. 

Meet the Tester

Katie Barton has over 10 years of experience in product writing, has tested dozens of cleaning products, and has authored hundreds of articles for major media outlets. Her cleaning and organizing advice has been featured on GOBankingRates, Realtor.com, Yahoo!, Cabin Life, and more. She takes an unbiased approach to product testing, using each product multiple times or for several days/weeks to determine efficacy. Her goal is to help readers decide which products are worth their hard-earned money and which fall flat.

Additional research provided by Tony Carrick.

The post The Best Retractable Garden Hose Reels to Keep Hoses Contained, Tested appeared first on Bob Vila.

For plants, soil provides another vital element. It doesn’t just deliver nutrients to hungry fruits, vegetables, and flowers; good garden bed soil increases the airflow around plant roots to avoid compaction and improve drainage as it retains moisture for basic hydration.

Gardening with raised beds provides more control over the soil. However, the best soil for raised beds depends on the plants you want to grow. Many soil types are suitable for a variety of uses, while others are more specific in their purpose. To bolster our own research, we interviewed Elizabeth Jones, the seed librarian at the Jefferson Public Library in Jefferson, Georgia, and owner of Excel at Gardening, who gave us her expert advice on soil.

Our favorite was FoxFarm’s Happy Frog potting soil for its organic mix of pH-balanced ingredients. Read on for more of the top soils for raised beds and some things to keep in mind as you shop. 

1. BEST OVERALL: FoxFarm Happy Frog Potting Soil
2. RUNNER-UP: Sunday Natural Moisture Potting Soil Mix
3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Mountain Valley Minute Soil Compressed Coco Coir
4. BEST ORGANIC: Organic Plant Magic Compressed Potting Soil
5. BEST TOPSOIL: Michigan Peat Garden Magic Top Soil
6. BEST COMPOST: Charlie’s 10-Pound Compost
7. BEST PEAT MOSS: Hoffman Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss
8. BEST VERMICULITE: Ferry Morse Professional Grade Vermiculite
9. BEST FOR VEGETABLES: Coast of Maine Castine Organic Raised Bed Mix
10. BEST FOR HERBS AND FLOWERS: Miracle-Gro Raised Bed Soil

Product Comparison

	Ingredients	Quantity	Organic?
FoxFarm Happy Frog Potting Soil	Earthworm castings, bat guano, and aged forest products	2 cubic feet
Sunday Natural Moisture Potting Soil Mix	Sphagnum peat moss, peat humus, coir, perlite, ground limestone	20 quarts
Mountain Valley Minute Soil Compressed Coco Coir	Compressed coco coir	15 gallons (from 1 block); other sizes available
Organic Plant Magic Compressed Potting Soil	Coco coir, worm castings, and fertilizer	12 cups (expands to 3 gallons)
Michigan Peat Garden Magic Top Soil	Reed sedge peat and sand	4.5 cubic feet
Charlie’s 10-Pound Compost	Chicken manure, biochar, organic grasses and organic crop production residue	0.4 cubic feet
Hoffman Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss	Peat moss	10 quarts
Ferry Morse Professional Grade Vermiculite	Vermiculite grades	8 quarts
Coast of Maine Castine Organic Raised Bed Mix	Fully cured compost, sphagnum peat moss, dehydrated poultry manure, lobster and crab shell meal, greensand, biochar, worm castings and mycorrhizae	1 cubic foot
Miracle-Gro Raised Bed Soil	Sphagnum peat moss, compost, worm castings, alfalfa and kelp meal	1.5 cubic feet

Our Top Picks

Here are some of our top soil recommendations to help fill raised garden beds. There are specialized soils as well as general mixes to help plants thrive, including soils from brands long trusted in the gardening world. All you’ll need to do is slip on your gardening gloves, open up the bags, fill up your beds, refill your watering can, and get growing. 

BEST OVERALL

FoxFarm Happy Frog Potting Soil

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Product Specs 

• Ingredients: Earthworm castings, bat guano, and aged forest products
• Quantity: 2 cubic feet 
• Organic: Yes 

What We Like

• Mycorrhizal fungi content promotes root development
• Excels at starting seeds
• Great for winter sowing
• pH-balanced product ideal for fruits, vegetables, and flowers

What We Don’t Like

• Comes at a premium price

The FoxFarm Happy Frog organic garden soil contains a mix of microbes with mycorrhizal fungi and sediment. The fungi content enhances the nutrient uptake of the root system by creating a symbiotic relationship with the root mass. Essentially, it expands the root’s reach, promoting their development. 

That fungi content gets balanced with sediment that maintains the light texture and aeration needed to let plant roots expand as they consume nutrients. The mix contains a pH balance for optimal growth that’s supportive of fruit, vegetables, or flowers. Keep in mind that the soil has been inoculated with mycorrhizal fungi, so there is a possibility to see white growth in the mix, which is normal.

Get the FoxFarm soil for raised beds at Amazon, Target, or Walmart.

RUNNER-UP

Sunday Natural Moisture Potting Soil Mix

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Product Specs

• Ingredients: Sphagnum peat moss, peat humus, coir, perlite, ground limestone
• Quantity: 20 quarts
• Organic: No

What We Like

• Ideal for repotting plants into containers and raised beds
• Also includes ground limestone for added nutrients
• Helps drain and aerate roots for better plant growth

What We Don’t Like

• Users will want to pair it with a fertilizer for best results

With ingredients like peat humus for nutrients, perlite for aeration, and peat moss for moisture retention, Sunday’s soil mix provides the right growing conditions for healthy plant growth and proper drainage. This is especially useful when used in a raised bed setting, where aeration and drainage are vital to plant success. 

This 20-quart bag of soil is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and is especially great for repotting plants and herbs in containers. A final special ingredient in this product is ground limestone, which adds essential calcium and magnesium nutrients to the soil for optimal plant growth. Sunday does note to consumers, however, that this is not a substitute for fertilizer.

Get the Sunday soil for raised beds at Sunday.

BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK

Mountain Valley Minute Soil Compressed Coco Coir

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Product Specs 

• Ingredients: Compressed coco coir 
• Quantity: 15 gallons (from 1 block); other sizes available
• Organic: Yes

What We Like

• Compact, lightweight, and easy to store until needed
• Available in multiple sizes, either as large bricks or smaller pucks
• Suitable for a range of flowers, plants, and herbs

What We Don’t Like

• Coco coir is nutrient-poor, requiring supplements for better plant growth
• Retains moisture extremely well; not suitable for all plants

Mountain Valley Minute Soil compressed coco coir fiber grow medium squeezes the growing medium down to a compact brick full of goodness. Made of raw coconut coir, this fibrous block expands to a light texture designed to aerate and it retains moisture. At the same time, it provides a nutritious boost for topsoil. 

Gardeners can rehydrate the entire block to create 15 gallons of growing medium or hydrate only the amount needed for a specific project. The compressed packaging stores easily and provides options for a wide range of gardening needs and uses. These compressed blocks come in several sizes to suit most gardener’s available storage space. 

Get the Mountain Valley soil for raised beds at Amazon or True Leaf Market.

BEST ORGANIC

Organic Plant Magic Compressed Potting Soil

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Product Specs 

• Ingredients: Coco coir, worm castings, and fertilizer
• Quantity: 12 cups (expands to 3 gallons)
• Organic: Yes 

What We Like

• Holds 50 percent more water than regular soil
• Can be used on existing soil as a nutrient boost
• Can be rehydrated as needed

What We Don’t Like

• Not available in multiple size options

Organic Plant Magic compressed organic potting soil for gardens and plants contains natural, organic fertilizer ingredients to feed and nourish plants. This compressed soil can be rehydrated and used as the nutrient layer or applied directly to existing soil without rehydrating. This dry, organic mix alone holds 50 percent more water than regular soil, which is one reason it works so well for raised beds. 

The soil contains natural coconut coir, worm castings, mycorrhizae, helpful bacteria, amino acids, and humic acids. These ingredients work together for a slow release of nutrients so that plants don’t get overwhelmed. This package requires 12 cups of water to create 2 pounds of compressed soil. The mixture then expands to create 3 gallons of usable healthy soil.

Get the Organic Plant Magic soil for raised beds at Amazon or Organic Plant Magic.

BEST TOPSOIL

Michigan Peat Garden Magic Top Soil

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Product Specs 

• Ingredients: Reed sedge peat and sand
• Quantity: 4.5 cubic feet 
• Organic: Yes

What We Like

• Works well with heavy clay soils to help loosen the mixture
• Helps increase water retention in lighter soils 
• Can be used as a top dressing and to fill holes in lawns and gardens

What We Don’t Like

• Must be mixed with other soil

Topsoil fills a raised bed rather than nourishing the plants in it. The Michigan Peat Garden Magic top soil does that with a mix of reed sedge peat and sand. For gardeners who are using dirt from the natural landscape, this garden soil mix can loosen heavy clay soils and improve the water retention of light, airy soils. 

Sometimes topsoils can arrive with twigs and debris that aren’t harmful but don’t help your garden. The Michigan Peat topsoil (usually) arrives without clumps or these surprise additions, sticking with pure ingredients. However, the topsoil is designed to be used as conditioner for heavy soil or mixed with other growing mediums, but not used on its own.

Get the Michigan Peat soil for raised beds at Amazon.

BEST COMPOST

Charlie’s 10-Pound Compost

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Product Specs 

• Ingredients: Chicken manure, biochar, organic grasses and organic crop production residue
• Quantity: 0.4 cubic feet
• Organic: Yes 

What We Like

• Composted for 8 to 12 weeks
• Powerful formula, yet it’s still safe to use in direct contact with plants 
• Affordable compared to other big name brands

What We Don’t Like

• Made to be used as an amendment/natural fertilizer only

Charlie’s Compost has natural ingredients composted and ready for plants to soak up nutrients. It contains a garden soil mix of chicken manure, cornstalks, forest products, hay, straw, clay, and microbe inoculants. Before being bagged, the ingredients are composted for 8 to 12 weeks, at which time they’re ready for application to the garden. 

The blend is designed to be mixed with other soils or as an additive around plants. If used in direct contact with plants, be sure to use it sparingly: It’s powerful enough to burn delicate plants. There have also been (rare) instances of bags arriving with ingredients that aren’t completely broken down. 

Get the Charlie’s Compost soil for raised beds at Amazon.

BEST PEAT MOSS

Hoffman Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss

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Product Specs 

• Ingredients: Peat moss 
• Quantity: 10 quarts 
• Organic: Yes 

What We Like

• Provides ample drainage and aeration
• Also adds great moisture retention
• Relatively affordable bag

What We Don’t Like

• Designed to be mixed with heavy soil

Hoffman Canadian sphagnum peat moss contains 99.8 percent natural ingredients, consisting almost entirely of natural peat. This mix helps break up compacted soils, aerate roots, and improve drainage. However, the peat also holds water for better moisture retention in a raised bed setting. 

This bag provides a big bang for the buck. It’s meant to mix with other soils, so even in a large raised bed, it can go a long way. Keep in mind that heavily compacted soils will require more peat to loosen the soil than light, airy soils.

Get the Hoffman peat moss at Amazon.

BEST VERMICULITE

Ferry Morse Professional Grade Vermiculite

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Product Specs 

• Ingredients: Vermiculite grades
• Quantity: 8 quarts 
• Organic: No

What We Like

• Can be added to other soils for a potent mix
• Suitable for seedlings and plants that prefer a high moisture content
• Can help promote aeration in more compacted soils

What We Don’t Like

• May provide too much moisture for some plants 
• Not meant to be the primary growing medium

The professional-grade vermiculite by Ferry Morse contains a mix of vermiculite grades, fine to coarse, in one mix. However, it tends to contain more fine-grade particles, which makes a difference in the plants for which it works best—mostly plants that prefer a high moisture content. With the right soils, it can be used to improve aeration and keep plants well hydrated. 

This vermiculite provides adequate moisture levels for seedlings, too. However, the fine grade doesn’t take much moisture to keep plants healthy. Gardeners need to know their plants and soil mixes well when using this vermiculite. In some cases, it can retain too much moisture for plants that are easily overwatered.

Get the Ferry Morse vermiculite at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or Ferry Morse.

BEST FOR VEGETABLES

Coast of Maine Castine Organic Raised Bed Mix

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Product Specs 

• Ingredients: Fully cured compost, sphagnum peat moss, dehydrated poultry manure, lobster and crab shell meal, greensand, biochar, worm castings and mycorrhizae
• Quantity: 1 cubic foot 
• Organic: Yes 

What We Like

• Specially designed for outdoor raised garden beds
• Balanced pH is safe to use for vegetables, fruits, plants, and flowers 
• OMRI listed for guaranteed natural and organic materials
• Website has a handy calculator for how much users need for their space

What We Don’t Like

• Moisture retention and nutrients not suitable for indoor use or potted plants

Coast of Maine Organic & Natural Mix nourishes plants with natural ingredients designed for plants meant for human consumption. That doesn’t mean it can’t work well for flowers and inedibles, but when it comes to vegetables, organic ingredients ensure top nutrients. It’s OMRI listed, providing an extra layer of assurance that ingredients meet requirements to qualify as natural and organic. 

This raised bed mix contains fully cured compost, dehydrated poultry manure, sphagnum peat moss, biochar, worm castings, lobster and crab shell meal, greensand, and mycorrhizae. 

A wide and varied mix of ingredients balances pH and provides nutrients for an equally diverse range of plants. Keep in mind that this soil is designed specifically for outdoor raised beds. It’s not one to use with indoor potted plants because it won’t provide the right moisture retention or nutrients. 

Get the Coast of Maine soil for raised beds at Amazon, The Home Depot, Target, or Coast of Maine.

BEST FOR HERBS AND FLOWERS

Miracle-Gro Raised Bed Soil

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Product Specs 

• Ingredients: Sphagnum peat moss, compost, worm castings, alfalfa and kelp meal
• Quantity: 1.5 cubic feet 
• Organic: Yes 

What We Like

• Premixed bag is specially formulated for raised bed gardens 
• Mixture can help control weeds and pests 
• Certified by the Organic Materials Review Institute

What We Don’t Like

• Does not control moisture as well as other options

The OMRI-certified Miracle-Gro raised bed soil mix provides organic matter needed for good drainage while growing flowers, herbs, vegetables, and fruits. The raised bed soil requires no mixing. Designed specifically for raised beds, this mixture helps keep pests and weeds under control. 

The premixed blend comes in 1.5 cubic foot bags. It takes about three bags to fill a 2-foot by 2-foot bed that is 1 foot high.

Get the Miracle-Gro soil for raised beds at Ace Hardware, Lowe’s, or Tractor Supply Co.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Chose the Best Soil for Raised Beds

We researched the most sought-after soil for raised beds in their respective categories and discovered that the best options are determined by their ingredients, quantity, versatility, and other special features included by top brands.

While searching for the best garden bed soil, we reached out to Teri Valenzuela, the natural science manager at Sunday, a nationwide lawn and garden care company. Her advice? “Look for ingredients like fresh compost or peat humus for good nutrient levels, vermiculite or perlite for aeration, and peat moss or coconut coir for moisture retention. These ingredients provide the right growing conditions for healthy plant growth and proper drainage.”

She adds that shoppers will want to “avoid mixes with heavier in-ground garden soil mixes, bio-solids containing contaminants, and excessive wood products. They may hinder plant growth by impacting drainage and nutrient availability.”

With these expert tips in mind, we made sure to include a wide range of soil recipes on our list of recommendations that meet these standards, avoiding poorer quality mixes. As such, many of our chosen mixes are formulated to provide drainage and aeration and select options can be used for indoor and outdoor plants, vegetables, fruits, flowers, and herbs. 

Whether you need 1 cubic foot or over 15 gallons of soil, the above list includes options that resist compacting, are pH-balanced, and can be used on existing soil with grown plants as well as seedlings. Many of our picks can be mixed with other soils to create a custom blend that works perfectly for your own plants.

What to Consider When Choosing Soil for Raised Beds

Growing flowers and food in a raised garden bed differs from growing them directly in the ground. Consider these key points before dumping dirt into your raised beds. 

Raised Bed Height

Knowing the size of your raised bed garden will help you determine how much soil you will need to fill it. Thankfully, there are plenty of useful calculators that can help with this task, taking into account shape and dimensions. In general, the taller the raised bed, the more raised bed soil you’ll need. 

Taller raised beds or tabletop designs can eliminate back strain and make gardening more comfortable. Alternatively, you can fill the bottom of a tall ground level bed with filler like dead leaves or cardboard to minimize the amount of raised bed soil mix you’ll need. 

Plant Type and Root Depth 

The plants grown in the garden will determine the best raised bed soil depth needed for optimum growth. Generally, a good rule of thumb is to build a raised bed that’s at least 6 inches deep. This depth allows for drainage and retains moisture at levels needed for many common crops. However, some plants have deeper roots than others. For example, if you plan to grow root vegetables like carrots, a depth of 12 inches is preferable. 

Raised beds are great for any kind of plant but work particularly well for growing vegetables. Elevating the growing space keeps weeds at bay and the soil warm and prevents compaction. Gardeners also get to start with pristine, neutral-pH soil. However, if you’re using previously used soil, do a soil test to determine whether you need any amendments or fertilizer to renew the nutrients.

Soil Components

Many gardeners have tried-and-true soil mix recipes, but in general, it’s best to avoid settling for uber-cheap bags of raised bed soil. A good soil mix contains topsoil, a small amount of substrate, and a significant amount of compost, which contains nutrients that improve soil conditions. 

The least expensive bags of soil are usually low quality and full of weed seed, debris, and other nasty contaminants. They’re also unlikely to contain many valuable nutrients. 

Topsoil is basically filler soil needed for everything from raised bed gardening to indoor potted plants. It makes up the bulk of most raised bed soil mixes. It’s not very rich in nutrients but is a necessary component that contains organic matter. 

The substrate makes up a small percentage of the raised bed soil mix but is extremely important. It helps control moisture content, which is key in a raised bed. Some of the substrates that might appear in soil mixes include peat moss, rock phosphate, vermiculite, perlite, and coco coir. Again, the type of plants you choose to grow will help determine the appropriate substrate to support them. 

Be careful to avoid adding too much peat moss, which can increase the acidity of the soil and throw off the pH balance. Some gardeners prefer to fill raised garden beds with a topsoil-free mix, using equal parts compost, perlite, and coco coir. It makes for a fluffy, moisture-retaining growing medium. 

Compost from multiple sources is best because it provides a wide variety of nutrients. It can even come from your own backyard pile that consists of leaves, grass clippings, and other yard waste. 

In the world of soil, the term “organic” refers to organic materials such as compost and mulch. “Nonorganic” materials aren’t necessarily harmful. They’re just inert and include things like pebbles, rock phosphate, and perlite. Nonorganic soil that contains no organic matter lacks nutrients but is also free of contaminants. When the terms are used in this way, the term “nonorganic” doesn’t mean synthetic fillers or chemicals; it means that the substances are not nor have they ever been alive. 

However, the term “organic” can also mean free of synthetic chemicals and pesticides. The USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) covers farm practices, including soils and other substances applied to crops like organic fertilizer. In addition, the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI), a volunteer organization, lists products that organic farmers can use to produce food. Both the NOP or OMRI list possible soils, amendments, and fertilizers that can be used and still maintain an “organic” garden.

Topsoil

Topsoil isn’t the same as garden soil. As the name suggests, it’s the top layer of soil. This general-purpose soil is ideal for filling in garden beds or preparing a bare lawn for growth. 

It’s not very nutrient-rich, but it contains important organic matter, so it’s not entirely useless. If you buy topsoil bags and plan to use them to fill your raised beds, pour the topsoil in first since this soil makes a great base layer and filler. Then cover the topsoil with a more nutrient-rich mix of compost, peat moss, and substrates that will nourish the plants. 

Fertilizer

The best raised bed soils contain nutrients that fuel growth. Organic, natural fertilizers include various types of compost, sea kelp, and worm castings. These fertilizers enhance the quality and condition of the soil without you having to worry about contamination. The slow-release properties of organic fertilizers prevent potentially harmful buildup and ensure that your plants aren’t harmed by a flood of nutrients all at once. 

According to Jones, “You want to check what type of fertilizer is in the soil and how long it takes for it to break down so you don’t overfertilize and burn your plants. You’ll also know how often you need to fertilize again. I prefer getting premixed soil to minimize how much work (physical labor) I’ll have to do. Hand mixing and moving dirt is hard work.”

It’s also important to note that some raised bed soil mixes may contain synthetic fertilizers. They provide a quick nutrient boost but don’t improve soil condition and texture like organic options. This is why it is best to choose or make a soil mix with organic nutrient sources.

FAQs 

The post The Best Soils for Raised Beds in Your Garden appeared first on Bob Vila.

Whether seeding a new lawn, feeding an existing garden, or treating a yard for an insect infestation, a fertilizer spreader is an invaluable tool. These machines apply lawn care products quickly and evenly without requiring you to touch them, keeping you safe from contacting potentially dangerous chemicals and resulting in more consistent application with less product waste. In the winter, they can also be used to spread salt on icy walkways and paths. But knowing which spreader is right for your property and needs requires a little research, which is why we tested 13 popular models before selecting just nine to recommend. 

Based on our tests and the professional opinions of two lawn care experts, we chose the Earthway 50-lb. Commercial Broadcast Spreader as our top pick. This three-point fertilizer spreader holds a substantial amount of product, delivers a consistent spread pattern, and is easy to maneuver—even when full. However, there’s also a lot to like about the rest of the models that passed our tests, so it’s worth reviewing all of the best fertilizer spreaders before choosing the one that’s right for you.

1. BEST OVERALL: Earthway 50-lb. Commercial Broadcast Spreader
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2. RUNNER-UP: Titan Attachments Professional Broadcast Spreader
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3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Mini Broadcast Spreader
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4. UPGRADE PICK: Scotts Elite Spreader
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5. BEST FOR LARGE YARDS: Agri-Fab 130-lb. Push Broadcast Spreader
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6. BEST PULL-BEHIND: Agri-Fab 130-lb. Tow-Behind Broadcast Spreader
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7. BEST DROP: Scotts Turf Builder Classic Drop Spreader
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8. BEST MANUAL HANDHELD: Scotts Whirl Hand-Powered Spreader
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9. BEST BATTERY HANDHELD: Ryobi 18V One+ 1-Gallon Power Spreader
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Fertilizer Spreaders Comparison Chart

Our Top Picks

Each of the following models earned a spot on our list based on their standout performance in our hands-on tests. Read on to learn more about their spreading capacity, holding capacity, precision, and method of operation.

Best Overall

Earthway 50-lb. Commercial Broadcast Spreader

See It

What We Like

• Heavy-duty steel T-handle, epoxy-coated frame, and pneumatic stud tires 
• Easy to operate and maneuver when full
• Instructions for assembly and use are simple to follow

What We Don’t Like

• Takes up a lot of storage space 
• Doesn’t come with a rain cover

Specs 

• Type: Walk-behind, rotary
• Capacity: 50 pounds
• Flow controller: Sliding lever

Our Ratings: Durability 5/5; Maneuverability 5/5; Ease of Assembly 5/5; Storage 3/5; Value 5/5

The Earthway walk-behind broadcast fertilizer spreader is a commercial-grade multiuse spreader sized for yards between 10,000 square feet and an acre. It features a heavy-duty poly hopper with a 50-pound capacity, and its frame has a 175-pound load-bearing limit for withstanding uneven terrain. The 13-inch-diameter stud tires are attached via rustproof rims, and the super-duty gearbox is durable enough to last for years.

While the assembly instructions for this pick were incredibly easy to follow, assembly and calibration still took a few hours. However, once we got started actually using this rugged yard fertilizer spreader, we found its two-position height adjustment handle and T-speed lever comfortable despite our different heights, and we liked how evenly the three-hole drop shut-off system delivered product across our lawn. Even when fully loaded, the air-filled pneumatic stud tires rolled effortlessly up and down slopes and over rough ground, cushioning bumps to maintain a highly consistent distribution pattern. In addition to being an excellent choice for year-round use as a lawn seed fertilizer spreader, this Earthway model would also work well with ice-melting products. 

What our tester says: “Once we got to testing this spreader, we both remarked on how durable it felt and how comfortable and easy it was to operate. Since it is on the large side, it would be nice if it had a rain cover so we could store it outside, but that’s really the only thing about this pick that we don’t love.”—Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer 

Get the Earthway fertilizer spreader at Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart, Northern Tool + Equipment, or Earthway.

Runner-up

Titan Attachments Professional Broadcast Spreader

See It

What We Like

• Large hopper is ideal for big properties
• 3-position handle makes it easy to control flow
• Comes with a rain cover for outdoor storage 

What We Don’t Like

• Instructions are a bit hard to follow
• Too large for most small- and medium-sized yards

Specs 

• Type: Walk-behind, rotary
• Capacity: 50 pounds
• Flow controller: Sliding lever

Our Ratings: Durability 5/5; Maneuverability 5/5; Ease of Assembly 4/5; Storage 4/5; Value 4.5/5

Titan Attachments broadcast fertilizer and seed spreader is a versatile, high-capacity tool designed to evenly distribute herbicides, fertilizers, insecticides, grass seed, and even ice melt. With a 50-pound drum and three-position gearbox, it holds plenty of product and is easy to control for consistent application.

Built for year-round use, this spreader features a high-grade steel frame, heavy-duty plastic components, and pneumatic tires that make it possible to run on turf or sod without damaging the grass. Despite its sturdy construction, it only weighs 25 pounds, making it light enough to maneuver without much effort but heavy enough to tackle hilly, root-filled, and rugged terrain. It covers a wide path for efficient lawn fertilizer application and is probably best for open spaces that are 10,000 square feet or larger. Though it was relatively quick to assemble and calibrate at about an hour and 15 minutes, the instructions would be fairly hard to follow if you didn’t have much experience putting this type of tool together. 

Get the Titan Attachments fertilizer spreader at Amazon, Walmart, or Titan Attachments.

