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
   ↓ Jump to Review
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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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
   ↓ Jump to Review
6. BEST WARM-SEASON: Scotts Turf Builder Southern Triple Action
   ↓ Jump to Review
7. BEST LIQUID: Scotts Liquid Turf Builder With Plus 2 Weed Control
   ↓ Jump to Review

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

See It

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

See It

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

See It

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

See It

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

See It

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

See It

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.

Using your thumb to direct the flow on an open-ended garden hose is hardly an effective way to water plants. A good hose nozzle provides superior control and helps prevent the wasteful overwatering that can harm plants. However, with so many options out there, it can be challenging to decide which hose nozzle to choose. We wanted to know whether today’s top-rated nozzles are all they’re cracked up to be, so we tried them out.

We attached the nozzles to garden hoses and cranked up the water pressure, noting how easily they connected, whether they dribbled (no one likes that!), and how well each of the spray functions performed. We watered grass, potted plants, and raised beds in our quest to determine which nozzles would earn a spot in this lineup of the best hose nozzles. After all that testing, we chose the Green Mount New Patent Garden Hose Nozzle as our top pick. It earned that spot as a result of its ergonomic design and the fact that it didn’t leak even a little.

Keep reading to learn some essential tips for choosing the best hose nozzle, and find out the best (and worst) aspects of each of the following products before selecting the right one for your yard and garden this year.

1. BEST OVERALL: Green Mount New Patent Heavy-Duty Hose Nozzle
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2. RUNNER-UP: Twinkle Star Heavy-Duty Brass Adjustable Hose Nozzle
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3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Gilmour Pistol-Grip Adjustable Watering Nozzle
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4. BEST HEAVY-DUTY: Dramm Adjustable Hose Nozzle
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5. BEST WAND: The Relaxed Gardener Watering Wand
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6. BEST ERGONOMIC: Green Mount Ergonomic Handle Fireman’s Hose Nozzle
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7. BEST LIGHTWEIGHT: Gilmour Heavy Duty Thumb-Control Nozzle
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8. BEST MULTIPURPOSE: Esow Garden Hose Nozzle
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9. BEST FOR POTS: Dramm One-Touch Rain Wand
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10. BEST HEAVY USE: Fanhao Garden Hose Nozzle
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Product Comparison

Our Top Picks 

With so many hose nozzles on the market, selecting one can be tough. We put these nozzles through their paces, and we didn’t pull any punches so that our readers will have a good shot at getting a nozzle likely to perform well for years. All the nozzles that earned a spot in our lineup are GHT, so they’re all suitable for garden hoses in the U.S., and each one is a standout in its class.

Best Overall

Green Mount New Patent Heavy-Duty Hose Nozzle

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Our Ratings: Comfort 5/5; Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4.5/5

Product Specs 

• Type: Pistol
• Material: High-density ABS plastic
• Spray variations: Spray, mist, jet, shower, soaker, cone, and flat 

What We Like

• Nonslip ergonomic grip prevents strain on the users’ hands and arms 
• Fireman-type water-adjustment handle for ease of use 
• Durable construction prevents any leaks or drips 

What We Don’t Like

• Handle is slightly stiff but may loosen up over time  

DIY gardeners looking for a high-quality garden hose nozzle may want to check out Green Mount’s heavy-duty hose nozzle. We were certainly impressed. This hose nozzle features a large on-off handle with an ergonomic design that’s easy to grip and a pistol-grip-style handle for control. We were able to select from six spray options by twisting the selector ring, including jet, mist, soaker, and shower. We then adjusted the amount of water pressure by moving the handle forward or backward. 

The Green Mount nozzle connected to the hose easily, and it didn’t leak anywhere—not where it attached to the hose and not at the nozzle openings, which was refreshing because we’ve used nozzles that dribbled so much, our sleeves would be soaked. 

The construction of this Green Mount nozzle is mostly ABS plastic, making it impact-resistant and durable, but it also features a metal nozzle housing and hose fitting. It comes with a metal mesh screen that users can remove to clear clogged sediment from the nozzle. This garden hose nozzle is well suited for those with various watering needs. The spray options can provide a robust stream of water to clean off sidewalks, a gentle mist for delicate plants, such as orchids, and a soaker for quickly watering large potted plants or shrubs. 

Get the Green Mount heavy-duty hose nozzle at Amazon or Walmart.

Runner-Up

Twinkle Star Heavy-Duty Brass Adjustable Hose Nozzle

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Our Ratings: Comfort 3/5; Ease of Use 4/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4/5

Product Specs 

• Type: Twist
• Material: Heavy-duty brass
• Spray variations: Fluctuates between jet and cone

What We Like

• No-leak performance; heavy-duty construction lasts for a long time 
• Easy to hold; long design is comfortable 
• 4 adjustable spray pattern options integrated to suit any user’s preference 
• Comes in a 2-pack

What We Don’t Like

• No padded grip; may not be ideal for some users 

If we could only use two words to describe this pair of Twinkle Star twist nozzles, they’d be “rugged” and “dependable.” Some might call these old-fashioned nozzles, but there’s nothing stodgy about high performance. 

Each nozzle features rubber O-rings, located in the fitting attachment and in the twisting part of the nozzle, for maximum protection against leaking. There are also four holes in the tip of the nozzle, allowing for twice the water flow of a typical brass nozzle. It was easy to connect the nozzles to the hose, and neither one leaked. 

We twisted the nozzles to adjust the water flow to choose between a wide cone of spray, a powerful jet of water, and various shower-type pressures in between. There are no frills with these nozzles, just solid performance. 

Get the Twinkle Star hose nozzles at Amazon.

Best Bang for the Buck

Gilmour Pistol-Grip Adjustable Watering Nozzle

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Our Ratings: Comfort 2/5; Ease of Use 4/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.3/5

Product Specs 

• Type: Pistol
• Material: Zinc
• Spray variations: Adjustable from narrow jet to wide cone with spray variations in between

What We Like

• Well made and functional; ergonomic design prevents fatigue during long periods of use 
• Easy to adjust water pressure via the integrated trigger
• Front threads adapt to optional spray tips to suit users’ preferences 

What We Don’t Like

• No padded or nonslip grip; may cause some strain to the hands if used frequently 

A simple solution to watering control, the all-metal Gilmour pistol-grip nozzle is budget-friendly and durable. It has a small flow-control dial that helps users adjust the water force. Choose from full flow, cone spray, or a sharp stream that’s designed for cleaning tough messes. The Gilmour nozzle is made from zinc to resist rusting. This is another no-frills spray nozzle that offers good performance in a tried-and-true style. 

Initially, when we connected the Gilmour nozzle, we had some leaking at the fitting, but upon inspection, we’d overlooked putting the black rubber washer inside the fitting. We added the washer and experienced no more leaks. 

A threaded front makes it easier to attach cleaning tools, such as specially designed brushes (not included) for scouring patio furniture, bicycles, and other grimy gear. The trigger-style nozzle has a metal loop at the top of the trigger that locks it in place to make gripping more comfortable, but in truth this isn’t the most comfortable nozzle to use. It’s not padded and doesn’t have a nonslip grip. Yet we still believe this simple watering nozzle is a good product and an excellent price. 

Get the Gilmour pistol-grip hose nozzle at Amazon or Little Hardware.

Best Heavy-Duty

Dramm Adjustable Hose Nozzle

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Our Ratings: Comfort 2/5; Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.2/5

Product Specs 

• Type: Twist 
• Material: Brass
• Spray variations: Adjustable from mist to jet 

What We Like

• High-quality design; long nozzle with twist adjustment allows for ample customization 
• Powerful water-jet ability; perfect for washing as well as watering 
• Sturdy brass design provides no leaks and is built to last

What We Don’t Like

• No padding or nonslip grip; may cause some fatigue over prolonged use 

The second twist nozzle we tested—the Dramm adjustable hose nozzle—proved to be a modest but highly efficient watering tool. A twist of the barrel was all it took to regulate the spray pattern on this all-brass nozzle. When we ran full water pressure, the Dramm nozzle narrowed the stream of water to a high-pressure jet that quickly removed dried mud from a concrete patio. 

When we twisted the nozzle in the other direction, it went from jet to mist and between the two extremes ran through a range of shower-like options. 

The Dramm is made from solid brass, and it didn’t leak at the nozzle end or the hose end during testing. This hardworking nozzle is designed to last, and it can serve a range of watering needs with just a simple twist.

Get the Dramm adjustable hose nozzle at Amazon.

Best Wand

The Relaxed Gardener Watering Wand

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Our Ratings: Comfort 5/5; Ease of Use 4/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4.5/5

Product Specs 

• Type: Watering wand
• Material: Steel and molded plastic
• Spray variations: 8 (one malfunctioned during testing due to perceived manufacturing error)

What We Like

• Extended reach for watering baskets and pots and cleaning
• Ergonomic nonslip grip is ideal for frequent or long-term use 
• Comes with 8 easy-to-change spray patterns
• Thumb control for easy adjustments to the water pressure 

What We Don’t Like

• Some users have reported that one of the spray patterns is prone to malfunction 

Hose wands can be extremely helpful when watering hanging baskets and hard-to-reach plants. At 15 inches long, the Relaxed Gardener Watering Wand proved to be just the right length to access high baskets while still being easy to handle and store. It has a nonslip ergonomic grip, and we were able to adjust water pressure via the thumb lever. 

We scrolled through eight different watering spray patterns by turning the ring at the end of the nozzle. The shower and soaker patterns are excellent on this watering wand, but the Center option dribbled and sprayed off to one side. We inspected the head, and it appeared that something hard was stuck in that specific spray opening—perhaps lodged during manufacturing. We decided that this must have been a fluke, not an inherent design flaw.

The watering wand attached easily to the hose and didn’t leak except for that “center” spray setting. The wand simplified watering high baskets and potted plants while offering a range of other spray patterns that would be suitable for newly seeded lawns, flower beds, and even vegetable gardens.

Get the Relaxed Gardener hose nozzle at Amazon.

Best Ergonomic

Green Mount Ergonomic Handle Fireman’s Hose Nozzle

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Our Ratings: Comfort 5/5; Ease of Use 4.5/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4/5

Product Specs 

• Type: Twist 
• Material: Steel, rubber coating
• Spray variations: Adjustable, ranging from jet to mist with various shower functions in between

What We Like

• High-quality construction should last a user a long time 
• Large water pressure handle is suitable for multiple uses; perfect for watering, washing, and more 
• Rubberized grip is comfortable to hold for long periods of time 

What We Don’t Like

• Heavyweight compared to similar hose nozzles  

This sprayer nozzle excels at controlling water on even high-pressure hoses, yet while it weighs in at just under 2 pounds—about twice as heavy as the typical sprayer—it’s definitely built for comfort. This Green Mount nozzle features a large fire-hose-style handle that’s easy to grab and move, even with gloved hands, and it also has a nonslip rubber grip. 

Inside the attachment fitting, we found a screen designed to keep sand and dirt out of the sprayer. There’s a wide bell-shaped dial that we twisted one way and the other to change the spray pattern from a strong jet to a fine mist, with varying shower-type sprays in between. 

This nozzle boasts solid metal construction, so it should last multiple seasons without wearing out, and we felt it was very well made—no cut corners here. The only downside might be for those who experience hand or arm fatigue since the Green Mount nozzle may feel a tad heavy after a while. 

Get the Green Mount ergonomic hose nozzle at Amazon.

Best Lightweight

Gilmour Heavy-Duty Thumb-Control Nozzle

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Our Ratings: Comfort 5/5; Ease of Use 4/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.2/5

Product Specs 

• Type: Pistol
• Material: Steel, rubber coating
• Spray variations: 8 (mist, shower, rinse, soft wash, clean, sweep, jet, and bucket-filling)

What We Like

• Quality construction; ergonomic and durable design for long-term use 
• Nonslip handle is comfortable to hold while in use 
• Swivel attachment ring can accommodate most garden hoses easily; no twisting required 

What We Don’t Like

• Separate steel ring on end of nozzle can be accidentally loosened 

Anyone hunting for a lightweight garden hose nozzle may want to give this model from Gilmour a look. Weighing under 10 ounces, it’s one of the lightest pistol-type nozzles we tested. It features eight spray patterns, including mist, shower, rinse, soft wash, clean, sweep, jet, and a bucket-filling setting—all patterns worked well.

Our favorite feature of the Gilmour nozzle was the swivel attachment ring that allowed us to connect it to the garden hose without twisting either the hose or the nozzle. It was simple to spin the attachment ring and securely attach the nozzle.

The thumb-control lever is handy to operate using the same hand holding the sprayer, but this nozzle does have one thing against it: a separate steel ring that holds the spray pattern adjustment ring in place. Rather than a single adjustment ring, the end of the sprayer features an additional steel ring that we inadvertently kept loosening when we twisted the spray adjustment ring. Each time that happened, water would dribble out from under the ring. It held better after we tightened the steel ring using some force, but we feel it would have been designed better without the additional steel ring.

Get the Gilmour thumb-control hose nozzle at Amazon.

Best Multipurpose

Esow Garden Hose Nozzle

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Our Ratings: Comfort 3/5; Ease of Use 4/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4/5

Product Specs 

• Type: Pistol
• Material: Brushed steel and brass
• Spray variations: Adjustable from jet to mist 

What We Like

• High-quality materials; made with durable brushed steel and brass 
• Loop integrated for the holding trigger; keeps the water running without having to grip the trigger 
• Connects easily to standard garden hoses without leaking 

What We Don’t Like

• Trigger may be on the short side for some users’ preferences 

Right out of the package, the Esow hose nozzle displayed high-end workmanship. Its smooth steel exterior features a brushed finish for an ultrasmooth feel, and its solid brass nozzle tip turned smoothly. There was no mistaking the quality—it simply felt good to hold.

While it’s a basic hose nozzle in design, it features brass and zinc-alloy construction to resist corrosion and make it durable and impact resistant. Its pistol-grip and fine-tune nozzle adjustment make it well suited for multiple uses, from misting the flower bed to washing the car. The spraying patterns range from a jet stream for high pressure to a fan spray for covering a wide area. 

It connected easily to our hose, and we didn’t detect any leaks. However, the downside to this nozzle is the length of the trigger. Maybe we just have big hands, but the trigger is barely over 2 inches long with room for only two fingers. If we didn’t use the loop to hold the trigger in the “on” position, our fingers got a little sore after about 10 minutes of constant watering. Other than that, however, this is a top-notch hose nozzle. 

Get the Esow hose nozzle at Amazon.

Best for Pots

Dramm One-Touch Rain Wand

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Our Ratings: Comfort 5/5; Ease of Use 4/5; Effectiveness 3/5; Durability 3/5; Value 3.5/5

Product Specs 

• Type: Wand
• Material: Aluminum, rubber coating
• Spray variations: Shower (not adjustable) 

What We Like

• Long 16-inch wand for ample maneuverability in hard-to-reach places 
• Optimal for watering pots, washing the car, and/or cleaning the exterior of a home 
• Nonslip grip can be held comfortably for long periods of time without fatigue 

What We Don’t Like

• Only 1 spray pattern integrated; not as versatile as some other comparable options 

The Dramm rain wand has only one spray pattern: a gentle shower that’s just the ticket for watering potted plants. Those who have tried watering potted flowers and shrubs will likely agree that most other spray patterns are either too robust, too wide, or otherwise not well suited to pot watering. 

This product delivers a wonderful shower, and the pressure is controlled by a thumb lever at the top of an ergonomic, nonslip handle. The wand features a sloped head that let us reach overhead baskets without accidentally spraying on the other side. 

Those in the market for an adjustable spray pattern nozzle may want to look at other options, but folks who have a lot of pots to water will likely be quite happy with this Dramm wand. It’s simple to use and the gentle rain-like, pot-pleasing spray pattern never changes. 

Get the Dramm one-touch hose nozzle at Amazon.

Best Heavy Use

Fanhao Garden Hose Nozzle

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Our Ratings: Comfort 2/5; Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 3.9/5

Product Specs 

• Type: Pistol
• Material: Brushed steel, brass, rubber coating
• Spray variations: 7 (center, flat, jet, shower, mist, cone, and full) 

What We Like

• Comes with 7 spray patterns; center, flat, jet, shower, mist, cone, and full
• Easy to connect to any standard garden hose without leaking 
• All-steel body components are durable enough to withstand frequent or heavy-duty use 

What We Don’t Like

• No rubberized grip; may be harsh on the hands after extended use 

Those looking for a heavy-duty hose nozzle won’t be disappointed with this Fanhao model. This nozzle features all-steel body components for durability and a high-density molded-plastic spray adjustment ring covered with rubberized nonslip coating. The sprayer’s brushed-steel finish is soft to the touch, and the trigger, which is nice and long for secure gripping, can be held in place while watering via an attached steel loop at the bottom of the handle. 

We liked the high-end construction of the Fanhao spray nozzle, although we would have appreciated a nonslip grip on the handle to match the one on the adjustment ring. When water from the spigot is bitterly cold, the chilly temp transfers through the steel handle of this sprayer, so a coated grip would have been nice. (Tip: Wear gardening gloves for a thermal-resistant barrier between the cold steel and hands). 

The Fanhao spray nozzle features seven spray patterns; center, flat, jet, shower, mist, cone, and full. Each one was distinct and functioned well without drips. Water pressure can be controlled with the hand trigger. This sprayer is well-made and designed to stand up to heavy use. If you want a spray nozzle that’s likely to last, it’s hard to go wrong with this one.

Get the Fanhao hose nozzle at Amazon.

Jump To Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Hose Nozzles

Hose nozzles are simple watering tools, but one that dribbles, leaks, or doesn’t spray as it should can be frustrating and take the fun out of gardening. Our goal in testing the top hose nozzle available today was to determine which performed best and which were well suited for various watering tasks. 

We examined each hose nozzle before use and read any accompanying information to make sure we fully understood its purpose and capabilities. To ensure they were working as intended, we checked all the moving parts—handles, spray selection rings, dials, and valves. We inspected the quality of the materials to help estimate potential durability. 

We attached each nozzle to the end of a standard garden hose and turned the water pressure up all the way (approximately 55 pounds per square inch, or PSI). We checked for leaks at the connection point as well as from the tip of the nozzle when using each of the available spray functions. 

We scored each nozzle using a rubric—awarding points between 0 and 4, depending on how well it performed. At the end of the testing, we added up the points and used them to categorize each nozzle for its best use. 

What to Consider When Choosing a Hose Nozzle

There are several things to keep in mind when it comes to selecting the best garden hose nozzles, but perhaps the single most important criteria is how you plan to use it. For example, a high-pressure nozzle that’s great for washing siding won’t deliver water optimally in the garden. We considered each of the following factors—and tested them when possible—to give our readers up-to-date information about each nozzle on our list.

Plastic vs. Metal 

Anything stored outside must endure a lot of wear and tear. However, hoses and their nozzles must withstand more than natural weathering; nozzles in particular may get dropped on hard surfaces or stepped on accidentally.

Plastic can crack when dropped and break down after prolonged sun exposure, while metal better stands up to impacts and the elements. Brass is a preferred material for metal hose nozzles due to its ability to resist corrosion. Some metal nozzles are dipped in a rubberlike coating, and others have a baked-on enamel finish; both methods add durability, protection, and longevity. 

For dependability and durability, avoid nozzles made entirely of plastic and consider metal or a plastic-and-metal hybrid. With inner components made of metal and exteriors constructed of molded plastic, hybrids are often lighter than their all-metal counterparts.

Spray Pattern 

In addition to water pressure adjustments, most hose nozzles come with adjustable spray patterns that allow users to change the amount and direction of the spray to match the specific watering situation. Need to water a pot? Just switch to the “shower” or “rain” option on the nozzle. Want to wash muddy paw prints from the patio? Switch to the nozzle’s jet function and spray the mess away.

If you’re looking for a versatile hose nozzle, one with a dial for switching between different spray patterns may be a good option. A dial generally provides a range of patterns, from a gentle mist perfect for moistening seeds to a high-pressure jet stream that blasts caked mud off the sidewalk. In addition to mist and jet, these nozzles often have several other patterns, including:

• Shower is ideal for watering the garden and container plantings.
• Flat is designed for fragile plants and young seedlings. 
• Cone offers the excellent coverage needed when watering the lawn before a fertilizer application, for instance.
• Soak is designed for watering large trees and shrubs. 

While these nozzles offer ample flexibility, if the large range of options is more than you need, a fitting alternative may be a basic metal nozzle that adjusts the spray from a fine mist to a powerful stream with a simple twist. 

Pistol vs. Dial 

The pistol grip is the most common type of hose nozzle; it has a squeeze trigger that activates water flow. When the trigger is released, the water flow stops. The amount of pressure applied to the trigger adjusts the water flow. Rotating a tiny flow adjuster above the trigger changes the spray from a mist to a jet stream. 

A dial nozzle suits those who want more options. The dial usually includes six or more spray patterns, which are adjustable with the turn of the dial on the front of the nozzle. This nozzle type might have a pistol grip or a simple molded handle with a button or a slider to adjust water flow. Both types allow the user to direct the water where needed rather than using a sprinkler that tends to oversoak one area while neglecting another. 

The Wand Alternative 

Nozzles suit many gardeners for a host of outdoor tasks. But for watering hanging baskets and plants in hard-to-reach places, or for those with physical limitations that make bending difficult, a watering wand might be an excellent solution. Like nozzles, wands come in numerous models, but their length sets them apart. Wands may be anywhere from 10 inches to 25 inches long, and some come with a hooked sprayer head to direct water downward into the pot when watering overhead.

Available in fixed length or telescoping, watering wands can have a single pattern spray head or a dial adjuster at the end. Some have a pistol grip to squeeze with one hand, and others use a button or slider to adjust the water flow. 

Another helpful feature included with some wands is a stop-valve trigger near the grip that lets the user control water flow from the watering wand, saving the walk to the faucet to turn it on and off. 

Ergonomics 

Ergonomic hand tools are designed to help users work pain-free. Comfort is an asset for anyone doing yard work and especially those with arthritis or strength issues in their hands and wrists. For example, maintaining constant pressure on a pistol or a trigger grip can take a toll on the hands, so many of the best garden hose nozzles are designed to stave off hand and wrist fatigue. 

No-press grips allow changing water flow with a simple button or a slider that can be manipulated with a thumb. Trigger nozzles often include a metal loop at the top of the trigger that can lock the handle in the spray position and take the pressure off a hand. 

Weight is another important consideration. All-metal construction nozzles, while very durable, are heavier than a hybrid made of metal and plastic. 

Hose Compatibility

There are more types of hoses than the one that hooks to a lawn and garden hose. Gardeners in the U.S. use a completely different hose thread system than everywhere else in the world, so compatibility with the hose on a hose reel is key. 

Nozzles sold to U.S. customers feature the standard garden hose thread (GHT) of ¾ inch. This means that the end of the hose has 11½ threads per inch and features a 1/16-inch thread pitch, which is the angle of the threads. 

For basic hose nozzles sold outside of the United States, the common thread in these countries is based on British Standard Pipe (BSP). These fittings are ¾ inch in diameter, and they feature 14 threads per inch. 

There also are quick-connect fittings that allow the user to snap a nozzle on and off a hose without unscrewing it. These nozzles will only work with quick-connect fittings on a hose, and they may not be necessary for the average gardener.

FAQs 

After learning about the different features of hose nozzles, some new questions might spring up. After all, there are a lot of choices on the market, and you still might not be sure which garden hose nozzle is ideal for you. This section aims to offer that info, as it answers some of the most frequently asked questions about the best hose nozzles.

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 Hose Nozzles for Leak-Free Gardening, Tested 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.

Built for comfort and ease of use, the backpack sprayer is becoming a go-to tool for gardeners, landscapers, and pest-control professionals—as well as home dwellers who simply want to enjoy a weed- and insect-free outdoor space. A backpack sprayer’s ergonomic design features adjustable shoulder straps and a spray wand, allowing you to carry fertilizer, herbicide, pesticide, or other liquids on your back rather than hauling around a heavy metal cart or handheld manual sprayer. 

We tested and reviewed a variety of outstanding backpack sprayers. We also spoke to Tim Sherrer, owner of Expest Exterminating based in Snellville, Georgia, who shared his pest control expertise. Preview our top picks below, and then keep reading to learn how these tools work, features to consider, and how to pick the best model for your space and style. Later on, check out our reviews of the best backpack sprayers for lawn and garden maintenance.

1. BEST OVERALL MANUAL: Field King Max 190348 Backpack Sprayer
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2. BEST OVERALL MOTORIZED: Field King 190515 Battery-Powered Backpack Sprayer
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3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Chapin 61800 4-Gallon Manual Backpack Sprayer
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4. UPGRADE PICK: My4Sons M4 4-Gallon Battery-Powered Backpack Sprayer
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5. BEST PROFESSIONAL: PetraTools HD5000 Battery-Powered Backpack Sprayer
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6. BEST HOBBYIST: Chapin 61900 4-Gallon Manual Backpack Sprayer 
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7. ALSO CONSIDER MANUAL: Solo 425 4-Gallon Backpack Sprayer
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8. ALSO CONSIDER MOTORIZED: PetraTools HD4000 4-Gallon Backpack Sprayer
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How We Tested the Best Backpack Sprayers

We considered these backpack sprayers from a home-dweller’s perspective. Although several of our picks offer truly professional-level performance and durability, our testing criteria centered on basic functionality, ease of use, operator comfort, and overall value. 

To gauge mobility and operational comfort, we filled each sprayer to capacity with plain water and walked a spray route: putting on and taking off the backpack, walking between house and foundation plants, opening and closing a gate, uphill and downhill, and over small obstacles. Scoring favored sprayers that stayed most secure with less “slosh” and that generally felt most comfortable.

We then pressurized each sprayer, either by switching it on or by manually pumping and tried each nozzle. We noted ease and comfort of operation, speed of attaining initial pressure, motor noise, and drips from spray tips after releasing the spray trigger. The best backpack sprayers were easy to operate, versatile, fast, quiet, and drip-free.

Our Top Picks

We tried each of the following sprayers in our backyard testing program. Read on to learn their individual features and benefits, how each one performed, and why we included them in this lineup of the best backpack sprayers.

Best Overall Manual

Field King Max 190348 Backpack Sprayer

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What We Like

• Very comfortable harness system can be worn for long periods of time
• 4 interchangeable nozzles included with purchase to satisfy multiple users’ preferences 
• High maximum psi of 150; suitable for small- to large-scale spreading

What We Don’t Like

• Manual operation increases user fatigue over extended periods of use

Specs  

• Pressure: 150 pounds per square inch (psi)
• Tank capacity: 4 gallons
• Type: Manual

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Comfort 5/5; Functionality 4/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.7/5

If you’re looking for excellent performance with long-lasting comfort, the manual Field King Max 190348 is bound to deliver on both fronts. It features a 150 max psi— adequate power for most applications—and an internal pump design to contain leaks within the tank. 

There are four nozzles: one for stream-to-cone spray patterns, one for a wide flat fan spray pattern, one for a narrow flat fan spray pattern, and one for a foaming spray. While a bit of muscle is required for operation, we found the Field King Max to be the best manual backpack sprayer we tested, largely due to its harness system. It isn’t especially well padded, but it includes a hip belt, sternum strap, and wide shoulder straps that did not dig into the shoulders during testing. It also had the least amount of drip after releasing the spray trigger, when compared with the other manual sprayers. 

Get the Field King 190348 backpack sprayer at Amazon, Northern Tool + Equipment, or Gemplers.

Best Overall Motorized

Field King 190515 Battery-Powered Backpack Sprayer

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What We Like

• Powered by rechargeable 20V lithium-ion battery for long usage times 
• Padded shoulder straps and hip belt keep the unit in place comfortably; most comfortable battery-powered sprayer tested 
• No drips when the spray trigger is released; no wasted product 

What We Don’t Like

• Low psi limits this option’s uses; may not be ideal for some tasks 
• Battery must be removed for charging

Specs  

• Pressure: 40 psi
• Tank capacity: 4 gallons
• Type: Battery-powered

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.3/5; Comfort 5/5; Functionality 5/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4.7/5

With a 4-gallon tank and a 4-hour battery charge, the Field King 190515 backpack sprayer is ideal for an enthusiastic amateur landscaper. It features a fully padded harness to cushion your shoulders against muscle strain, a preset rating of 40 psi that users can increase if necessary, and a lockable shutoff on the wand to help reduce hand fatigue. A built-in carry handle and wand storage make transportation simple. 

In our tests, the Field King 190515 was the most comfortable to carry battery-powered backpack sprayer, thanks to a generous amount of padding in the shoulder straps and hip belt. At 40 psi, it offered the lowest pressure rating, but that was still plenty of pressure to apply a variety of spray patterns, from a fine mist to a coarse shower of heavier droplets. The lithium-ion battery saves significant weight compared to the lead acid batteries in other sprayers, and the price is comparatively affordable. Good performance and excellent value.

Get the Field King 190515 backpack sprayer at Amazon or Forestry Suppliers.

Best Bang for the Buck

Chapin 61800 4-Gallon Manual Backpack Sprayer

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What We Like

• Adjustable brass spray nozzle accommodates users during multiple tasks
• Great price for this sprayer’s quality; can last for years of use 
• Clean, efficient operation for weeds, fertilizer, and pest control 

What We Don’t Like

• Minimal harness support and padding; may dig into the user if worn for extended periods
• Manual operation can increase user fatigue; may not be ideal for some users

Specs  

• Pressure: 60 psi
• Tank capacity: 4 gallons
• Type: Manual

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Comfort 3/5; Functionality 4/5; Durability 3/5; Value 4/5

Users are unlikely to make a mess when filling the tank of this affordable backpack sprayer, thanks to a large 5-inch-diameter opening that helps prevent spills. It weighs about 9 pounds when the tank is empty and comes with adjustable padded shoulder straps to help support the tank when it’s full. The adjustable brass spray nozzle allows users to change the spray pattern from a fine mist to a coarse stream. This backpack sprayer from Chapin has a maximum psi of 60, and it requires manual pumping to keep the sprayer pressurized while in use. 

When we tested this sprayer, it became apparent that Chapin saved costs on the harness system to preserve tank and pump quality at a bargain price. The manual pump and tank system proved easy to use and was efficiently designed. The spray tip dripped only slightly after the trigger was released. The bare-bones harness system, which consisted of thinly padded shoulder straps and a minimal lumbar pad at the base of the tank, was fine for limited work with a partially filled tank but was not comfortable for extended use.

Get the Chapin 61800 backpack sprayer at Amazon or Gemplers.

Upgrade Pick

My4Sons M4 4-Gallon Battery-Powered Backpack Sprayer

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What We Like

• Accessible variable pressure switch can adjust the pressure of the product 
• Automatically maintains psi between 40 and 60 for pest control, fertilizers, and weeds
• Excellent shoulder-strap padding supports the users’ back and hips while in use 
• Sprays up to 30 feet; suitable for large-scale product applications 

What We Don’t Like

• Heavier than the other battery-powered sprayers; may wear on some users 
• Cannot be used if the battery isn’t charged

Specs  

• Pressure: 60 psi
• Tank capacity: 4 gallons
• Type: Battery-powered

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.3/5; Comfort 5/5; Functionality 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.3/5

This backpack sprayer from My4Sons is a premium product that comes at a premium price. It includes such impressive features as a variable pressure switch that allows the user to adjust the output pressure to the optimal level. It also boasts a variety of nozzles so users can switch between them, depending on the job and personal preference.

The battery-powered backpack sprayer has a motorized pump that works continuously to keep the pressure inside the sprayer between 40 and 60 psi. When used with the right nozzle and held at the right angle, this pressure allows the unit to spray up to 30 feet in a horizontal direction. Just keep in mind that even if the 4-gallon tank is filled and ready to go, the sprayer will not run unless the battery is charged. 

In testing, we really liked the build of this My4Sons sprayer. The combination of a low-profile tank and thick padded shoulder straps provides excellent comfort, balance, and maneuverability. The powerful pump brought the tank up to pressure in a matter of seconds and ran quieter than other motorized sprayers tested. Pressure was excellent and no drips, and we felt it was definitely worth the added cost for those who use a sprayer frequently.

Get the My4Sons backpack sprayer at Amazon. 

Best Professional

PetraTools HD5000 Battery-Powered Backpack Sprayer

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What We Like

• High-volume tank is suitable for large-scale product applications; perfect for weeding, fertilizing, and pest control 
• Converts from backpack to cart for increased portability and mobility
• Variable pressure switch can adjust the output level of the product for added versatility 
• Includes 4-foot and 100-foot spray hoses depending upon the application area

What We Don’t Like

• Oversize tank can be cumbersome in backpack mode
• Cannot be used if the battery isn’t charged

Specs  

• Pressure: 80 psi
• Tank capacity: 6.5 gallons
• Type: Battery-powered

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Comfort 4/5; Functionality 4/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4/5

Professionals in the market for a new backpack sprayer may appreciate the PetraTools backpack sprayer’s 6.5-gallon tank and its rugged steel cart for hauling the unit from the vehicle to the work site. It features a 100-foot hose for treating large areas without moving the sprayer from the cart. 

This battery-powered sprayer provides a base setting of 70 psi that can be increased to suit user needs—a great versatility factor when working on a variety of yards over the course of a long day.

This convertible backpack/cart sprayer offers excellent versatility for intensive spraying in a compact area or dispersed use over a larger area. In testing we found that the 6.5-gallon spray tank is too heavy to completely fill for backpack mode but a good size for the cart. The conversion from backpack to cart mode was quick and uncomplicated. The pump offers ample pressure to apply common lawn and garden chemicals, and the wand operated drip-free.

Get the PetraTools backpack sprayer at Amazon. 

Best Hobbyist

Chapin 61900 4-Gallon Manual Backpack Sprayer

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What We Like

• Wand-mounted pressure gauge monitors spray pressure
• Multiple spray tips included for various spray patterns
• 3-stage filtration system resists clogging

What We Don’t Like

• Steel spray wand may not be appropriate for use with some chemicals
• Manual operation can increase user fatigue

Specs  

• Pressure: 60 psi
• Tank capacity: 4 gallons
• Type: Manual

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Comfort 4/5; Functionality 4/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4.3/5

For versatility and safety, the Chapin 61900 sprayer can handle some of the most volatile fertilizers, weed killers, and pest control treatments in use today. It features Viton seals, which are specially manufactured to be chemically resistant, and a three-stage filtration system to prevent clogging. 