Best Bang for the Buck

Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Mini Broadcast Spreader

See It

What We Like

• Comes precalibrated and fully assembled
• Folds down for storage 
• EdgeGuard feature keeps fertilizer on lawns only

What We Don’t Like

• Hard to get the last bit of fertilizer out 
• Can be difficult to maneuver on uneven ground

Specs 

• Type: Walk-behind, rotary
• Capacity: 25 pounds
• Flow controller: Dial and spring lever

Our Ratings: Durability 3/5; Maneuverability 3/5; Ease of Assembly 5/5; Storage 5/5; Value 5/5

Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard mini broadcast spreader is small, lightweight, and easy to store, making it ideal for those with limited space. Though it can hold up to 5,000 square feet of lawn products for yards up to 10,000 square feet, its fold-down handle makes it easy to tuck out of the way when the work is complete. It also includes a control panel with precision rate settings for more accurate coverage and an EdgeGuard feature that blocks the right side to prevent fertilizer from spraying onto sidewalks or flower beds. 

During testing, we appreciated that this little spreader didn’t need any assembly. Its hard plastic wheels came attached and the spreader itself was already calibrated. Still, the wheels are fairly skinny and hard, so they didn’t roll as smoothly across uneven ground as air-filled tires. Also, we noticed that the last bits of product always got stuck to the bottom of the spreader due to static buildup. For the price, though? It’s a great choice for homeowners with small- to mid-sized yards and limited storage space who still want easy operation and precision coverage. 

Get the Scotts EdgeGuard fertilizer spreader at Amazon, Lowe’s, Tractor Supply Co., Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, Walmart, or Scotts.

Upgrade Pick

Scotts Elite Spreader

See It

What We Like

• 2 rotors for consistent coverage
• Holds up to 60 pounds to treat over 20,000 square feet 
• Arrives calibrated and mostly preassembled and folds for storage

What We Don’t Like

• Some fertilizer discharges toward the wheel during use 
• Wheels aren’t great for rough ground

Specs 

• Type: Walk-behind, rotary
• Capacity: 60 pounds
• Flow controller: Dial and spring lever

Our Ratings: Durability 4/5; Maneuverability 3/5; Ease of Assembly 4/5; Storage 4/5; Value 4/5

The Scotts Elite spreader is a high-capacity option designed to efficiently cover up to 20,000 square feet with 60 pounds of product. Its twin discharge design evenly lays down material in a 6-foot-wide path, meaning it spreads fertilizer twice as fast as more basic models. 

Assembly of the Scotts Elite was quick and easy—all we had to do was snap on the wheels and unfold the handle. The soft plastic wheels rolled much more easily over varying terrain than the standard hard-plastic wheels on less expensive Scotts spreaders, but not as well as air-filled tires. We liked that the comfortable ergonomic handle has a smartphone holder so you can stay connected as you work. This is also a versatile spreader since it can accommodate large particles of corrosive rock salt in addition to standard-sized ice melt, making it a good all-around spreader for midsize suburban yards, especially in icy climates. 

Get the Scotts Elite fertilizer spreader at Amazon, Lowe’s, Tractor Supply Co., Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, Walmart, Blain’s Farm & Fleet, or Scotts.

Best for Large Yards

Agri-Fab 130-lb. Push Broadcast Spreader

See It

What We Like

• Holds 130 pounds, covering up to 25,000 square feet 
• Large air-filled pneumatic tires 
• Easy to smoothly control fertilizer flow 

What We Don’t Like

• Gearbox feels a bit undersized for so much weight
• Coverage path also feels narrow for such a big machine

Specs 

• Type: Walk-behind, rotary
• Capacity: 130 pounds
• Flow controller: Sliding lever

Our Ratings: Durability 4/5; Maneuverability 5/5; Ease of Assembly 2/5; Storage 2/5; Value 4/5

The Agri-Fab push broadcast spreader is big enough to apply conventional or organic lawn fertilizer to yards of up to 1 acre. With a 130-pound hopper, it holds nearly three times as much product as our top two picks. Depending on how you have it set, it can distribute a path width of 8 to 12 feet and cover up to 25,000 square feet with each load. 

Despite its large capacity, this lightweight spreader weighs only 6.81 pounds, enabling excellent maneuverability even when full. Its steel rod flow-control arm makes it easy for users to open and close the rustproof poly-constructed hopper, and the heavy-duty 1-inch pneumatic tires offer a smooth ride even over roots and rocks or through dips in the yard.

Assembly of this spreader takes about an hour, plus you’ll need another 10 minutes or so to calibrate it. Although the coverage path is similar to 50-pounder spreaders, the massive hopper reduces time spent refilling, making it an efficient option for larger properties. 

Get the Agri-Fab push fertilizer spreader at Amazon, Tractor Supply Co., Northern Tool + Equipment, or Target.

Best Pull-Behind

Agri-Fab 130-lb. Tow-Behind Broadcast Spreader

See It

What We Like

• Low center of gravity increases stability 
• Durable steel frame and 13-inch pneumatic tires
• Short trailer tongue makes it easy to maneuver

What We Don’t Like

• Control arm awkward to maneuver from mower seat
• Gearbox seems a bit undersized

Specs 

• Type: Tow-behind, rotary
• Capacity: 130 pounds
• Flow controller: Sliding lever

Our Ratings: Durability 4/5; Maneuverability 4/5; Ease of Assembly 3/5; Storage 2/5; Value 4/5 

The Agri-Fab pull-behind fertilizer spreader functions as a large motorized fertilizer spreader when attached to a lawn tractor, riding lawn mower, or other vehicle via its universal hitch. Designed for properties of 1 acre or more, it features a 130-pound heavy-duty plastic hopper and a steel direct flow control arm, which is accessible from the driver’s seat for quick and even application of seed and other lawn care materials.

When trying out this tow-behind model, we liked its squatty dimensions, short hitch length, and 13-inch pneumatic tires, which made it highly maneuverable, even around curves. The low height also allowed for easier loading and improved stability on hilly ground. However, we found the control lever, located on the trailer tongue, to be somewhat awkward to operate from the mower seat. 

Get the Agri-Fab tow-behind fertilizer spreader at Amazon, Lowe’s, Tractor Supply Co., Ace Hardware, Walmart, Northern Tool + Equipment, Target, Blain’s Farm & Fleet.

Best Drop

Scotts Turf Builder Classic Drop Spreader

See It

What We Like

• Built-in cable-driven gate control for accurate application
• Heavy-duty frame built for long-term use 
• Works well along flower beds and gardens 

What We Don’t Like

• Too small for large spaces
• Plastic wheels aren’t great for uneven ground

Specs 

• Type: Walk-behind, drop
• Capacity: 32 pounds
• Flow controller: Dial and spring lever

Our Ratings: Durability 3/5; Maneuverability 3/5; Ease of Assembly 5/5; Storage 4/5; Value 5/5

The Scotts classic drop spreader is a reliable choice for small properties. Its heavy-duty plastic hopper holds 32 pounds of fertilizer for new grass or already established lawns, which is enough to cover up to 10,000 square feet. It features a 22-inch spread pattern for excellent coverage and accuracy, controllable by a cable-driven gate on the handle. Select from 23 spreader settings to customize the application rate and then squeeze the handle to open the hopper to let it flow. 

We liked that this spreader came preassembled and calibrated. It also laid a highly consistent path of fertilizer, but we had to pay attention to prevent gaps in coverage. Like many other Scotts spreaders, this one features hard plastic wheels that sometimes struggle on uneven ground or imperfect grass. Its tubular frame seems strong and durable, but the other parts are mainly lightweight plastic. This would make a good fertilizer spreader for occasional use, especially if the property has numerous plant beds, sidewalks, tree rings, and other obstacles that users need to work around.

Get the Scotts Classic fertilizer spreader at Amazon or Ace Hardware.

Best Manual Handheld

Scotts Whirl Hand-Powered Spreader

See It

What We Like

• Takes up almost no storage space
• Noncorrosive materials also compatible with garden fertilizers, weed killers, and ice melt
• No assembly required 

What We Don’t Like

• Less accurate than walk-behind spreaders
• Flow can be inconsistent at times

Specs 

• Type: Handheld, rotary
• Capacity: 2 pounds
• Flow controller: Dial and spring trigger

Our Ratings: Durability 4/5; Maneuverability 5/5; Ease of Assembly 5/5; Storage 5/5; Value 4/5

The Scotts Whirl fertilizer hand spreader is a convenient year-round tool for small yards. It measures just 8.5 inches high by 8.7 inches wide by 13.1 inches deep and weighs only about a pound, making it convenient to carry and store. Since it’s constructed from heavy-duty plastic, it’s safe to use with everything from spring and winter grass fertilizer to ice melt without worrying about corrosion, as you might with a spreader with metal components.

We liked this spreader because it takes up almost no storage space and is super easy to operate. All we had to do was fill the hopper, squeeze the trigger, and turn the handle. It has an adjustment dial to control the opening width, and the trigger opens the hopper gate to release the material as you turn the baseplate crank. There’s even a slide-out wrist support to help steady the hopper and reduce operator fatigue during use. This would be a good tool for seeding bare spots created by chinch bug damage, treating difficult-to-reach areas, or spreading ice-melt products.

Get the Scotts Whirl fertilizer spreader at Amazon, Lowe’s, Tractor Supply Co., Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, Walmart, or Target.

Best Battery Handheld

Ryobi 18V One+ 1-Gallon Power Spreader

See It

What We Like

• No assembly required
• Great for small areas or more precise application
• Works with everything from organic fertilizer to ice melt

What We Don’t Like

• Battery sold separately 
• No always-on setting

Specs 

• Type: Handheld, rotary
• Capacity: 10 pounds
• Flow controller: Dial and sliding lever

Our Ratings: Durability 4/5; Maneuverability 5/5; Ease of Assembly 5/5; Storage 5/5; Value 4.25/5

The Ryobi 18V (volt) One+ 1-gallon power spreader is a cordless battery-powered tool that makes it easy to distribute fertilizer and seed as well as ice melt. Compatible with the brand’s One+ battery system and equipped with a 10-pound hopper, it’s great for quick and easy application in small- to medium-sized spaces. It features an adjustable flow rate that allows you to customize spread based on material and desired coverage and a lightweight design that’s easy to maneuver, especially compared to large, push-type spreaders.

Those looking to cover a large property will likely find their hand getting tired since there’s no always-on setting. Instead, users must hold the trigger down to propel product out, making it a better option for spot treatments or small spaces. However, if you already own compatible 18V Ryobi tools and prefer the precision of a hand spreader, it’s an excellent option.

What our tester says: “I like this little battery-powered hand spreader for spot-treating areas of my yard that seem to struggle, but I also used it this past winter to apply salt to my front porch and steps so delivery people didn’t slip. Since I already had other 18V Ryobi tools, this multi-function spreader made an especially nice addition to my lineup.”—Michelle Larson, Product Reviews tester and writer 

Get the Ryobi fertilizer spreader (tool only) at The Home Depot.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Fertilizer Spreaders

Testing fertilizer spreaders meant rating them based on ease of assembly and calibration; distribution width, accuracy, and consistency; ease of controlling the on-off function while in motion; maneuverability over varying terrain; and user comfort.

To arrive at these ratings, we assembled each model, loaded them with lawn fertilizer, and ran them across a tarp on level ground, measuring discharge width and consistency. During that process, we tested the on-off functionality while moving, which is important at start-up and when preparing for end turns. Finally, we pushed or pulled each spreader through a variable-terrain course, observing the way it rolled over bumps and dips and navigated corners. 

What to Consider When Choosing a Fertilizer Spreader

To help us determine which fertilizer spreader features matter most, we also spoke to Taylor Olberding, co-founder of nationwide lawn maintenance company Heroes Lawn Care, for his professional opinion. In addition to considering your property’s size and unique features, it’s also important to consider whether you’d rather push, pull, or carry the spreader and whether there are any extras that might make using it more comfortable. You’ll also want to pay attention to what it’s made from since some materials are more durable than others. 

According to Olberding, users should “Ensure it has air-filled tires (not plastic tires), is made of stainless steel/noncorrosive material with a plastic hopper, and can be easily configured based on the fertilizer product.” He also adds, “Ensure you are able to adjust the openings for accurate application and have an edge guard to help prevent fertilizer from spreading onto nontarget areas.”

Types of Fertilizer Spreaders

Two basic types of spreaders exist for dry applications––rotary spreaders, also known as broadcast spreaders—and drop spreaders. There are also spreaders designed for liquid products, including homemade lawn fertilizer. 

Rotary/Broadcast Spreaders

A rotary spreader uses a rotating base plate to disperse seeds or granules that pour slowly from a hopper. They are called broadcast spreaders because they throw the product several feet to the front and sides of the spreader path. 

Rotary spreaders cover an area three times their width, or broader, on every pass. These are the fastest tools you can use to spread dry materials, but their spreading abilities are less accurate than those of drop spreaders. Rotary spreaders are available in several sizes, so you can buy one that works for a tiny garden, a large estate lawn, and anything in the middle.

Drop Spreaders

When precision is critical, choose a drop spreader. These devices drop a swath of product through a wide, narrow opening directly beneath the spreader. They provide calibrated coverage, but the precision boosts the chance that the user will miss or double-cover an area. 

For users who have precise application needs, this tool is ideal. Users can easily control where a drop spreader distributes the product because it only drops between its wheels. The downside is that users will spend more time covering a lawn using a drop spreader than a rotary spreader.

Liquid/Spray Spreaders

The most efficient way to spread liquid fertilizer and other liquid lawn treatments is with a hose-end chemical spreader/sprayer. These devices automatically mix the correct proportion of concentrated chemicals with a flowing stream of water that travels through the spreader and out the nozzle. 

Liquid spreaders are especially useful as secondary tools for emergency treatments and for applying product quickly, although they are less accurate than the other two types of spreaders. Remember, too, that liquid lawn chemicals deliver fast results, but most liquids dissipate more quickly than granules, so regular use is costly.

Method of Operation 

The most popular spreaders are broadcast because they offer a balance between speed and precision. Manufacturers make these spreaders in a wide range of sizes, including everything from small, handheld models to extra-large spreaders that can be pulled behind vehicles.

Drop spreaders are the best choice when users must navigate obstacles and narrow spaces. They work exceptionally well on small to medium intensively landscaped yards.

Holding Capacity

It is important to know the spreader’s holding capacity because that will determine how often the spreader will have to be refilled based on the size of the area it needs to cover. Ideally, users will want to simply fill the spreader once and deposit the treatment over the entire area.

Holding capacity and lawn size go hand in hand. A handheld spreader is well suited for small lawns up to 1,500 square feet. For medium-sized lawns up to 5,000 square feet, a small walk-behind spreader suits the job. Large walk-behind spreaders work well for yards up to about 20,000 square feet. Go for a tow-behind spreader if the yard is larger than half an acre.

Spreading Capacity 

Spreading capacity refers to the types of fertilizers or materials a spreader can handle. The best fertilizer spreaders can help with planting grass seeds and distributing pelletized chemicals, but far fewer can handle sand, powdered lime, and compost.

Precision 

All lawn spreaders deliver better precision than spreading fertilizer by hand, making them useful tools since applying too much or too little product is one of the most common fertilizer mistakes people make. Still, some spreaders are more precise than their competitors, and spreaders that are more accurate tend to be slower. For example, drop spreaders are precise but slow, whereas broadcast spreaders are a bit less accurate but fast. Liquid spreaders are not exact, but they are quite quick.

Drop spreaders are the most precise because manufacturers calibrate them for a consistent flow rate to spread only a thin band directly beneath the hopper and between the wheels. You can calibrate a broadcast spreader to deliver a steady flow rate, but you must walk at a consistent pace for even coverage. Manufacturers calibrate liquid spreaders to mix the amount of concentrate per gallon of water accurately, but you are in control of the coverage.

The Advantages of Owning a Fertilizer Spreader 

A fertilizer spreader simplifies lawn treatments because it allows users to quickly and evenly apply seed, fertilizer, and lawn pest control products. You will also save time and money using a spreader because it allows you to quickly and evenly apply lawn products.

• Spreaders apply lawn treatments far more evenly than hand spreading.
• Fertilizer spreaders significantly reduce the time and effort users expend to apply lawn treatments.
• The use of a fertilizer spreader for lawns minimizes the user’s exposure to chemicals.

FAQs

Even if you’ve already chosen the best fertilizer spreader for your yard, you may still have a few questions. The following answers to frequently asked questions should fill in any remaining gaps in your knowledge about operating and caring for these tools.

Meet the Tester

Mark Wolfe is a product tester and writer with an extensive background in the nursery and landscaping industries. He kept his tool box well stocked in order to build or repair fences, walls, irrigation systems, and equipment on any given day. Now he tests and writes reviews about the latest hand tools, lawn care products, outdoor power equipment, and other outdoor-living goods.

The post Yes, You Need a Fertilizer Spreader (Not Your Hands) To Treat Your Lawn—These 9 Tested Best appeared first on Bob Vila.

Fertilizers for Bermuda grass are high in nitrogen with lower levels of phosphorus and potassium, providing the nutrients this warm-season grass needs to grow into a lush green lawn. Drought tolerant and not picky about the soil in which it grows, Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) is soft yet tough enough to stand up to kids, pets, and other traffic. Though it’s relatively easy to care for, it’s still important to choose the right lawn care products for growing Bermuda grass to ensure a strong and healthy lawn.

To help you select a good fertilizer for Bermuda grass, we spoke to an award-winning landscape contractor and international arborist about which types of fertilizers are best and how to apply them. Based on our research, our top pick is the Scotts Southern Turf Builder Lawn Food—a high-nitrogen fertilizer that enhances nutrient and water absorption. For the healthiest and best-looking lawn, we recommend you review all of our fertilizer recommendations before selecting one of the best fertilizers for Bermuda grass to meet your lawn’s needs.

1. BEST OVERALL: Scotts Southern Turf Builder Lawn Food
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Lawn Food
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3. BEST ORGANIC: Jonathan Green Organic Lawn Food
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4. BEST LIQUID: Simple Lawn Solutions Energizer Micronutrient Blend
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5. BEST NITROGEN ONLY: Simple Lawn Solutions High Nitrogen Lawn Food
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6. BEST FAST-ACTING: Scotts Green Max Lawn Food
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7. BEST FOR NEW GRASS: Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food
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Fertilizers for Bermuda Grass Comparison Chart

Our Top Picks

Without the proper fertilizer or weed and feed for Bermuda grass, your lawn may look sickly and sparse. Each of the following fertilizers provides the nutrients Bermuda lawns need, enhancing color uniformity and promoting a thick, dense turf. 

Best Overall

Scotts Southern Turf Builder Lawn Food

See It

What We Like

• Feeds for up to 8 weeks
• 3 sizes for various property needs 
• Helps lawns absorb water and nutrients

What We Don’t Like

• Can’t be used within 1 month of first frost

Specs

• NPK ratio: 32-0-10
• Quantity: 14.06, 28.12, or 42.18 pounds
• Coverage: 5,000, 10,000, or 15,000 square feet

The Scotts Southern Turf Builder lawn food is specifically designed for warm-season grasses like Bermuda grass. Its 32-0-10 NPK ratio provides an ample dose of nitrogen to promote lush, green growth while also supplying a good amount of potassium for enhanced drought and heat tolerance. Though this is our top pick for Bermuda lawn maintenance, it’s safe for use on all grass types and can also be applied while lawns are wet or dry. When used as directed, you can walk on it immediately after application, making it a smart choice for families and pet owners. 

This Bermuda grass care product uses Scotts’ All-in-One Particles technology to build strong, deep roots that can withstand challenging conditions. We also really like that it comes in three sizes yet only requires application every 6 to 8 weeks. Depending on the size of your yard, you may only need one bag. Though watering is not required after application, Scotts says light watering will help it act faster.

Get the Scotts Southern fertilizer for Bermuda grass at Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Walmart, or Scotts.

Best Bang for the Buck

Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Lawn Food

See It

What We Like

• Dissolves easily when used with a Garden Feeder
• Feeds up to 7,200 square feet of Bermuda grass
• Starts feeding instantly for quick results

What We Don’t Like

• Ideal application method requires additional purchase

Specs

• NPK ratio: 36-0-6
• Quantity: 5 pounds
• Coverage: 7,200 square feet

Miracle-Gro’s water-soluble lawn food is a fast-acting fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 36-0-6 designed to promote a lush lawn. Its high concentration of nitrogen plus added iron help grass develop a gorgeous green color within days of application. This Miracle-Gro fertilizer is safe for use on both warm- and cool-season grasses and is easy to apply with the aid of the brand’s hose-end garden feeder (sold separately)—simply fill the dispenser with the water-soluble granules, attach a garden hose, and spray the lawn in a uniform pattern. When applied in this way, a 5-pound container can feed lawns up to 7,200 square feet.

Miracle-Gro recommends using this product for Bermuda grass lawn care every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season. The quick-release formula provides a rapid nutrient boost, making it ideal for lawns in poor condition. 

Get the Miracle-Gro fertilizer for Bermuda grass at Amazon, Ace Hardware, Walmart, or Miracle-Gro.

Best Organic

Jonathan Green Organic Lawn Food

See It

What We Like

• Safe to walk on immediately 
• Works for up to 10 weeks
• Overapplication doesn’t cause turf burn

What We Don’t Like

• Needs to be applied when lawn is dry and recently mowed

Specs

• NPK ratio: 10-0-1 
• Quantity: 17 or 51 pounds
• Coverage: 5,000 or 15,000 square feet

Jonathan Green’s organic lawn food is a granular fertilizer for Bermuda grass made from a mix of plant and animal proteins like feather meal, soybean meal, molasses, and wheat middlings. Its 10-0-1 NPK slow-release formula provides a steady delivery of nitrogen as well as supplemental iron to keep grass green and lush for up to 10 weeks. 

This organic fertilizer is safe for kids and pets to walk on immediately after application, and even when overapplied, it won’t burn your grass. It’s well suited to both cold- and warm-season grasses and can be used in spring, summer, or fall. For best results, the manufacturer suggests distributing it when grass is dry and has been recently mowed. It’s available in either a 17-pound bag covering up to 5,000 square feet or a 51-pound bag that feeds up to 15,000 square feet, making it easy to find the right fit for lawns of all sizes.

Get the Jonathan Green lawn fertilizer for Bermuda grass at Amazon, Walmart, or Johnathan Green. 

Best Liquid

Simple Lawn Solutions Energizer Micronutrient Blend

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What We Like

• Comes with a hose attachment
• Ideal for small to medium lawns
• Easy-to-use liquid solution

What We Don’t Like

• 1 bottle won’t be enough for large lawns

Specs

• NPK ratio: 6-0-0
• Quantity: 32 ounces
• Coverage: 3,200 square feet

The Simple Lawn Solutions lawn energizer has a simple 6-0-0 NPK ratio with added nutrients like sulfur, magnesium, and manganese. This formula helps improve soil composition and supports enzyme production, protein synthesis, and nutrient absorption for a healthy, thick lawn. It’s also enhanced with iron, helping grass produce chlorophyll to create an intensely green hue.

Since this is a liquid pick, its uptake into grass roots and blades is relatively quick, so you should notice results within days of application. Though we chose the 32-ounce size for inclusion in our list, this product is also available in 1- and 2.5-gallon containers—they just don’t come with the convenient spray applicator attached. Since this concentrated product must be diluted, it may be smart to buy the bottle with the applicator first and refill it with more budget-friendly bottles for subsequent use. The 32-ounce size will treat up to 3,200 square feet, while the 2.5-gallon jug covers up to 32,000 square feet. 

Get the Simple Lawn Solutions energizer fertilizer for Bermuda grass at Amazon or Simple Lawn Solutions.

Best Nitrogen Only

Simple Lawn Solutions High Nitrogen Lawn Food

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What We Like

• Uses a blend of quick- and slow-release nitrogen
• Comes in a ready-to-use sprayer and bigger jugs
• Can be used on all types of grass

What We Don’t Like

• Sprayer bottle has limited coverage

Specs

• NPK ratio: 28-0-0
• Quantity: 32 ounces
• Coverage: 3,200 square feet

If you want immediate greening and lasting results, Simple Lawn Solutions high-nitrogen lawn food is the pick for you. The concentrated liquid has a 28-0-0 NPK ratio with 70 percent quick-release and 30 percent slow-release nitrogen to get Bermuda grass lawns healthy and keep them that way. Like the other Simple Lawn Solutions product on this list, this one is available in a convenient 32-ounce hose-end dispenser jug for easy application over 3,200 square feet of lawn as well as larger bottles that don’t have the sprayer. 

This nitrogen-only product is particularly effective for treating nitrogen deficiencies and enhancing lawn thickness. It’s suitable for use on all types of grass and shows results within days. Still, the fact that it comes in a ready-to-spray bottle does bump up the price a bit, so you may want to buy larger refill bottles after your initial purchase to help bring the overall cost down. 

Get the Simple Lawn Solutions high-nitrogen fertilizer for Bermuda grass at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Simple Lawn Solutions.

Best Fast-Acting

Scotts Green Max Lawn Food

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What We Like

• Has added iron for enhanced greening
• Results in just 3 days; works for up to 8 weeks
• Also available in a ready-to-spray liquid formula

What We Don’t Like

• Can cause turf burn if overapplied

Specs

• NPK ratio: 27-0-2
• Quantity: 16.67 or 33.33 pounds
• Coverage: 5,000 or 10,000 square feet

Scotts Green Max lawn food is a dual-action fertilizer that delivers quick greening and thickening for Bermuda grass and all other lawn types. Its 27-0-2 NPK ratio formula also includes 5 percent iron for enhancing greening in just 3 days, and it can be applied in the spring, summer, or fall. You can spread it while grass is wet or dry and walk over it immediately after. 

Like all high-nitrogen fertilizers, this pick can cause burn grass if overapplied. For best results, Scotts recommends using it with a broadcast/rotary spreader on a setting of 3¼ to 3¾ or a drop spreader on 7 to 7½. A 16.67-pound bag is enough to cover up to 5,000 square feet, and it’s also available in 33.33-pound packages that feed up to 10,000 square feet.