A wand-mounted pressure gauge and a control flow valve both assure the user that the spray and pressure levels are consistent, while three different nozzles are included for direct stream, fan spray, and foaming applications. Great for home use or for industry professionals who need a single sprayer suited for multiple applications.

In our tests, the Chapin 61900 proved comfortable and capable as well as affordable. The wide shoulder straps and hip belt provided good comfort and excellent stability. The built-in pressure gauge gave a sure indication of adequate operating pressure, which the other manual sprayers tested did not offer. For just a few dollars more than our budget pick, the price appears to be a bargain for this upgraded sprayer.

Get the Chapin 61900 backpack sprayer at Amazon.

Also Consider Manual

Solo 425 4-Gallon Backpack Sprayer

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What We Like

• Comfortable padded straps can support the back and hips of the user 
• Collapsible carry handle provides added versatility and maneuverability
• 5 spray tips included with purchase depending on the application type 
• Four pressure settings integrated; suitable for small- to large-scale applications 

What We Don’t Like

• No padding in the lumbar area or on the hip belt; may not be ideal for some users

Specs  

• Pressure: 60 psi
• Tank capacity: 4 gallons
• Type: Manual

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Comfort 3/5; Functionality 4/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4/5

Gardeners looking for a durable sprayer for regular or intermittent use should consider the Solo backpack sprayer. It offers reliable operation and quality components, like a manual diaphragm pump that produces up to 60 psi, a full array of five spray nozzles for customized applications, an unbreakable wand, and padded shoulder straps. This sprayer is suitable for use with liquid concentrates, wettable powders, and bleach solutions that could damage other sprayers.

In our tests, this Solo sprayer came up to full pressure quickly and produced an excellent spray pattern with no drips. It was comfortable and easy to carry when half full, but at capacity, the shoulder straps dug in a bit too much for comfort. The plastic spray wand provided some flexibility and, as required equipment for use with bleach solutions and certain other chemicals, makes a good all-purpose applicator. 

Get the Solo backpack sprayer at Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, Northern Tool + Equipment, or Gemplers.

Also Consider Motorized

PetraTools HD4000 4-Gallon Backpack Sprayer

See It

What We Like

• Adjustable pressure output depending upon the application type and size 
• Automatic pump to maintain 70 psi while spraying 
• Low-profile tank is easier to carry that some comparable options 
• Well-padded shoulder straps are comfortable for the user 

What We Don’t Like

• Thin nylon waist belt does not relieve shoulder pressure 
• No padding in the lumbar area; may not be ideal for those with back problems

Specs  

• Pressure: 70 psi
• Tank capacity: 4 gallons
• Type: Battery-powered

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.7/5; Comfort 4/5; Functionality 4/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.3/5

Capable of operating for up to 8 hours on a single battery charge while maintaining a constant pressure of 70 psi, this PetraTools backpack sprayer is an excellent choice for anyone with a lot of ground to cover. 

The 4-gallon tank can handle large yards without frequent refills, and it’s translucent, so users can see how much liquid is left at any time. With padded straps for added comfort and a wide-mouth tank lid to offset spills, this motorized backpack sprayer will keep the operator working comfortably all day long. 

We really liked this PetraTools sprayer’s low-profile tank and padded shoulder straps. It felt comfortable and well balanced for limited use. Unfortunately, the thin nylon waist belt only provides lateral stabilization without relieving weight from the shoulders, which makes it less than ideal for extended use. The pump worked quickly and was fairly quiet—nearly on the level of our upgrade pick and for about $80 less. 

Get the PetraTools backpack sprayer at Amazon.

Jump to Our Top Picks

What to Consider When Choosing a Backpack Sprayer

Before opting for the first hobbyist or professional backpack sprayer you see, take some time to familiarize yourself with the various product factors likely to lead you to the right decision. Consider the pressure (psi), tank capacity, the type of liquid delivery system, and the type of pump that pressurizes the backpack sprayer.

Pressure

Pounds per square inch (psi) is the unit of measure identifying the amount of pressure a backpack herbicide sprayer can propel through its nozzle. The average for a backpack sprayer is around 70 psi, but smaller models can use as little as 40 psi, and a commercial backpack sprayer may use as much as 150 psi. 

Pressure is important to ensure that a backpack sprayer operates effectively. Too little pressure will produce an uneven spray that reduces the effectiveness of its contents, while too much will prove excessive for a smaller yard. 

If you have a large yard with many hard-to-reach spots, or you are a professional who works in many different-size spaces, a sprayer with a psi rating of 70 or above is your best bet. For those with average-size or smaller yards, a moderate rating between 40 and 70 psi is more than enough to spray your space.

Piston vs. Diaphragm

Backpack sprayers generally come in one of two types of liquid delivery systems: piston pump and diaphragm pump. 

• A piston pump works by drawing liquid from the tank into an enclosed chamber on the upstroke and pushing the liquid out through the outlet valve or nozzle on the downstroke. Piston pump sprayers are more popular with the average home dweller because of their simple design, easy accessibility for repairs, and beneficial psi ratings.
• A diaphragm pump is designed for the safety of professionals who use potent pest control and weed killer chemicals. It is a sealed system that works by moving liquid from one side of a chamber to the other with a diaphragm so that one side is always full and one side is always empty. The diaphragm pump cannot produce the same pressure as the piston pump but is better suited to pros because it’s made of more chemically resistant materials.

Manual vs. Motorized

Backpack sprayers use an internal pump to draw liquid out of the chamber, through a hose, and out through a wand and nozzle. This pump can be operated manually, or an electric backpack sprayer will often use a motorized system—the pricier option.

Manual backpack sprayers operate via a hand pump attached to the backpack chamber. Pumping manually for an extended period can cause muscle fatigue and pain, so while this style of sprayer is fine for smaller yards, once-per-season jobs, and the average home dweller, it’s less suited to professionals who have to spray for hours at a time. Manual backpack sprayers cost as little as $40 to as much as $150, on average. 

Motorized backpack sprayers are powered either by battery or gas, with a battery backpack sprayer offering more versatility and a simpler setup. A motorized sprayer automatically pumps the liquid from the backpack chamber to the wand, requiring no physical work by the user. Intended for large projects and long workdays, a motorized sprayer (which can run between about $100 and $500) is a better choice for the busy professional who’ll rely on it daily. 

That said, Sherrer explains, “Most homeowners can use a backpack sprayer with a hand pump for effective results.” A motorized option may only be worth the jump in price for those looking for a more heavy-duty option to use more often.

Tank Capacity

Sprayers are available in a tank capacity range between 2 and 7 gallons. Carry smaller-capacity sprayers with a handle, and tote the largest tanks with a wheeled cart. A 4-gallon backpack sprayer is considered to be about average in size.

Sprayers that fall between these two size extremes are true backpack sprayers—light enough to carry on your back but too heavy to lug around by hand. For typical jobs, such as fertilizing a lawn or spraying an insect infestation, a 4-gallon tank can do the trick for a yard between 5,000 and 10,000 square feet. 

Additional Features

Backpack sprayers may include a variety of features, such as a built-in gauge to monitor the pressure of the unit while in use, extra padding in the shoulder straps for added comfort, a foaming nozzle, and a foldaway pump handle that won’t get in the way while spraying. Larger models may offer an extended hose and wheeled cart that can be used for more complex yards and heavier tanks. 

“Some backpack sprayers are designed with detachable and changeable nozzles,” Sherrer says. “Some nozzles produce a pin stream, which is useful when spraying in cracks and crevices or when a precise application is needed. Fan spray nozzles are useful when applied over a larger area.” He also adds that “the ability to adjust the application flow will make any sprayer more versatile and effective.”

Tips for Using a Backpack Sprayer

Backpack sprayers are helpful tools for quickly and efficiently treating the yard and garden with liquid fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides. But to ensure against over- or under-spraying an area, it’s important to keep the same walking speed and distance from the target during use.

Additionally, users should ensure that the backpack sprayer is properly pressurized at all times so that it’s easier to maintain an even spraying pressure. By taking the time to balance the pressure, the same amount of solution will be applied to each area of the yard and garden.

Before starting to use a backpack sprayer, adjust the shoulder straps so that the unit fits properly. You don’t want to have to deal with a shifting tank of fertilizer, water, or pesticide while working because it will take extra effort to control the moving weight, increasing fatigue.

In general, remember to:

• Maintain a uniform walking speed.
• Balance the spraying pressure.
• Adjust the straps before use for a secure fit.

FAQs

Buying and using a backpack sprayer brings up several questions. We’ve answered some of the common questions below.

The post The Best Backpack Sprayers for Easier Yard Work  appeared first on Bob Vila.

Garden plants need nutrients to grow and remain healthy. Adequate soil fertility is as important to plants as a healthy diet is to animals and people. Experienced gardeners know the necessity of understanding soil nutrients so they can use them at the optimal time and in the right proportion with the best fertilizer to supplement the soil.

Choosing a fertilizer can be downright overwhelming because there are so many types and options available. Our favorite is Jobe’s All-Purpose Granular Fertilizer, because of its fast-acting, balanced, multipurpose formula that works for many different types of plants. Read on for tips and suggestions to help when shopping, and don’t miss our roundup of all our favorite picks among the best garden fertilizers available.

1. BEST OVERALL: Jobe’s Organics All Purpose Granular Fertilizer
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Burpee Natural Organic All-Purpose Plant Food
3. BEST ORGANIC: Sunday All-Purpose Plant Food Mix
4. BEST LIQUID: GS Plant Foods Organic Fish and Kelp Blend
5. BEST FOR VEGETABLES: Dr. Earth Organic and Natural Home Grown Fertilizer
6. BEST FOR FLOWERS: Jobe’s Organics Annuals and Perennials Plant Food
7. BEST PLANT STARTER: Espoma Organic Bio-Tone Starter Plus Fertilizer
8. BEST ACIDIC: Dr. Earth Organic and Natural Acid-Lovers Fertilizer

Before You Buy Garden Fertilizer

Choosing the right garden fertilizer is highly dependent on the types of plants being fed. Before buying garden fertilizer, take stock of the plants in the garden and research their individual nutritional needs. Flowers have different nutritional needs than vegetables, and seedlings have different nutritional needs than mature plants.

Before buying and applying a garden fertilizer, consider performing a soil test to determine the soil’s pH level and nutrient content. Use these test results to determine which type of fertilizer is the best fit.

Product Comparison

Our Top Picks

Organic fertilizers are the safest and most versatile for most landscapes and home gardens. They are unlikely to harm plants from accidental overapplications, are generally people- and pet-safe, and pose a lower risk for water pollution when used according to directions. That said, be sure to feed plants consistently for the best results.

Best Overall

Jobe’s Organics All Purpose Granular Fertilizer

See It

What We Like

• Contains bacteria and fungi for soil health
• Increases root mass and promotes healthy plant growth
• Fast-acting, balanced, multipurpose formula

What We Don’t Like

• Needs to be applied every 4 to 8 weeks
• Can have a strong smell, attracting dogs

Product Specs

• Type: Granular
• NPK ratio: 4-4-4
• Quantity: 16 pounds

This all-purpose fertilizer includes a combination of healthy bacteria, mycorrhizal fungi (fungi that form a symbiotic association with plants), and archaea (a microorganism that aggressively breaks down material). It checks the boxes for most basic plant needs, plus it is Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) listed for organic gardening by the USDA, which means it’s 100 percent organic and made with all-natural ingredients.

The blend of beneficial microorganisms in the fertilizer helps to improve soil quality, increases root mass, and promotes plant growth. The nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK) ratio is 4-4-4, which makes it a suitable fertilizer for flowers, a vegetable garden, shrubs, trees, and houseplants.

Get the Jobe’s Organics all-purpose garden fertilizer at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Best Bang For The Buck

Burpee Natural Organic All-Purpose Plant Food

See It

What We Like

• Also contains micronutrients and beneficial microbes
• Has received an OMRI label for organic use
• Fine granular texture, making it easy to spread

What We Don’t Like

• Isn’t as readily available from major retailers

Product Specs

• Type: Granular
• NPK ratio: 4-4-4
• Quantity: 4 pounds

Burpee natural organic all-purpose plant food offers great value for a product that is effective and only contains organic ingredients. This fertilizer contains a balanced 4-4-4 formula of macronutrients as well as calcium, minor nutrients, and beneficial microbes. While some nutrients are released immediately, this is a slow-release product that feeds plants for up to 3 months. This versatile formula is suitable for seed starting, bedding plants, vegetable gardens, trees, shrubs, and container gardening, according to the manufacturer.

It comes in a 4-pound resealable bag that’s easy to store between feeding sessions. The product has been certified organic and given an OMRI label for organic gardening.

Get the Burpee garden fertilizer at Amazon or Burpee.

Best Organic

Sunday All-Purpose Plant Food Mix

See It

What We Like

• Suitable for both outdoor and indoor plants
• Offers higher nutrient levels than many competing products
• Turkey litter and feather meal improve soil health slowly over time

What We Don’t Like

• Should be applied every 4 to 6 weeks, which is more often than other options

Product Specs

• Type: Granular
• NPK ratio: 6-3-7
• Quantity: 4 pounds

Sunday is known for its all-natural plant care products, and the all-purpose plant food mix is a star performer. According to the manufacturer, it’s a good choice for new or established flowers, vegetable gardens, trees, and shrubs.

Organic fertilizers typically have lower nutrient levels than inorganic formulas, but this product has an NPK ratio of 6-3-7, providing higher levels of nitrogen and potassium than many other organic fertilizers on the market. The fertilizer contains ingredients like turkey litter and feather meal to improve soil health.

While it needs to be applied every 4 to 6 weeks, the amount of fertilizer needed during each application is much less than for other products on this list. It’s also suitable for both indoor and outdoor plants, making it a versatile pick for those with a variety of plants to feed.

Get the Sunday garden fertilizer at Sunday.

Best Liquid

GS Plant Foods Organic Fish and Kelp Blend

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What We Like

• Liquid formulas provide immediate absorption
• Suitable for most plant types, and can be used on both plants and flowers
• Made from a renewable raw material

What We Don’t Like

• The smaller container comes at a high price per ounce

Product Specs

• Type: Liquid
• NPK ratio: 2-3-1
• Quantity: 32 fluid ounces

Water-soluble fertilizers penetrate the soil, and foliage absorbs them immediately, giving the plants fast access to nutrients. Fish emulsion and kelp are excellent natural sources of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium—the three nutrients that help plants thrive. GS Plant Foods’ organic liquid fish and kelp blend delivers these nutrients in a 2-3-1 NPK ratio, so it is safe for any type of plant and serves as a compost enhancer.

Although liquid fertilizers do not tend to last as long as granular fertilizers, they typically come in concentrated forms that need to be diluted before applying. Organic liquid fish and kelp blend comes in a 1-quart, 1-gallon, 5-gallon, or 55-gallon container. It’s compliant for use in organic gardening and OMRI listed for organic use.

Get the GS Plant Foods garden fertilizer at Amazon.

Best For Vegetables

Dr. Earth Organic and Natural Home Grown Fertilizer

See It

What We Like

• Contains organic and feed-grade ingredients
• The formula includes both essential nutrients and trace elements
• Designed to be used as a starter, a top dressing, or a compost tea

What We Don’t Like

• Primarily used for vegetable growth; not suitable for all plant types
• The powder form must be worked into soil
• Dogs may be attracted to the food-grade ingredients

Product Specs

• Type: Granular
• NPK ratio: 4-6-3
• Quantity: 4 pounds

Made from human- and feed-grade ingredients, Dr. Earth fertilizer is enriched with multiminerals, proteins, carbohydrates, humic acids, and trace elements that promote the healthiest soils. It’s versatile, too. Use Dr. Earth as a starter fertilizer during initial planting and transplanting and regularly as a top dressing or in compost tea.

Dr. Earth fertilizer contains no synthetic chemicals, chicken manure, or toxic ingredients, so it’s safe for pets and people. This fertilizer is sustainably made in the United States and carries the OMRI seal.

Get the Dr. Earth Home Grown garden fertilizer at Amazon or Target.

Best For Flowers

Jobe’s Organics Annuals and Perennials Plant Food

See It

What We Like

• Improves soil condition over time
• Pet- and people-friendly
• Balanced formula for flowering plants

What We Don’t Like

• Strong smell of manure

Product Specs

• Type: Granular
• NPK ratio: 3-5-4
• Quantity: 4 pounds

Featuring Biozome with archaea (Jobe’s proprietary microbe package), this fertilizer rapidly breaks down nutrients in the soil for faster results and improves soil condition over time by increasing microorganism activity for a healthier, living soil. Made from all-natural materials and certified for organic use, this fertilizer is pet- and people-friendly, will not cause fertilizer burn, and is safe for the environment.

The fertilizer analysis for this Jobe’s product is 3-5-4, which makes it a good source of nutrients for most annual and perennial plants. Use the granular formula on flowering plants such as impatiens, begonias, marigolds, zinnias, blue minks, lilies, daylilies, peonies, ferns, and more.

Get the Jobe’s Organics annuals and perennials garden fertilizer at Amazon or Ace Hardware.

Best Plant Starter

Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus Fertilizer

See It

What We Like

• Designed to promote root growth
• Contains beneficial fungi along with key macronutrients
• Ideal for starting a wide variety of plants

What We Don’t Like

• Works best when placed in the hole at planting

Product Specs

• Type: Granular
• NPK ratio: 4-3-3
• Quantity: 4 pounds

Specially enhanced with beneficial bacteria and starter cultures of seven different beneficial mycorrhizal fungi, Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus fertilizer promotes maximum root development directly after transplanting. Mycorrhizal fungi work symbiotically with the root system of the plants to greatly increase the amount of water and nutrients a plant can use.

Use of Bio-tone Starter Plus during planting will help seedlings develop a healthy colony of mycorrhizal fungi so the plants will settle into their new homes more quickly and thrive in the long run. With an NPK ratio of 4-3-3, Bio-tone Starter Plus is a good all-purpose starter fertilizer that gardeners can use in garden beds for all types of plants.

Get the Espoma fertilizer at Amazon or Ace Hardware.

Best Acidic

Dr. Earth Organic and Natural Acid Lovers Fertilizer

See It

What We Like

• Helps lower soil pH
• Assists plants with absorbing nutrients efficiently
• Designed for fast release

What We Don’t Like

• Strong smell
• Isn’t suitable for products requiring alkaline soil
• Has a Proposition 65 warning

Product Specs

• Type: Granular
• NPK ratio: 3-4-3
• Quantity: 4 pounds

Some plants need a little acidity to look their best. Acid fertilizers lower soil pH to free up and help plants access nutrients rendered unavailable in high-pH soils. Dr. Earth Organic and Natural Acid Lovers fertilizer is ideal for hollies, gardenias, hydrangeas, blueberries, evergreens, ferns, shade plants, azaleas, camellias, rhododendrons, and maples. It temporarily lowers pH values in the soil, allowing the plants to absorb the nutrients they need to promote healthier foliage and bigger blooms.

This fertilizer is specially designed to release a portion of nutrients quickly and provide continuous feeding for several months of long-lasting results. It’s also safe for people and pets when used as directed.

Get the Dr. Earth Natural Acid Lovers garden fertilizer at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Or, DIY Your Own Garden Fertilizer

Compost can provide beneficial microbes and nutrients for plants. It can be made easily at home with vegetable scraps and yard clippings. Ingredients like coffee grounds, banana peels, and other kitchen scraps all make excellent natural fertilizers. Compost should make up about half of the total volume of the fertilizer blend.

Bone meal provides phosphorus, which encourages root growth, flower production, and better fruit yields. This organic material also helps plants resist disease and increases the number of beneficial microorganisms in the soil. Bone meal should make up one quarter of the total volume of the fertilizer blend.

Kelp meal is full of trace minerals like calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and boron that help keep plants healthy. Kelp meal can help promote microbial activity in the soil as well as improve its structure. This organic material should make up one eighth of the total volume of the fertilizer blend, too.

Fish emulsion is a great source of nitrogen, which helps plants produce the protein needed for photosynthesis, flowering, and fruiting. Fish emulsion also contains other essential minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium that allow plants to thrive even when conditions are unfavorable. This organic material should also make up one eighth of the total volume of the fertilizer blend.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Chose the Best Garden Fertilizers

Garden fertilizers can give new plants a boost and feed plants throughout their growing season. We looked at fertilizer types and common plant needs to come up with this carefully curated list of some of the best garden fertilizers.

We considered more than 20 garden fertilizer options, and we weighed a number of practical considerations. We analyzed the nutrient ratios, the purpose of various products, and the quantity of fertilizer in packages before making our recommendations.

The list includes multipurpose formulas and a few designed for specific garden uses.

• Organic vs. inorganic: We only considered organic fertilizers for this guide since they are capable of top-notch performance without causing any negative environmental impact.
• Type: We considered both liquid and granular formulas for our recommendations since both fertilizer types offer unique benefits.
• Value: Since fertilizers vary in type and quantity, it can be hard to determine a product’s value. We ensured that each recommended product offered excellent value, regardless of the format.

Our Verdict

We recommend Jobe’s Organics all-purpose garden fertilizer as our top pick for its organic formulation, fast-acting results, and ready availability. There are other common garden fertilizer options, including Miracle-Gro Shake ‘N Feed All Purpose Plant Food and JR Peters All Purpose Fertilizer. However, they do not meet our sustainability guidelines and are not recommended in our top picks due to their potentially harmful ingredients and negative impact on the environment.

Types of Garden Fertilizers

Fertilizer comes in three basic forms: granules, liquid, and stakes. Each type of fertilizer can be classified as either organic or inorganic.

Granule Fertilizers

Gardeners apply fertilizer granules by either mixing them into the soil at planting time or by “top dressing.” Top dressing simply means sprinkling the granules on the soil surface over the plant’s root zone. Granular fertilizers are available in either slow-release or quick-release formulas.

• Slow-release fertilizers provide a steady flow of nutrients for an extended time, up to a full growing season. These fertilizers comprise organic or inorganic ingredients. Soil microbes break down organic slow-release fertilizer and make it available for plants to use. Manufacturers coat inorganic slow-release fertilizer pellets to slowly dissolve as water moves through the soil.
• Quick-release fertilizer is inorganic. It should dissolve fully into the soil within just a few weeks, giving plants a quick burst of nutrients.

Liquid Fertilizers

Liquid fertilizers include ready-to-mix dry granules and liquid concentrates. They can consist of either organic or inorganic ingredients. Water-soluble fertilizers can soak the roots, or in some instances, spray right onto plant foliage. These formulas are available to the plant immediately.

Fertilizer Spikes

Fertilizer spikes also come in either organic or inorganic formulas. They act similarly to slow-release fertilizers. Calculate the number of spikes needed for a plant based on plant size and manufacturer directions. Space the spikes evenly around the edge of the plant’s root zone and push them into the soil.

Organic vs. Inorganic Fertilizers

There are two major differences between organic and inorganic fertilizers: ingredients and the way nutrients become available to the plant.

• Organic fertilizers add vital organic matter to the soil and work with the living microorganisms in the soil to feed plants. These fertilizers come from plant and animal sources: composted chicken manure, bone meal, blood meal, alfalfa meal, cottonseed meal, and kelp meal.
• Inorganic fertilizers are highly concentrated and feed plants directly. Manufacturers make inorganic, or synthetic, fertilizers from the synthesized chemicals of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, sometimes as byproducts of other industrial processes.

What to Consider When Choosing Garden Fertilizer

NPK Ratios

It is usually best to begin with a soil test to determine the natural fertility of a garden soil before applying fertilizer. Contact the local Cooperative Extension Service to submit a soil sample for testing. The results will show which nutrients the soil might lack, so those nutrients can be provided in the form of fertilizer.

The major nutrients in fertilizer are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilizer products list these elements on the bag as a ratio such as 10-10-10 or 4-3-4. The package listing always appears in the order NPK.

Determining the right ratio for a garden depends on what the specific plants need.

• Nitrogen supports foliage plants’ growth. High-nitrogen fertilizer is useful to help grass start growing in spring or to help leafy greens produce a heavy yield.
• Phosphorus helps plants establish roots, produce flowers, and develop fruit. High-phosphorus fertilizer is useful as a starter fertilizer or to spruce up annual flower beds.
• Potassium is an important element for rigid stems and overall plant health. Potassium helps plants get through drought and other growing stresses.

Plant Needs

Different kinds of plants, and plants at various stages of life, have different nutrient requirements. Flowering and fruiting plants need plant food with higher phosphorus content, while plants grown for foliage need more nitrogen.

Planting a new flower, vegetable, or herb bed? Use a starter fertilizer to help the young plants become established in their new home.

Do the azaleas, camellias, gardenias, or blueberries look weak and puny? Perk them up with a fertilizer specifically formulated for acid-loving plants.

Quantity

Regular fertilizer applications keep plants vigorous and productive. How often fertilizer should be applied depends on the soil type and whether the plants are in raised beds or containers. Most plants growing in porous, well-drained soil or in containers need more frequent feeding, about every 3 to 4 weeks throughout the growing season. Plants growing in clay soils typically require less fertilizer. One application every 4 to 6 weeks after planting is usually enough.

Typically, granular fertilizer will go further than a liquid fertilizer. To determine how much fertilizer is needed, look at how much area one bag or bottle covers and divide that by the square footage of the garden beds. The result will indicate how much fertilizer will get the plants through the growing season.

FAQs 

Q. When should I fertilize my garden?

The best time to fertilize outdoor plants is when they are placed in the ground, beginning with added compost or a starter fertilizer. After that, plants need nutrients during their peak growing season, typically spring through summer. When choosing a long-acting or continuous feeder, you can apply it less often.

Q. What is the best fertilizer for vegetables?

Vegetables need a good start since they typically have a short, one-time growing season. Start them out with a boost of nutrients and good soil, and then apply a balanced fertilizer for vegetables and herbs like Dr. Earth Home Grown garden fertilizer for tomato, vegetable, and herb gardens.

Q. What is the best fertilizer for garden plants?

The best fertilizer depends on the plants. Lawn fertilizers, for example, differ from vegetable fertilizers. Many native plants need little to no fertilizer, assuming they are growing in decent soils. But flowering plants often need a boost so the plant can stay healthy plus send extra energy into producing lots of large, colorful flowers. Try Jobe’s Organics all-purpose garden fertilizer for beautiful blooms.

Q. When should I apply 10-10-10 fertilizer to my vegetable garden?

Apply most balanced (10-10-10) fertilizers monthly during the growing season to boost the health of perennial plants. But be sure to check the package directions, since some fertilizers have slow-release formulas that last longer.

Q. How do you naturally fertilize soil?

Nutrient-rich soil is the best type for gardens, and keeping soil balanced and with plenty of humus is preferred by many gardeners over adding fertilizer regularly. Get healthy soil with annual additions of organic compost such as manure, homemade compost from kitchen scraps, and even leaves or grass clippings. Mix up the ingredients for the best effect, and use organic fertilizer as needed.

Q. Are eggshells good for fertilizer?

Ground-up eggshells can add some calcium and other nutrients. They won’t necessarily provide all nutrients that all plants need, and they break down slowly, so effects are not immediate. Still, adding them can be part of any effort to maintain soil health; they do not contain enough of any ingredient to harm plants.

The post The Best Garden Fertilizers, Vetted appeared first on Bob Vila.

If you’re itching to get your garden going, there’s no need to wait until the weather outside is agreeable (and really, your garden will thank you for your impatience). By growing plants from seeds that you start indoors, you’ll save money and have access to a wider variety of vegetables, fruits, and flowers than you can buy at garden centers as seedlings. 

Starting seeds indoors also helps extend the growing season for vegetables like peppers and tomatoes, since hardened-off seedlings will be weeks ahead of seeds sown directly in the ground. Although some plants, like carrots and beets, fare best when sowed directly in the ground, many others transplant well. What are you waiting for? Learn more about starting seeds indoors and avoiding potential missteps in the process.

What to Know Before You Sow

Some seeds require stratification. 

Many seeds can be sown as is, but some have additional requirements. If you’re sowing only vegetable seeds and annual flowers, you can likely skip this step. Some plants, however, require stratifying, or chilling, to mimic the overwintering cycle a fallen seed would undergo in nature. Among those that need stratification are black-eyed Susan and some types of milkweed.

If your seed packet calls for stratifying, place the seeds on a dampened paper towel and fold the paper gently before slipping it into a zip-top plastic bag and placing it in your fridge. Depending on the seeds, they may need to remain in the fridge for 1 to 3 months; the suggested chilling time should appear on the seed packet.

Scarify your seeds, if called for on the packet.

Scarifying is the process of nicking the outer shell of a seed to encourage it to germinate. Some seed shells (like those for nasturtiums and sweet peas) are so hard that the rate of germination is low unless they get a little help breaking out of their shells. A simple way to do this at home is to chip the edge of the seed with sharp fingernail clippers—only enough to perforate the hard shell casing and no more.

Start seeds at the right time.

A plant’s seed packet lists the best time to start the seeds. Many vegetable seeds should be started 4 to 6 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. Other seeds, including many perennial flowers, should start earlier, as much as 8 to 10 weeks or 10 to 12 weeks before the last frost date. If you’re starting perennials, make sure the mature plants will survive in your growing zone through winter.

Sow and Grow

Prep your mix for planting.

Pour sterile seed-starting medium in a clean bowl and add just enough warm water to dampen it. Use of a sterile mix, not garden soil, is important to avoid spreading diseases to the young seedlings. Seed-starting mix is designed to be lighter and airer so that seeds and young roots can break through the soil.

Fill up your tray.

Purchase a plastic grow flat or tray designed for seed starting. A long, shallow container is designed specifically to accommodate a growing plant and its roots. Seed-starting kits might come with an insertable tray consisting of multiple cells with drainage holes and a bottom tray to catch and hold water. Having a tray with individual sections makes it easier to keep the roots of the seedlings separate after they start to grow, and the cells are tiny enough to hold one seedling each.

Moisten the seed mix well, so that it feels like a wrung-out sponge. Distribute the moistened mix between the individual cells in the tray and fill each one almost to the top. Another option is to set tiny peat pots in a large bottom tray or use peat starter pods.

Plot out the plants.

Make an indentation in the top of the planting mix in each cell, or make shallow rows if you’re using a flat without individual cells. The packet will tell you how deeply the seeds should be planted, but the general rule is to plant a seed four times as deep as its width. Large seeds, like cantaloupe and sunflower, need to be planted deeper than small, fine seeds.

Drop in seeds.

Allot one seed per cell or distribute them evenly in the shallow rows. Plant each at the depth listed on the seed packet. If the packet says they require light to germinate, then don’t cover them; these seeds may be sprinkled on top of the seed-starting mix. If there aren’t instructions regarding light for the seeds, cover them with the moistened medium to match the recommended depth, patting the soil very lightly on top. Then, cover the seed tray with a fitted plastic top or with plastic wrap to keep the medium from drying out.

Find an indoor spot with optimal temperatures.

Find a room-temperature or warmer spot for the seed tray, based on recommended temperature per the seed label. Both the ambient air temperature and soil temperature can affect seed germination. Adding gentle bottom heat for the soil often raises the temperature 10 to 20 degrees. Use a heated growing pad or place the tray on top of a refrigerator where it’s slightly warm. 

For seeds that require cooler temperatures to germinate (like carrots, cabbage, or Swiss chard), find a cool part of the house away from heat sources until they sprout (or start the seeds outdoors in spring as directed by the seed label).

Wait Until Sprouts Start

Check seeds daily.

Germination times vary by seed type, so check seeds daily for moisture and for the chance to see a new sprout. Some seeds (such as lettuce and kale) can germinate within a couple of days, while others (including perennial flowers) can take two or more weeks. 

Give sprouts the light they need.

Once the seeds sprout, remove the plastic cover and move the seedlings near a sunny window or place them under grow lights to encourage healthy growth. Don’t place them in direct sunlight, where they can become too warm—a table near a sunny window is sufficient. When using a grow light, place it directly overhead if possible and keep the bulbs about 2 to 6 inches above the surface of the sprouts’ leaves.

Water carefully and consistently.

Water plants as needed to keep the starting mix damp, but not soggy. If the seed-starting mix is moist and the tray is covered, you might not have to add any more water to get the seeds to sprout; if you do, a gentle mist is the best option. Once seedlings emerge, a few clues can help you know when to water: the tray feels lighter than normal, or the soil changes color or pulls away from the side of the tray.

Water sprouts carefully, either from above with a gentle mist or flow, or by pouring water into the tray beneath the pots so they can wick moisture up. Just be sure not to leave standing water in the tray for long; drain excess water after the soil feels damp.

Provide air circulation.

When setting a seed tray on top of the fridge or in a closet out of the way, recognize that the soil might not get enough air circulation. Lack of moving air combined with wet soil causes fungi to thrive. Damping off is a soil-borne fungal disease that often affects new seedlings, and can lead to demise of the plants. One way to provide airflow is to place a small fan near the seed-growing area; don’t point the fan directly at tender seedlings.

Thin out seedlings.

If you’ve hedged your bets at seed-sowing time by placing two or more seeds in some or all cells, you will have to sacrifice a few starts. The small cells in most seed-starting trays are designed to hold a single plant. Even if you sow in rows (indoors or out), thinning starts keeps the young plants from competing for resources and root space. As tough as it is to dispose of a successful sprout, it will pay off. Instead of pulling out the weaker of the starts, use a tiny pair of manicure scissors to snip it off at soil level; this avoids disturbing the other start. 

Know when to pot up seed starts.

When the seedlings develop their first true leaves, transplant them into individual peat pots. This ensures they have room to grow as they prepare for transplanting outdoors. The first leaves that emerge are called cotyledons, or “seed leaves”—the plant’s true leaves will develop next. As one or more sets of true leaves develop (typically about 4 to 5 weeks after sowing), the seedling likely is strong enough to be transplanted into a peat pot where it can remain until it’s time to plant it in the garden. Any good potting soil will do for filling the peat pots.

Get Ready to Garden

Prepare the garden for transplants.

Till and prepare your garden soil in preparation for the new plants. Break up large clods and remove twigs and rocks. Most vegetables thrive in well-draining soil and full sunlight, but other plants have different light requirements, so choose a spot that’s suitable for your specific plants.

Harden off plants to make the switch to outdoors.

After sprouts have recovered from being potted up, and hopefully a week or so before time to plant outdoors, place young potted-up plants outdoors in a protected area. This means out of the direct sun and wind at first. Gradually introduce them to outdoor conditions by starting with only an hour or two of exposure the first trip outdoors and more time and sunlight each subsequent day as they gain strength.