Get the Scotts Green Max fertilizer for Bermuda grass at Amazon, Lowe’s, Tractor Supply Co., Ace Hardware, Walmart, or Scotts.

Best for New Grass

Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food

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What We Like

• Safe for use when seeding
• Promotes root development to prevent future problems
• Compatible with any grass type

What We Don’t Like

• Some reports of increased weed growth

Specs

• NPK ratio: 32-0-4
• Quantity: 12.5 or 37.5 pounds
• Coverage: 5,000 or 15,000 square feet

This Turf Builder lawn food from Scotts is safe to use when seeding and helps build deep roots to encourage quick and vigorous growth. Its high nitrogen content is compatible with all grass types, aiding each in absorbing water and nutrients. By encouraging such strong growth, this pick protects your lawn against future problems.

This granular fertilizer comes in 12.5- and 37.5-pound bags for 5,000 or 15,000 square feet of coverage, respectively. It’s easy to apply using a spreader, and Scotts has setting instructions on the back of the bag. For quick results, the company recommends watering after application, though it’s not necessary. Scotts also says your lawn will look its best if you use this product every 6 to 8 weeks during the growing season. 

Get the Scotts Turf Builder fertilizer for Bermuda grass at Amazon, Lowe’s, Tractor Supply Co., Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, Walmart, or Scotts.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Chose the Best Fertilizers for Bermuda Grass

To gather our list of top picks for Bermuda grass fertilizer, we drew on our team’s lawn care experience and the advice of a landscaping expert. We identified the most important features to look for first and then found a variety of products that met those criteria. 

To ensure compatibility with Bermuda grass specifically, we prioritized fertilizers with high amounts of nitrogen, no phosphorus, and relatively low levels of potassium. We also considered ease of application, including frequency of suggested feedings, and looked for both liquid and granular options as well as synthetic and organic options. Lastly, we prioritized products that come in a range of sizes so shoppers with small and large lawns have plenty of excellent fertilizers to choose from. 

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Fertilizer for Bermuda Grass

Reviewing the following considerations prior to making your final fertilizer selection will help ensure you choose the right product for your needs. 

Fertilizer Types

Lawn fertilizers come in three main types: liquid, granular, and water-soluble. Each has its benefits and drawbacks.

• Liquid: This type of fertilizer gives Bermuda grass a quick burst of nutrients as the grass absorbs them directly through its foliage, which is the quickest way. However, due to their short-lived effects, they typically require more frequent applications. Liquid lawn fertilizers often come concentrated and require a garden-type pump sprayer or hose-end dispenser for application.
• Granular: Dry granular fertilizers come in tiny pebbles for application with push-type fertilizer spreaders. Some formulations dissolve slowly to release nutrients over time, though some contain a percentage of quick-release nutrients for faster results. Generally speaking, the overall effects of granular fertilizers last longer than those of liquid products, allowing for less frequent applications.
• Water-soluble: Water-soluble fertilizers are small, sand-like bits that dissolve quickly in water. They’re typically used with a hose-end dispenser so lawnkeepers can fertilize and water the grass simultaneously. Because water-soluble fertilizers generally require a hose for application, they’re best for smaller yards.

NPK Ratio 

Commercial lawn and yard fertilizers contain premeasured quantities of nitrogen (N), which stimulates leafy green growth; phosphorus (P), which plays a vital role in flower and fruit production; and potassium (K), which boosts overall plant health. These three nutrients are listed on the fertilizer package by weight. 

The best fertilizer for Bermuda grass will have an N-P-K ratio high in nitrogen with little or no phosphorus and a small amount of potassium. For example, an NPK ratio of 32-0-10 contains 32 percent nitrogen, no phosphorus, and 10 percent potassium. This is a great ratio for Bermuda grass. 

Organic vs. Synthetic 

Most lawn fertilizers contain synthetic ingredients, but the demand for organic fertilizers made of natural ingredients is increasing. 

• Organic: Natural lawn fertilizers contain various blends of nonchemical nutrients, such as poultry manure, compost, livestock manure, and earthworm castings. They often cost more because the ingredients require more work to collect, treat, and turn into fertilizer. Most organic lawn fertilizers come in granule form and don’t cause harm to plants or aquatic life if they drain into waterways.
• Synthetic: Formulated in a lab with chemicals or artificial versions of natural ingredients, synthetic fertilizers contain concentrated nutrients, such as potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen. Some brands contain other minerals, including calcium or boron, to increase soil health. Excess chemical runoff from synthetic fertilizers may harm fish if it gets into waterways and ponds.

Application

Many types of Bermuda grass require fertilizing only once or twice per growing season to reach their full potential, but some of the new hybrid forms of Bermuda grass, such as Midway, Tifway, or Tifgreen, benefit from more frequent applications. 

The first fertilizer application of the year should be after late spring or early summer once the grass is fully green. At this time, growers can apply an all-purpose lawn fertilizer with a high ratio of nitrogen according to the instructions on the package. If you intend to overseed with more Bermuda grass seed, wait 2 weeks after fertilizing. 

Depending on the product you’re using, you may need to apply a second round of fertilizer in midsummer and a third in the fall. You may want to use a lawn fertilizer containing a higher level of potassium for the fall application, as this will help with disease resistance and root strength for Bermuda grass in winter.

For the best long-term results, consider having the soil tested for deficiencies and add additional nutrients as needed. In most communities, growers can take soil samples to their local County Extension Agency for a comprehensive soil test and nutrient recommendations.

FAQs

Though you probably aren’t still asking, “What is Bermuda grass?” you may still have questions about fertilizing this type of grass. Read on for answers to the most commonly asked questions about the best fertilizers for Bermuda grass. 

The post Is Your Bermuda Grass Looking Patchy? Here’s the Best Fertilizer To Fix It appeared first on Bob Vila.

Native to Asia, zoysia is a warm-season turf grass commonly grown in the southern part of the U.S., where summer temps easily reach the century mark. It tolerates extreme heat, high humidity, and even slight drought. In general, most all-purpose lawn fertilizer products are also optimal for zoysia grass because turf grasses have similar nutritional needs. 

Those looking to establish a new zoysia lawn or boost the health of an existing one can often do so by applying lawn fertilizer. Our favorite fertilizer for zoysia grass is the Scotts Green Max Lawn Food for its easy-to-apply granular formula; NPK ratio of 27-0-2; and 10,000-square-foot coverage area. However, we found all the selected products on this list to be effective and reliable. 

Ahead, learn what type of fertilizer is desirable for use on a zoysia spread, and find out why the following lawn-food products are among the best fertilizers for zoysia grass.

1. BEST OVERALL: Scotts Green Max Lawn Food
   Jump to Review
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Lawn Food
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3. BEST BALANCED FORMULA: Simple Lawn Solutions Advanced 16-4-8 Balanced NPK
   Jump to Review
4. BEST PLUS WEED CONTROL: Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed 3
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5. BEST FOR ALKALINE SOIL: The Andersons PGF Complete 16-4-8 Fertilizer
   Jump to Review
6. BEST WITH MICRONUTRIENTS: Simple Lawn Solutions Lawn Energizer
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7. BEST SLOW-RELEASE: Milorganite Slow-Release Nitrogen 6-4-0 Fertilizer
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8. ALSO CONSIDER: Pennington 100536576 UltraGreen Lawn Fertilizer
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Product Comparison

Our Top Picks

To qualify for a spot in this lineup of the best fertilizers for zoysia grass and be considered an asset to regular lawn care, the following products had to meet specific criteria. They have a higher nitrogen ratio than potassium or phosphorus, which is a must for any lawn fertilizer; they are straightforward to apply; and they contain quality ingredients. The following lawn fertilizers vary slightly in usage and nutritional ingredients, but each is a standout in its category. 

Best Overall

Scotts Green Max Lawn Food

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Product Specs 

• Type: Granular
• Coverage: Up to 10,000 square feet
• NPK ratio: 27-0-2 

What We Like

• Boosts growth and promotes quick greening
• Can be applied in any season and to any grass variety 
• Treats areas of up to 10,000 square feet 

What We Don’t Like

• Can stain concrete, driveways, and other surfaces  

For quick zoysia greening and a boost in growth, consider Scotts Green Max Lawn Food, which features a high nitrogen 27-0-2 NPK ratio. In addition to the standard nutrients, Green Max contains iron, a micronutrient that helps lawn grasses green up quickly. 

The manufacturer recommends using a drop spreader to apply this granular product for best results. When applied as directed, a 33.33-pound bag treats up to 10,000 square feet of lawn. Keep it off sidewalks and driveways, as iron tends to leave rusty stains on concrete and masonry. Brush off any errant product with a broom promptly to prevent staining.  

Get the Scotts Green Max fertilizer for zoysia grass at Walmart.

Best Bang For The Buck

Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Lawn Food

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Product Specs 

• Type: Water-soluble granules 
• Coverage: Up to 7,200 square feet
• NPK ratio: 36-0-6

What We Like

• Absorbs quickly into the ground  
• Easy to apply 
• Suitable for small to large yards

What We Don’t Like

• Must have a hose applicator to apply (not included)

There’s no need to spend a lot of green to feed a zoysia lawn. Miracle-Gro’s affordable water-soluble fertilizer comes with a high-nitrogen NPK ratio of 36-0-6, which helps grass develop a rich green color while boosting health and encouraging dense growth. 

This option comes in a 5-pound bag of water-soluble fertilizer. Just dump a bag into a hose-end applicator, and connect the applicator to the end of a garden hose. When the water is turned on, the fertilizer is diluted and dispersed evenly for spraying over the lawn. A single box treats up to 7,200 square feet and is mild enough to use every 2 to 3 weeks if desired. It’s a budget-friendly way to keep a zoysia lawn healthy and looking great. 

Get the Miracle-Gro fertilizer for zoysia grass at Amazon or Ace Hardware.

Best Balanced Formula

Simple Lawn Solutions Advanced 16-4-8 Balanced NPK

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Product Specs 

• Type: Concentrated liquid
• Coverage: Up to 3,200 square feet
• NPK ratio: 16-4-8 

What We Like

• Contains beneficial nutrients
• Comes with a built-in sprayer attachment use 
• Suitable for 3,200 square feet of any grass type 

What We Don’t Like

• Slightly pricey for the coverage area provided 
• Some users have reported difficulty using the hose attachment 

Those looking to add a broader range of nutrients to their zoysia lawn may appreciate Simple Lawn Solutions Advanced 16-4-8 liquid fertilizer. It provides ample nitrogen and smaller amounts of phosphorus and potassium to help with root growth and encourage rich color. The product also contains seaweed and fish emulsions that may help balance soil that lacks nutrients (a soil test is recommended to be sure). 

Simple Lawn Solutions is a concentrated liquid, but there’s no need to worry about measuring or mixing. It comes in its own spray dispenser that attaches to a garden hose for uniform distribution. One 32-ounce bottle treats up to 3,200 square feet of lawn.

Get the Simple Lawn Solutions Advanced fertilizer for zoysia grass at Amazon, or Simple Lawn Solutions.

Best Plus Weed Control

Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed 3

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Product Specs 

• Type: Granular
• Coverage: Up to 5,000 square feet
• NPK ratio: 28-0-3 

What We Like

• High nitrogen content for lawn greening
• Suitable for areas of up to 5,000 square feet  
• Easy to apply with most broadcast or drop fertilizer spreaders 

What We Don’t Like

• Herbicide performance may suffer if the lawn is dry at application
• Should not be exposed to water within 24 hours of application 

Dandelions and clover are no match for Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed 3, which does double duty as a fertilizer and a pesky weed killer. Its high-nitrogen NPK ratio is 28-0-3, making it well suited for greening up lawns, including zoysia lawns, and encouraging the grass to reach a rich color. 

In addition to its nutritional content, Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed contains 2,4-D, a selective herbicide that kills annual weeds but won’t harm zoysia grass. The manufacturer recommends mowing the grass and watering it before applying this fertilizer—the 2,4-D herbicide adheres best to damp leaf blades, giving it the most weed-killing power. 

One 14.29-pound bag of granular Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed for zoysia grass treats up to 5,000 square feet of lawn and is suitable for use in a broadcast or drop spreader. 

Get the Scotts Turf Builder fertilizer for zoysia grass at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.

Best For Soil Conditioner

The Andersons PGF Complete 16-4-8 Fertilizer

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Product Specs 

• Type: Granular
• Coverage: Up to 5,000 square feet
• NPK ratio: 16-4-8 

What We Like

• High nitrogen content as well as humic acid
• Slow-release nutrients
• Small particle size good for even distribution 
• Fast-acting formula offers visible results in 6 to 14 days

What We Don’t Like

• Other amendments may be required to reduce high pH levels

Zoysia grass grows best in soil with a pH between 6 and 6.5, but if your yard is higher on the pH scale, fertilizing with a product that neutralizes pH might be a good idea. (Rather than guessing at the pH level, the best course of action is to have the soil tested by a local extension agency or soil test kit.) 

The Andersons Professional PGF fertilizer contains humic acid, which helps neutralize pH levels in any turf type. In addition, the product features a 16-4-8 NPK ratio, so the grass will receive a healthy dose of nitrogen and small amounts of phosphorus and potassium. An 18-pound bag of The Andersons PGF fertilizer will treat up to 5,000 square feet for up to 8 weeks, with visible results in 6 to 14 days. 

Be aware that this product can help neutralize the pH level, but depending on the soil test results, it may not be sufficient for reducing it to an optimal level for growing zoysia. A professional soil test will be required to determine that. 

Get The Andersons fertilizer for zoysia grass at Amazon (18 pounds).

Best For Maintenance

Simple Lawn Solutions Lawn Energizer

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Product Specs 

• Type: Concentrated liquid
• Coverage: Up to 12,800 square feet
• NPK ratio: 6-0-0 

What We Like

• Nitrogen for boosting grass color
• Easy-to-use concentrated liquid
• Can be used on all grass types

What We Don’t Like

• Must be diluted and poured into a sprayer (not included)

Most of the time, high nitrogen is all that’s necessary to boost grass color and health, but that doesn’t mean additional nutrients won’t be beneficial, especially if the soil is depleted of natural nutrients (a soil test is the best way to find out).

Simple Lawn Solutions Lawn Energizer contains an added oomph of nutrients, including iron, magnesium, and manganese, which are trace minerals designed to enhance soil. The iron and nitrogen content encourages a rich color and robust growth, while the other nutrients may help root growth and overall grass density. 

The product comes in a 1-gallon concentrated liquid form and can be diluted and applied via a pump-type garden sprayer to spaces of up to 12,800 square feet. Note: While Lawn Energizer may boost the health of slightly depleted soil, it may not be sufficient for correcting significant soil problems—only the result of a professional soil test will let home landscapers know how to properly amend the soil. 

Get the Simple Lawn Solutions Energizer fertilizer for zoysia grass at Amazon and Simple Lawn Solutions (32 ounces).

Best Slow-Release

Milorganite 32 lb. Slow-Release Nitrogen Fertilizer

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Product Specs 

• Type: Slow-release granules
• Coverage: Up to 2,500 square feet
• NPK ratio: 6-4-0 

What We Like

• Slowly releases nutrients into the grass
• Provides quick greening and healthy growth 
• Environmentally friendly formula  

What We Don’t Like

• Iron ingredients may stain concrete if not removed promptly 
• May leave behind a slight earthy aroma when first applied 

Some lawn fertilizers should be applied every 2 weeks, but Milorganite Slow-Release Nitrogen Fertilizer dissolves gradually, so it keeps feeding the grass for up to 10 weeks. This product has a 6-4-0 NPK ratio and contains iron to help green up the lawn quickly. 

A 32-pound bag of Milorganite Fertilizer treats up to 2,500 square feet of lawn. If that seems like less coverage than other fertilizers, keep in mind that it works longer, so fewer feedings are necessary throughout the summer. The granulated formulation can be applied with a drop spreader or a broadcast spreader. To keep the iron in the product from staining concrete, sweep away any excess product that gets on sidewalks and patios immediately after application. 

Get the Milorganite fertilizer for zoysia grass at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Ace Hardware.

Also Consider

Pennington 100536576 UltraGreen Lawn Fertilizer

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Product Specs 

• Type: Granular, slow-release
• Coverage: Up to 5,000 square feet
• NPK ratio: 30-0-4 

What We Like

• Contains iron for thick greening
• Provides helpful nutrients for up to 3 months
• Compatible with most drop or broadcast spreaders  

What We Don’t Like

• Iron ingredients may stain concrete if not promptly removed 
• Suitable for application between June and August only 

The combination of 5 percent fast-acting iron and 10.5 percent slow-release nitrogen in this Pennington UltraGreen lawn fertilizer is just the ticket for enhancing lackluster lawns for up to 3 months. With an NPK ratio of 30-0-4, there’s plenty of nitrogen to go around, but it dissolves gradually over 3 months to keep grass consistently fed. The iron in Pennington UltraGreen is fast-acting and will help grass develop a rich green color in a few short days. 

A 14-pound bag of Pennington UltraGreen covers up to 5,000 square feet and can be applied by either a drop spreader or a broadcast spreader. Be sure to sweep away any product that gets on patios or sidewalks to prevent staining from the iron in the mix. 

Get the Pennington fertilizer for zoysia grass at Amazon, or The Home Depot.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Chose the Best Fertilizers for Zoysia Grass

Lawn fertilizer products are straightforward, and most contain high nitrogen levels, the most critical nutrient for greening up a lawn and boosting growth. We looked extensively at dozens of lawn fertilizer products before selecting the ones in this lineup as among the best for zoysia grass. 

In general, most lawn fertilizers will be good bets for applying to zoysia grass because zoysia has the same nutritional needs as other turfgrasses. We looked at nationally known companies with stellar reputations for making quality lawn and garden products, such as Miracle-Gro and Scotts. Still, we didn’t automatically eliminate fertilizers from smaller or niche manufacturers if they contained quality ingredients. 

Finally, we looked at how satisfied customers were with different lawn fertilizer products. In the final analysis, we considered products containing additional ingredients, although our focus was still on ensuring that the product had adequate nitrogen.

What to Consider When Choosing a Fertilizer for Zoysia Grass

Keep a few basic factors in mind when shopping for a zoysia fertilizer, including yard size and product coverage rates, the overall health of the existing soil, and the preferred application method. For the best results, test the soil before applying fertilizer. Soil test kits are available online and from local extension agencies, many of which allow users to ship samples to a professional lab for testing and soil amendment recommendations.

Standard lawn fertilizers typically do not contain all the components necessary to correct significant soil problems. Rather, their primary purpose is to boost the color of the grass and make it grow faster.

Type

Fertilizer products for treating zoysia lawns are available in three standard types: liquid, water-soluble, and granular. Each has its benefits and considerations.

• Liquid: For the quickest fertilizer uptake, consider applying a liquid product. Of the three types of fertilizer, liquid works the fastest because the blades of grass readily absorb the product. Liquid fertilizers come in ready-to-use solutions and concentrated formulas that require dilution with water.
• Water-soluble: This fertilizer looks grainy, but when mixed with water, it dissolves almost immediately, making it suitable for treating with hose-end applicators. Miracle-Gro fertilizers are often water-soluble, and using them is as easy as dumping a premeasured packet into a hose-end container and then spraying old or new grass. This type of product is absorbed just as quickly as a liquid product.
• Granular: Rather than spraying, granular lawn fertilizers are applied using a fertilizer spreader, such as a drop spreader or broadcast spreader. Many are formulated to release the nutrients over time for continuous lawn feeding.

Soil pH

Zoysia grass grows well in various soil types, including sandy soil and loamy soil. It prefers a slightly acidic soil types from 6 to 6.5 on the pH scale. However, it will often tolerate slightly more alkaline or more acidic soil types (within a 0.4-point range) if other needs are met, such as regular watering and fertilizing. A few types of zoysia grass fertilizer provide pH-balance ingredients. Still, if the existing soil is over 7 (too alkaline) or under 5.6 (too acidic), it may require the application of different amendments, such as sulfur or lime. The only way to know for sure is to have the soil tested at a lab and then amended according to the recommendations before zoysia fertilization.

NPK Ratio

On virtually all zoysia grass fertilizing products (except a few all-natural products), buyers will find an NPK ratio that signifies the amount of the three essential nutrients found in fertilizer: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).

Zoysia is like other turf grasses when it comes to an optimal NPK ratio. Look for a ratio where the amount of nitrogen is higher than both phosphorus and potassium. For zoysia, a typical NPK ratio might be 15-1-5, which indicates the product contains 15 parts nitrogen, 1 part phosphorus, and 5 parts potassium by volume. 

Nitrogen is necessary for giving zoysia grass a rich green color and for boosting healthy growth. Some lawn fertilizer formulations may contain no phosphorus or potassium at all, in which case the package might read 10-0-0.

Organic vs. Synthetic

Most lawn fertilizers contain synthetic components, but a growing number of manufacturers are developing all-natural fertilizers as consumer preference for eco-friendly products increases. Lawn grasses typically react the same way to the nutrients in either type of fertilizer, so the zoysia grass will benefit from both.

• Synthetic: Fertilizers that contain chemical and artificial ingredients, such as synthetic forms of minerals and nutrients, are often less expensive to produce than natural products. These fertilizers will not go bad but may lose some of their effectiveness over time. 
• Organic: Shoppers will likely notice how much more expensive all-natural fertilizers are than synthetic options—some organic products run more than three times as much for a product that covers the same size lawn. The price difference lies in the difficulty of manufacturing organic fertilizers, which typically include earthworm castings and sterilized manure ingredients. Organic fertilizers are often safer to use around pets and people, depending on the specific product.

Application

Zoysia grass doesn’t green up as early in the spring as cool-season grasses, such as fescue, and the general rule of thumb is to wait to apply fertilizer to zoysia until it’s fully green. By waiting, the grass gets a chance to green up naturally, which prompts its roots to wake up from winter and draw on their own energy. This gives them a solid start to the growing season. After the zoysia is green, applying a nitrogen fertilizer will help it maintain rich color and boost growth. 

Deciding when to fertilize zoysia also depends on the product. Some products call for applying fertilizer as often as twice a month, while others should be used just once per growing season. Additionally, consider fertilizing the zoysia lawn one last time in the fall. This will strengthen the grass and help it remain resilient and healthy during its upcoming winter dormancy.

FAQs

Zoysia is a hardy, robust type of grass that thrives in heat, but it still requires some care to reach its full lush potential and stay healthy all summer long. Those learning how to care for zoysia grass will undoubtedly have some questions: What is the best fertilizer for zoysia grass, and what makes a zoysia lawn denser?

The post The Best Fertilizers for Zoysia Grass appeared first on Bob Vila.

A drab, weedy lawn isn’t a lost cause with the help of modern weed and feed fertilizers. Designed to introduce essential nutrients to accelerate the grass’s growth, these products help lawns grow thick and healthy. At the same time, they put the hurt on weeds to choke out the plants you don’t want in favor of the lush carpet of greenery you do. After researching the top fertilizer mixes, we tested eight of the top weed and feeds on a lawn that needed some serious help. These weed and feed products were all tested for at least 4 weeks with varying results and levels of success.

After testing, we can say that our favorite is the GreenView Broadleaf Weed Control Plus Lawn Food. It’s highly concentrated, so it doesn’t take much product to make a big difference. We tested the products in a grid, and the square with this product outgrew (and out-greened) all the others. 

The test lawn needed both nutrients and weed reduction, so it gave us the perfect canvas for testing. Keep reading to get a look at how the best weed and feed performed in real-world conditions and what kind of growth (and weed death) you can expect in your own yard.

1. BEST OVERALL: GreenView Broadleaf Weed Control Plus Lawn Food
   ↓ Jump to Review
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed
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3. UPGRADE PICK: BioAdvanced 5-in-1 Weed & Feed
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4. BEST NATURAL: Espoma Organic Weed Preventer
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5. BEST COOL-SEASON: GreenView Fairway Formula Spring Weed and Feed
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6. BEST WARM-SEASON: Scotts Turf Builder Southern Triple Action
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7. BEST LIQUID: Scotts Liquid Turf Builder With Plus 2 Weed Control
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Before You Buy Weed and Feed 

Maintaining a healthy lawn includes mowing, weeding, watering, and fertilizing. However, fertilizing isn’t always necessary. Overfertilizing a lawn will make the grass grow more vigorously, requiring more frequent mowing or leading to runoff, which ends up in the local watershed. 

Excessive fertilizing can also result in lawn burn, which is when the nitrogen and salt levels in the soil are too high and cause yellow to brown strips or patches of dead grass. A lawn only needs fertilizing if the soil lacks the vital nutrients to help it grow. Home soil test kits can be used to check the soil composition and help you decide what type of fertilizer will best nourish your grass. 

Product Comparison

Our Top Picks

The following list includes the fertilizers that stood out during research and were then tested to narrow the field to some of the most effective weed and feeds on the market. This list includes both liquid and granular weed treatments. 

Best Overall

GreenView Broadleaf Weed Control Plus Lawn Food

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What We Like

• Doesn’t require a lot of product to make a difference
• Capable of killing over 250 weed varieties
• Slow-release nitrogen formula
• Made a noticeable difference in grass growth rate and health

What We Don’t Like

• Should not be used on Floratam St. Augustine, Dichondra, and carpet grass 
• Contains 2,4-D

Our Ratings: Application 5/5; Feed Effectiveness 5/5; Weed Control 2.5/5; Value 5/5 

Product Specs 

• NPK ratio: 27-0-4
• Application: Spring or early fall
• Grass type: Kentucky bluegrass, fine and tall fescues, perennial ryegrass, Bahia, St. Augustine, common Bermuda, hybrid Bermuda, zoysia, centipede, Colonial bent

Taking care of a lawn and reducing common weeds is part of property ownership, and for those who want to spruce up lawn health quickly, this GreenView weed and feed mix can do it. This fertilizer and weed killer for lawns is made with a slow-release nitrogen formula that thickens grass, without excessive growth, targeting 250 weed varieties, including dandelions, clover, plantain, dollar weed, and ground ivy. It was the top performer in our testing, creating grass that outgrew the rest. It’s also a great spring or fall weed and feed.