Called “hardening,” this gives the tender plants a chance to adapt to the outdoor environment before you move them to their final growing spot. After hardening, transplant the young plants into the garden, leaving the peat pots in place if you like—they should biodegrade in the soil (or remove and compost them). Just be sure to tear off the top half-inch of each pot so it won’t wick moisture from the transplant, and the bottom of the pot to ensure delicate roots can go through. After planting, water the new transplants well to give them a good start in the garden.

Final Thoughts

The advice above can help new gardeners’ chances of success by ensuring seeds and young seedlings get the right water, light, soil, airflow, and space to grow. All you have to do is combine these tips with the wealth of information on each plant’s seed packet, so be sure to read those labels.

The other insurance for success is experience, even a failure or two. Make notes on what does and doesn’t so you can adjust for the next round of indoor seed starting.

The post How Starting Seeds Indoors This Year Will Help You Grow a Better Garden Than Ever appeared first on Bob Vila.

A full, green lawn creates curb appeal and makes you feel like sipping an iced tea on the back patio. But if bare spots peek through and weeds overpower the grass, the lawn might be more of an eyesore than a point of pride. Overseeding chokes weeds and fills out the grass until it’s thick and lush. If you’re not sure how to overseed a lawn, all it takes is the right tools, smart timing, and a little knowledge about your local climate.

DIY Lawn Care. Simplified.

Bob Vila has partnered with Sunday to get your lawn exactly what it needs to thrive.

START GROWING

What is “overseeding,” exactly? Why is this lawn task not just called “seeding”? “Overseeding” is the term for adding more grass seed to a lawn without turning the topsoil. For many homeowners, overseeding is central to general lawn maintenance. Some lawns might need it once a year if drought or disease threaten the grass, and other lawns might need it every few years only to brighten the grass and keep it full.

A few basic tools—like a lawn mower, seed and fertilizer spreader, and rake—are all that you need to achieve a less patchy, more verdant yard. With the right grass seed and timing, overseeding will restore the lawn and give it a lush, uniform appearance.

Project Overview

Working time: 3 hours or more, depending on the size of the lawn
Total time: 3 hours or more, depending on the size of the lawn
Skill level: Beginner
Estimated cost: $100 to $200, depending on size of lawn and products used

Before You Begin

If your lawn has thatch (a compact layer of grass and soil), it might need dethatching or aerating before you spread seed. Otherwise, the grass seed used in overseeding won’t reach the soil to germinate and take root. Aerating creates holes in the grass and soil through which water, oxygen, and vital nutrients can reach the new grass seed and the roots of the existing grass.

Overseeding a Lawn in 5 Simple Steps

Step 1: Mow and rake the lawn.

The goal of overseeding a lawn is to get the grass seed in contact with the soil. To do that, the first step is to mow the lawn. Mow it shorter than usual so the grass seed will have a better chance of reaching the soil. Make sure to bag the clippings so they don’t come between the seeds and soil.

After mowing, rake the entire lawn to remove dead grass, rocks, sticks, and any other debris. This process removes any final barriers between the grass seed and soil, and loosens the soil in preparation for seeding and germination.

Step 2: Amend the soil, if necessary.

Soil amendments are different from fertilizers. Amendments have specific nutrients and chemical compositions for specific soil types. For example, lime, wood ash, and poultry manure raise the pH level of acidic soil to make it more suitable for certain plants and grasses. Sulfur amendments, on the other hand, add acidity to alkaline soil. Additions of peat moss for clay soil and compost for sandy soil also can improve the nutrients in the lawn and its condition.

If a lawn has not been growing and greening as it should, doing a soil test can determine the soil type and pH. The test results will identify what, if any, types of amendments the soil needs for grass to develop. Keep in mind that if the soil has a neutral pH and is fertile, it likely needs no amendments.

RELATED: Top-Dressing a Lawn: Why It’s Important and How to Do It

DIY Lawn Care. Simplified.

Bob Vila has partnered with Sunday to get your lawn exactly what it needs to thrive.

START GROWING

Step 3: Spread the grass seed.

After determining the right time of year time to overseed (knowing when to reseed a lawn is based on your climate and grass type), load the grass seed into a seed spreader and set it to distribute about 16 seeds per square inch of soil. The right seed density will depend on the thickness of the existing lawn, so some lawns might need less. You can spread grass seed by hand if you don’t have a spreader.

Choose a grass seed designed for your climate or region that complements the existing grass. Cool-season grasses thrive in variable temperatures, like those found in the Northeast and Pacific Northwest. Warm-season grasses grow best in a climate like that of the southern United States. (For recommendations on quality seeds, see our researched guide to the best grass seed for overseeding.)

Consulting the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map can help determine the average local climate to best choose the appropriate grass type. Look for grass seed that’s rated by the National Turfgrass Evaluation Program because these varieties have been tested and found resistant to disease, drought, and common pests.

Step 4: Add grass seed fertilizer.

Select the best fertilizer for your region and property, and load it into a fertilizer spreader. Start by scattering around the perimeter of the lawn to make sure fertilizer reaches the edges of your property. Next, follow a pattern similar to a mowing pattern by moving in straight rows until the entire lawn is fertilized.

There are different types of fertilizer spreaders, including a broadcast spreader, handheld spreader, snap spreader, drop spreader, and liquid sprayer. Fertilizing small yards often requires just a small handheld spreader. Those with larger yards will save a lot of time and effort by using a broadcast spreader.

Both yard size and fertilizer type will determine which type of spreader is best for your property. For example, liquid fertilizer is applied via sprayer, like a quality backpack sprayer, and midsize yards are more easily fertilized with a snap or drop spreader. Keep in mind that some spreaders can handle both grass seed and fertilizer broadcasting, so depending on the fertilizer type and spreader, you might only need one tool for both steps.

Step 5: Water the seeded lawn.

After fertilizing, water the lawn for a short time each day. It’s best to water in the morning to maximize the water intake. More evaporation occurs during the afternoon and evening, which means it will take more water to get the same benefits. You don’t want to overwater the lawn because doing so can wash away the seed, prevent germination, or encourage thatch development and the growth of fungus and weeds. If there are puddles or the ground feels spongy, cut back on the watering time.

RELATED: Solved! How Long Does It Take Grass to Grow?

Final Thoughts

Part of learning how to overseed a lawn requires knowing when to do it, and this has everything to do with climate and grass type. Cool-season grasses seed best in the late summer and early fall. The cooler temperatures slow the growth of the existing grass but give the seeds time to germinate and grow before the grass goes dormant. Warm-season grass does best when seeded between early spring and early summer. In this case, the seed has time to germinate and grow before the warmest summer temperatures hit. Keep the new seed well watered to give it a good start on growth.

Once your lawn grass is shipshape, consider browsing low-maintenance plants for your landscape.

FAQs

The post How to Overseed a Lawn appeared first on Bob Vila.

Installing a locking mailbox can be a useful home security upgrade, protecting against package thieves and identity theft. But are all lockable mailboxes created equal? We recently put a number of them to the test, leaving them out in inclement weather and even taking weaponry to them to determine how well they’d stand up to determined thieves. The results? We found the Mail Boss 7536 Mail Manager to be the best overall, due in part to its nearly indestructible nature. But in order to cover a variety of locking mailboxes, we tested different styles, such as wall-mount mailboxes, and included recommendations based on our test results as well as customer reviews and reviews.

To learn what to look for while evaluating locking mailboxes, we first consulted with security specialist Jeff Ketelaars, co-founder of Security Guards Only, an online community for security professionals. He provided his expert insight on how to properly deter package pirates and what to look for in a locking mailbox, and this info helped set our research into motion. Whether you’re looking to ward off would-be package thieves or protect your mail from the elements, have a look through this roundup of the best locking mailboxes to find the right pick for you.

1. BEST OVERALL: Mail Boss 7536 Mail Manager Locking Mailbox
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2. RUNNER-UP: Mail Boss 7506 Mail Manager Locking Mailbox
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3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Dalmbox Locking Mailbox
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4. BEST WALL-MOUNTED: Architectural Mailboxes Designer Locking Mailbox
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5. BEST VINTAGE: Polar Aurora Cast Aluminum Post-Mounted Mailbox
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6. BEST MODERN: Mail Boss 7412 Locking Security Drop Box 
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7. BEST FOR PACKAGES: Architectural Mailboxes Oasis Classic Locking Mailbox
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8. BEST CURBSIDE: Mail Boss 7207 Package Master Locking Mail
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9. ALSO CONSIDER: Architectural Mailboxes Oasis 360 Locking Mailbox
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Our Top Picks

The quest for the right locking mailbox for a home can take some time, especially since there are many good options on the market. To help narrow the field of potential picks, this guide showcases some of the best lockable mailbox options in a variety of sizes, shapes, and mounting styles. One of the following may be what you need for your home.

Best Overall

Mail Boss 7536 Mail Manager Locking Mailbox

See It

What We Like

• Nearly indestructible design
• United States Postal Service (USPS)-approved
• Includes 3 keys and installation hardware
• Holds small parcels 
• Baffle door helps prevent theft 
• Designed for post mounting

What We Don’t Like

• Heavy: may take two people to mount
• Style can feel too industrial for some 
• On the expensive side for mailboxes

Specs

• Material: Galvanized steel
• Dimensions: 11.1 inches high by 10.8 inches wide by 21.5 inches deep
• Security features: Anti-pry latch, baffle door, two 12-disc locks with anti-drill and anti-pick design, front and rear keyed access

Our Ratings: Security 5/5; Build Quality 5/5; Value 5/5

This USPS-approved large lockable mailbox is designed to keep mail and small packages safe while users are away, and it comes with all hardware to install on a post upon arrival. In our rounds of testing, the galvanized steel Mail Boss 7536 was nearly indestructible. After aggressive tampering, we were unable to cause damage beyond a few dents on the top. We spent some time hitting the lock and attempting to pick it, all to no avail. And during a storm, the Mail Boss 7536 kept mail inside the box bone dry.

The interior is roomy enough to hold small packages. The baffle door on the inside helps to prevent fishing from the mail slot, and the anti-pry lock withstood our attempts with a screwdriver, crowbar, and even an axe. Overall, this was the strongest mailbox we tested, though the Mail Boss 7506, also on this list, is nearly identical. The 7536 model is slightly larger, which gives it the edge.

What our tester says: “I was amazed at how well this mailbox stood up to my tests, including chopping at it with an axe, trying to pry the locks with a screwdriver and crowbar, and hitting it with a sledge hammer. It remained nearly flawless, and the locks held tight.” —Amber Guetebier, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Mail Boss 7536 locking mailbox at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Runner-up

Mail Boss 7506 Mail Manager Locking Mailbox

See It

What We Like

• Incredibly durable material
• Keeps mail dry
• Accepts mail and small parcels
• Includes three keys and installation hardware
• USPS-approved
• Post mounted

What We Don’t Like

• Heavy: may require more than one to mount 
• Utilitarian style may not appeal to some

Specs

• Material: Galvanized steel
• Dimensions: 11.3 inches high by 10.8 inches wide by 21 inches deep
• Security features: Anti-pry latch, baffle door, two 12-disc wafer locks, anti-drill locks, anti-pick mechanism, front and rear keyed access

Our Ratings: Security 5/5; Build Quality 5/5; Value 5/5

The heavy-duty, post-mounted Mail Boss 7506 is a worthy option for anyone hoping to keep packages and mail secure. Like the Mail Boss 7536, which took best overall, this locking mailbox is made of extremely heavy-duty galvanized steel that endured rigorous testing. Additionally, the locks were difficult to pick or smash open—and oh, how we tried. In many ways, it is identical to the 7536 model, but is slightly smaller. It also features those 12-disc wafer locks with anti-pick and anti-drill ratings.

This model provides extra protection for mail with the inclusion of an interior baffle door. This helps prevent fishing and helps keep the mail nice and dry, which it did beautifully during testing. There is also an anti-pry latch so the mailbox cannot be forced open with a prying tool, like a screwdriver or the crow bar we used in testing. 

Get the Mail Boss 7506 locking mailbox at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Best Bang for the Buck

Dalmbox Locking Mailbox

See It

What We Like

• Easy to install with included hardware 
• Attractive: fits a variety of home designs
• Mounts to wall near door 
• Kept mail dry in inclement weather during testing
• Good cost value

What We Don’t Like

• Small: can’t hold packages 
• Dented easily during testing
• Requires wall mounting

Specs

• Material: Galvanized steel
• Dimensions: 12.6 inches high by 10.2 inches wide by 3.7 inches deep
• Security features: Locking

Our Ratings: Security 4/5; Build Quality 3/5; Value 5/5 

For a basic wall-mounted mailbox that won’t cost a fortune, we recommend Dalmbox’s locking mailbox, which held up well to testing. This small locking mailbox kept the mail inside dry during a storm and includes installation hardware to make installation easy. 

The material is a coated galvanized steel, but it’s relatively thin compared to other locking mailboxes. We found it caved instantly under the axe and did not stand up well to the hammer. Heavy hitting did cause the lid to pop open and off, despite the fact that it was locked. 

Before testing the mailbox with blunt force, we spent time trying to pick and pry the lock open and were unsuccessful. Because of this, the mailbox does the job it is set out to do: it keeps mail dry and prevents easy theft, so we feel it does add a measure of security. It has a simple, attractive design that goes with any style of home and will provide more peace of mind than a non-lockable mailbox. 

What our tester said: “Although this wasn’t as sturdy as the post-mounted mailboxes I tested during heavy hitting, I liked how dry it kept the mail and felt that overall it would stand up to would-be thieves, as long as they aren’t on your porch wielding an axe or a sledgehammer. If they are, you might have bigger problems.”—Amber Guetebier, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Dalmbox locking mailbox at Amazon.

Best Wall-Mounted

Architectural Mailboxes Designer Locking Mailbox

See It

What We Like

• Mounts to wall near front door 
• Simple installation with hardware included
• Includes two keys 
• Good budget-tier option

What We Don’t Like

• Won’t hold larger packages 
• Material caved during (excessive) testing

Specs

• Material: Galvanized steel
• Dimensions: 12.6 inches high by 9.7 inches wide by 4.4 inches deep
• Security features: Locking

Our Ratings: 4/5; Build Quality 3.5/5; Value 5/5

If you’re in the market for a wall-mounted locking mailbox, the Architectural Mailboxes Designer model is an excellent choice. It includes all the necessary mounting hardware to install it on your porch under the watchful eye of a security camera or near your front door. The mailbox itself is made of a strong galvanized steel that held up relatively well during tests, though it did not endure as well as some of the more heavy-duty, post-mounted models on this list. The material did cave under the heave of an axe. The lock was fairly difficult to pick, though we did manage to get it open by hitting it with a hammer repeatedly. 

The mailbox itself kept the mail inside dry despite a major storm. The mailbox includes an optional vintage-style plaque that reads “mail,” which can be placed anywhere on the front of the mailbox or left off for a more modern, streamlined look. The mailbox also comes in several colorways including black with brushed black, black with bronze or silver, as well as white and silver.

Get the Architectural Mailboxes Designer locking mailbox at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Wayfair.

More Great Options

With so many options for locking mailboxes, we weren’t able to test as many as we would’ve liked. We hope to test the following models someday, but their excellent reviews and ratings convinced us they’re worthy picks for folks looking for other styles and types of locking mailboxes.

Best Vintage

Polar Aurora Cast Aluminum Post-Mounted Mailbox

See It

What We Like

• Water-resistant aluminum holds up to the elements
• Vintage style looks good with older homes
• Variety of colors available 
• Suitable for large envelopes, magazines, and small packages

What We Don’t Like

• Fairly expensive, though high-quality
• Heavy: may require help to mount
• Style is not for everyone
• No red flag for outgoing mail

Specs

• Material: Cast aluminum and steel 
• Dimensions: 46 inches high (including pedestal) by 14 inches wide by 9.8 inches deep 
• Security features: Locking mail compartment 

Those who are interested in a statement piece that also functions as a locking mailbox may want to consider this sophisticated option from Polar Aurora. This aesthetically pleasing curbside mailbox is made of water-resistant cast aluminum and steel with a powder-coated finish to withstand the elements long term. Its mail compartment is suitable for small to large envelopes, magazines, and small packages. 

Approved by the United States Postal Service, this pedestal model is 46 inches high, comes with a locking access door and two keys, and is offered in three color options to match a home’s current exterior fixtures. Plus, all the necessary installation hardware is included with the purchase. Though this model comes with many fine attributes, it does not come with a red flag for outgoing mail.

Get the Polar Aurora locking mailbox at Amazon or Wayfair.

Best Modern

Mail Boss 7412 Locking Security Drop Box

See It

What We Like

• Powder-coated finish designed to endure the elements 
• Includes 3 laser-cut keys for multiple users
• Available in a variety of colorways 

What We Don’t Like

• Cannot hold larger packages and parcels
• Vulnerable to picking, drilling, and prying

Specs

• Material: Galvanized steel 
• Dimensions: 16.2 inches high by 11.2 inches wide by 4.7 inches deep 
• Security features: 12-disc wafer lock and anti-pry latch

If your goal is to replace an old wall-mount mailbox with a new locking mailbox, but a bland, forgettable design isn’t appealing, take a look at the various color and style options offered with the Mail Boss 7412. Each model has a different powder-coated finish that users can match with the outside of their home and their personal tastes. Plus, the mailbox comes with steel hinges for ease of use and durability.

The locking mailbox measures 16.2 inches high by 11.2 inches wide by 4.7 inches deep, and it comes with three laser-cut keys for the household. The sturdy 16-gauge galvanized steel body, patented anti-pry latch, and chrome alloy-tempered steel hook cam are all great vandalism deterrents. The mailbox comes with mounting screws and drill bits, so users have everything necessary to install it as soon as it arrives.

Get the Mail Boss 7412 locking mailbox at Amazon or Lowe’s.

Best for Packages

Architectural Mailboxes Oasis Classic Locking Mailbox

See It

What We Like

• Powder-coated finish resists exposure 
• Multiple security features to keep mail safe
• Hopper drawer to allow for larger packages 

What We Don’t Like

• High-volume mailboxes can be more appealing to thieves

Specs

• Material: Galvanized steel 
• Dimensions: 15.2 inches high by 11.5 inches wide by 18.1 inches deep 
• Security features: Anti-pry latch, baffle door, stainless steel tamper-proof lock, anti-pick mechanism

For those who frequently order items online and worry about parcel safety when they aren’t at home, the extra-large capacity and specialized features of this parcel mailbox can help.

The locking mailbox can accept small to medium parcels up to 9.75 inches long by 6.5 inches wide by 2 inches high. The entire box measures 15.2 inches high by 11.5 inches wide by 18.1 inches deep, giving users more than enough space for multiple package deliveries and an average volume of mail.

Once delivered, the packages are protected by the heavy-duty 16- and 18-gauge galvanized steel mailbox, an anti-pry latch, an anti-fishing hopper door, and a pick-resistant stainless steel lock that can only be opened using one of the two included keys.

The doors of the locking mailbox have weather-resistant rubber seals to keep the mail dry and stainless steel hardware that is naturally rust-resistant, so users don’t have to worry about the mailbox becoming stuck in the open or closed position.

Get the Architectural Mailboxes Oasis Classic locking mailbox at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Upgrade Pick

Mail Boss 7207 Package Master Locking Mailbox

See It

What We Like

• Durable construction withstands exposure to the elements 
• High-security mailbox comes with multiple safety features
• Accommodates small packages and high volume of mail

What We Don’t Like

• Expensive compared with other similar options
• Outgoing mail may be more attractive to thieves

Specs

• Material: Galvanized steel 
• Dimensions: 16.5 inches high by 12 inches wide by 21.5 inches deep
• Security features: Anti-pry latch, baffle door, 12-disc wafer lock, anti-drill lock, anti-pick mechanism

This Mail Boss unit is a pricey addition to a home, but it has a strong, durable design that justifies the cost. The stainless steel hinges resist the elements well, and the 12- and 14-gauge electro-galvanized welded steel body prevents forced break-ins.

The anti-pry latch keeps out thieves who may try to pry the mailbox open, while the 12-disc wafer lock is rated for anti-pick and anti-drill security, and it’s made with flame-hardened steel. The mailbox has a large package slot that accepts items up to 10.5 inches long by 4.5 inches high by 4.5 inches wide.

A larger slot size can encourage fishing because the opening appears wider and easier to access, but the mail shield mechanism within this mailbox prevents this type of theft. Setting up the mailbox is easy, too, thanks to Mail Boss’s patented Fast-Track mounting plate for quick installation.

Get the Mail Boss 7207 locking mailbox at Amazon.

Also Consider

Architectural Mailboxes Oasis 360 Locking Mailbox

See It

What We Like

• Includes four keys 
• Has predrilled 4-inch by 10-inch holes for mounting
• Built-in mail clip to keep outgoing mail
• Durable, heavy-gauge galvanized construction 

What We Don’t Like

• Mounting hardware and post are not included

Specs

• Material: Galvanized steel 
• Dimensions: 11.5 inches high by 11.4 inches wide by 20 inches deep 
• Security features: Locking, front and rear keyed access 

Those who want a simple and safe mailbox will want to take a look at the Architectural Mailboxes Oasis 360 locking mailbox. This model provides both front and rear access for receiving mail, is made with powder-coated galvanized steel inside and out, has a red flag, and has predrilled 4-inch by 10-inch mounting holes for its post-mount installation. The box itself measures 11.5 inches high by 11.4 inches wide by 20 inches deep, and the magnetic door accepts parcels of up to 9.5 inches wide by 3.5 inches long by 2.5 inches high. 

This versatile mailbox is capable of holding small to large envelopes, magazines, and small parcels, and it comes with four keys for multiple users to access their mail. Plus, it has a mail clip that keeps outgoing envelopes in plain sight. The only downside to this option is that it does not come with the mounting bracket or hardware for installation. 

Get the Architectural Mailboxes Oasis 360 locking mailbox at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Wayfair.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Chose and Tested the Best Locking Mailboxes

We curated this selection of the best locking mailboxes through extensive testing, research, and a focus on several top factors that impact the security, quality, and functionality of the locking mailbox. We interviewed security specialist Jeff Ketelaars, co-founder of Security Guards Only, an online community for security professionals, who provided his expert insight on how to properly deter package pirates. He suggested that “choosing the right locking mailbox for your needs will be effective at preventing mail theft as [it] mainly acts as a deterrent to potential thieves.” He went on to say that “Although the design may not be 100 percent effective in preventing hacking, someone looking to steal mail will usually skip the locked boxes and try for an easier grab elsewhere.”

The top consideration when selecting these products was the security of the mailbox, including the style of lock, the construction material, and any security features like baffle doors and anti-pry latches. We spent hours testing each mailbox for durability. We attempted to break into, smash, and pry open each mailbox, using heavy tools such as an axe, sledge hammer, standard hammer, and screwdriver. For added tenacity, we asked two teenage boys to have a go at each mailbox, and each attempted to pick the locks. 

We also put mail in each box and left them out in a rain storm as well as during a heavy snowfall to determine how waterproof the boxes were. 

The list of top picks includes several locking mailboxes with varying types, sizes, and shapes to provide a range of choices to suit a variety of users. However, some attention was also given to products that stood out with unique aesthetic features, proving that products can look great without sacrificing functionality.

What to Consider When Choosing a Locking Mailbox

Before choosing the first locking mailbox that seems appealing, it’s worth considering various features and product factors. Factors that can impact the design type, durability, and overall security of household mailboxes include the material, security features, weather resistance, installation procedures, and aesthetics. 

Taking some time to think about the type, size, and quantity of mail that you typically receive also can help narrow the options, making it easier to find the perfect locking mailbox for your home.

Type

Locking mailboxes are typically one of three different types: wall-mounted mailboxes, curbside locking mailboxes, and tower-style drop boxes.

• Wall-mounted mailboxes are secured to a boundary wall or to a house. This type will generally come with mounting brackets that can fasten to brick in order to securely attach the mailbox to the gate, garage, or house.
• Curbside locking mailboxes are typically installed on wooden or metal posts, though some service curbside locking mailbox models are installed on top of a concrete pillar. These curbside mailboxes are located near the curb, making them convenient for the mail carrier and the user. Due to the location, it reduces the likelihood and need for mail carriers to walk up to the front door.
• Tower-style drop boxes are freestanding mailboxes that are made up of a tall, tower-style drop box that sits on a broad, heavy base. For enhanced security and to prevent the entire mailbox from being picked up and loaded into a passing vehicle, it’s advised to use a mounting plate and heavy-duty bolts to attach the mailbox base to the ground.

Security

The main point of having a locking mailbox is to keep mail and packages secure after they have been delivered by the mail carrier, so it makes sense to look for an anti-theft mailbox that has high-quality security features to deter would-be thieves. 

Consider the size of the mail slot opening, whether a key lock suits your needs better than a combination lock, and if premium security features—such as anti-pry latches, baffle doors, anti-drill locks, and anti-pick locks—are necessary for the neighborhood.

• Mail slots may provide an opening for a hand or a tool to reach into the mailbox and steal the mail, so it’s recommended to look for a product with a small opening or a baffle door, which prevents thieves from reaching into the storage compartment.
• Anti-pry latches will also stop thieves from using screwdrivers and pry bars to wrench open the compartment.
• A mailbox with lock and key can be equipped with anti-drill and anti-pick mechanisms that help to prevent would-be thieves from breaking into the mailbox. However, if the key is lost and it falls into the wrong hands, then the mailbox may be vulnerable.
• Combination locks can only be opened with the correct combination, so there’s no need to worry about keeping track of a key, but a determined thief could sit outside a home while everyone inside is asleep and test every combination until they find the correct code. Both key and combination systems have their benefits and drawbacks, but a key lock tends to be more secure.

Type and Quantity of Mail

Given that the purpose of a locking mailbox is to keep the mail secure, it’s necessary to consider the type of mail you typically receive and the quantity of mail that may be delivered before the mailbox is emptied. Otherwise, the mail carrier may be forced to leave mail and packages outside the mailbox where they are vulnerable to porch pirates and other mail thieves.

Look for a locking mailbox with a substantial storage compartment to accommodate the usual volume of mail, and consider whether a mailbox that is equipped with an oversize mail slot is needed in order to securely receive small packages.

Weather Resistance

Most locking residential mailboxes are installed outdoors so that the mail carrier has access in order to deliver mail and other packages. However, this also means that the mailbox is exposed to wind, rain, snow, and sleet, so it’s necessary to look for a unit with substantial weather resistance to survive for more than a few years outside a home.

Plastic and aluminum locking mailboxes have the highest level of weather resistance. Though there’s no need to worry about rusting and corrosion, these materials are relatively fragile, so a determined thief could break them apart to access the mail.

Stainless steel and galvanized steel are much more difficult to break into, but they are more vulnerable to rusting and corrosion.

It’s best to look for a high-quality stainless steel or a galvanized steel locking mailbox for the best protection against thieves and weather conditions. A metal post is also a better option than a wooden post when it comes to longevity and security, though these posts are more pricey. In addition, it’s important for homeowners to consider if a mailbox is fire-resistant. Unlike fireproof safes, for example, most mailboxes are not designed to be fireproof, although heavy-duty galvanized steel can provide some fire resistance. 

Aesthetic

Choosing a locking mailbox with a charming aesthetic appearance that doesn’t detract from the exterior design can enhance the appearance of a home. The mailbox aesthetic can range from a design that is intended to mimic official government mailboxes to more modern locking mailboxes with creative designs that look more like lawn ornaments than mailboxes.

Mailboxes don’t need to be flashy or official to have curb appeal. There are also classic aesthetic styles that have vintage Victorian, postmodern, or contemporary looks. 

While aesthetics aren’t usually the most important factor in choosing a locking mailbox, it’s important to be happy with how a new mailbox looks. Take some time to figure out what style is the most appealing based on your personal preferences and your home’s exterior design.

Installation

The type of mailbox typically dictates the difficulty of the installation, though there is some variety between curbside locking mailboxes depending on whether they’re configured for wooden posts, metal posts, or brick pillars.

• Wall-mounted locking mailboxes typically have one or two mounting brackets, masonry wall plugs, and bolts or screws in order to fasten the mailbox to the wall. Installing this type of mailbox will usually require a drill, screwdriver, and hammer.
• Curbside locking mailboxes can be difficult to install because they must be fastened to a mounting plate, then attached to a post or pillar to secure the mailbox and prevent theft. Wooden and metal posts should be installed in the ground with concrete, similar to the installation method used for a fence post. A brick pillar needs to be sturdy enough for at least four mounting screws to be driven through the top. Use masonry plugs and mounting screws/bolts to secure the mailbox to the pillar.
• Tower-style drop boxes are the least difficult to install. It’s advised to secure the mailbox to the ground with a mounting plate in order to be sure that the mailbox cannot be picked up and carried away or loaded into a nearby vehicle.

A locking mailbox usually comes with the necessary mounting brackets, screws, and bolts. Always check the included installation instructions before proceeding.

Ketelaars shared an expert tip with us to keep in mind during installation: “Placing the mailbox within sightlines from the front of your house or in line with a security camera can also help you better monitor activity.”

FAQs

Just because you own a locking mailbox doesn’t necessarily mean that you understand exactly how it works. Even after reading this guide, you may still have questions about how to access the mailbox and what differentiates a locking mailbox from a standard mailbox. Keep reading for the answers to these questions and additional commonly asked questions about locking mailboxes.

Meet the Tester

Amber Guetebier is a writer and plant nerd who also happens to be the mother to a hockey-playing teenager. When tasked with testing locking mailboxes, she enlisted said teenager and a couple of teammates, armed them with hammers, screwdrivers, and axes, and they all went to town on the mailboxes. Despite looks from the neighbors during the axe-wielding phase of testing, overall, the tests proved just what a mailbox can endure. When not destroying large metal objects for Bob Vila, she is a product tester and garden writer.

The post 2025’s Best Locking Mailboxes for Keeping Mail Dry and Safe, Tested appeared first on Bob Vila.

Trees can provide shade, privacy, and add a unique aesthetic to the home, but if a tree is diseased, damaged, showing signs of falling, or simply blocking a great view, DIYers can remove the issue by felling a tree. Though, it’s important to mention that in some areas, the homeowner will need to get a permit before cutting trees, even in their own yard.

For those with the right tools, skills, and enough relevant DIY experience, learning how to cut down a tree can help manage their property and eliminate potential risks before they can become a true hazard to structures or people. However, due to the sheer size and bulk of most trees, this job can be highly dangerous. Use this guide to learn how to fell a tree safely.

Project Overview

Working Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 4 hours
Skill Level: Intermediate
Estimated Cost: $220 to $360

Before You Begin

Protective equipment is necessary for a wide range of home DIY projects, and an important consideration when planning how to fell a tree. While it’s essential to avoid the falling trunk of the tree, falling branches also can pose a significant risk, so it’s recommended to have a quality chainsaw, wear a full chainsaw helmet, with a built-in face shield and hearing protection. 

In addition, DIYers should wear some of the best work gloves to safeguard their hands while they fell a tree. It may be a good idea to invest in kevlar chaps, as well as a pair of durable work boots to protect their legs and feet from chainsaw grazes. 

How to Cut Down a Tree

Learning how to fell a tree can help maintain the yard, but is also a useful skill for cutting down your own Christmas tree or splitting wood for the fireplace. Follow the steps provided below to find out how to inspect the condition of the tree, plan the felling zone, and safely fell a tree with wedges.

Step 1: Check whether it’s safe to cut down the tree.

Before cutting down a tree, it’s necessary to learn how to identify a dangerous tree to avoid injury to yourself, bystanders, and your surroundings. Start by examining the angle of the tree. If it is leaning significantly in one direction, it will be difficult to control the fall, so it’s best to call in the pros, who can manage the tree using specialized equipment.

Similarly, if the tree has dead branches still attached or that are being supported by other branches, they may fall on you while you are cutting the tree, another DIY safety consideration. Also, if the tree is located in a small backyard with nearby obstacles, like buildings, fences, or even power lines, this job should be handled by a crew of professionals. Otherwise, the tree may destroy the fence, get tangled in the power lines, or even fall on the house. 

Step 2: Determine the felling zone.

After verifying whether it’s safe to cut down a tree, the next step is to determine the felling zone. The felling zone refers to the path where the tree will fall, and it needs to be free of structures, roads, and other trees to avoid causing any unnecessary damage or creating a domino-like effect in the area.

Estimate the height of the tree, then mark out a corresponding felling zone using a tape measure. The area from the base of the tree to where the top of the tree will land is the felling zone, though experts often recommend at least doubling the estimated height. You should also take this time to determine two escape routes on the opposite side of the felling direction that will allow you to safely retreat when the tree falls (at 45-degree angles from the trunk). Keep in mind that falling objects are one of the top reasons DIYers visit the E.R., so it’s necessary to take proper precautions before you begin.

Step 3: Clear the surrounding area.

Even if you are only cutting down a small tree, it’s important to clear the area as much as possible, including the felling zone and two escape routes. Cut away the brush from around the trunk of the tree, clear any shrubs, clear away items like outdoor furniture, and ensure that there aren’t any buildings or other structures that could be damaged while felling the tree. Additionally, it’s a good idea to pick up any sticks or stones that could become a tripping hazard while you are retreating from the falling tree. 

Step 4: Plan the notch.

A directional notch forms a weak point in the bottom of the trunk that determines which way the tree will fall when the felling cut is made. When done correctly, the tree will fall in line with the notch. Without a directional notch to direct which way the tree will fall, you will be left guessing where it will land. 

For inexperienced DIYers, it can help to wrap a chalk line horizontally around the lower part of the tree where you plan to cut the notch in order to keep the cuts on track. Determine the best direction for the tree to fall and make a mark on the trunk facing that direction.

Step 5: Cut the notch.

Before cutting into the tree, make sure you sharpen the chainsaw and inspect the tool for any problems. When you are satisfied that the chainsaw is in good working condition, make the first notch cut starting a foot or so above the chalk line and cut downward at a 70-degree angle until reaching the chalk line. Aim for the first cut to end up about one-third of the way into the trunk.

Make the second cut of the notch along the horizontal chalk line until it meets the bottom edge of the first cut. Use a hammer, maul, or mallet to knock the cut piece of wood out of the tree trunk. If you are having difficulty, use the chainsaw to widen the horizontal cut until the chunk of wood falls out on its own. 

Step 6: Add wedges, if necessary.