The granules are effective for over 8 weeks and are safe to use on warm- and cool-season grass types, though there are a few varieties to avoid. Plus, the slow release nitrogen is safer to use when temperatures start to rise without burning the grass or causing other lawn injury.

The grass was noticeably taller and greener in the square with this GreenView mix. It’s also a highly concentrated fertilizer and weed preventer, so it doesn’t take a large amount to make a big difference in lawn health. While it didn’t kill existing weeds, fewer weeds grew in the area where this mix was applied. Our only issue with this product is that it contains 2,4-D (as did almost all of the other synthetic products in this test), which has the potential to affect human health and the environment. Make sure to read the application instructions to reduce the potential harmful effects.

Get the GreenView broadleaf weed and feed at Amazon, Lowe’s, Tractor Supply Co., The Home Depot, Walmart (39 pounds), or GreenView.

Best Bang for the Buck

Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed

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What We Like

• Quick, tangible results for thickening grass and preventing weeds
• Highly concentrated and ample quantity
• Compatible with multiple grass varieties

What We Don’t Like

• Not suitable for warm-season grasses
• Contains 2,4-D

Our Ratings: Application 5/5; Feed Effectiveness 4.5/5; Weed Control 2.5/5; Value 4/5 

Product Specs 

• NPK ratio: 26-0-2
• Application: Spring
• Grass type: Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, ryegrass, centipede, Bahia, Bermuda, zoysia

Scotts is a well-known brand with an extensive range of lawn care products, including fertilizer and weed and grass killer. This product combines the strongest weed and feed for lawns available from Scotts. It’s supposed to kill common broadleaf weeds like dandelions and clover using WeedGrip technology while feeding the lawn for thicker grass. However, our testing revealed more feed than weed. Granted, the lawn we tested it on has a serious clover and dandelion problem. It’s possible the weed issues were too much even for this powerful weed killer. While we didn’t see a noticeable difference in weed health, they didn’t proliferate.

Scotts Turf Builder is one of the most popular and economical fertilizer and weed control combination products available. Although this weed and feed for Bermuda grass works on many common turf grasses, such as fescue, centipede, Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass, Bahia, and zoysia, it’s not recommended for some warm-season grasses, such as St. Augustine, Dichondra, or carpet grass. As a synthetic product, it contains 2,4-D, which has the potential to damage human and environmental health.

Get the Scotts Turf Builder weed and feed at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot. 

Upgrade Pick

BioAdvanced 5-in-1 Weed & Feed

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What We Like

• Works on over 200 weed and grassy-weed varieties 
• Long-lasting formula feeds for up to 3 months
• Provides nutrients as well as heat and drought resistance
• Requires a minimal amount of mix to make a big difference in lawn health

What We Don’t Like

• Not suitable for new grass
• Contains 2,4-D

Our Ratings: Application 5/5; Feed Effectiveness 5/5; Weed Control 3.5/5; Value 5/5

Product Specs 

• NPK ratio: 22-0-4
• Application: Spring, early summer, fall
• Grass type: Bermuda, fescue, buffalo grass, seashore paspalum, zoysia

Taking care of grass while keeping away common weeds and crabgrass can be exhausting and time-consuming. But the BioAdvanced 5-in-1 weed and feed long-lasting formula greens grass and boosts growth so much that users might need to add an extra cutting to their weekly routine. This potent mix can act as a grass killer for crabgrass as well as broadleaf weeds like clover, dandelion, chickweed, and 200 other weed and grassy-weed varieties. It also strengthens established grass by fortifying roots. 

With a coverage area of over 4,000 square feet, this weed and feed mix resists the effects of heat and drought and is safe to use on cool-season grass types. It’s also a highly concentrated mix, requiring a minimal amount to be effective. 

In testing, it made a big difference in grass growth rate and health, making the grass noticeably brighter and taller. However, it didn’t do much to choke out the clover and weeds, though it showed some ability to prevent new weeds from sprouting. It also contains 2,4-D, a chemical that can potentially harm the environment or people.

Get the BioAdvanced weed and feed at Lowe’s, Walmart, or BioAdvanced.

Best Natural

Espoma Organic Weed Preventer

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What We Like

• Made from 100 percent corn gluten meal
• Can be used in any season and is compatible with all lawn types
• Can be used in flower beds or vegetable gardens

What We Don’t Like

• Only covers 1,250 square feet of lawn
• Doesn’t fertilize or control weeds as well as synthetic products

Our Ratings: Application 5/5; Feed Effectiveness 4/5; Weed Control 2.5/5; Value 3.5/5 

Product Specs 

• NPK ratio: 9-0-0
• Application: Spring
• Grass type: All grasses

Espoma’s Organic Weed Preventer is a natural solution to prevent lawn weeds without harming the environment. This product is made with 100 percent corn gluten meal, which is a byproduct of the corn-milling process that contains a high amount of nitrogen. When applied to your lawn, the nitrogen in the corn gluten meal provides a slow-release fertilizer to nourish the grass and make it more resistant to weeds. Additionally, the corn gluten meal acts as a natural pre-emergent herbicide that inhibits the growth of weed seeds by drying out their roots.

Unlike chemical-based weed preventers, Espoma’s Organic Weed Preventer is safe for pets, children, and the environment. It can safely be used on flower beds and in gardens. During testing, we found that much more of this mix is required to be as effective as synthetic fertilizers. The granules are also more noticeable on the lawn. However, we didn’t have to worry about children or pets walking on that lawn while the granules were still visible. We also appreciated that it can safely be used on flowers and vegetable gardens. 

This fertilizer/weed preventer did improve grass color and growth, but it didn’t perform as well as synthetic products. Espoma can help prevent pre-emergent weeds, but not those already growing.

Get the Espoma weed and feed at Ace Hardware or Walmart. 

Best Cool-Season

GreenView Fairway Formula Spring Weed and Feed

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What We Like

• Kills over 200 varieties of weeds
• Slow-release formula fertilizes for up to 12 weeks
• 36-pound bag treats up to 10,000 square feet of lawn
• Made a noticeable difference in the health and growth rate

What We Don’t Like

• Contains 2,4-D
• Didn’t kill existing weeds

Our Ratings: Application 5/5; Feed Effectiveness 5/5; Weed Control 2.5/5; Value 4.5/5 

Product Specs 

• NPK ratio: 24-0-6
• Application: Spring or fall
• Grass type: Kentucky bluegrass, Bermuda, buffalo grass, perennial ryegrass, fine and tall fescues, Bahia, centipede, zoysia, St. Augustine (except for Floratam)

GreenView Fairway Formula fertilizes lawns, targets over 200 lawn weed species, and prevents crabgrass from growing. It contains both slow-release and quick-release nutrients that feed a lawn for up to 12 weeks at a time. We like that the slow release reduces the number of times the fertilizer would need to be applied in a year. 

Due to the slow-releasing formula, GreenView Fairway Formula is best for use on established lawns with a healthy root system. Using it on new grass may result in burning and stunted growth. It can be used on warm- or cool-season grasses, but check the acceptable grass varieties as there are some exceptions. 

This mix noticeably boosted grass health during testing, with the grass growing at a faster rate and being greener than non-treated grass. It comes in a large bag and doesn’t require a lot of granules to be effective, making it an economical option for large lawns. However, we didn’t notice any difference in weed health, either killing them or preventing more from growing. 

Get the GreenView Fairway Formula weed and feed at Tractor Supply Co., Ace Hardware (18 pounds), The Home Depot, Walmart, or GreenView.

Best Warm-Season

Scotts Turf Builder Southern Triple Action

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What We Like

• Helps lawns withstand heat and drought
• Large coverage area of up to 8,000 square feet
• High-nitrogen formula

What We Don’t Like

• Not safe for people and pets until fully watered in and dry
• Contains Atrazine

Product Specs 

• NPK ratio: 29-0-10
• Application: Active growth periods
• Grass type: St. Augustine, Floratam, zoysia, centipede, carpet grass

We understand that warm-season grasses need a weed and feed that can withstand heat and drought conditions while building a thick green lawn. Scotts Turf Builder Southern Triple Action is a 3-in-1 weed and feed made for southern lawns. It’s safe for use on St. Augustine, zoysia, centipede, and carpet grasses, but it’s not recommended for use on Bermuda grass. This product also contains an insecticide that targets fire ants, mole crickets, sod webworms, fleas, armyworms, and more, and it keeps them away for up to 6 months. 

Please note that this product wasn’t tested due to the geographic location of the tester.

Get the Scotts Turf Builder Southern weed and feed at Amazon, Tractor Supply Co., The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Best Liquid

Scotts Liquid Turf Builder With Plus 2 Weed Control

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What We Like

• Suitable for fertilizing and weeding in any season on any grass type
• Easy to apply
• Affordable
• Noticeably killed weeds after a single application

What We Don’t Like

• Contains 2,4-D

Our Ratings: Application 4/5; Feed Effectiveness 3/5; Weed Control 2.5/5; Value 1.5/5 

Product Specs 

• NPK ratio: 25-0-2
• Application: Spring or fall
• Grass type: Bahia, Bermuda, centipede, zoysia, Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, ryegrass

Scotts Liquid Turf Builder weed spray lets users easily fertilize a lawn while killing dandelions and clover. One of this product’s best features is the ease of application. All that’s required is for the user to attach the applicator to a garden hose and apply this liquid weed and feed concentrate spray as needed. The process was easy during testing. The bottle has a clear strip so we could see how much we’d applied as we went along. That was helpful, as we applied it to a small area and didn’t want to use the entire bottle. 

Scotts weed and feed helps control buckhorn, chickweed, clover, dandelion, ground ivy, henbit, knotweed, and more. Scotts Liquid Turf Builder weed and feed spray can be used with almost any grass type during any season. When used as directed, it won’t burn the lawn and only requires one or two treatments per year. However, for those who don’t notice a change in weeds after one application, it can be applied again within 3 to 4 weeks. 

The brand says there should be a noticeable decline in weeds after a few days, but we didn’t notice weeds dying out until 3 weeks into testing. This was one of the few products that killed existing weeds. While it increased grass growth and deepened the green somewhat, it didn’t have the drastic health benefits for the grass as some of the other weed and feeds we tested.

Get the Scotts liquid weed and feed at Amazon, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, or The Home Depot.

Or, DIY Your Own Weed and Feed

While there are many effective weed and feed products on the market, using commercial weed and feed can be expensive and harmful to the environment. A more natural solution is to make a DIY weed and feed using safe and effective ingredients. 

Mix 1 pound of corn gluten meal, 1 cup of Epsom salt, and 1 cup of dried lawn clippings to make your own weed and feed. Corn gluten meal acts as a natural pre-emergent herbicide that prevents weed seeds from germinating, while Epsom salt provides magnesium and sulfur to nourish the grass. Dried lawn clippings act as a slow-release fertilizer that provides nutrients for healthy lawn growth. By using this natural DIY weed and feed, users can maintain a beautiful and healthy lawn without harming the environment.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Weed and Feed

We created a numbered grid using marking paint and stakes, and one weed and feed fertilizer was applied in each square. The exception was the liquid weed and feed, which required application in a larger area; it was applied to a 100-square-foot area next to the grid. 

We calculated how much weed and feed to spread in each square based on the manufacturer’s instructions so that we didn’t over- or under-fertilize. The space was small enough that we spread the fertilizers by hand to prevent them from mixing. We then took pictures upon application and once a week for 4 weeks. Each weed and feed was scored according to a rubric based on how much product it required, how well it performed, and the ingredients. We also considered the eco-friendliness of each fertilizer, looking for nontoxic options and also pet-friendly weed and feed. 

What to Consider When Choosing Weed and Feed 

Not every weed and feed formula works on every type of grass or in every climate. You need to keep in mind the type of grass, the weed species you want to target, and fertilizer ingredients. Different weed and feeds are also designed for application during different seasons to provide nutrients the grass needs at specific stages of the growth cycle and to better target weeds when they’re at their most vulnerable. 

Weed and Feed Type

Weed and feed can be divided into several types. The first is between natural and chemical weed and feeds. Natural weed and feeds may be organic (but not always) and often contain cornmeal as a natural weed preventative and grass fertilizer. These weed and feeds do not contain synthetic chemicals. 

Chemical weed and feeds can be further divided into pre- and post-emergent weed and feeds. Pre-emergent weed and feeds contain chemicals that prevent weed seeds from germinating. They do not target already existing weeds. Post-emergent weed and feeds contain chemicals that target existing weeds while fertilizing grass. However, some products (like BioAdvanced 5-in-1 Weed & Feed, our upgrade pick), contain chemicals that affect both pre- and post-emergent weeds. 

Grass Type

The best weed and feed product for a lawn depends on the grass type. Grass species have different nutrient requirements, so not all products are safe for every species of grass. Using the wrong weed and feed can stunt growth, burn, or further damage the grass. In general, grass species are divided into two categories: warm season and cool season. The seasons do not refer to the time of year but the climate and average soil temperature range. 

• Warm-season turfgrasses grow best with average soil temperatures between 80 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Warm-season grasses thrive in the warmer climates of the southeastern and southwestern United States. They include Bahia, Bermuda, carpet grass, St. Augustine, and zoysia (Japanese lawn grass).
• Cool-season turfgrasses grow best with average soil temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Cool-season grasses thrive in the cooler climates of the Midwest and northern regions of the United States. Some cool-season grasses are Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and tall and hard fescue.

Selecting a weed and feed that’s compatible with the grass species will provide far better results.

NPK Ratio

To grow a lush lawn, your soil needs to have essential nutrients. Fertilizers temporarily add nutrients to the soil. Fertilizers typically list their nutrient ratios as an NPK formula. This denotation represents the percentage of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in the product. 

• Nitrogen (N) helps the grass grow properly and develop a green color.
• Phosphorus (P) helps develop strong root systems.
• Potassium (K) protects plants from disease, drought, and cold. 

There are at least 11 states that ban phosphorus fertilizer use or sale. Luckily, many lawn weed and feed manufacturers have adapted to this and removed phosphorus from their products. Don’t worry—the weed and feed will still green and thicken the grass without the additional phosphorus.

Fertilizers can also contain secondary elements and micronutrients needed for healthy growth, such as sulfur, calcium, magnesium, boron, iron, molybdenum, zinc, copper, chloride, nickel, and manganese. To find out exactly what nutrients the lawn needs, conduct a soil test. Either purchase a test for home use or take a soil sample to the local cooperative extension testing office. 

Natural vs. Synthetic

There are distinct differences between natural and synthetic weed and feeds. 

Natural and organic weed and feed products contain plant-based or mineral ingredients that are safe for the environment and human health. They nourish the soil and plants to make them more resistant to weeds and prevent weed seed germination. 

At this time, natural alternatives aren’t as effective as their synthetic counterparts. However, some users of natural weed and feeds report that they notice healthier grass and fewer weeds after using the products for several seasons. In short, it takes patience and consistency to see gradually improved lawn health. It also takes more of the product to fertilize, which increases the overall cost, but it’s often worthwhile for the long-term health of people and the environment. 

On the other hand, chemical-based products contain synthetic herbicides that quickly kill weeds and improve grass health. However, they may contain ingredients that hurt beneficial plants, insects, and wildlife. Two of the most commonly used herbicides, 2,4-D and Atrazine, have been linked to numerous health and environmental problems. 2,4-D is a hormone-disrupting chemical that can potentially cause cancer, congenital disabilities, and developmental issues in children. Atrazine is a highly toxic herbicide that can contaminate drinking water, cause congenital disabilities, and harm wildlife. 

Be careful when applying these products in areas with a shallow water table, as they have the potential to contaminate the water supply. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and keep children and pets off the lawn until the product has dried or worked its way into the grass/soil. 

Application

Weed and feed comes in two forms: liquid and granular. Liquid forms are simple to apply and kill weeds faster than the more economical, though slower-acting, granular forms. Weed killer spray or liquid weed and feed is designed for small yards. Granular weed and feed covers more area, often 5,000 square feet or more, and is often available in 18-pound bags and larger. Granular versions offer a better value, but users do need to water their lawns after application for the product to penetrate the grass.

FAQs

If you want a pet-safe weed and feed or are curious to know what type is best for killing stubborn weeds, read on for answers to these and other commonly asked questions.

Meet the Tester

Stacey L. Nash has written about home and garden products, home design and decor, and general indoor and outdoor home improvement for 5+ years. She’s passionate about research and hands-on testing to find the products that add true value to homeownership and daily life. She lives on 12 heavily wooded acres, where she and her family put home and outdoor products to the test while avoiding bears and cougars. 

Additional research provided by Debbie Wolfe. 

The post The Best Weed and Feed Products for Fewer Weeds and Greener Grass, Tested appeared first on Bob Vila.

Testing garden soil is the best way to determine what it needs—if anything—and how much. A variety of soil testing kits are available, but how reliable are they? Home gardeners rely on these kits when deciding whether to amend their soil, so to narrow down the best soil test kits, we tested for accuracy, dependability, and ease of use. 

Soil testers range from simple pH strips to complex kits that pinpoint deficiencies. Serious gardeners will want to reach for comprehensive tests. As Jon Traunfeld, director of the Home & Garden Information Center at University of Maryland, explains, “We recommend that gardeners have their soil tested by accredited soil testing labs, public or private. A basic test that measures soil pH, important soil nutrients, and organic matter costs $20 to $25. The labs also provide recommendations for lime and fertilizer if needed.” These tests are available directly from labs or through your county extension office. 

For the average home gardener though, it can be easier to buy a soil test kit online, so that’s what we tested. To ensure accuracy, we compared product results to test results acquired from the Kansas State University soil testing lab. Our favorite product ended up being the MySoil Test Kit—it was easy to use and the results were simple to interpret, and most importantly of all, they were accurate. Ahead, learn what to look for when shopping for a soil test kit, and find out why the following products are well suited for helping determine soil deficiencies. 

1. BEST OVERALL: MySoil Test Kit
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2. RUNNER-UP: Soil Savvy Soil Test Kit
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3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Atree 3-in-1 Soil pH Meter Tester Kits
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4. BEST PH STRIPS: Garden Tutor Soil pH Test Strips Kit
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5. BEST CHEMICAL TEST: Luster Leaf 1662 Soil Test Kit
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6. BEST DIGITAL TEST: Luster Leaf 1605 Digital Soil Test Kit
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7. BEST FOR CROPS: Whitetail Institute Laboratory Soil-Test Kit
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8. BEST PRECISION PH: Bluelab Soil pH Pen
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Product Comparison

Our Top Picks

The kits we tested had to be accurate and relatively simple to use to earn a spot on this lineup. Test kits and equipment vary by the type of test being performed, so some are better suited to home gardeners, while others appeal to commercial and agricultural growers. We tested a range of kits—some required mailing off a soil sample for professional analysis, some involved chemical testing at home, and others required nothing more than sticking a probe in the soil.

Best Overall

MySoil Test Kit

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Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Accuracy 5/5; Value 5/5

Product Specs 

• Type of test: Professional, mail-in
• Tests for: 13 nutrients plus pH level
• Result time: Results by email within 6 to 8 days of mailing the sample

What We Like

• Professional test for pH and a range of soil nutrients and minerals 
• Process is clear and straightforward 
• Results are detailed and easy to understand 

What We Don’t Like

• No print option available on the website

For professional results, check out the MySoil test kit, which allows gardeners to gather soil samples and have them professionally tested. The MySoil kit offers an in-depth analysis, revealing the amounts of micronutrients, NPK, and macronutrients in the tested soil.

With the MySoil kit, we registered online and followed detailed instructions, gathering a large amount of soil from various areas of the property, mixing it together well, and filling the provided testing cup with the soil blend. Then we sent my soil sample to MySoil as well as an additional soil sample to Kansas State University’s agricultural department so we would have a quality comparison.

We received an email 6 days later with the results of the soil tests. We were impressed with the comprehensive results. The lab listed the levels of existing nutrients, including nitrogen, potassium, sulfur, calcium, iron, and more, and then compared our soil’s levels with optimal levels, which were also listed for each nutrient. We also received a bar chart that allowed us to visually compare the results, making them simple to understand.

Best of all, when the soil results from K-State came back, they were very close to the MySoil results, making us feel very comfortable with the quality of the MySoil lab results.

Get the MySoil soil test kit at Amazon or MySoil. 

Runner-up

Soil Savvy Soil Test Kit

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Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Accuracy 5/5; Value 5/5

Product Specs 

• Type of test: Professional, mail-in
• Tests for: 14 nutrients plus pH level
• Result time: 11 days from when the sample was mailed

What We Like

• Soil-collection instructions are easy to follow
• Results provide detailed recommendations for both synthetic and organic amendments
• Tests for aluminum, which our top pick does not test for 

What We Don’t Like

• Could provide a better explanation of the results
• It took the longest of all labs to get results

The Soil Savvy soil test kit offers professional soil analysis and custom fertilizer recommendations. It comes with a scoop, a collection cup containing liquid and a plastic ball, a prepaid postage envelope, and complete instructions for collecting and submitting a soil sample. 

As with the other soil samples we sent in the mail for professional testing, used the same soil gathered from various spots and then blended well. We spooned the soil into the cup, sealed it, and then went online and registered the barcode that came with the kit.

The lab took a little longer than we’d anticipated to get back to us, but in 11 days, we got an email directing us to log on for my results. We were impressed by the accuracy of the test results—they were right in line with the K-State results, and we also received customized recommendations for amending my soil to make it healthier. The Soil Savvy recommendations were broken down by synthetic and organic fertilizers—telling me exactly how much of each to apply per 1,000 square feet to amend the soil. 

Soil Savvy could have provided a better explanation of the results, however. We understand what nutrient ratios are, but a newbie gardener might benefit from further explanation of what the numbers mean. The lab tested for the 14 most common nutrients plus pH level.

Get the Soil Savvy soil test kit at Amazon or Soil Savvy.

Best Bang For The Buck

Atree 3-in-1 Soil pH Meter Tester Kits

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Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Accuracy 5/5; Value 5/5

Product Specs 

• Type of test: Analog probe
• Tests for: Moisture, pH, light
• Result time: Immediate for moisture and pH, 10 minutes for light

What We Like

• Very simple to use and provides immediate or near-immediate results
• Doesn’t need batteries
• Low-effort option

What We Don’t Like

• Only measures moisture, pH, and light

Not all gardeners need or want a nutritional analysis of their soil. Some just want to know the pH level or how much light a plant would receive in a specific location. The Atree soil pH meter provides those answers accurately and at an affordable price.

We tested the Atree meter by inserting it in various spots in our flower garden. Over the years, we’ve added amendments, such as sulfur, to specific areas where acid-loving plants are growing, and we were curious whether this simple tester would pick up on that. It did—the soil around our hydrangeas, which we’ve amended heavily, tested at 6 on the pH scale, while the soil around our daisies registered at 6.8. Both seemed accurate based on our historical knowledge of our soil and the amendments we’ve made.

We then tested both moisture and light levels in various garden spots, and the Atree again seemed accurate. While this tester didn’t determine things like specific nutrient levels, we found that it would be great for gardeners who are happy with the health of their soil but would like to know if the light is adequate or whether the soil is draining well. The Atree did a good job measuring both.

Get the Atree soil test kit at Amazon. 

Best Ph Strips

Garden Tutor Soil pH Test Strips Kit

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Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Accuracy 5/5; Value 4/5

Product Specs 

• Type of test: Strips
• Tests for: pH levels
• Result time: Within 20 seconds of testing

What We Like

• Quick and accurate pH test results
• Simple to use and read
• Includes 100 test strips for lots of testing at an affordable cost

What We Don’t Like

• Poor packaging likely led to short shelf life

Garden Tutor’s test strips offer quick results in determining indoor or outdoor soil’s acid/alkaline content. The kit contains 100 test strips and also includes a 16-page handbook that lists optimal pH levels for growing various plants.

We found the Garden Tutor soil pH test strips to accurately determine the pH levels in various parts of our flower garden. The simplest of all the kits we tested required mixing soil from a specific garden area with water and then dipping it in a pH test strip. In a few seconds, sensitive tabs on the test strip turned color, and we visually matched them to the color-coded chart on the outside of the bottle to determine the amount of acid or alkalinity of the soil.

We tested the soil in an area we knew had a lower pH, as we’ve added pH-lowering amendments for years. The Garden Tutor test strips determined that level to be 6.1, which sounded close and aligned with other pH tests we performed. We then tested the soil in a spot we knew was more alkaline and got a higher pH reading.

One thing we wish the manufacturer would have included, however, was a moisture-absorbent pack with the strips. We used about 20 strips in our initial tests, and all were fine. Three weeks later, however, the pH pads had all turned brownish, which we suspected was due to moist air getting into the bottle.

Get the Garden Tutor soil test kit at Amazon or Garden Tutor.

Best Chemical Test

Luster Leaf 1662 Soil Test Kit

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Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Accuracy 5/5; Value 4/5

Product Specs 

• Type of test: Chemical (at home)
• Tests for: pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium
• Result time: Varies by the test but all within a few minutes

What We Like

• Provided accurate results
• Looks intimidating but it’s relatively easy to use
• No need to send off a sample and wait days for results
• All the components fit into a small kit that’s easy to store 

What We Don’t Like

• Did not have enough solution to complete 40 tests

In addition to determining soil’s pH level, the Luster Leaf soil test kit pinpoints the amount of the three most common soil macronutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. There’s no need for the user to send a sample to a laboratory with this chemical test. 

When we first opened the Luster Leaf test kit case, we were surprised by the number of vials and bottles of solutions. It didn’t look very easy. After reading the instructions, we found it was actually pretty simple. Testing involved gathering soil, putting a tiny bit in a glass vial, adding a specific liquid and/or powder (depending on the test), and shaking the vial. We were then able to compare the color of the liquid in the vial to an included chart to get the results.

To determine the accuracy of the Luster Leaf tests, we compared the results we got from the mail-in soil tests. The NPK results were close to the lab results. For an at-home test, we were pretty impressed. (The pH, on the other hand, tested lower than the lab tests, but the soil where we took the sample for this test had been previously amended to lower pH.)