Wedges can be used to help prevent the chainsaw from getting pinched while you cut. They aren’t necessary for smaller trees, with less weight and girth, but if the diameter of the tree is more than 18 inches, it’s a good idea to use wedges. 

If you are felling a tree that is greater than 18 inches in diameter, start by making the notch cut, then begin the felling cut, but stop cutting as soon as the blade is far enough into the tree to insert the wedges. Lock the chain brake and leave the chainsaw bar in the cut with the saw running while you use a hammer or maul to tap in the wedges.

Step 7: Make the felling cut.

Felling a large tree is a task too big for a single person. The best way to ensure a safe fall is to have a reliable assistant known as a lookout. The lookout should stand a few feet behind the person who’s felling the tree and communicate emergencies using a pre-planned series of taps rather than verbal cues (which cannot be heard). If a problem occurs, the lookout should tap on the DIYer’s shoulders with a stick or broom handle to warn them.

When you are ready, get in position to cut the tree from the side opposite of where the direction notch is located. Begin cutting along the horizontal line indicated by the chalk marking. As the chainsaw blade gets closer to the notch, the tree will become unstable and may rock or lean slightly. This is normal. 

Keep the chainsaw blade horizontal and continue cutting. When the tree begins to fall, stop cutting, lock the chain brake, and back up in the direction of the previously determined escape route. Make sure to keep your eyes on the tree until it lands to avoid any unfortunate surprises.

Step 8: Remove branches and saw the trunk Into firewood.

After felling the tree, you will need to cut it into pieces for proper storage, use, or disposal. Start by cutting the branches off the lower end of the trunk and work your way to the top. When possible, it’s recommended to stand on the uphill side of the tree to reduce the risk of it rolling on top of you. 

Once the tree branches have been removed, you can begin cutting the trunk (and removed branches) into short pieces for use as firewood. Saw about three-fourths of the way through the log before rotating it to complete the cut. 

FAQs

The post How to Fell a Tree appeared first on Bob Vila.

Trees add great beauty to your landscape and their shade can help keep cooling costs low. But when a tree outgrows its location or is seriously damaged in a storm, it becomes a hazard that should be removed, and chopping it down is only half the battle.

A tree’s underground root system can extend up to 20 feet deep in ideal soil conditions, and spread over an even greater area. The roots can continue to grow even after the trunk is gone; if they’re too close to your sewer line or foundation, they can cause serious damage. Killing the roots can avoid potential problems down the road.

One common way to kill tree roots is one that the BobVila.com staff does not support: using the chemical herbicide glyphosate, the active ingredient in RoundUp, on the roots and tree stump. We never recommend the use of this herbicide. Instead, we urge readers to seek out more environmentally solutions to lawn and garden problems.

How to Kill Tree Roots Using Rock Salt

Although it takes long time to work, rock salt can effectively kill tree roots by robbing them of water.

TOOLS AND MATERIALS

Rock salt
Water
Drill with a 1-inch or larger drill bit

Step 1: Drill holes into the tree’s trunk and roots.

Bore several holes 3 to 4 inches deep into the cut surface of the tree trunk. Make several additional holes into any larger roots that are exposed near the ground.

Tried-and-True Advice

“When we bought our house the front yard had one beautiful tree and one stump. After removing the stump there were still quite a few roots, so we took an unconventional approach: We built up a fire pit [over the roots], and for two years we had bonfires there. After two years, between the fire and the natural decomposition process, it was easy to just lift out the remaining dead roots and repair the lawn. I live in Minnesota where bonfires are permitted on the front lawn so it wasn’t an issue.”

—Amber Guetebier, Contributing Writer

Step 2: Fill the holes with rock salt and water.

Sprinkle rock salt into the holes you’ve bored, and then pour water into the holes. The rock salt solution is harmful to surrounding vegetation and toxic to pets, so take care to avoid overfilling the holes. Repeat this process several times over the course of a few months, and eventually the rock salt will kill the tree roots. (You’ll know the roots are dead when there is no longer any regrowth from the trunk.)

If you are worried that the roots have invaded a sewer line or your foundation, you can also try digging the larger tree roots out of the ground. It’s an arduous process, but once you remove them you can reclaim your lawn.

The post How to Kill Tree Roots Naturally appeared first on Bob Vila.

Even though an edger and a string trimmer are both designed to tackle weeds and grass, they have very different functions. A string trimmer trims the grass and weeds against fence lines, foundations, and other places you can’t reach with a lawn mower. An edger establishes clean borders between driveways, sidewalks, and your lawn. 

Not sure which one is right for your yard or whether you need both? Ahead, we’ll break down how these two tools differ in our string trimmer vs. edger showdown, so you can determine whether you need one or both to help you manage your yard. 

What Is a String Trimmer?

A string trimmer is a handheld tool with a cutterhead that uses flexible plastic line to slice and dice grass and weeds. Also referred to as the brand name weed whacker, this lawn care tool consists of a small gas or electric motor that sits atop a long steel pole. The string trimmer line extends from a spindle at the opposite end of the pole that spins at a high rate of speed, functioning as a horizontal “blade” that cuts through weeds and grass blades. 

The string trimmer’s handheld design and narrow profile make it adept at fitting into tight spaces. “It’s typically used to cut where the mower can’t reach, e.g. along fences, garden beds, etc.,” says Mark Clement, home and garden tool reviewer and licensed contractor with MyFixitUpLife. “It can also be used as a “scythe” to cut down high grass and weeds prior to mowing.”

String trimmers are powered by either a gas/oil 2-stroke engine or cordless battery-powered motor. While a gas weed eater offers more trimming power, an electric string trimmer is lighter and easier to maintain. 

Our Recommendation: Stihl FSA 80 R Battery-Powered String Trimmer
This well-built cordless battery-powered string trimmer is capable of cutting through weeds up to ¼-inch thick and lasts long enough to handle most lawn maintenance needs. 

What Is a Lawn Edger?

Lawn edgers have one job: Create a crisp clearly defined line between your lawn and bordering driveways, sidewalks, and landscaping beds. This push-behind machine uses a vertically positioned rigid steel blade with a thick kerf that allows it to cut several inches into soil to create that border. Unlike a string trimmer that is handheld, a lawn edger is supported by a set of wheels. Lawn edgers come in 4-stroke engine gas-powered models and cordless battery-powered models. 

Our Recommendation: ECHO 25.4 cc Gas 2-Stroke Lawn Edger 
With a powerful 25.4 cc gas engine, the ECHO provides ample power for cutting dense grass and weeds on a single pass, yet it’s lightweight and easy to maneuver.

Differences Between Lawn Edgers and String Trimmers

While string trimmers and lawn edgers may have some similarities in appearance and function, several characteristics set these two yard tools apart. 

Blade

Both lawn edgers and trimmers are designed to cut through vegetation, but they use different blades to do so. String trimmers use flexible plastic string line to cut down weeds, allowing them to work around hard objects, like buildings, fences, and trees, without damaging the tool. 

Edgers, in comparison, use a rigid steel blade that’s tough enough to cut 4 to 5 inches into hard soil and through tougher weed roots. 

Usage

String trimmers and edgers may look similar, but they serve different purposes. A string trimmer is used to trim weeds and grass in places lawn mowers can’t reach, such as around fence posts, up against the foundation of a home, or around trees and shrubs. You can turn a string trimmer horizontally and use it as a light duty edger to refresh borders along sidewalks, driveways, and flower beds. It just requires more effort. 

“While using a string trimmer as an edger is effective and landscapers do it all day, it’s a lot of work,” Clement says. “And, if an edge has become overgrown, say over a sidewalk, it takes a string trimmer several passes to tune that up.”

Lawn edgers, in comparison, are designed for one purpose, edging your lawn around driveways, sidewalks, and garden beds, and cannot be used as trimmers. 

“String trimmers are a bit more versatile and a bit more of an all-around tool,” says Chris Richert, a product manager for Husqvarna. “Lawn edgers are much better for crisp edges and if someone wants to be very precise.”

Ease of Use

Both string trimmers and edgers require a certain amount of upper body strength to operate. Since a string trimmer is a handheld machine, it requires the operator to support its entire weight during use. Holding the cutting head up while supporting the engine or motor requires a fair amount of physical effort, especially when trimming larger yards. Though edgers are heavier than string trimmers, an edger rolls on a set of wheels that support its weight, making it easier to operate. 

Frequency of use

String trimmers are typically used as companions to lawn mowers, trimming grass that lawn mowers can’t access to a height that’s uniform with the lawn. Since string trimmers are used each time you mow the lawn, they see a lot of use. 

Lawn edgers are only used every once in a while to establish a new border between lawn and pavement or clean up one that’s begun to lose its shape. As such, they aren’t used nearly as much as a string trimmer in the average yard. 

Combo Trimmer/Edger Tools

Along with dedicated trimmers and edgers, you’ll also find tools that double as both. A trimmer edger combo tool is a string trimmer with a handle that allows you to rotate the head vertically to handle edging duties. When converted to an edger tool, these tools have wheels they rest on, allowing you to push them along a driveway or sidewalk. While these jack-of-all-trade trimmer tools may seem like they fulfill the duties of both string trimmer and edger, they do not. 

They function very similarly to a string trimmer, using a nylon line to handle the cutting duties. Since they lack a steel blade, they don’t have the turf cutting power of a true edger. So, while a wheeled string trimmer can handle trimming duties about as well as a standard string trimmer, these hybrid tools are only suitable for maintaining established borders between pavement and lawn. You won’t be able to blaze a new border with a combo trimmer/edger. 

Final Thoughts

String trimmers and edgers serve very different roles in your lawn. Given that a string trimmer gives you the ability to trim grass and weeds in places you can’t reach with your mower, they’re clearly the more essential of the two tools when it comes to managing a lawn. If your property has long borders along sidewalks, driveways, and flower beds, then adding an edger to your arsenal of yard tools makes sense. 

If your budget doesn’t allow for two tools, you can establish those edges around pavement and landscaping by borrowing a neighbor’s edger or by investing in a much more affordable manual lawn edger, then use a string trimmer to maintain those borders. “A string trimmer is more versatile and the more popular pick because it can be used for trimming as well—you can use them for edging by turning the trimmer head,” says Richert. “It’s not quite as good as using an edger, but it will work.”

The post String Trimmer vs. Lawn Edger: What All DIY Landscapers Should Know appeared first on Bob Vila.

Artificial grass made its big debut at the Astro Dome in 1966, hence the term Astroturf, but it’s come a long way since then. Once used only for professional sports fields, artificial grass is now a bona fide option for homeowners who want the look of a lush, green lawn without maintenance that provokes headaches.

Artificial grass requires no water or fertilizer, which makes it eco-friendly, and there’s no mowing required either. A lawn of artificial grass can last up to 15 years under heavy traffic, the only maintenance being an occasional spraying with the garden hose if you have pets (for obvious reasons!).

Professional installation of artificial grass can cost anywhere from $10 to $15 per square foot. But laying the turf, which costs between $2 and $8 per square foot, on an average-sized yard is a doable project if you’re game for some physical labor.

Check out this tried-and-true technique here for how to lay artificial grass!

Step 1: Remove grass from the area.

Remove whatever current turf you have. Use a spade or a sod-cutting machine (available to rent for about $100/day at a home improvement store) to pull it up. If a neighbor or friend can’t use it, dispose of the turf according to the organic waste removal rules in your community.

Tried-and-True Advice

“When laying artificial grass, I found that using a leaf blower to clear away sand and debris after spreading the builder’s sand and installing the turf made a huge difference in keeping the workspace clean and making sure the turf stuck properly. It’s quicker and more efficient than sweeping, and it helps prevent any leftover debris from getting trapped under the seams. Just be sure to hold the leaf blower at an angle to avoid disturbing the sand layer you just put down.”

—Paul Rankin, Contributing Writer

Step 2: Level the area.

You will need a level base on which to lay your artificial grass. Spread about 1 ½ inches of builder’s sand in the area to create a level surface, using a landscaping rake to distribute it evenly. Then, compact the sand with a tamper or 2 x 2 piece of plywood and a rubber hammer until it’s firm and level.

Step 3: Lay a weed barrier.

Lay down landscape fabric to reduce the chance of weeds growing up through the turf. Roll it out to cover the area completely, allowing the edges to overlap at any joints by several inches, and trim with a utility knife to secure it into place with landscaping staples every three or four feet.

Step 4: Lay the artificial turf.

Artificial grass has a “grain” to it, which means rather than standing straight up, it bends slightly at an angle. For the most natural look, roll it out so that the blades bend toward your home, making sure that all pieces are laid in the same direction.

If using more than one roll’s width of turf, it’s best to stagger the end seams so that they don’t line up in a row: They’ll be less visible and will wear better that way.

Trim any edges with a utility knife from the underside, being careful not to cut any of the turf.

Step 5: Join turf with jointing tape and adhesive.

Artificial grass generally comes in widths of 12 to 15 feet. If the space you’re covering is more than the roll’s width, you’ll need to join pieces together.

To do so, trim the edge of each of the pieces with a utility knife (from the back, being careful not to cut the turf) so that they will meet without overlapping. Then roll the pieces back and lay jointing tape underneath where the seam will be.

Apply artificial turf adhesive to the jointing tape, and lay the two turf pieces together, making sure that the seam matches up together, without overlapping.

Step 6: Nail the grass in place.

Using a rubber hammer, nail the artificial grass down with 7-inch lawn spikes. Space the nails about every 4 feet. Take care to spread the turf blades out and away from the base of the nail before you hammer it in. After nailing, brush the nap up around the nail to hide placement.

Step 7: Brush the lawn.

Once all the turf is installed, brush the entire lawn with a stiff-bristled broom to fluff up turf blades. If any sand went wayward during installation, hose the lawn down to remove it.

The post How to Lay Artificial Grass appeared first on Bob Vila.

Moisture meters can test the moisture content of many different materials, including drywall, paneling, and wood studs. Furniture makers and other woodworkers use them frequently to ensure they’re working with a quality product, and flooring contractors use the meters to determine ideal moisture conditions when installing a laminate or wood floor over a concrete slab or subfloor.

For home and building inspectors, a moisture detector is a necessary tool for verifying the condition of a home. Similarly, you can use this tool to verify that your home is moisture-free or ensure the quality of materials during DIY projects. A moisture meter can help you determine if there is too much moisture or your home needs a dehumidifier.

Our favorite is the General Tools Digital Pin/Pinless Moisture Meter. We like it because of its built-in temperature and humidity sensors, pin/pinless design, holes built into the cap for quick calibrating, and durable storage case.

This guide features hands-on testing of the top-rated moisture meter options available. Some passed with flying colors, while others didn’t make the cut.

1. BEST OVERALL: General Tools Digital Pin/Pinless Moisture Meter
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Proster Digital Handheld Moisture Meter for Wood 
3. UPGRADE PICK: Wagner Meters Orion 940 Pinless Wood Moisture Meter
4. BEST COMBINATION: Teledyne Flir Extech MO55 Pin/Pinless Moisture Meter
5. BEST FOR WOOD: Tavool Digital Pin Moisture Meter for Wood
6. BEST EASE OF USE: Lignomat Mini-Ligno E/D Pin Moisture Meter
7. BEST FOR PROFESSIONALS: Protimeter BLD5365 Surveymaster Moisture Meter

Product Comparison

Our Top Picks

The top-rated products below were chosen for quality, price, and customer satisfaction to help you find the best moisture meter for your projects. And, to make sure you know everything you need to, we performed hands-on testing with several models. The following meters are ranked among the best.

Best Overall

General Tools Digital Pin/Pinless Moisture Meter

See It

What We Like

• Great versatility for multiple projects
• Pin and pinless design for added flexibility
• Comes with durable case
• Cap has holes

What We Don’t Like

• Temperature resets to Celsius every time it’s powered on
• No “mold tester” as description claims

This multifunctional moisture meter helps DIYers test for moisture using pinless, flat sensors without damaging the material. If the meter finds moisture, the user can remove the cap to expose two pins for accurate moisture measurement within 3 percent, humidity measurement within 5 percent, and temperature measurement within 2 degrees.

Considered the best moisture meter for plaster walls, it can be used for drywall, carpeting, flooring, brick, grout, soil, paper, or powders, and it shows readings on two bright displays. The meter has a moisture level range of 5 percent to 50 percent for wood and 1.5 percent to 33 percent for other building materials, plus a humidity range of 25 percent to 95 percent and a temperature range of 32 to 140 degrees.

During testing, this General Tools digital moisture meter proved to be accurate and easy to use. We liked that it didn’t take much setup, and there aren’t any complicated charts to read in order to set it to the correct species. The built-in temperature and humidity sensors work well and are easy to read. Also, we like that we could use the cap to check our calibration. The only thing that we found frustrating is that it reverted to Celsius every time we turned it off and back on. Also, there is no “mold tester” as the product description claims.

Product Specs 

• Style: Combination
• Range: 5 percent to 50 percent in wood; 1.5 percent to 33 percent in building materials
• Accuracy: 3 percent

Get the General Tools digital moisture meter at Amazon or General Tools.

Best Bang for the Buck

Proster Digital Handheld Moisture Meter for Wood

See It

What We Like

• Screen is simple and very easy to read
• Versatile tool with broad temperature range
• Very easy to use with no complicated settings
• Affordable compared to other moisture meters

What We Don’t Like

• Designed for wood use only

This digital handheld moisture meter from Proster is made for use with wood and wood products only. This specialization comes with two big benefits: The first is that DIYers can get this moisture meter for a bargain compared to other models. The second is that the Proster can provide impressive accuracy to within 0.5 percent on a massive scale of 0 percent to 99.9 percent for wood, firewood, logs, cardboard, paper, and other wood products.