The downside? The manufacturer says the kit will perform 40 tests. We found that to be inaccurate. We followed the instructions carefully and had only enough solution to do about 15 tests.

Get the Luster Leaf 1662 soil test kit at Amazon.

Best Digital Test

Luster Leaf 1605 Digital Soil Test Kit

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Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Accuracy 5/5; Value 4/5

Product Specs 

• Type of test: Chemical (digital results)
• Tests for: Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and pH
• Result time: Within a few seconds

What We Like

• Digital results are straightforward and very easy to interpret
• Testing just requires inserting the sample and pressing a test button
• Includes a booklet that has pH preferences for over 450 plants

What We Don’t Like

• Only 5 capsules per test for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash

The second Luster Leaf kit in the lineup tests for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, but it takes some of the complexity out of testing using color-coded capsules. It also takes the guesswork out of matching the results with its easy-to-read digital display. Everything is color-coded: N, P, and K correspond with purple, blue, and orange, respectively, while green is for pH.

We collected a soil sample, filled one of the four test tubes, and then added filtered water to the tube. We shook the soil and water solution, inserted a color-coded capsule in the vial, and shook again. Once the contents were well mixed, we inserted the vial into the hole at the top of the digital reader and pressed the button corresponding to the test.

This was the same test as the first Luster Leaf kit, but it was more user-friendly, and the color-coding made everything understandable. The digital reader gave me the results via a lit-up button. If the soil had too much of a nutrient, it registered as “surplus,” and lower amounts registered as “sufficient,” “adequate,” “deficient,” or “depleted.” 

Unfortunately, the digital tester did not show how low or high a nutrient might have been, but we were able to look in the booklet and see optimal NPK levels for different plants, grasses, and flowers. The booklet also offered suggestions on how to amend the soil to raise or lower specific nutrient levels. 

Get the Luster Leaf 1605 soil test kit at Amazon or Earth Easy.

Best For Crops

Whitetail Institute Laboratory Soil-Test Kit

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Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Accuracy 5/5; Value 4/5

Product Specs 

• Type of test: Professional, mail-in
• Tests for: Calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium
• Result time: Results available by email in one week

What We Like

• Ideal for food plots
• Customizable—write down the intended crop for personalized results
• Detailed results arrive quickly and are tailored to the chosen crop

What We Don’t Like

• Less comprehensive than some other tests

Hobby farmers and crop growers can receive an expert soil analysis with the Whitetail Institute’s Laboratory soil test kit. Growers also receive a custom consultation and recommendations for improving their soil based on the type of crop that will be grown. 

For testing, we once again used the same soil gathered from various spots, blended well, and sent the sample to Whitetail. Of the three mail-in soil kits we tested, Whitetail offered the highest level of customization. When we filled out the form, they asked what we planned to grow in the soil. We chose alfalfa and Whitetail sent specific instructions for amending the soil to make it suitable for growing alfalfa. 

The nutrient test results were very close to those we obtained from the other labs and Kansas State University, but Whitetail only tested for four nutrients: phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. We called the local extension agent and asked why. He said those are the most critical four nutrients for most agricultural crops.

We could access the test results in just one week, and a few days later, a paper copy arrived via snail mail. We found that the Whitetail test kit results would be a boon for farmers or hobby farmers who want to create optimal soil conditions for a specific crop.

Get the Whitetail Institute soil test kit at Amazon, Cabela’s, or Whitetail Institute.

Best Precision pH

Bluelab Soil pH Pen

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Our Ratings: Ease of Use 3/5; Accuracy 5/5; Value 4/5

Product Specs 

• Type of test: Digital probe
• Tests for: pH and temperature
• Result time: Immediate

What We Like

• Provides very precise pH testing, measuring to 0.1 degree
• Easy-to-see digital readout on a backlit LCD display
• Developed for commercial growing needs

What We Don’t Like

• Must be calibrated before use

For commercial-scale growers, hydroponic growers, or gardeners who want the ultimate in precision pH testing, consider the Bluelab pH pen that provides highly accurate acid/alkaline results. The pen comes with a backlit LCD display and requires a AAA battery for operation. It also features two-point calibration for ensuring accurate pH readings, but the calibration solution is not included.

We had to locate 7.0 and 4.01 pH solutions, and we were able to borrow some of both from the local high school chemistry class, but be aware that if you want to use this pen, you’ll need to buy some of your own.

After calibrating the Bluelab pen, which involves putting it first in one solution and then the other and pushing the calibration button each time, we were able to test the pH and the temperature of the soil of our potted plants. We were surprised at the accuracy of this pen tester as it measured pH to a tenth of a degree and clearly displayed the number on the LED screen. The pH was close to what we had gotten in other tests, but this seemed to be the most accurate of all the tests. The temperature reading was also handy, and it would be vital for hydroponic growers or commercial growers who needed to maintain a specific growing temperature.

Get the Bluelab soil test pen at Amazon or Bluelab.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Soil Test Kits

Our goal in testing the soil test kits was to determine how accurate each was, how easy they were to use, and how beneficial the results would be for our readers. The types of soil tests varied widely—from professional tests that required sending a soil sample to a lab to simple pH meters that determined a soil’s acid or alkaline level via a probe. We extensively researched dozens of soil test kits and products before choosing which ones to test, and we intentionally chose different types of kits because growers have very different needs. 

Misti Mathis, co-owner of Harvest Gold Organics, which sells plant care products out of McKinney, Texas, offers some advice on how shoppers can decide between kits: “Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and budget. While home test kits won’t be as precise as professional labs, they’re a good option for many gardeners.” She adds that “a professional lab test might be a better choice if you’re facing severe plant growth issues or have unique soil characteristics.”

To help determine the effectiveness of individual lab tests, we also sent a soil sample to the agricultural department at Kansas State University, where they do high-end soil and plant testing. The results from Kansas State were used as a starting point for comparing the other lab tests and the at-home chemical testing kits. 

We awarded points for each kit or product, and at the end of testing, we added the points and used them to help determine the best uses and specific awards for each of the kits that earned a spot in this lineup.

What to Consider When Choosing a Soil Test Kit

Many gardeners and home landscapers buy fertilizer and soil amendment products that promise to produce robust plant growth, improve soil structure, or result in abundant blooms. Still, unless the products provide what the soil lacks, the results may not be what the gardener expected. In some cases—such as adding fertilizer to nutrient-dense soil—plants may even suffer from fertilizer burn. Soil testing takes the guesswork out of gardening and landscaping, and that’s why I tested the top soil test products on the market today.

Soil

Soil quality varies from location to location. The soil in some regions might be perfect for growing vegetables and flowers, while the soil someplace else must be heavily amended with organic matter to grow anything. The following four common types of soil have different properties: 

• Silt: Fine and soft, silt grains are smaller than grains of sand. Silty soil is associated with prior flooding that washed topsoil downstream. Silty soils are suitable for growing most types of plants but will benefit from adding organic matter to help increase drainage. Depending on its nutrient content, silt may also require a fertilizer.
• Loamy: An optimal blend of silt, sand, clay, and organic matter, loamy soil is a gardener’s best friend. It drains well, yet resists compaction as it dries out. It’s suitable for growing fruits, vegetables, and most types of flowers and shrubs.
• Clay: While clay soil is full of nutrients, it’s composed of ultra-fine particles that stick together when wet and become rock-hard when dry. Plants don’t grow well in clay soil because their roots can’t push as easily through thick clay as they can with other soil types. Clay soil must be amended with organic matter, such as compost, to help aerate the soil and make it suitable for growing plants.
• Sandy: Better than clay because it offers spaces between the grains for roots to grow, but not as nutrient-dense as loam, sandy soil drains well. It is suitable for growing bulbs, such as tulips, and root crops, including potatoes and carrots. When preparing soil for the upcoming growing season, adding organic matter will help it retain moisture when growing other types of plants.

Test Types

Several soil-testing products are available to determine the amounts of various nutrients and macronutrients in the soil. Among the most comprehensive tests are those that involve taking soil samples and sending them to a lab for analysis. Still, at-home kits and instruments like these can be of help.

• Strips: A simple type of soil test, pH strips are coated bits of paper that determine the current acidity or alkalinity level of the soil. The gardener mixes soil with distilled water, using the recommended ratio on the package instructions. (Tap water can influence the pH readout.) After inserting the test strip in the solution, the resulting color of the strip lets the gardener know whether the soil in the garden is acidic or alkaline. A chart usually comes with pH test strips so users can compare the colors.
• Analog: These testers are commonly used to test soil for moisture content, pH levels, and some may even test the quantity of the light in specific locations. They feature aluminum probes to be inserted in the soil when taking readings. Some may use batteries, but many analog testers react to wetness in the ground and often don’t need batteries.
• Digital: Like analog soil testers, digital soil testers often come with probes to insert in the ground to determine moisture content and pH levels. They usually require batteries and may also be used in conjunction with chemical testing to help determine nutrient levels, such as the amount of nitrogen or potash in the soil.
• Chemical: At-home chemical soil tests require adding a drop or two of a specific chemical called a “reagent” to a soil sample. The reaction helps show the health of the soil. Chemical soil tests are suitable for testing one or more factors, including pH, and specific nutrients, such as nitrogen or calcium.
• Professional: The most reliable of all soil tests, professional tests require the gardener to collect a soil sample. The sample is mailed to a laboratory, where it’s analyzed for structure and a variety of nutrients. Then the lab sends the results and soil recommendations back to the gardener.

Testing

Testing kits and instruments commonly help pinpoint soil characteristics. Knowing the makeup of the soil helps you better maintain your garden. Keep in mind that various plants have specific nutrient requirements, so it’s essential to research the plant that will be grown before adding nutrients.

• Macronutrients: The three most common macronutrients needed for healthy plant growth are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Every bag of fertilizer will list an NPK number that identifies the amount of each of these three nutrients. The types of N, P, and K nutrients come in various forms, such as potassium carbonate for phosphorus, and urea or anhydrous ammonia for nitrogen. In general, all the NPK varieties perform similar functions. The key is knowing which specific nutrient that a plant needs and then using the soil test results to add a fertilizer formulation that helps balance nutrient levels. 
• Micronutrients: Plants may require trace minerals as well as macronutrients, and a soil tester that pinpoints micronutrients, such as copper, iron, and manganese, tells the gardener if too much or not enough of these nutrients is in the soil. 
• Acid or alkaline: The pH scale runs from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Most garden plants prefer slightly acidic soil, between 6 and 7. However, some plants such as lilac and clematis prefer slightly alkaline soils, while azaleas prefer acidic (5.5) conditions.
• Temperature: Testing soil temperature is much like testing human temperature; the tester has a thermometer that indicates how warm or cool the soil is. This is helpful for commercial growers who want to start production as early in the spring as possible. It also can be helpful for hobby gardeners who want to make sure the soil is warm enough before they set out seedlings. 
• Light: Because plants need various amounts of light, a light meter can help determine whether a location will be optimal for a specific plant variety. While plants have different light needs, all need some light for photosynthesis, which is how the plant synthesizes water and carbon dioxide into food. Most at-home light meters will display low, medium, and high lighting conditions. A gardener can use these readings to determine whether a plant is receiving enough light (or too much light) in a specific spot. 
• Moisture: One of the most common soil tests is for moisture, and it’s used to determine whether the soil is draining well. Moisture meters usually have a gauge that allows the gardener to see if the soil, whether it’s in a garden bed or is a potting soil mix, is dry, moist, or wet. 

Accuracy

Soil test kits vary in accuracy, with professional lab tests ranking as the most accurate. The quality and composition of the soil may also vary from one end of the garden to the other based on the amount of light that a specific spot gets, whether leaves fall and decompose in one spot, or what types of plants were grown there in the past. For example, plants in the legume family, such as soybeans or clover, can add nitrogen to the soil. 

Choosing the most accurate test or tester can prove challenging, but look for features such as large, easy-to-read gauges on analog testers and probes that are solidly attached. Chemical kits should offer multiple testing processes for double-checking results, and pH test strips will be most accurate before their expiration date. No matter the individual test kit, gardeners can help avoid mistakes by performing multiple tests in different spots. 

Speed of Results

The quickest results come from tests that determine pH and moisture. At-home test kits and instruments can determine these two factors in mere seconds. Testing for other nutrients may take longer, especially if the soil has to be combined with water and then allowed to settle before performing a chemical test.Light and moisture meters can often determine results in a few minutes. Retesting can be done as often as desired to get an idea of light quality during different times of the day and to see whether moisture evaporates more quickly from soil during higher outdoor temps. 

The longest wait period comes when seeking professional laboratory results. The gardener must gather the soil samples, place them in a package, and mail the package to the laboratory. Depending on the speed of the lab, it may take a few days to test the sample and then a few extra days to get the results. Some labs can send results by email, which speeds up the process by a couple of days. 

Ease of Use

Test kits that feature pH strips and meters with probes are simple to use and self-explanatory for the most part, but the best soil test kits come with directions on how to handle the strips and the probes, in addition to offering information for understanding the relevance of the test results. Chemical test kits can be more complex, but they come with instructions on gathering soil samples, mixing them, and choosing the chemicals to use when conducting specific nutrient tests. Chemical kits often come with charts that explain what the different results mean, such as various color changes that occur when testing for particular macronutrients and micronutrients.

FAQs

The best soil test kit can help a gardener figure out the most beneficial fertilizers or amendments to add to a garden. Below are answers to some common questions about soil testing kits.

Meet the Tester 

Glenda Taylor is a product tester and writer specializing in the construction, remodeling, and real estate industries. She and her husband own a general contracting company, and Taylor is experienced in both residential and commercial building applications. She tests a wide range of power tools as well as other home improvement, household, and lawn-and-garden products.

The post The Best Soil Test Kits, Tested appeared first on Bob Vila.

Despite attentive gardening practices, unwanted weeds can muscle in quickly, making organic weed killers a necessary tool for removing pesky plants without posing risks to food production or the environment. While these useful lawn-care products can help provide flowers and vegetables with the space they need to produce blossoms and edibles, it can be difficult to know which organic herbicides for weeds actually work. To help you in your search, we researched dozens of popular options and reached out to a lawn care and gardening expert for their experience-based insights.

As a result of our efforts, we found eight organic weed killers we feel confident recommending. Of those, our favorite is the Green Gobbler 20% Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer, a formula that’s easy to apply, works quickly, and is certified for organic use. Rather than spraying your garden with conventional herbicides full of toxic chemicals that do more harm than good, this and the rest of the best organic weed killers we selected use natural ingredients that work while keeping food, kids, and pets safe.

1. BEST OVERALL: Green Gobbler 20% Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Natural Armor 30% Home & Garden Vinegar
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3. BEST SPRAY: Natria Grass & Weed Control With Root Kill
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4. BEST CONCENTRATE: Bonide Captain Jack’s Deadweed Brew Concentrate
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5. BEST SPOT TREATMENT: Sunday Weed Warrior
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6. BEST MULTIPURPOSE: Earthborn Elements Pure Borax Powder
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7. BEST FOR GRAVEL: Ortho GroundClear Weed & Grass Killer
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8. ALSO CONSIDER: Eco Living Solutions Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer
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Before You Buy an Organic Weed Killer

The best organic weed killers are a one-step way to remove unwanted weeds like dandelions, poison ivy, and more. But they may not give you the results you’re after since they’re typically nonselective, meaning they can kill all the plants in vegetable gardens, flower beds, and grassy areas in addition to weeds. More traditional methods, such as pulling weeds by hand or using a weeding tool, may provide better weed control for lawns and spaces where you want more control over which plants you eradicate.

Organic Weed Killer Comparison Chart

Our Top Picks

The following organic weed killers made our list because they’re potent enough to kill weeds naturally without the use of harmful chemicals that can contaminate fruits and vegetables or leave environmentally damaging residues behind. Choosing the best organic weed killer from these options depends on individual needs and weed types needing removal.

Best Overall

Green Gobbler 20% Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer

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What We Like

• Organic Material Review Institute (OMRI)-listed for organic use
• Spray application makes it easier to be precise
• Starts working within 24 hours of application 

What We Don’t Like

• May not totally eliminate particularly stubborn weeds

Specs

• Type: Spray
• Size: 1 gallon; other sizes available 
• Formula: Nonselective; acetic acid

Crabgrass, dandelions, thistles, and other weeds are history with just a spritz of OMRI-listed Green Gobbler vinegar weed and grass killer. Derived from corn, this natural acetic acid herbicide is nonselective, meaning it kills all vegetation it’s applied to with a turnaround time of 24 hours. The easy-to-use spray attachment that comes with the gallon bottle makes application a cinch, and larger quantities are available without the extra nozzle for use as refills.

Green Gobbler is especially beneficial along fence lines, around patios and pool areas, and in mulched flower beds where common weeds and grasses tend to sprout most. Just use care not to spray it on desirable plantings because they, too, will die.

Get the Green Gobbler organic weed killer at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Green Gobbler. 

Best Bang for the Buck

Natural Armor 30% Home & Garden Vinegar

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What We Like

• 6 times more potent than comparable formulas 
• Comes with an attachable trigger sprayer
• Ideal for large areas needing extensive weed control 

What We Don’t Like

• Sprayer clogs sometimes

Specs

• Type: Spray
• Size: 1 gallon; other sizes available
• Formula: Nonselective; acetic acid

To control weeds without spending a lot of cash, consider this Natural Armor concentrate. It’s available in an economical 1-gallon jug (as well as other sizes), comes at an attractive price, and contains vinegar that’s six times more potent than the household variety. This pet-safe weed killer can be applied using the attachable trigger sprayer, poured into a smaller spray bottle, or used with a pump-type garden sprayer. 

Natural Armor’s industrial-strength organic weed killer contains only pure and natural ingredients that are environmentally safe. It’s a nonselective vegetation killer that’s well suited for lawn edging and removing weeds from fence lines, between sidewalk cracks, and among patio pavers. This vinegar weed killer spray can also be used to clean mossy stone garden statues and outdoor ornaments.

Get the Natural Armor organic weed killer at Amazon or Natural Armor.

Best Spray

Natria Grass & Weed Control With Root Kill Herbicide

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What We Like

• Ready-to-use formula 
• Ideal for cracks in pavement, edging, and more 
• Precise spray applicator enables use as a weed killer for lawns

What We Don’t Like

• Requires a relatively thick coating to work

Specs

• Type: Spray
• Size: 24 ounces; other sizes available
• Formula: Nonselective; ammoniated soap

No need to mix or pour this Natria weed remover spray into another container—it comes in its own spray bottle and comes ready to apply. Unlike our two top picks, this option uses ammoniated soap of fatty acids, a natural ingredient that penetrates weed foliage to destroy the plant. Like our other recommendations, however, it’s also nonselective, so it shouldn’t be applied on a windy day if desirable plants are nearby. 

For best results, Natria recommends you apply enough of this organic product to fully saturate the weed’s foliage. The herbicide will then travel through the foliage and stems to the roots, destroying the weed completely and preventing regrowth. Though it’s a strong weed killer, Natria won’t contaminate soil, meaning gardeners can safely sow seeds 5 days after use.

Get the Natria organic weed killer (various sizes) at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Ace Hardware.

Best Concentrate

Bonide Captain Jack’s Deadweed Brew Concentrate

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What We Like

• Withers broadleaf or grassy weeds within hours
• 32-ounce concentrate makes more than 8 gallons of product
• Waterproof once dried 

What We Don’t Like

• Requires dilution and a container for application

Specs

• Type: Liquid concentrate
• Size: 32 ounces; other sizes available
• Formula: Nonselective; caprylic acid and capric acid

When it comes to making weed killers, Bonide has an excellent reputation, and this concentrate is no exception. It’s available in a couple of sizes, and the 32-ounce container of this organic weed killer is enough for over 8 gallons of diluted product. It’s easy to apply using a standard handheld or backpack sprayer, and once it dries, it’s waterproof for extended effectiveness. 

The chemical-conscious consumer can have peace of mind from this product as it is made with coconut and palm kernel oils, both capable of killing grassy and broadleaf weeds, moss, and algae. It is also suitable for applying to patios, walkways, driveways, fences, foundations, and more in temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit. However, given that it is a nonselective option, it may not be safe for use directly on gardens or beloved plants. But, it can be used at a safe distance around these areas to kill harmful weeds and grasses. 

What our tester says: “We tried Deadweed Brew as part of our best weed killer tests by broadcasting it over a row of weeds growing between tire tracks on a gravel driveway. Within 4 hours, the weed zone had turned a pale greenish brown, and by the next morning, all the weeds were completely dead.”—Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer 

Get the Bonide organic weed killer at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Bonide.

Best Spot Treatment

Sunday Weed Warrior

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What We Like

• Easy to apply herbicidal soap kills grassy weeds
• Results start to appear in just 20 minutes
• OMRI-listed for safe organic use 

What We Don’t Like

• May require periodic reapplication

Specs

• Type: Spray
• Size: Two 32-ounce bottles; other sizes available
• Formula: Nonselective; ammoniated soap 

Sunday’s Weed Warrior is an herbicidal soap made from fatty acids designed to tackle grassy weeds, mosses, and algae. It works by breaking down the waxy coating that protects plants, leading to rapid dehydration and death. After application, you should start seeing visible results in about 20 minutes. 

As a nonselective killer, this isn’t a good weed killer for lawns since it will kill your grass, too. However, it’s quite effective as a spot treatment along sidewalks, next to flower beds, and near concrete patios via precise application using the spray bottle. Those needing to treat larger areas will be pleased to know there are refill sizes available, including a gallon jug that has a convenient sprayer wand. 

What our tester says: “The fact that I was so impressed with the Weed Warrior spot treatment that I bought the concentrated pouches to weed large areas is a testament to the product’s effectiveness.”—Daryna Tobey, Product Reviews tester and writer

Read our full review: Sunday Lawn Care Review 

Get the Sunday organic weed killer (various sizes) at Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart, or Sunday.

Best Multipurpose

Earthborn Elements Pure Borax Powder

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What We Like

• Can be mixed to varying strengths for different needs
• Durable, resealable container is easy to store safely
• Great for flower beds, driveways, and stepping stones 

What We Don’t Like

• Finding the right strength may require some tinkering

Specs

• Type: Powder
• Size: 1 gallon; other sizes available 
• Formula: Nonselective; sodium borate

Multipurpose borax can kill weeds, control unwanted insects, and boost laundry detergent—and it’s the active ingredient in Earthborn Elements borax powder. Borax, short for “sodium borate,” is a natural mineral mined in desert regions, including California’s Death Valley. 

To use, mix with water at a ratio of 10 ounces of borax to ½ cup of hot water, stirring until the powder dissolves. Next, further dilute the solution by pouring it into 2½ gallons of water, then spray it directly on weeds with a spray bottle or pump-type garden sprayer. Like many other natural weed killers, borax is nonselective, so you’ll want to take care to spray weeds only on a calm day to protect desirable plants. 

Get the Earthborn Elements organic weed killer at Amazon or Earthborn Elements.

Best for Gravel

Ortho GroundClear Weed & Grass Killer

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What We Like

• Listed by OMRI for safe organic use
• Results appear in about 15 minutes
• Battery-powered sprayer covers gravel pads quickly

What We Don’t Like

• Sprayer tube sometimes becomes disconnected

Specs

• Type: Comfort wand spray
• Size: 1 gallon; other sizes available
• Formula: Nonselective; ammonium nonanoate

Though we’ve yet to test it as a weed killer for gravel, we can hardly wait to unleash Ortho GroundClear’s battery-powered sprayer on our weed-prone gravel parking pad. Since this gravel area sits somewhat close to a drainage ditch, we’re careful about how we care for it, so the fact that this weed and grass killer is OMRI-certified is ideal. We also appreciate that the sprayer wand has adjustable settings to enable more precise application in mulched garden beds and alongside landscaped spaces. 

Once applied, GroundClear gets to work, destroying plants’ cell membranes to cause dehydration and death in about 15 minutes. Though larger and more stubborn weeds may take a bit longer to die, this rainproof spray provides lasting effects that help prevent unwanted plants from coming back. 

Get the Ortho organic weed killer (various sizes) at Amazon, Lowe’s, Tractor Supply Co., Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, Walmart, or Ortho.

Also Consider

Eco Living Solutions Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer

See It

What We Like

• Listed by OMRI for safe organic use
• Results appear in about 15 minutes
• Battery-powered sprayer covers gravel pads quickly

What We Don’t Like

• Sprayer tube sometimes becomes disconnected

Specs

• Type: Comfort wand spray
• Size: 1 gallon; other sizes available
• Formula: Nonselective; ammonium nonanoate

The Eco Living Solutions vinegar weed and grass killer contains high-strength vinegar for effective natural foliage eradication. It comes ready to use and should be sprayed full strength on weeds until foliage is saturated. It’s nonselective, so take care not to let overspray get on desirable plantings.

For those looking to get rid of grass, this product also works as an organic weed killer for lawns., making it an eco-friendly way to transition to xeriscape landscaping. Safe for honey bees, soil, and groundwater, it contains no harmful or toxic ingredients and can be applied to weeds in vegetable gardens or around fruiting vines. One gallon of this ready-to-use weed killer treats 1,000 square feet, and it also comes in a larger size to cover a greater area. Results start to show in as little as 24 hours, and no retreating is necessary.

Get the Eco Garden Pro organic weed killer at Amazon or Eco Living Solutions.

Or, DIY Your Own Organic Weed Killer 

If you prefer the DIY approach to killing weeds, you can make a weed killer using basic essentials you likely already have in your kitchen. Here’s Bob Vila’s favorite nonherbicide weed killer recipe.

In a large bowl, combine: 

• 1 gallon of white household vinegar 
• 1 cup of salt 
• 1 tablespoon of dish soap 

After combining the ingredients, pour the DIY weed killer into a spray bottle or sprayer and apply. This homemade weed killer recipe will create a full gallon of foolproof organic weed killer that can be applied to large or small patches of weeds. 

If possible, try to apply this weirdly effective weeding solution when it is sunny to help dry out and shrivel the weeds. The combination of the weed killer and the sun will attack the weeds’ root systems and speed up the process.

For other ways to kill weeds without buying a weed killer, check out this list of homemade weed killer pros and cons. It details everything we like and don’t about popular DIY weed removal tactics. 

Our Verdict

Our top pick, the Green Gobbler 20% Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer, is less toxic than traditional formulas, while the Earthborn Elements Pure Borax Powder is a great multipurpose choice. Popular lawn and garden options from Roundup and Ortho weren’t listed because they didn’t meet our sustainability guidelines—each contains ingredients like glyphosate 2,4D that have harmful environmental effects.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Chose the Best Organic Weed Killers

Our list of recommendations is the result of an in-depth exploration of organic weed killers, which are more environmentally friendly products for killing weeds than conventional herbicides. It includes picks for specific categories so shoppers have more targeted options for their needs as well as products that come in different sizes with varying application methods for both expansive coverage and occasional spot treatment. 

Several of our recommendations are vinegar solutions of varying concentrations because vinegar kills weeds effectively without causing environmental harm. Depending on the specific weed problem, products with either 20 percent or 30 percent acetic acid will be appropriate.

What to Consider When Choosing an Organic Weed Killer

Before buying a weed killer, shoppers will want to investigate ingredients and read labels to determine whether the product will kill only specific weeds or affect all vegetation. It’s also a good idea to be mindful of the difference between organic herbicides that kill existing weeds and those that stop weed seeds from sprouting.

Pre-Emergent vs. Post-Emergent

Like chemical weed killers, organic herbicides are available in two types: pre-emergent and post-emergent. Herbicides that are pre-emergent destroy seeds or prevent them from sprouting, while the post-emergent kind kills or inhibits weeds that have already sprouted and are growing.

The difference between the two is crucial because once a pre-emergent product is sprayed on the soil, it will prevent all seeds from sprouting there—whether those of common weeds, plants you never knew were weeds, or desirable plants and flowers. While this type of spray will inhibit weed growth alongside fence lines, driveways, and patios, if any of it lands near a plot of soil intended for flowers or a vegetable garden, it’s unlikely that any seeds planted there will sprout.

Selective vs. Nonselective

A selective weed killer will destroy only specific types of weeds but not others. For example, organic herbicides developed for lawns likely target broadleaf weeds, such as chickweed and clover, but they won’t damage turf-type grasses like Bermuda grass. 

Nonselective weed killers will kill all vegetation—both weeds and desirable plants—so gardeners should use them with caution. If you’re trying to get rid of dandelions that have spread throughout your lawn, remember that spraying or broadcasting a nonselective weed killer will kill the grass along with the weeds. 

When it comes to natural herbicides, users have very few selective products to choose from; the majority are nonselective and designed to kill most forms of vegetation. They can be used between sidewalk cracks or patio pavers or to create fence lines but shouldn’t be used near desirable plants and flowers, especially on windy days.

Ingredients

True to form, organic weed killers will not have toxic ingredients. Shoppers looking for lawn-care items to start or maintain a garden may be surprised to find several household ingredients, such as vinegar, salt, and corn, present in some organic weed killers. Other beneficial ingredients include soaps and essential oils, such as cinnamon or clove. 

Lesser-known ingredients, like citric acid, caprylic acid (a coconut oil derivative), and D-limonene (derived from citrus fruits), also feature prominently in many organic weed killers. For added benefits, manufacturers may combine two or more of the above ingredients to control specific types of weeds.

Form

Natural weed-killing products are available in various forms, with some better suited to specific types of applications. 

• Spray: Easy to use and offering uniform coverage, most sprays are designed for direct application to the weed’s foliage. Spraying should be avoided on windy days to avoid harming desirable plants.
• Liquid concentrate: For those with large crops or heavy weed infestation, a liquid concentrate may be best. It can be diluted with water and easily applied over large areas with a pump-type garden sprayer.
• Powder: Meant for broadcasting over specific areas, powder herbicides can also get carried by the wind and inadvertently kill nearby plants.
• Salts: Products containing salt will kill plants, so be careful when using them. Salt makes soil infertile, and it can take years to leach it out. Salt-based nontoxic weed killers are often best for patio pavers or sidewalk joints rather than flower beds.

FAQs

If you’re switching from a traditional weed killer to an organic type, you may still have questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about organic weed killers.

The post 8 Organic Weed Killers That Are Safe for Organic Gardening and the Environment appeared first on Bob Vila.

Even the greenest of thumbs can struggle with common lawn issues like patches, snow mold, and pests. As an antidote to wandering a store searching for the right products and hoping that you chose correctly, lawn care subscriptions offer everything for proper yard maintenance — delivered right to your door.

Now, that convenient service, more synonymous with large chains, is available through a local hardware store. Known for providing personalized advice on home and lawn maintenance to its in-store customers, the venerable lawn and garden retailer Ace Hardware is now debuting a lawn care subscription called Ace YardRx—a natural next step on the journey to help even more homeowners work on their landscape.“We’re excited to launch Ace YardRx, a new subscription service that delivers yard care directly to our neighbors’ homes,” said Kim Lefko, Chief Marketing Officer at Ace Hardware.

How Does Ace YardRx Work?

Similar to other lawn care subscription services, the customized lawn care plan is location-based and delivered to customers throughout the growing season—spring, summer, and fall. Each box includes seasonal treatments for lawn growth and nourishment, weed prevention, and pest problems, as well as recommended application dates. Prices are given upfront along with estimated delivery dates for each box. Customers can also pick up subscription boxes in store or curbside.

To get a customized lawn care plan, customers simply create an account and enter their home address. Ace YardRx will use data such as climate, property size, and seasonal growth habits to develop a lawn care plan. Customers can further identify specific issues including insects, diseases, and fungi and filter by product preferences such as brand names, natural ingredients, or concentrates.

Curated Solutions From Local Experts 

Local Ace “YardRx-perts” identify the right products for specific regions and issues based on the data you submit. All products ship from local Ace Hardware stores, making pricing competitive and shipping free. Plus in-store experts are available to help troubleshoot or further tailor the products to specific growing zones.

Ace YardRx Takes the Guesswork Out of Lawn Care 

Available nationwide, Ace YardRx offers homeowners a lawn care prescription to treat any lawn care problems and get a fast track to a healthy, lush lawn. Simply follow each product’s recommendations for proper application. This program handles everything besides applying the products—or mowing the lawn. For that, a robot mower may be in order.

The post Ace Is the Place—For a New Lawn Care Subscription Service appeared first on Bob Vila.

Nearly half of American homes are at severe or extreme risk of facing at least one type of climate-related natural disaster, according to the 2024 Realtor.com Housing and Climate Risk Report. This includes damage from floods, hurricane winds, wildfires, extreme heat, or hazardous air quality. Not only could this be devastating to your family and property, but it comes with a hefty price tag to repair and rebuild after a storm or other climate-related event.

Fortunately, there are several preventive measures you can take to safeguard your property so it is climate resilient. Consider pursuing the following hardscaping and landscaping projects to help with natural disaster protection.

1. Install permeable pavers.

As you add more hardscape materials like concrete patios to your yard, you can increase water runoff and erosion from the nonpermeable materials. Choosing permeable materials—which are porous so water can flow through them easily—for projects like pathways, patios, and decks can lessen runoff. 

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, such materials include pervious asphalt, interlocking pavers, pervious concrete, gravel, mulch, and plastic grid pavers, which allow rain and snowmelt to drain more easily into the soil during a storm. The ground absorbs the water, which decreases the burden on storm drains. This helps minimize water pooling and prevent flooding and water damage, especially during and after heavy rainfall. 

2. Design a landscaping windbreak.

The selection and placement of natural materials in your yard can help protect your property from strong winds. Referred to as landscaping windbreaks, these efforts can provide effective protection when the wind speed increases. A windbreak can reduce wind speed for a distance of as much as 30 times the windbreak’s height. Interestingly, windbreaks also lower heating costs by reducing the wind chill, or cooling effects of wind, on your house. 

To create an effective windbreak, you’ll need to identify the best trees, bushes, and shrubs for your local climate. The best foliage for a windbreak has low crowns that can slow wind speeds close to the ground. A mix of evergreens and deciduous trees is an effective option, and might include Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), Arizona cypress (Hesperocyparis arizonica), Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), and Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia).

Plant the greenery together in a clump to block wind from the ground up to the height of the trees. The best place to plant a windbreak is one or two tree heights away from your house on the side where winds are worst. The larger the tree, the farther you should plant it from the house. Never plant trees near power lines. Dense trees and shrubs, combined with a wall, fence, or earth berm, can stave off or lift the wind all the way over the house.

3. Build a retaining wall.

Consider building a durable retaining wall to protect your home from flooding. Retaining walls are typically constructed out of reinforced concrete blocks, gabion, stacked stones, brick, rammed earth, or steel. The wall creates raised sections of the yard that serve as a strong barrier. By redirecting rainwater away from your property, a retaining wall helps keep flood water at bay to prevent basement leaks and other types of water damage to your home. 

Retaining walls also can prevent soil erosion. They stabilize slopes and help keep soil in place; eroded soil is a significant contributor to flooding, especially during heavy rain. By stopping erosion, the wall minimizes the amount of sediment that could block drainage systems or make flood conditions worse.

Retaining walls are a good investment overall. In addition to helping with long-term water management in your yard, their design can add an attractive hardscaping feature that enhances curb appeal. Given the complexity of building a retaining wall, it’s advisable to hire a pro to handle the job.

4. Create defensible space through firescaping.

Another way that vegetation in your yard can play a role in protecting your home is through firescaping. This approach involves designing fire-resilient landscaping around the perimeter of your home to reduce risks from wildfires in what’s referred to as a defensible space. 

Defensible space consists of multiple layers, or zones, that make it easier for firefighters to put out a blaze. 

• Zone 0: This zone consists of the nearest 5 feet that surround your home; it should be free of dead or dying plants and any combustible items like wood piles or flammable outdoor furniture. Choose hardscaping materials such as pea gravel or decorative rocks, as opposed to combustible mulch or bark for shrub beds.
• Zone 1: This is the area within 30 feet of your house that allows firefighters to tackle the fire. In addition to close hardscaping, plant low-growing and less-dense foundation shrubs, such as azaleas and boxwoods, and keep trees away from your house. 
• Zone 2: This area extends 100 feet from your home and should include trees and shrubs that are thinned out, along with wide paths that create firebreaks. 

5. Add a rain garden.

Another way to minimize flooding is to build a rain garden in your yard, which is a garden strategically designed to collect and filter stormwater runoff from roofs, driveways, and other impervious surfaces. A rain garden design includes layers of soil, mulch, and native plants with deep root systems that help slow the flow of water. This way, the water seeps into the ground rather than pooling in the yard, overwhelming storm drains, or soaking areas by the house that can damage the foundation. Trees, grasses, ground covers, and shrubs are all part of an effective—and attractive—rain garden. 

The post Is Your Yard Disaster-Proof? 5 Projects That Could Protect Your Home appeared first on Bob Vila.

If they’re properly sharpened, power hedge trimmers are a great time saver over manual trimmers for maintaining neat hedges and other landscaping. If your power trimmers are continually getting jammed and are chewing instead of slicing through branches, however, it’s probably time to sharpen the blades.

As is the case with lawn mower blades, knives, and other sharp implements, you can bring trimmers in for professional sharpening, but you can save money by handling this job yourself. Follow the simple steps below on how to sharpen hedge trimmers.

Why It’s Important to Sharpen Hedge Trimmers

Sharpening your hedge trimmers allows you to make quick work of that pruning job, plus it contributes to the health of your plants. “Letting your trimmers go dull is like trying to cut steak with a butter knife,” says Bryan Clayton, a longtime landscaper and CEO of GreenPal, a company that matches homeowners with landscaping services. He says with dull blades, “You’ll end up tearing your hedges rather than cutting them cleanly, which can lead to unhealthy plants prone to disease.”

RELATED: AUDIO: Bob Vila Explains How to Sharpen Hedge Trimmers

Best Power Hedge Trimmer

Black+Decker 20V Max Cordless Hedge Trimmer, $64.98 at Lowe’s. This Black+Decker tool can cut through branches 3/4 inch in diameter. It has a padded front handle and enough battery power to trim up to 3,000 square feet. 

To discover other top-performing tools in this category, read our tested guide to the best hedge trimmers,

How often should you sharpen your hedge trimmers?

While you don’t need to sharpen your hedge trimmers often, you’ll need to give them a little TLC every now and then. “A good rule of thumb is to sharpen them at the start of the season, then check them every 50 hours of use,” Clayton says. It’s worth the time, he says, since “dull blades make your job harder.”

There are telltale signs that your hedge trimmer has dull blades:

• Frequent jams: If branches and foliage are getting jammed in between the hedge trimmer’s teeth, it’s likely because the blades aren’t sharp enough to cut through the material.
• Ragged cuts: Your hedge trimmer should cut cleanly through twigs and branches. If they’re chewing through them and leaving ragged cuts, then the blades are dull

Types of Hedge Trimmers

Power hedge trimmers come in several types, including gas, corded, and cordless electric models. Whether you own gas hedge trimmers, electric hedge trimmers, or battery-operated hedge trimmers, you’ll use the same process to sharpen the blades.

Project Overview

Working Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour
Skill Level: Intermediate
Estimated Cost: $10 to $15

Before You Begin

Sharpening a hedge trimmer involves working around blades and filing, which can send metal shavings airborne. Take the required safety precautions before getting started. “Wear gloves and eye protection,” says Clayton. “Always unplug electric trimmers before you start, and for both types, make sure the trimmer is securely clamped down or held in a vise.” If you are maintaining battery-powered hedge trimmers, remove the battery.

How to Sharpen Hedge Trimmers the Right Way

Step 1: Clean the trimmer blades.

Hedge trimmer blades often end up clogged with sap and pieces of branches and leaves. Start by removing any debris that’s caught in the trimmer’s teeth. Spray the blade with a little WD-40 to break down any sap that’s stuck to the blade. Give it a few minutes for the solvent to work its magic, then use a cloth to wipe the blades clean.

Step 2: Misalign the trimmer blades.

If the blades are aligned over top of each other, you’ll need to misalign them to expose all the edges so you can access each one with the file. Use a flathead screwdriver to reposition the blades so that each one is accessible.

Step 3: Sharpen with a flat file.

Using your flat file, sharpen each blade individually.

• File in the direction of the cutting edge only. Don’t use a back-and-forth sawing motion, since a flat file is designed to remove material in one direction only.
• Filing using the correct angle is crucial to getting a sharp edge. Check your trimmer’s manual for the proper angle for the specific hedge trimmer.
• File with care. Removing too much metal from the blades can weaken them, making the trimmer unusable.
• Be consistent with the number of strokes you make on each blade to ensure they’re a consistent length when done. “Just focus on sharpening the top edge of each blade, maintaining the original angle, and whatever you do, don’t touch the flat bottom side,” Clayton says. “That’s your guide for keeping the cut accurate.” After sharpening one tooth, move onto the next until you’ve sharpened each one.

Step 4: Use a whetstone to remove burrs.

Run a whetstone over the sharpened blades to remove any burrs that formed during sharpening. Remember, the blades cut by sliding against each other like a pair of scissors, so removing burrs that can interfere with this action is crucial.

Step 5: Spray with resin solvent.

Sharpening your hedge trimmers also removes any corrosion protection that was on the blades. Before you put the hedge trimmers back into service, you’ll need to restore that protection by applying a resin solvent to the blades. Spray the solvent onto the blades and wipe off any excess resin.

Final Thoughts

While learning how to sharpen hedge trimmer blades isn’t difficult, there is some risk to doing it yourself. Over-sharpening the blades can weaken them, making your hedge trimmer unusable. “Sharpening hedge trimmers isn’t rocket science, but it does require a steady hand and a bit of know-how,” Clayton says. “If in doubt, taking them to a professional isn’t just playing it safe; it’s ensuring your tools last longer and perform better.”

The post How to Sharpen Hedge Trimmers appeared first on Bob Vila.

Along with mowing and watering, applying organic lawn fertilizers is an important part of creating a lush, healthy lawn. But while keeping your grass the right height and ensuring it gets enough to drink are relatively simple, choosing the proper natural lawn fertilizer is much more complicated. Factors like soil acidity, grass type, and time of year necessitate being somewhat selective about the lawn care products you choose.

To aid you in your efforts, we reached out to a lawn care expert for advice and researched dozens of good fertilizers before choosing the versatile and nonburning The Andersons Innova 7-1-2 Organic Fertilizer as our top pick. Still, depending on the season or specific species of grass you have, another pick might be more appropriate. Read on for our reviews of some of the best organic lawn fertilizers and helpful tips for selecting the right one.

1. BEST OVERALL: The Andersons Innova 7-1-2 Organic Fertilizer 
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Jonathan Green Organic Lawn Food
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3. BEST FOR P & K DEFICIENCY: Scotts Natural Lawn Food
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4. BEST FOR N DEFICIENCY: Urban Farm Fertilizers 13-1-2 Liquid Lawn Fertilizer
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5. BEST WITH NO PHOSPHORUS: Espoma Organic Lawn Food Spring Lawn Booster
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6. BEST FOR DARK-GREEN LAWN: Milorganite 6-4-0 Slow-Release Nitrogen Fertilizer
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7. BEST FOR FALL: Espoma Organic Lawn Food Fall Winterizer
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8. BEST ORGANIC LIQUID: GS Plant Foods Organic Liquid Kelp Seaweed Fertilizer
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Before You Buy Organic Lawn Fertilizer

Choosing the best organic grass fertilizer requires an understanding of the lawn’s current condition. Is it generally healthy and simply needs regular feeding? Or does it display a nutrient deficiency of some kind? The type of grass will also determine which fertilizer to use. For example, fertilizers for St. Augustine grass will deliver different levels of nutrients than those for Bermuda grass. 

Before buying and applying fertilizer, it’s smart to perform a soil test to identify your soil’s pH and nutrient content. These results will help you determine which organic natural fertilizer to apply as part of your personal DIY lawn-care program. 

Organic Lawn Fertilizers Comparison Chart

Our Top Picks

Each organic lawn treatment on our list of top picks is made from quality ingredients and provides essential nutrients for growing new grass or helping an existing lawn thrive. 

Best Overall

The Andersons Innova 7-1-2 Organic Fertilizer

See It

What We Like

• Minimal dust granules
• Suitable for many types of grass
• Formula won’t cause fertilizer burn

What We Don’t Like

• Only comes in 40-pound bags

Specs 

• NPK ratio: 7-1-2
• Quantity: 40 pounds
• Coverage: 5,600 square feet

The Andersons Innova organic fertilizer is a slow-release formula that earned our top spot for its versatile 7-1-2 NPK ratio and amino acids that provide extended feeding without burning. It supplies a high percentage of highly digestible carbon to support beneficial soil microbes for a healthier growing environment. The OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute)-listed fertilizer contains no biosolids, manure, composted waste products, or animal parts, making it an especially eco-friendly option. We also appreciate how little dust is produced during application, minimizing respiratory irritation that causes coughing and sneezing. 

But more than our own comfort, we love this formula for what it does for our lawn. Even with accidental overapplication, it doesn’t cause turf burn and is safe to use adjacent to sensitive waterways and around kids and pets. Though this is an excellent all-around fertilizer for lawn grass, it only comes in 40-pound bags that cover up to 5,600 square feet each, which might be excessive for some.

Get The Andersons organic lawn fertilizer at Amazon. 

Best Bang for the Buck

Jonathan Green Organic Lawn Food

See It

What We Like

• Child- and pet-friendly lawn fertilizer
• Grass treatments last up to 10 weeks
• Plant- and animal-derived ingredients for added versatility

What We Don’t Like

• Not suitable for lawns requiring potassium

Specs 

• NPK ratio: 10-0-1 
• Quantity: 17 or 51 pounds
• Coverage: 5,000 or 15,000 square feet

Jonathan Green’s organic lawn care fertilizer food is a granular fertilizer made with a complex of plant and animal proteins, including feather meal, soybean meal, molasses, and wheat middlings. The 10-0-1 NPK slow-release formula delivers a boost of nitrogen plus iron to grow dark green grass for up to 10 weeks. 

One of the things we like best about this budget-friendly pick is its safety profile. Unlike synthetic fertilizers, this product poses no risk of burning the grass, even if overapplied. Kids and pets can play on it immediately, and it can be used for both cold- and warm-season grasses and applied during spring, summer, or fall. The Jonathan Green fertilizer comes in two sizes: a 17-pound bag for up to 5,000 square feet of coverage and a 51-pound bag that feeds up to 15,000 square feet of lawn.

Get the Jonathan Green organic lawn fertilizer at Amazon, Walmart, or Johnathan Green. 

Best for P & K Deficiency

Scotts Natural Lawn Food

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What We Like

• Gentle enough for freshly seeded or sodded grass
• OMRI-listed and comes from natural sources
• Lawn is safe immediately after application

What We Don’t Like

• Relatively limited coverage area

Specs 

• NPK ratio: 11-2-2
• Quantity: 29.1 pounds
• Coverage: 4,000 square feet

New and struggling lawns sometimes require a bit more phosphorus and potassium to boost root development and ensure drought tolerance, and with its 11-2-2 NPK content, the Scotts natural lawn food offers both. Made from natural sources like bone meal, blood meal, and meat meal, the formula is excellent for maintaining lawns across seasons and is suitable for all grass types, including zoysia grass. 

The manufacturer recommends feeding up to four times through the growing season at 6- to 8-week intervals, and you should start seeing results within those first few weeks. Since the 29.1-pound bag only covers 4,000 square feet, you’ll probably need a few packages to make it through the year.

Get the Scotts organic lawn fertilizer at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Scotts.

Best for N Deficiency

Urban Farm Fertilizers 13-1-2 Liquid Lawn Fertilizer

See It

What We Like

• Concentrated formula covers up to 60,000 square feet
• Iron helps produce deep green grass
• Includes animal- and plant-based ingredients

What We Don’t Like

• Recommended application frequency is 2 to 3 times per month

Specs 

• NPK ratio: 13-1-2 
• Quantity: 1 gallon (makes 256 gallons)
• Coverage: Up to 60,000 square feet

This super-concentrated liquid lawn fertilizer from Urban Farm Fertilizers boasts 13 percent nitrogen plus iron to help the grass grow and turn deep green at the beginning of spring. This innovative option goes beyond traditional picks by incorporating a blend of hydroponic-grade nutrients, mycorrhizae, humic acid, bacteria, enzymes, and minerals. Its 13-1- NPK content promotes rapid greening and growth for nutrient-deficient lawns. 

The ingredients in this combination organic fertilizer come from bat guano, sea kelp, worm casings, and more, creating a concentrated formula that makes up 256 gallons of fertilizer to feed up to 60,000 square feet. However, the manufacturer does recommend you apply it two to three times each month, so you may end up needing more than one bottle to make it through the season. For best results, apply in the evening using a boom sprayer or hose. Dilution instructions for each option are on the back of the bottle.

Get the Urban Farm Fertilizers organic lawn fertilizer at Amazon, Walmart, or The Urban Farm. 

Best with No Phosphorus

Espoma Organic Lawn Food Spring Lawn Booster

See It

What We Like

• Includes calcium and sulfur for improved grass health
• Promotes disease resistance
• Made from feather meal, pasteurized poultry manure, and gypsum

What We Don’t Like

• Not suitable for lawns requiring potassium or phosphorus

Specs 

• NPK ratio: 8-0-0
• Quantity: 30 pounds
• Coverage: 5,000 square feet

This lawn fertilizer for spring uses a moderate dose of slow-release nitrogen and a boost of calcium for deep greening and healthy growth with limited nutrient application. It has an NPK ratio of 8-0-0, 3 percent calcium, and 1 percent sulfur, and is made from feather meal, pasteurized poultry manure, and gypsum. Available in 30-pound bags, it can feed up to 5,000 square feet of lawn.

We love this pick for its ability to provide a sustained supply of nitrogen over time. This allows it to encourage the growth of thicker, greener grass and reduces the frequency of mowing required. It also won’t cause turf burn and is safe for people and pets. You can apply it to newly seeded and sodded areas in early spring to get a good crop of green grass growing. 

Get the Espoma spring organic lawn fertilizer at Amazon or Walmart.

Best for Dark-Green Lawn

Milorganite 6-4-0 Slow-Release Nitrogen Fertilizer

See It

What We Like

• Fortified with iron for a dark green lawn
• Feeds for up to 10 weeks
• Helps establish a healthy room system 

What We Don’t Like

• Limited coverage area of 2,500 square feet

Specs 

• NPK ratio: 6-4-0 
• Quantity: 36 pounds
• Coverage: 2,500 square feet

In the early 1900s, the City of Milwaukee began reclaiming its wastewater on a massive scale and using it to make for-profit products. The name Milorganite comes from Milwaukee organic Nitrogen (nite), and the brand’s 6-4-0 slow-release nitrogen granular has had a consistent spot in the sheds of many home and professional landscapers throughout the many decades since its creation. Made from nutrient-rich heat-dried microbes that have digested the organic matter in wastewater, the resulting product is 85 percent organic matter. It encourages deep root development and can create healthy grass growth for up to 10 weeks after application. 

In addition to nitrogen and phosphorus, this fertilizer contains 2.5 percent iron to encourage vibrantly green grass. As one of the most versatile picks on our list, it also makes a great garden fertilizer safe for flowers, vegetables, shrubs, and trees. As much as we love this pick and the story behind it, a 36-pound bag only feeds 2,500 square feet, so you’ll probably want to buy more than one bag. 

Get the Milorganite organic lawn fertilizer at Amazon, Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, Walmart, or Target. 

Best for Fall

Espoma Organic Lawn Food Fall Winterizer

See It

What We Like

• Specifically formulated for winterizing lawns
• Works well as a Bermuda grass fertilizer 
• Nonburning, even if overapplied

What We Don’t Like

• Not good for lawns needing phosphorus

Specs 

• NPK ratio: 8-0-5 
• Quantity: 30 pounds
• Coverage: 5,000 square feet

Looking for a way to prepare a lawn for a harsh winter and promote healthy spring growth? This 8-0-5 fertilizer from Espoma is designed to be used between September and November. It has extra potassium that helps lawns recover from summer stress while enhancing winter hardiness. 

This slow-release formula is made from a blend of high-quality natural and organic ingredients, ensuring consistency and quality in every application. It’s nonburning, guaranteeing overfertilization isn’t an issue, and it’s suitable for all lawn types, including those that have recently been seeded or sodded. It is, however, best to apply this product to a dry lawn that has recently been mowed. A 30-pound bag will feed up to 5,000 feet. 

Get the Espoma fall organic lawn fertilizer at Amazon or Walmart. 

Best Organic Liquid

GS Plant Foods Organic Liquid Kelp Seaweed Fertilizer

See It

What We Like

• OMRI-listed for organic food production
• Helps prevent having a drought-stressed lawn
• Works with other fertilizers for enhanced performance

What We Don’t Like

• Smell can be offputting, especially if used indoors

Specs 

• NPK ratio: 0.3-0-0.6
• Quantity: 1, 5, 55, or 275 gallon(s)
• Coverage: 1,000 square feet per gallon

This organic kelp fertilizer from GS Plant Foods is dependent on one hero ingredient: Ascophyllum nodosum extract. Touted as one of nature’s miracle plant foods, the seaweed fortifies plants of all types, making it suitable for everything from lawns to flower beds, vegetable gardens, and houseplants. So long as its strong smell doesn’t bother you, you can even use it to extend the life of cut flowers. 

The product comes in a 1-gallon bottle and is designed to be diluted with water at a ratio of 1 ounce of fertilizer to 1 gallon of water. The NPK ratio is 0.3-0-0.6, so nutrient levels are low, allowing this product to be combined with other types of fertilizers if desired. It also contains trace amounts of sulfur, magnesium, calcium, sodium, boron, iron, manganese, copper, zinc, and other carbohydrates and should be applied when temperatures are low to encourage nutrient uptake. 

Get the GS Plant Foods organic lawn fertilizer at Amazon or GS Plant Foods.

Or, DIY Your Own Organic Lawn Fertilizer

While there are plenty of commercially produced organic lawn fertilizers on the market, it’s also possible to make a homemade fertilizer for lawns that delivers excellent results. A good fertilizer for grass should be about 50 percent organic matter and plant-based material, such as composted manure, garden clippings, decomposed leaves, sphagnum peat moss, sawdust, wood chips, or even seaweed. The other half of the fertilizer blend should contain slow-release sources of nitrogen such as blood meal, fish meal, cottonseed meal, feather meal, kelp meal, or soybean meal. 

Once you have gathered the necessary materials for the homemade lawn fertilizer mix, start blending them in equal parts in a bucket or large container. Make sure to mix them thoroughly so it’s easy to apply everything evenly on your lawn. 

Jump to Our Top Picks

Our Verdict

We love The Andersons Innova 7-1-2 Organic Fertilizer for its versatility and quality organic formula. Other popular lawn fertilizers, such as Scotts Turf Builder, Pennington UltraGreen Weed & Feed, and Spectracide Weed & Feed, are effective but do not meet our sustainability guidelines. We cannot recommend them in our list of the best organic lawn fertilizers due to their potentially harmful ingredients and negative impact on the environment. 

How We Chose the Best Organic Lawn Fertilizers

We created this guide by drawing on our extensive experience covering home and garden products and comprehensive product research. We considered dozens of fertilizer options, primarily focusing on the following considerations before making our recommendations:

• Organic vs. inorganic: We only considered organic fertilizers for this guide since they are capable of top-notch performance without negative environmental impact. 
• NPK ratio: Since different lawns have different macronutrient needs, we included formulations with various NPK (nitrogen/phosphorus/potassium) ratios.
• Value: Plant fertilizers vary widely in type and quantity. We ensured that each recommended product offered excellent value, regardless of the format. 

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Organic Lawn Fertilizer

When choosing between the best organic lawn fertilizers on our list, consider type, ease of application, and the desired effect.

Type

Organic fertilizer ingredients fall into three types: animal-based, plant-based, and mineral-based. However, most products contain a combination of these types to deliver the best possible balance of major and minor nutrients. Some products may only offer a single ingredient or a blend of ingredients from a single type. 

Animal-based fertilizers include blood meal, bone meal, feather meal, fish meal, and various manures. These products slowly break down over time, providing lawns and garden plants with season-long benefits.

Plant-based fertilizer ingredients include alfalfa meal, cottonseed meal, kelp meal, soybean meal, and compost. Soil microbes convert these materials into plant food much more quickly than animal products. They provide an immediate impact, often within days or weeks after application.

Mineral-based fertilizer ingredients like sulfur, dolomitic limestone, gypsum, greensand, and rock phosphate are naturally occurring concentrated forms of plant-food elements. They boost trace nutrient levels and eliminate deficiencies in the soil.

Liquid vs. Granular

Organic fertilizers, both liquid and granular, work with the naturally occurring microbes in the soil. When the fertilizer is applied to the soil, bacteria and fungi consume the natural ingredients and release the nutrients at a measured rate and in a form that is readily available to plants. 

The difference between liquid and dry organic fertilizers is in the rate at which the soil consumes them. Dry granular formulations, which are applied using a fertilizer spreader, break down slowly and feed lawns over weeks or months. Liquid organic fertilizers deliver a quick boost of nutrients and work faster due to their minute particle size and embedded moisture. 

NPK Ratio 

Three elements make up the major nutrients that lawns and plants need for lush, green growth: 

• Nitrogen (N) promotes green color and leafy growth.
• Phosphorus (P) stimulates deep root development. 
• Potassium (K) boosts vigor and disease resistance.

Nitrogen is quite volatile. The amount not used by the lawn dissipates and must be regularly replenished. Phosphorus and potassium persist in the soil, so they are not required in such large quantities. On average, organic lawn fertilizer offers two to three times or more N compared to how much P and K are in the mix.

NPK ratios on fertilizer labels show the amount of each element present in the product as a percentage of the total weight, always in the order N-P-K. For instance, a product with a ratio of 11-2-2 contains 11 percent N, 2 percent P, and 2 percent K. Other ingredients and any additional nutrients will also be listed on the label.

Desired Effect

After a soil test (see the tips for using organic lawn fertilizer section below), it’s essential to factor the condition of the lawn into the fertilizer choice. Phosphorus is already sufficiently present in the soil in many areas. If your soil test shows levels are already high enough, you can help prevent pollution by not adding more. 

If the grass is robust with dense foliage and deep green color, choose a fertilizer with a moderate to high amount of nitrogen (10 percent or greater) and little to no phosphorus and potassium. As the lawn approaches the dormant season in late summer and fall, apply fertilizer with a lower nitrogen ratio and slightly more potassium. 

If your lawn is yellow or remains dull even when all three major nutrients are properly supplied, your grass may be deficient in iron. For a deeper green, choose a lawn fertilizer with supplemental iron.

Tips for Using Organic Lawn Fertilizer

There’s more to an effective organic lawn fertility program than simply applying fertilizer on a timed schedule. Don’t waste time and money by blindly applying fertilizer. First, test the soil, either with an over-the-counter testing kit from a local garden center or by sending a sample to your state’s Cooperative Extension Service for analysis. Then, use the results to map out a plan of action. 

The first step should be to adjust the pH of the soil as indicated by test results. Establish the proper soil pH, between 5.8 and 7.2 depending on the grass species, to ensure that the grass can efficiently pull nutrients out of the soil. Lime raises the pH, while sulfur and aluminum sulfate lower it. Once the acidity is ideal, proceed with the necessary fertilizer application—and remember to mulch grass clippings. 

• Use soil test results to determine fertility needs.
• Apply lime as necessary to maintain the proper soil pH and maximize fertilizer efficiency.
• Mulch grass clippings and leave them on the lawn to reduce fertilizer requirements by as much as 30 percent.

FAQs

The best organic fertilizer can help keep lawns vigorous and healthy. For more information on using fertilizers, check out the answers to these frequently asked questions.

The post Improve the Look and Health of Your Grass With One of These Effective Organic Lawn Fertilizers appeared first on Bob Vila.

Palm trees are notorious for the tropical touch they add to a garden landscape. Though easy to maintain once established, they require adequate sunlight, water, and the proper fertilizer. If these needs aren’t met, a palm tree’s fronds will begin to curl or yellow.

Gardeners can keep fronds lush and green by supplying a fertilizer with a healthy dose of nitrogen and potassium, and a low amount of phosphorus. Palm trees also benefit from micronutrients such as manganese, magnesium, and iron. Our favorite is the Miracle-Gro Shake ’N Feed thanks to its easy to use and long-lasting formula. There are many options to weed through, but we’ve done the work and found some of the best fertilizers for palm trees.

1. BEST OVERALL: Miracle-Gro Shake ’N Feed Palm Plant Food
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Miracle-Gro Palm Tree Food
3. BEST SPIKES: Jobe’s Fern and Palm Plant Food Container Spikes
4. BEST ORGANIC: Dr. Earth Organic and Natural Exotic Blend
5. BEST GRANULATED: Jobe’s Organics Palm Granular Plant Food
6. BEST WATER-SOLUBLE: JR Peters Jack’s Classic Palm Food 16-5-25
7. HONORABLE MENTION: Carl Pool Palm Food 12-4-12

Product Comparison

Our Top Picks

What is the best palm tree fertilizer? Let’s look at some of the best food for palm trees. When used as directed, these products will help palm trees thrive.

Best Overall

Miracle-Gro Shake ’N Feed Palm Plant Food

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What We Like

• Easy to apply
• Contains the proper micro- and macronutrients
• Reapply as little as every 3 months
• Works for container-grown and in-ground trees

What We Don’t Like

• Overuse can lead to plant burns

Gardeners looking for a product with the right blend of nutrients in an easy-to-use bottle will appreciate Miracle-Gro Shake ’N Feed Palm Plant Food. It provides an NPK of 8-2-12 with magnesium, manganese, and iron to support fronds so they won’t yellow or curl.

Miracle-Gro Shake ’N Feed comes in a convenient container with a spout. To use the product, shake it around the drip line of the palm tree, lightly work it into the soil, and then water. Gardeners can use this product every 3 months.

This fertilizer works for palms in the ground or container-grown varieties. The only downside is that it can potentially cause plant burns if overused.

Product Specs

• Type: Granular
• NPK ratio: 8-2-12
• Product size: 4.5 pounds

Get the Miracle-Gro Shake ’N Feed fertilizer for palm trees at Amazon, Lowe’s or Tractor Supply Co.

Best Bang for the Buck

Miracle-Gro Palm Tree Food

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What We Like

• 1 bag provides 15 feedings
• Contains necessary nutrients for a healthy tree and fronds
• Inexpensive
• Easy to use

What We Don’t Like

• Need to apply more frequently compared to other fertilizers

While moderately priced palm tree foods are abundant, Miracle-Gro’s Palm Tree Food is especially great for budget-conscious palm tree lovers. This fertilizer delivers approximately 15 feedings to a palm tree. Since it needs reapplication only every 6 weeks, one bag lasts a long time.

The Miracle-Gro Palm Tree Food packs an NPK ratio of 8-4-8 and contains manganese, magnesium, and iron. It’s easy to use: Apply the fertilizer evenly to the soil under the palm’s branches, and lightly work it in the ground.

Product Specs

• Type: Granular
• NPK ratio: 8-4-8
• Product size: 20 pounds

Get the Miracle-Gro Tree Food fertilizer for palm trees at Lowe’s or Tractor Supply Co.

Best Spikes

Jobe’s Fern and Palm Plant Food Container Spikes

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What We Like

• Easy-to-use spikes
• Lasts for 2 months
• Eliminates mess and fertilizer runoff

What We Don’t Like

• Suitable only for container-grown palm trees

Jobe’s Fern and Palm Plant Food Spikes are hard to beat for gardeners with container-grown palm trees. They are easy to use, release nutrients slowly, and have an NPK ratio of 16-2-6.

To use Jobe’s plant food, insert the spikes in the palm tree’s pot between the tree trunk and the edge of the container. The number of spikes inserted depends on the container size, ranging from two to six. Replenish spikes every 2 months.

Jobe’s also makes a fertilizer spike for palm trees planted in the ground. These spikes have a slightly different NPK ratio, are larger, and should be used only twice per year.

Product Specs

• Type: Spikes
• NPK ratio: 16-2-6
• Product size: 30 spikes

Get the Jobe’s fertilizer for palm trees on Amazon.

Best Organic

Dr. Earth Organic and Natural Exotic Blend

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What We Like

• Organic and non-GMO
• Contains microbes to improve soil health
• Gentle 5-4-6 formula won’t burn plants
• Easy to apply

What We Don’t Like

• May have a slightly unpleasant smell

Dr. Earth packs a great mix of nutrients and microbes for gardeners who are more interested in organic products. The formula features an NPK ratio of 5-4-6 with sulfur and magnesium. This fertilizer is ideal for palm trees, plumeria, hibiscus, and other tropical plants.

For planted palm trees, apply this fertilizer every 2 months—use ½ to ¾ cups of fertilizer for every foot of tree height. Mix the fertilizer into the ground under the tree’s drip line. Fertilize container-grown palms every 2 months by adding 2 tablespoons of fertilizer for every 6 inches of pot diameter.

Product Specs

• Type: Dry organic matter
• NPK ratio: 5-4-6
• Product size: 4 pounds

Get the Dr. Earth fertilizer for palm trees on Amazon.

Best Granulated

Jobe’s Organics Palm Granular Plant Food

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What We Like

• Organic fertilizer with environmentally friendly ingredients
• Gentle NPK won’t burn palm trees
• Easy to use for planted and container-grown palms
• Contains a mix of microorganisms for soil health

What We Don’t Like

• Large trees require a lot of fertilizer
• May have an unpleasant, organic smell

Jobe’s Organics Palm Granular Plant Food provides the ideal NPK ratio and can boost soil health. This fertilizer contains Jobe’s Biozome, a unique blend of bacteria, fungi, and archaea, encouraging palm trees to absorb nutrients more quickly. It has an NPK ratio of 4-2-4.

To use this fertilizer, gardeners need to measure their palm tree’s longest frond. For example, a tree with a 2-foot frond will need 1 cup of fertilizer, while a tree with a 6-foot frond will need 11 cups of fertilizer. Gardeners should evenly work the correct amount into the soil under the tree’s canopy. This fertilizer also works for container-grown palm trees.

Product Specs

• Type: Granular
• NPK ratio: 4-2-4
• Product size: 4 pounds

Get the Jobe’s Organics fertilizer for palm trees at Amazon.

Best Water-Soluble

JR Peters Jack’s Classic Palm Food 16-5-25

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What We Like

• Fast delivery of nutrients
• Easy-to-mix powder
• Contains macro- and micronutrients

What We Don’t Like

• Easy to overuse
• Needs to be reapplied every 7 to 10 days

JR Peters Jack’s Classic Palm Food mixes with water and goes around the palm’s base to deliver nutrients quickly. The NPK of this fertilizer is 16-5-25. It also contains micronutrients such as magnesium and sulfur.

Gardeners can apply Jack’s Classic Palm Food every 7 to 10 days during the growing season. It’s ideal for the following palm varieties: Date, Royal, Queen, Majesty, Kentia, and Lady.

Since this fertilizer is highly concentrated, take care not to overuse it. Using too much product or applying it too often can cause adverse effects such as burnt or yellowing fronds.

Product Specs

• Type: Water-soluble
• NPK ratio: 16-5-25
• Product size: 1.5 pounds

Get JR Peters fertilizer for palm trees on Amazon.

Honorable Mention

Carl Pool Palm Food 12-4-12

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What We Like

• Contains 7 beneficial micronutrients
• Lasts up to 4 months
• Works for landscaped and container-grown palms
• Simple application

What We Don’t Like

• Can get expensive for fertilizing large palm trees

Carl Pool Palm Food 12-4-12 is one of the best fertilizers for palm trees because it’s versatile and long lasting. This granular fertilizer is a slow-release formula, leaching nutrients into the soil for up to 4 months. It contains an NPK of 12-4-12 with seven added micronutrients, including manganese, magnesium, and iron.

Planted palms will need 1 cup of fertilizer per 3 feet of tree, not to exceed 3 cups. Spread the fertilizer across the soil at the tree’s drip line. Potted palms receive amounts based on container size, with doses ranging from a ½ teaspoon to ⅜ cup.

Product Specs

• Type: Granular
• NPK ratio: 12-4-12
• Product size: 4 pounds

Get the Carl Pool fertilizer for palm trees on Amazon.

Our Verdict

The best fertilizer for palm trees provides the nutrients palms need but meets a gardener’s needs for cost, convenience, and personal preference. Our top pick for the best palm fertilizer is Miracle-Gro Shake ’N Feed fertilizer for palm trees. It’s easy to use; contains the ideal NPK ratio; and contains manganese, magnesium, and iron for healthy palm fronds. Our budget pick, Miracle-Gro Tree Food fertilizer for palm trees, provides one palm tree with an average of 15 feedings and needs to be reapplied only every 6 weeks.

How We Chose the Best Fertilizers for Palm Trees

Palm trees are finicky when they don’t receive proper nutrients, causing their fronds to yellow and curl. We considered their unique nutrient needs and looked for fertilizers with higher ratios of nitrogen and potassium rather than phosphorus. This balance of macronutrients helps a palm tree maintain lush green fronds and supports growth.

Once we found products with the proper macronutrient blend, we looked for micronutrient content, ease of use, and price. Next, we narrowed our choices by searching for the best palm tree food in several categories based on price and type of fertilizer. And since palms can grow in containers or in the ground, we looked for options that work in both scenarios.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Fertilizer for Palm Trees
Palm trees require a unique blend of macronutrients and micronutrients to thrive. Gardeners can provide these nutrients through granular, water-soluble, or spike fertilizers. These fertilizers deliver nutrients to the soil, which palm trees can absorb through their root system. Here’s what to look for when choosing the best palm fertilizer.

Type

There are a few forms of palm tree fertilizer, with liquid, water-soluble, granular, and spike being the most common. The difference between them is how they’re applied and how long they work.

• Liquid: Liquid fertilizer comes premixed in concentrated or ready-to-pour containers. Users must dilute concentrated liquid fertilizer with water before adding it to the plant’s soil.
• Water-soluble: Water-soluble fertilizers are highly concentrated and come in a fine powder. The powder is added to water to dissolve before use.
• Granular: Granular fertilizers come in hard pellets that gardeners can work into the soil. Granular fertilizer is typically a slow-release type, providing nutrients to the plant for a longer time than liquid or water-soluble products do.
• Spikes: For gardeners who like to “set it and forget it,” spike fertilizer is the way to go. Place these fertilizer sticks in damp soil around the base of the tree to release nutrients slowly into the soil.

NPK Ratio

Like humans and animals, plants need proper nutrition, and each species has its own requirements. The three macronutrients plants need are nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and potassium (K), also known as NPK. Nitrogen helps plants and trees grow green, lush foliage. Phosphorus helps establish a root system and encourages bloom growth in flowering varieties, and potassium improves a plant’s overall health.

On a fertilizer package, these nutrients are listed similarly to this: 10-30-10. Each number represents how much of each nutrient the fertilizer contains, always in the same order (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium). In this example, the fertilizer has 10 percent nitrogen, 30 percent phosphorus, and 10 percent potassium.

The best food for palm trees is a fertilizer that has a low middle, or phosphorus, number. In addition, the best fertilizer for palms will contain potassium levels equal to or greater than its nitrogen levels. Palm trees also benefit from micronutrients such as magnesium, manganese, and iron.

Organic vs. Inorganic

Aside from the form of fertilizer, gardeners can choose between organic and inorganic products. Though both can deliver the same or similar nutrients to a palm, they have distinctive differences.

Organic fertilizers contain natural ingredients such as minerals from plants, rocks, and animals. These fertilizers are easy for a plant to use and can deliver microorganisms to improve soil quality over time. Most organic fertilizers are nontoxic, making them a top pick for gardeners who have kids and pets.

Inorganic (synthetic, man-made) fertilizers also contain some natural ingredients, such as minerals, that are combined with chemicals to create a highly concentrated product. Because of this process, inorganic fertilizers are less expensive and deliver nutrients quickly. However, they do not last long in the soil or improve its health. They also add to pollution of water bodies and are not as eco-friendly as organic fertilizers, so the best palm tree fertilizer option might depend on personal preference.

Tips for Fertilizing Palm Trees

Though palm trees are a relatively low-maintenance plant, they require ample sunlight, water, and the right fertilizer. Palm trees can be planted in the ground or grown in containers. Gardeners who live in areas with colder winters can choose hardy palms that can handle temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit or keep their palms in pots, bringing them inside during the winter.

To get the most benefit out of palm tree fertilizer, follow these tips:

• For outdoor palms, fertilize only during the growing season, which is March through October
• Stop fertilizing 2 months before your area’s average frost date
• To prevent potassium deficiencies that can cause fronds to turn yellow, use a fertilizer with potassium equal to or higher than nitrogen.

For indoor palm trees, use a potting soil developed for palms, place your plant in bright light, and water when the soil is dry. After about a month of having the palm indoors, fertilize it following the directions on the product package.

FAQs

Palm trees can be grown anywhere—the key is to pick a suitable variety based on the climate. For example, gardeners who live in areas with cold winters can choose hardy palms, while those who live in warmer regions can grow most types of palm trees. Here are some common palm tree fertilizer questions and their answers to help palm tree growers.

Q. Do palm plants require fertilizers?

Palm trees require fertilizer to keep their fronds from curling and turning yellow. These plants need a low amount of phosphorus compared to the amounts needed for nitrogen and potassium.

Q. Can I use homemade fertilizer for a palm tree?

Many homemade palm tree fertilizer recipes incorporate ingredients such as bone meal, kelp, bat guano, and eggshells. Making your own plant food can provide necessary nutrients if it is customized to a palm tree’s needs.

Q. What kind of fertilizer should I use for palm trees?

Use a fertilizer with low phosphorus and a potassium level equal to or higher than the nitrogen level. Gardeners can choose between granular fertilizer, spikes, and water-soluble powders. If possible, select a fertilizer that also has the key micronutrients of magnesium, manganese, and iron.

Q. How much fertilizer do palm trees need?

The amount of fertilizer a palm needs depends on the tree’s size and the fertilizer type. Slow-release fertilizers can last up to 4 months between applications.

Q. Are coffee grounds good for palm trees?

Coffee grounds increase the soil’s acidity level, which may be beneficial for palms that prefer a higher acidity. However, some palms do better in pH-neutral soil.

Q. Will vinegar kill palm trees?

Vinegar can kill palm trees when repeatedly applied to the root system. Some gardeners use vinegar as a nontoxic way to kill unwanted trees.

The post The Best Fertilizers for Palm Trees appeared first on Bob Vila.

Those who live in temperate climates—typically where winter temps don’t drop below 10 degrees Fahrenheit—may be interested in growing gardenias in their garden. These are shrubs known for their soft, large, typically white blossoms that give off a heady aroma. While the gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides) isn’t difficult to grow, it has a few soil requirements. In addition to choosing the right type of soil for gardenias—well-draining and amended with organic matter, such as mulch or dry leaves—the plant stands a better chance of developing healthy roots and producing blooms if it receives regular fertilizer feedings.

But don’t just grab the first package of all-purpose plant food you see off the shelf at the garden center. It might boost the gardenia bush’s foliar growth, but it might not encourage blooming. The best plant food for gardenias should be formulated to provide the nutrients acid-loving plants need for optimal results. Our favorite is Scotts Miracle-Gro Miracid Plant Food because it dissolves quickly and has added minerals. Ahead, learn what to look for when shopping for the best fertilizer for gardenias and find out why the following products fit the bill.

1. BEST OVERALL: Scotts Miracle-Gro Miracid Plant Food
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Perfect Plants Gardenia Liquid Fertilizer
3. BEST ACIDIFIER: Jobe’s Organics Soil Acidifier Fertilizer
4. BEST WITH MICROBES: Dr. Earth Organic Acid Lovers Fertilizer
5. BEST WATER-SOLUBLE: Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Azalea, Camellia Plant Food
6. BEST SPIKES: Jobe’s Azalea, Camellia & Rhododendron Fertilizer
7. ALSO CONSIDER: Down to Earth All Natural Acid Mix Fertilizer

Product Comparison

Our Top Picks

To earn a spot in this lineup, the following fertilizers had to contain ingredient formulations that offered the vital nutrients that gardenias need for healthy growth and abundant blossom development. The NPK analysis varies from product to product, and some contain no NPK components at all. Still, each is designed to benefit gardenias and other acid-loving plants.

Best Overall

Scotts Miracle-Gro Miracid Plant Food

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Pros

• Dissolves quickly in water
• Nitrogen sources help acidify soil
• Added minerals

Cons

• Requires frequent feedings

Product Specs

• NPK analysis: 30-10-10
• Fertilizer type: Water-soluble
• Added ingredients: Trace minerals

From one of the top names in gardening aids, the best overall pick for feeding gardenias is Scotts Miracle-Gro Miracid Acid-Loving Plant Food. This water-soluble fertilizer is designed to be mixed with water and poured over foliage or around the base of the plant. It can also be used in a garden hose dispenser and sprayed over plants on a broader scale. The granules dissolve rapidly and provide a quick boost for the plant.

Miracid features an NPK analysis of 30-10-10, with its nitrogen sourced from ammonium and urea, both of which help acidify the soil. Trace minerals are also included, with boron, copper, iron, and zinc rounding out the nutrient quotient. Miracle-Gro recommends feeding when the gardenia is first transplanted and every 7 to 14 days after that during its growing season.

Get the Scotts Miracle-Gro Miracid on Amazon or at Ace Hardware.

Best Bang For The Buck

Perfect Plants Gardenia Liquid Fertilizer

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Pros

• Up to 48 feedings
• Affordable
• Added nutrients

Cons

• Requires frequent feedings

Product Specs

• NPK analysis: 9-3-6
• Fertilizer type: Liquid
• Added ingredients: Sulfur, magnesium, copper, iron, manganese, and molybdenum

Those who want to keep gardenias healthy and happy on a budget should check out Perfect Plants Gardenia Fertilizer, since a single 8-ounce bottle will last for the entire growing season.  Just a teaspoon of this concentrated liquid mixed into a gallon of water can feed one or more gardenia plants weekly or every other week.

This fertilizer has an NPK analysis of 9-3-6, making it well suited for healthy foliage and abundant blossoms on acid-loving gardenias. Other beneficial ingredients include sulfur, magnesium, copper, iron, manganese, and molybdenum—all nutrients ideal for gardenias and other acid-loving plants.

Get the Perfect Plants Gardenia Fertilizer on Amazon.

Best Acidifier

Jobe’s Organics Soil Acidifier Fertilizer

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Pros

• Reduces pH in soil
• Requires only two to three yearly doses
• Easy-to-use granules

Cons

• Contains no other nutrients

Product Specs

• NPK analysis: Not applicable
• Fertilizer type: Granules
• Added ingredients: None (sulfur only)

Rather than struggle with overly alkaline soil, consider feeding with Jobe’s Organics Soil Acidifier, which can help create the ideal pH for gardenias to thrive. This granular product contains no nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium. Instead, the formula features 100 percent sulfur—an excellent soil acidifier—sourced from elemental sulfur and gypsum.

For best results, test the soil before applying Jobe’s acidifier and then follow the directions for sprinkling the granules around the plant base (how much to use depends on plant size). Work the granules into the soil and water well. Reapply the acidifier two or three times per year to maintain an optimal pH balance. Tip: This product does not contain other nutrients, so consider feeding with other fertilizers described in this guide to boost healthy gardenia growth.

Get the Jobe’s Organics Soil Acidifier on Amazon.

Best With Microbes

Dr. Earth Organic Acid Lovers Fertilizer

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Pros

• Reduces soil alkalinity
• Time-release granules
• All natural

Cons

• Slight objectionable smell

Product Specs

• NPK analysis: 3-4-3
• Fertilizer type: Granule
• Added ingredients: All-natural ingredients sourced from land plants, ocean plants, fish, fish bones, and mined minerals

Dr. Earth’s Acid Lovers Organic Fertilizer goes a long way toward helping maintain the acidic soil gardenias prefer. It also helps improve soil quality by adding probiotic microbes: tiny microorganisms that add organic content and boost soil’s structure. The ingredients in Dr. Earth are 100 percent natural and designed to encourage abundant blooming.

Among the included microbes are eight strains of ecto and endo mycorrhizae (mushroom-based components) that help plant roots withstand the slight drought conditions that can occur if a watering is inadvertently missed. The granules should be spread around the base, worked into the top inch or so of soil, and then watered thoroughly. For the best results, reapply Dr. Earth every 6 weeks.

Get the Dr. Earth’s Acid Lovers Organic Fertilizer on Amazon or at Ace Hardware.

Best Water-Soluble

Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Azalea, Camellia Plant Food

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Pros

• Dissolves rapidly
• Offers instant boost of nutrients
• Acidifies soil

Cons

• Requires frequent application

Product Specs

• NPK analysis: 30-30-10
• Fertilizer type: Water soluble
• Added ingredients: Iron, boron, copper, manganese, molybdenum, zinc, and boric acid

This water-soluble Miracle-Gro fertilizer dissolves instantly in water to provide an immediate boost of nutrients for gardenias and other acid-loving plants, including azalea, camellia, and hydrangea. It features an NPK analysis of 30-30-10 for lush leaf growth, abundant bloom production, and healthy root development.

In addition, Miracle-Gro added trace minerals to assist in acidifying the soil for even better growth. The product can be mixed with water in a watering can and applied to foliage or poured directly around the plant’s base; it can be used in a garden hose dispenser for spraying large areas. Recommended application is every 7 to 14 days.

Get the Miracle-Gro Azalea and Camellia Plant Food on Amazon or The Home Depot.

Best Spikes

Jobe’s Azalea, Camellia & Rhododendron Fertilizer

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Pros

• Time-release feeding
• Feeds up to 8 weeks
• Simple to use

Cons

• Animals may dig them up

Product Specs

• NPK analysis: 9-8-7
• Fertilizer type: Spikes
• Added ingredients: None listed

Those looking for a fertilizer that suits gardenias and other acid-loving shrubs but doesn’t require frequent feeding may find Jobe’s Fertilizer Spikes to be just the ticket. This product contains an NPK analysis of 9-8-7 combined in tightly compressed spikes that dissolve gradually to provide a long-term, continuous supply of nutrients.

Push the spikes about an inch beneath the surface of the soil around the base of the plant (the number of spikes depends on plant size, so follow package directions) and water thoroughly. Jobe’s spikes will continue to feed gardenias, azaleas, and similar flowering shrubs for 8 weeks.

Get the Jobe’s Fertilizer Spikes on Amazon or True Value.

Also Consider

Down to Earth All Natural Acid Mix Fertilizer

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Pros

• Acidifies soil
• Requires only three feedings per year
• Improves soil content

Cons

• Pricey

Product Specs

• NPK analysis: 4-3-6
• Fertilizer type: Time-release granules
• Added ingredients: Trace minerals, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur

Down to Earth All Natural Acid Fertilizer is designed to feed acid-loving plants the nutrients they need while improving soil content in the process. The fertilizer has an NPK analysis of 4-3-6 and also provides trace minerals, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur to help acidify the soil and encourage nutrient uptake in the roots. Down to Earth has also amended its product with leonardite, a natural, mineral-based soil conditioner.

The manufacturer recommends applying these time-release granules in early spring, again in summer when blooms first appear, and once more in fall to promote root development and increase the plant’s resistance to winter temperatures.

Get the Down to Earth All Natural Acid Fertilizer on Amazon or at Walmart.

Our Verdict

While any of the fertilizers in this lineup are beneficial for feeding gardenias, Scotts Miracle-Gro Miracid Plant Food is an excellent choice for helping maintain the acidic soil gardenias prefer. For a budget-friendly fertilizer that goes a long way, we like Perfect Plants Gardenia Fertilizer; it comes in a concentrated liquid that makes up to 48 gallons.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Fertilizer for Gardenias

The best food for gardenias is easily absorbed by the plant’s roots. It boosts both overall plant growth and blossom production, and it should encourage robust root development. Beneficial products are available in several types and formulations.

Types of Fertilizer

Today’s fertilizers come in various types, and some are better suited to specific growing conditions than others.

• Granular: Designed for gradual release, granular fertilizers resemble tiny pellets or grains of sand. They’re designed to be mixed into the top inch or so of the soil, where they gradually dissolve, providing the plants with a continuous supply of food for several weeks, depending on brand.
• Liquid: Liquid fertilizer comes in two forms: ready-to-use sprays for application directly on foliage or in concentrated form that’s mixed with water and sprinkled on the leaves or poured near the plant’s base. Plants absorb liquid fertilizers quickly—so they’re good for a quick boost—but they also drain out of the soil quickly, so they should be applied frequently, some even weekly.
• Spikes: Like granules, spikes provide time-released feedings. They’re inserted below the soil level near the plant base to feed the plant for up to 6 months.
• Water-soluble: This type of fertilizer comes in a grainy or powdery form that dissolves rapidly in water. It can be applied via a garden hose dispenser or mixed with water in a watering can and then poured over the plant or soil.

Soil Acidity and NPK Ratio 

Understanding soil and fertilizer nutrient values helps gardeners achieve success. The pH scale measures soil acidity, running from 0 to 14, with 7 considered neutral. Numbers below 7 are progressively more acidic, and those higher than 7 are more alkaline. Gardenias grow best in soil with a pH content on the acidic side, ranging from about 5 to 6.5 on the pH scale.

Fertilizers today are identified by the amount of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) they contain by content. For example, a fertilizer with an NPK analysis of 3-3-3 contains equal amounts of each nutrient. These three primary nutrients are designed to boost different parts of plant growth.

• Nitrogen: Responsible for boosting leaf development.
• Phosphorus: Encourages root development and flower production.
• Potassium: Helps ensure root uptake of nutrients and overall plant function.

Fertilizers made for gardenias may have an NPK analysis that’s higher in nitrogen, but nutrient levels vary from product to product, depending on other ingredients in the mix. Some of the best fertilizers for gardenias don’t contain any nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium at all. Some include components such as sulfur or iron sulfate instead, which increases acidity in the soil and encourages the plant to absorb nutrients better.

The NPK ratio doesn’t tell the whole story when it comes to feeding gardenias; the nutrient source plays a role here as well. For example, the nitrogen found in fertilizer can come from dozens of sources, but if it’s sourced from nitrate (a salt of nitric acid) it will be of less benefit to acid-loving plants than if it’s sourced from ammonium (ammonia combined with a hydrogen ion).

Fortunately, you don’t need a degree in chemistry to choose the best fertilizer for gardenia plants. Instead, look for a fertilizer labeled for “acid-loving plants” or an “acidic fertilizer,” which will gear it toward other acid-loving plants, such as rhododendrons, azaleas, or blueberries. A fertilizer formulated for any acid-loving plant will be beneficial for gardenias.

However, gardenia enthusiasts shouldn’t expect acid-loving fertilizer alone to correct soil that’s too alkaline—it simply cannot do the trick. Instead, test soil before planting via an inexpensive pH test kit (available online and from garden centers). The tests come with suggestions for correcting pH balance, such as adding decomposed compost to the soil to increase acidity. When the soil is in the correct pH range, it’s time to plant gardenias.

Soil Type

Soil is one thing gardenias are especially picky about. These bushy plants like moisture, but they don’t like wet feet, meaning their roots can’t tolerate standing water. Planting gardenias in a raised flower bed can solve drainage problems, but the soil must also be light and resist compaction.

Clay-based soils are thick and heavy and do not permit gardenia roots to develop freely. Soils that are high in decomposed organic matter, such as compost and dried leaves, are lighter in weight, and the decomposed matter also helps raise the acidity level.

While there is not one specific best soil brand for gardenias, those looking to grow gardenias in containers should opt for a commercial potting soil containing peat moss, sand, and perlite—ingredients that encourage drainage while retaining adequate nutrients and moisture.

How We Chose the Best Fertilizer for Gardenias

To arrive at this lineup of the best fertilizers for gardenias, we extensively researched dozens of popular products. We eliminated any fertilizers not explicitly designed for acid-loving plants. Brand reputation was considered—for example, Miracle-Gro, a nationally known manufacturer with an excellent reputation for producing top-quality gardening products and aids. But startup and niche manufacturers weren’t eliminated if their products met the qualifications for being suitable for acid-loving plants. Finally, we looked at the product’s track record as cited by other gardeners who used it.

FAQs

Just a few open gardenia blossoms are sufficient for filling the air with a heady aroma, so it’s no surprise that gardeners and landscapers in moderate climates love growing this bushy plant. Still, gardenias require acidic growing conditions, and using the right fertilizer will help maintain that pH balance. Newbies to growing gardenias are likely to have some questions, the most common of which are answered below.

Q. When should I fertilize gardenias?

While manufacturer recommendations may vary, in general, feed gardenias from March to October but don’t feed during the plant’s resting season from November to February.

Q. How often should I fertilize gardenias?

This depends on the type of fertilizer, so follow manufacturer instructions. You may need to feed every week or so with liquid fertilizer or every few months with spikes.

Q. How do I fix yellow leaves on my gardenia plant?

Yellow leaves may be a sign of poorly draining soil. Consider amending the soil to increase drainage by adding sand, peat moss, or perlite.

Q. How often should I put coffee grounds on my gardenia?

Like Epsom salt, coffee grounds are acidic and can be used occasionally to supplement a good acid-loving fertilizer. Don’t overuse them, however—once a month is probably fine.

Q. Can I use Miracle Grow on gardenias?

Since so many people are familiar with the manufacturer yet err on the name, we kept the common misspelling in this question so folks can find the answer! And the answer is: Yes, our Best Overall pick for a gardenia fertilizer is Miracle-Gro Miracid Acid-Loving Plant Food.

The post The Best Fertilizers for Gardenias appeared first on Bob Vila.

Gardeners use multiple methods for growing new plants, including starting them from seeds, bulbs, and rhizomes. However, when the goal is to produce a plant identical to an existing plant, taking a cutting is usually the simplest way. A cutting is a 4- to 8-inch section of stem taken from a healthy plant and then put in water or a growing medium to root. Using cuttings to propagate plants is suitable for many types of plants, including some species of trees and bushes, but it’s especially well suited to the indoor gardening plants that tend to grow well from cuttings. Even those who aren’t familiar with advanced gardening concepts and are just trying to clone a favorite plant from a planter can often be successful with cuttings.

Cuttings from some plants, such as ivy and Dieffenbachia, root easily in plain water. Others need a little encouragement, and that’s where rooting hormone comes in. Rooting hormones are chemicals that stimulate the growth of new roots on cuttings. For example, the odds of growing a plant from a cutting taken from a cascading plant in a hanging planter increase when a rooting hormone is used. Finding the best rooting hormone is somewhat a matter of personal preference because most rooting hormone products are very similar.

Ahead, learn what to look for in a rooting hormone product and find out why the following are among the top choices of home gardeners. Our favorite is Clonex’s HydroDynamic Rooting Gel thanks to its ready-to-use formula and suitability for different types of cuttings. Each of the top picks below was selected after an in-depth review of the market and thorough product vetting.

1. BEST OVERALL: Clonex HydroDynamics Rooting Gel
2. RUNNER UP: Hormex Rooting Hormone Powder #3
3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Bonide Bontone II Rooting Powder
4. BEST POWDER: Garden Safe TakeRoot Rooting Hormone
5. BEST LIQUID: Bonide Root & Grow Concentrate
6. BEST GEL: Midas Hydro IBA Rooting Hormone Gel
7. BEST CONCENTRATE: Hormex Vitamin B1 Rooting Hormone Concentrate
8. ALSO CONSIDER: Hormex Rooting Hormone Powder #8

Product Comparison

Our Top Picks

To qualify as a top pick, a rooting hormone should be simple to apply, the instructions should be easy to understand, and the product should contain either IBA or NAA (see the Ingredients section below for more information) to promote root growth. The following five products feature different types of rooting hormone—including liquid, powder, and gel—but all are top performers popular with experienced gardeners. Any one of the products in the lineup will be an asset for propagating plants from cuttings.

Best Overall

Clonex HydroDynamics Rooting Gel

See It

What We Like

• Gel formula seals cut tissue around stem
• Suitable for starting a variety of cuttings
• Requires no mixing, and there’s or mess

What We Don’t Like

• Gel can loosen and become watery if not stored correctly

Product Specs

• Type: Gel
• Active ingredients: IBA
• Quantity: 3.4 fluid ounces

Looking for the sticking power of an easy-to-use gel? Consider this option from Clonex that contains the active ingredient IBA for stimulating root growth. The gel seals the cut tissue around the stem, helping to protect it from rot while encouraging strong root development. The gel is suitable for use on different types of cuttings, including flowering species, woody plants, and fruit tree cuttings, among others.

The jar contains 3.4 fluid ounces, plenty for rooting dozens of cuttings. There’s no mixing or mess, just dip the stem in the gel and insert it into a moist growing medium.

Get the Clonex HydroDynamics rooting hormone at Amazon or Tractor Supply Co.

Runner Up

Hormex Rooting Hormone Powder #3

See It

What We Like

• Comes in powder form that can bolster sagging cuttings
• Contains no added chemicals, dyes, or preservatives
• Can also boost root growth in transplants

What We Don’t Like

• Adheres better when dipping a cutting in water first

Product Specs

• Type: Powder
• Active ingredients: IBA
• Quantity: 0.75 ounces

To propagate new cuttings, consider this rooting powder from Hormex that helps prevent stem rot while stimulating new root development. The powder, which can also help strengthen and bolster sagging cuttings, is suitable for use on most plants that can be propagated from cuttings.

The active ingredient is IDA. The Hormex powder does not contain added chemicals, dyes, or preservatives, making it desirable for use on vegetables and fruit plants used in food production. In addition to treating cuttings, it is also beneficial for helping transplants adapt to a new location. Hormex #3 comes in a ¾-ounce jar.

Get the Hormex #3 rooting hormone at Amazon, Grow Generation, or Hormex.

Best Bang For The Buck

Bonide 925 Bontone Rooting Powder

See It

What We Like

• Can be used for many cutting types
• Also boosts growth of seeds and bulbs
• Can ease transplant shock
• Promotes healthy root production

What We Don’t Like

• Works best if cutting is dipped in water first

Product Specs

• Type: Powder
• Active ingredients: IBA
• Quantity: 1.25 ounces

Bonide’s rooting powder is well suited for helping establish healthy, robust roots on stem cuttings, but it’s also useful for encouraging strong growth when planting seeds and bulbs. The active ingredient, IBA, stimulates root growth on most cuttings, including softwoods, hardwoods, vegetables, and flowering varieties.

It comes in powder form and can also be used to coat seeds and bulbs by sprinkling it directly on them before planting. When transplanting a plant to a new location, users can also mix a teaspoon, or so, of the powder in the growing medium to reduce transplant shock and help the plant adapt. Each jar contains 1.25 ounces, enough for a few dozen cuttings or transplants.

Get the Bonide rooting hormone at Amazon,The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Best Powder

Garden Safe TakeRoot Rooting Hormone

See It

What We Like

• Suitable for use in gardens, greenhouses, and residential areas
• Stimulates at the root
• Easy to use and more affordable than other powders

What We Don’t Like

• Low concentration formula

Product Specs

• Type: Powder
• Active ingredients: IBA
• Quantity: 2-ounce container

For a concentrate that can help your plants grow strong, look no further than the Garden Safe TakeRoot Rooting Hormone. This pick comes in a low-concentrate, powdered form that stimulates plant cuttings at the root.

This easy-to-use powdered formula is made with indole-3-butyric acid, a compound that is naturally occurring in plants. This ingredient is safe to use on African violets, roses, and other plants that are grown in residential, greenhouse, and garden spaces. It should be noted that the roots should be moistened before applying the hormone.

Get the Garden Safe rooting hormone at Amazon (2 pack) or Lowe’s.

Best Liquid

Bonide Root & Grow Concentrate

See It

What We Like

• Helps promote root growth and boost plant growth
• Makes up to 9 gallons of fertilizer/growth hormone
• All-in-one fertilizer/rooting hormone

What We Don’t Like

• Contains a smaller amount of IBA

Product Specs

• Type: Liquid
• Active ingredients: IBA and fertilizer
• Quantity: 1 quart

Bonide Root & Grow concentrate is a 4-10-3 (4 percent nitrogen, 10 percent phosphate, and 3 percent potash) fertilizer with IBA growth hormone. It helps reduce transplant shock and promotes vigorous plant growth. The 1-quart concentrate will make up to 9 gallons of fertilizer/rooting stimulator. It instantly mixes with water, and the diluted solution is applied directly onto the soil and roots.

The rooting hormone fertilizer combo works on all types of plants, including vegetables, trees, shrubs, and houseplants. It’s designed to be used while seeding or on transplants to help stimulate early root formation. It also works well as a rooting hormone for plant cuttings due to the IBA growth hormone in the mix. It mixes at a ratio of 3½ tablespoons per gallon of water—so a quart can last an entire growing season. The Bonide Root & Grow concentrate is perfect for gardeners who want an all-in-one product that will give their plants a boost at planting time.

Get the Bonide Root & Grow rooting hormone at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or The Home Depot (128 ounces).

Best Gel

Midas Hydro IBA Rooting Hormone Gel

See It

What We Like

• Concentrated formula can help reduce cloning time
• Gel is easier to use than powder products
• Large 4-ounce container

What We Don’t Like

• Used gel should not be poured back into the container for future use

Product Specs

• Type: Gel
• Active ingredients: IBA
• Quantity: 4 ounces

Packed in a convenient 4-ounce container, this cutting-edge rooting hormone gel from Midas Hydro is formulated with a high concentration of indole-3-butyric acid, the active ingredient known for its powerful rooting properties. The strong IBA formula gel can help reduce cloning time, enabling gardeners to achieve stronger and healthier roots in no time. Whether you prefer water propagation, general hydroponics, or other methods, Midas Hydro rooting gel is compatible with various techniques, providing versatility and ease of use.

For users who dislike the mess involved with rooting powder, a gel option may be a cleaner and more user-friendly choice. Note that used gel cannot be reused, though, so users may go through it quicker than they anticipate.

Get the Midas Hydro rooting hormone at Amazon, Walmart, Etsy, or Midas Hydro.

Best Concentrate

Hormex Vitamin B1 Rooting Hormone Concentrate

See It

What We Like

• Affordable concentrated liquid
• Includes vitamin B1 to add nutrients
• Can also be diluted for use on transplants

What We Don’t Like

• Strong concentrate might require mixing with water
• NAA is a synthetic chemical

Product Specs

• Type: Liquid
• Active ingredients: NAA
• Quantity: 4 fluid ounces

Also from Hormex, this rooting hormone features the active ingredient NAA and comes in a concentrated liquid form that will treat dozens of cuttings. To use, dip a fresh cutting into the undiluted rooting hormone and insert the cutting in a moist growing medium. For an added root-boosting effect, mix 1 teaspoon of Hormex concentrate in 1 gallon of water and use the solution to saturate the soil around the new cutting.

When transplanting newly rooted plants, use the same liquid solution for watering to reduce transplant shock. The inclusion of Vitamin B in the Hormex product adds a vital nutrient to the soil for robust plant growth. Best of all, the rooting hormone is available at an attractive price point.

Get the Hormex Vitamin B1 rooting hormone at Amazon or Hormex.

Also Consider

Hormex Rooting Hormone Powder #8

See It

What We Like

• Suitable for cuttings from most plants
• Package contains plenty of powder
• Free of dyes and preservatives

What We Don’t Like

• Requires dipping a cutting in water before dipping in powder

Product Specs

• Type: Powder
• Active ingredients: IBA
• Quantity: 0.75 ounces

For quick rooting of most cuttings, opt for a rooting hormone like this one that contains the active chemical IBA. Suitable for use in most plants, including greenwood and softwood cuttings, this Hormex option is formulated to promote the development of healthy roots. The product comes in powder form for easy application.

A single jar contains 0.75 ounces of powder—plenty for rooting dozens of cuttings. For best results, take cuttings only from the current season’s growth from a healthy mother plant. Dip the end of the cutting in water before dipping it in the powdered rooting hormone.

Get the Hormex #8 rooting hormone at Amazon or Hormex.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Chose the Best Rooting Hormones

Use of a rooting hormone can help gardeners duplicate favorite plants from cuttings. Although most rooting products are similar, we looked at types and some features of products to help buyers choose based on personal preference. This list includes liquid, gel, and powder formulas and a choice of the two most common active ingredients. We also considered application methods and ease of use.

What to Consider When Choosing a Rooting Hormone

Rooting hormone products are relatively inexpensive and range from around $13 for a bottle that will treat up to 50 cuttings to $25 (or more) for a large container that will treat more than 100 cuttings. The most significant difference is in the type of product and whether it contains added ingredients, such as nutrients or fertilizers intended to help the plant grow and thrive once the cutting develops roots.

Form

Rooting hormone products come in three main types: liquid, gel, and powder. No matter the type, all three are used in a similar manner: the gardener dips the end of the cutting in the hormone product and then puts the cutting in a moist, growing medium.

• Liquid: Bottles of liquid rooting hormone come in either ready-to-use formulations or concentrated formulations that require mixing with water. Some gardeners feel liquid offers the best coverage since it can seep into tiny pores in the cutting.
• Gel: This rooting hormone adheres well to cuttings and provides a slightly thicker coating of the hormone than liquid varieties, which may offer more root-boosting stimulus.
• Powder: One of the most common types of root hormone products available, powder is simple to use and offers a thick layer of root-stimulating chemical. Before dipping the cutting in the powder, many gardeners will dip the cutting in water, so the root hormone adheres better.

Ingredients

The majority of rooting hormone products on the market today contain one of two common chemicals, IBA or NAA, both of which are synthetic forms of natural plant hormones known to stimulate root growth.

• Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA): A chemical form of the plant hormone, auxin, IBA triggers root growth and is found in many commercial rooting hormone products of all types.
• Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA): Similar to IBA, NAA is a synthetic chemical formulation that stimulates root growth and retards rotting. It is often found in all three types of rooting products.
• Added nutrients: While IBA and NAA are the active ingredients in rooting compounds, some products contain additional nutrients, such as nitrogen, to boost leafy green growth or have various vitamins to help bolster floral production. These added ingredients can be helpful, but some gardeners prefer to use only rooting compound, so they can add the exact nutrients they choose to the soil later.

Application

The information necessary for plant propagation in cuttings is available in gardening books, but, for the most part, the process is straightforward and simple enough for even newbie gardeners. The following offers an idea of the basic techniques used for taking cuttings and applying rooting hormone. Before proceeding, do a little research on the intended plant. While cuttings can successfully propagate many plants, others require different methods. Some cuttings should be from greenwood (new, supple growth), while others should be taken from the older, hardwood portions of a stem. Knowing the best method of propagation for a specific plant will increase the odds of success.

1. Take a 4- to 8-inch stem cutting from a healthy plant.
2. Strip all but one or two top leaves from the stem.
3. Bruise the end of the stem by slightly crushing it or take a sharp knife and scrape away some of the stem’s outer covering. This step helps the rooting hormone penetrate more efficiently.
4. Dip about 2 inches of the stem in the rooting compound. If you’re using a powdered mixture, dip the cutting in water first, so the powder adheres well.
5. With a pencil or stick, make a hole about 2 inches deep in the growing medium and insert the treated end of the cutting.
6. Press the growing medium around the cutting and cover the whole pot or tray with plastic to keep moisture in while the cutting takes root. By keeping the cutting in an enclosed container, the soil will stay moist, which is a requirement for roots to develop. Alternately, consider starting the cutting in a self-watering planter where it will receive a consistent amount of moisture.