The pin moisture meter settings can switch between four different wood groups containing 50 wood species for precision measurement. The large LCD screen is easy to read, and the body of the device comes in sturdy ABS plastic for superior durability. This moisture meter won’t work with concrete, gypsum, drywall, or other nonwood building materials, but DIYers with wood-based projects have an affordable specialty pick.

We really like the Proster meter. Unlike other models that require lengthy user manual reads and have complicated settings, this affordable meter has everything we need to know displayed right on the front. We liked the wide range, though we suspect that anything above 70 percent would probably feel like it was dripping wet to the touch. The only real drawback of the Proster is that it’s for wood use only, meaning it isn’t very helpful for locating leaks or moisture in building materials.

Product Specs 

• Style: Pin
• Range: 0 percent to 99.9 percent in wood
• Accuracy: 0.5 percent

Get the Proster moisture meter at Amazon or Proster.

Upgrade Pick

Wagner Meters Orion 940 Pinless Wood Moisture Meter

See It

What We Like

• Incredibly accurate (despite an unspecified accuracy by the manufacturer)
• Comes with a calibration plate and durable carrying case
• Adjustable for several tree species

What We Don’t Like

• Limited moisture range only up to 32 percent

For shoppers with extra room in their meter budget, the Wagner Meters Orion 940 is one of the best pinless moisture meter options worth considering. While the model might be a bit expensive, it does offer deeper, more accurate readings than most meters, and it does it without pins.

This model from Wagner Meters features a measurement range of 4 percent to 32 percent. It also comes with a chart that allows the user to calibrate it to a specific value assigned to a species, offering the most reliable readings possible. And, unlike many other pinless meters, this model can take measurements in wood as thick at 1.5 inches, or the full thickness of a stud. Should you question its calibration, it comes with a calibration plate for checking at any point.

There’s a bit of a learning curve when it comes to the Orion. First, we had to read the manual to discover how to change the species setting, but once we did, the change was easy. Also, cycling through the calibration, species, and materials menu was a little confusing at first. Although it doesn’t have a tremendous range, it was incredibly accurate and consistent. Truth be told, we used this model as the baseline for accuracy in our test.

Product Specs 

• Style: Pinless
• Range: 4 percent to 32 percent
• Accuracy: Unspecified

Get the Wagner Meters moisture meter at Amazon, Acme Tools, or Wagner Meters.

Best Combination

Teledyne Flir Extech MO55 Pin/Pinless Moisture Meter

See It

What We Like

• Easy to use with a simple screen
• Offers visual guide and audio alerts for moisture content
• Ideal when precision is key

What We Don’t Like

• Material setting button seems sensitive

Anyone looking for a combination pin/pinless moisture meter might not want to overlook the Extech MO55 pin/pinless moisture meter from Teledyne Flir. This meter offers accurate pinless readings between 0 percent to 99 percent in both wood and other building materials, as well as a 5 percent to 50 percent range in wood and 1.5 percent to 33 percent range in building materials when using the pins.

A calibration test in the cap allows users to check the Extech’s accuracy before relying on its readings. It also features a visual guide to moisture, with one digital raindrop representing dry wood, two drops for medium moisture, and three representing wet wood.

When we were testing the Extech in pin mode, we continued to press the materials button, which would inevitably give us a reading of our index fingers rather than the material we were testing. Beyond that, we liked how easy the Extech was to use, and we appreciated the digital raindrops and audio alerts that speed up according to a wood’s moisture content. And, we continued to check this model’s accuracy with its built-in calibration gauge.

Product Specs 

• Style: Combination
• Range:
  • 5 percent to 50 percent in wood; 1.5 percent to 33 percent in building materials (pin)
  • 0 percent to 99 percent in wood and other materials (pinless)
• Accuracy: 3 percent

Get the Teledyne Flir Extech moisture meter at Amazon, Acme Tools, or Teledyne FLIR.

Best For Wood

Tavool Digital Pin Moisture Meter for Wood

See It

What We Like

• Excellent pin design
• Includes a built-in thermometer for added versatility
• Best digital screen in the test

What We Don’t Like

• Many of the tree species in the guide go by their scientific names

The Tavool digital moisture meter is an excellent addition to any woodworking shop. This moisture meter for wood comes with seven calibration scales for wood so DIYers can be as precise as possible with their measurements at an accuracy within about 2 percent. The pin moisture meter also can measure the temperature of the material within 4 degrees to help quickly track down leaks.

The moisture meter uses a scale of 6 percent to 60 percent for wood and 0 percent to 40 percent for other building materials. Its big, backlit LCD screen makes for easy readability, even in dim lighting. A “Hold” key freezes readings on the screen, while the built-in memory function stores readings so the user doesn’t have to keep track.

The Tavool was one of the biggest surprises we found during testing. For one, the digital screen is both easy to read and full of information. We liked that this moisture meter features a built-in temperature sensor as well. But the one “point” we liked most about the Tavool was its pin design; the pins are long and thin enough to plunge deeply into wood but not so thin that they’re not durable. The only issue we found came when adjusting for species. Tavool, for some reason, included scientific names for tree species. We didn’t bring our biology book, so we had to do a lot of googling.

Product Specs 

• Style: Pin
• Range: 6 percent to 60 percent in wood; 0 percent to 40 percent in building materials
• Accuracy: 2 percent

Get the Tavool moisture meter at Amazon.

Best Ease of Use

Lignomat Mini-Ligno E/D Pin Moisture Meter

See It

What We Like

• Doesn’t get any easier to use
• Extreme accuracy
• Cap forms a comfortable handhold

What We Don’t Like

• Feels like an old-school design (but is that really bad?)

The Lignomat Mini-Ligno E/D moisture meter is a premium tool designed for a specialized purpose. This pin moisture meter comes calibrated for use with wood and wood products, but it boasts an accuracy of 0.5 percent on a precision scale of 6 percent to 45 percent. Its sturdy body is easy to hold and use, with sharp pins that can push through even the toughest wood.

The body of the moisture meter holds a longer second set of pins for deeper penetration, but the real benefit of this model is the simplicity of the design. Select the wood type to be measured, then push the pins into the material. A unique on-off switch between the pins activates the meter so the user only has to look at the reading on the bright, digital LED display.

We’ll try not to gush, but the Lignomat moisture meter is pretty much everything you need from a moisture meter, and it’s by far the easiest to use in the group. First, this thing doesn’t even have a power button; simply poke it into a piece of wood and it will give you a reading. Second, it provides readings for a wide range of species while only requiring the user to switch between “Group 2” or “Group 3”—no fancy calculations necessary. And, we couldn’t help but enjoy the Lignomat’s accuracy and the way the cap forms a comfortable hand-hold during testing. If we’re going to complain about something, it’s that this thing looks and feels like it’s straight out of the 1980s, but we’re not so sure nostalgia is a bad thing.

Product Specs 

• Style: Pin
• Range: 6 percent to 45 percent
• Accuracy: 0.5 percent

Get the Lignomat moisture meter at Amazon or Acme Tools.

Best for Professionals

Protimeter BLD5365 Surveymaster Moisture Meter

See It

What We Like

• Comprehensive tool set with plenty of accessories
• Very accurate
• Excellent pin penetration for deep readings

What We Don’t Like

• Pinless readings are not shown as a percentage
• Doesn’t adjust for species

The Protimeter BLD5365 Surveymaster professional moisture meter is dual functional but doesn’t just use standard pins and pads to take readings. It also features a set of 5-inch pins for deep penetration and a moisture probe that can plug into the unit to help with taking readings in difficult-to-access areas. It even includes a calibration tool to ensure the readings are accurate.

The heavy-duty design and highly accurate moisture readings within 1 percent make this a must-have tool for discerning DIYers and industry professionals like contractors, surveyors, inspectors, and many more. With two modes of operation for search (pinless) and measure (pin), the moisture meter works with concrete, wood, tile, vinyl, drywall, and many other building materials with a scale of 7.9 percent to 99.9 percent using the pins and a relative scale of 70 to 999 using the pads (where 70 to 169 is dry, 170 to 199 is at risk, and 200 to 999 is considered wet).

During testing, we liked the accessories and could definitely see their usefulness. Even grabbing readings from boards right in front of us was easier, since we could look at the display while getting the reading at the same time. Also, we enjoyed the 1 percent accuracy and excellent pin penetration. Our only concerns were that we would prefer the pinless readings in a percentage, and we couldn’t adjust it for species.

Product Specs 

• Style: Pin
• Range: 7.9 percent to 99.9 percent with pins, and 70 to 999 with the pads
• Accuracy: 1 percent

Get the Protimeter moisture meter at Amazon.

Also Tested

We also tested the General Tools pinless digital moisture meter and the Klein Tools ET140 pinless moisture meter; however, neither of these models passed our tests.

The General Tools pinless moisture meter uses a measurement range of 0 percent to 53 percent for softwoods like pine, a range of 0 percent to 35 percent for hardwoods like maple, and a relative scale for drywall and masonry. This meter was difficult to use, and didn’t register moisture readings anywhere near the range of the other models on the list. It could’ve been a calibration issue, but since it automatically calibrates, we didn’t have any luck.

The Klein ET140 is a durable pinless moisture meter that calibrates for each material with the push of a mode button that switches between types of material for precise measurement. Unfortunately, during our repeated testing of this model, it consistently read 4% moisture and the unit could not be recalibrated after multiple attempts. We’re big fans of Klein Tools, but this one didn’t make the grade.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Moisture Meters

Typically, we love testing products, but this moisture meter test was tough. First, every meter had a different range and accuracy rating, which made establishing baselines difficult. While we were conducting moisture meter reviews, we found that each product had a different method of adjusting for certain species, so we spent an entire day reading user’s manuals—surely a better test for eyeglasses and patience than moisture meters.

Eventually, with everything dialed in as well as possible, we began checking moisture levels. For some variety, we used three pieces of pine lumber from a recent project. One piece soaked in a bowl of water overnight. The other piece sat in an oven and dried at 225 degrees for 2 hours. The third piece was left alone. We checked each of the meters using all three of these pieces of lumber and compared readings.

Next, we checked the meters on a small section of drywall, a small section of concrete foundation, and an unfinished oak stair tread. Those readings were collected and compared as well.

Finally, we went through all the settings, modes, and extra features (for those that had them). At this point, we had a solid grasp on which models were worth the money and which we needed to discard from the test.

What to Consider When Choosing a Moisture Meter

Before purchasing a moisture meter, it’s a good idea to educate yourself about these important considerations to make sure that you settle on the appropriate product for your purposes.

Types of Moisture Meters

DIYers and professionals in industries like home inspection, fine carpentry, and flooring use three common types of moisture meter: pin, pinless, and multifunctional.

Pin

Pin moisture meters get their name from the two metal prongs, or pins, that emerge from the top of the meter like antennae. These pins are what measure the moisture percentage. Using a pin moisture meter requires aligning the pins with a spot on the material, and then pushing them so they penetrate the material.

Once the pins are inserted, users can operate the moisture meter with a control pad to send an electrical signal down one pin. This signal travels through the material on its way to the other pin. The moisture meter uses this signal to measure the material’s resistance to electrical current, which can help determine its moisture content.

This method of measurement is considered invasive because it requires puncturing the material to obtain a result. However, pin moisture meters are the only type that can help identify the exact location of moisture.

Pinless

Pinless moisture meters, so named for their lack of measurement pins, do not penetrate the material to get a reading. Instead, a plate on the back of the meter lays flat against the material and a high-frequency signal travels through it. The signal changes based on the material’s ability to store an electrical charge, which enables the moisture meter to detect the levels of moisture in the substance.

The main benefit of pinless moisture meters becomes clear when testing drywall. Having to drive holes into drywall to detect moisture can quickly turn it into Swiss cheese. A pinless moisture meter can check for moisture multiple times without damaging the drywall.

Although pinless moisture meters are less invasive than pin meters, their readings show moisture in a general area rather than a specific spot. A good option for regular moisture detection is a multifunctional moisture meter. Multifunctional moisture meters use both methods of measurement for noninvasive, precise moisture detection if an issue is discovered.

Accuracy

DIYers and pros looking for a moisture meter place accuracy as one of the most important factors in deciding which one to buy. A unit lacking in accuracy is essentially useless for measuring moisture. However, not all units advertise the same accuracy rate.

High-quality moisture meters should be accurate to within 0.1 percent, but these high-end models can cost a lot. For a less-expensive option, some moisture meters are accurate to within 5 percent. This still represents a reasonable accuracy rating for the average DIYer, but if a project or professional requires a more precise measurement, it is best to stick to the high-end models. It isn’t advisable to invest in a moisture meter that has more than a 5 percent variance in its accuracy.

All moisture meters’ readings are displayed as a percentage of moisture content (% MC). Typically, a moisture meter is calibrated for use with wood and has a scale between 5 percent (dry) and 40 percent (saturated). Measuring nonwood materials like concrete uses a relative scale from 0 (dry) to 100 (saturated). Moisture meters for use with gypsum or drywall offer a third scale that ranges from 0.2 percent (dry) to 50 percent (saturated). Before deciding on a moisture meter, determine the accuracy levels you need and the materials you will want to check.

Durability

A product’s durability is important to anyone who will be using a moisture meter regularly on job sites. Even a newer model with the best features should survive having its pins pushed into a wall or being jostled in a tool box.

The moisture meter should include the features a DIYer wants but also have a reputation for durability and long life. Consider options that have a rubberized casing, a heavy-duty design, or shock resistance built in. These moisture meters will survive a few falls without damage and make a great investment because they’ll need to be replaced less frequently.

Ease of Use

Choose a moisture meter that is relatively simple to use. Complicated moisture meters take much longer to read than those with a more straightforward design and can lead to inaccurate and inconsistent readings that could result in undetected moisture damage.

Instead, opt for a moisture meter with an easy-to-read, backlit digital display that shows the information you need. Users should be able to navigate easily between the menus on the device and switch between functions quickly. Pinless moisture meters are much easier to use than pin moisture meters, but the trade-off is in pinpoint accuracy.

Range of Measurement

The range of measurement a moisture meter offers is determined by the minimum and maximum moisture percentages it can read. The broader the range of measurement, the less precisely the device will measure, with some moisture meters offering as wide a range as 0.2 to 60 percent.

Smaller, more precise scales provide more accurate measurement and frequently come in meters used in the flooring and fine carpentry industry to ensure optimal moisture percentage. However, most DIYers would benefit more from a broader scale range so they can use the same meter for many applications.

Additional Features

Moisture meters, like most electronic devices, can pack plenty of additional features to make the task easier. One of these features is a temperature display that can track a hot or cold water leak. Following changes in the temperature helps locate the source.

Other features include memory functions that can keep track of previous readings instead of having to write them down or remember them, audible alerts for the moisture level reading, and a carrying case to protect the moisture meter.

The Advantages of Owning a Moisture Meter

Having a moisture meter handy can save you a lot of trouble in your home and with DIY projects. It is easy to quickly test areas that look like they might be accumulating moisture to determine whether there is an issue. By taking the reading yourself, you avoid having to call a professional inspector and paying a costly fee only to find no moisture problem exists. If you have frequent problem areas in your home or in a high-moisture basement or cellar, a moisture meter can take regular readings to quickly identify and treat mold growth.

In addition, a moisture meter improves the outcome of DIY projects by providing accurate moisture readings for flooring projects, when installing wallpaper, and during woodworking projects. Without a moisture meter, DIYers only can guess at the moisture content in a material, which could lead to problems with mold growth or structural issues if the moisture buildup becomes severe.

• Owning a moisture meter helps you to detect problems without having to call in a professional.
• Regular readings in high-moisture homes can help detect and stop mold growth.
• Using a meter for flooring, wallpapering, and other DIY projects will ensure a high-quality finish and appropriate moisture percentages.

FAQs

Before buying a new moisture meter, take a look at the most frequently asked questions and their answers below.

Q. How does a moisture meter work?

Pin moisture meters work by measuring the resistance an electrical current meets when passing through a material. Inserting the pins into the material sends a current down one pin to flow into the second. The meter then measures the resistance the current met traveling through the material between the pins to generate a moisture reading.

Pinless moisture meters use a high-frequency signal to permeate the material. The electrical signal changes based on the material’s ability to hold a charge, and the moisture meter receives a measurement of the moisture content in the material.

Q. What is a normal reading on a moisture meter?

In general, a reading of 5 to 12 percent is optimal, but a normal reading on a moisture meter depends on the material. Drier materials like drywall should have lower moisture readings of around 5 to 7 percent. Damp materials like wall studs and framing lumber have acceptable moisture levels of up to 12 percent.

Q. What is a bad moisture meter reading?

A bad moisture reading would be one that climbs to 20 percent or higher—in this environment, your porous materials like lumber may be susceptible to mold growth or decay.

Q. Does moisture in walls mean mold?

Not necessarily. A moisture meter can be used to help detect problem areas, but it cannot detect mold. The hope is that you would use the moisture meter to detect a leak before the mold can form. But if the moisture is left untreated, it can become the perfect environment for mold spores to flourish.

Q. How do you use a moisture meter on drywall?

To use a moisture meter for drywall, first ensure that the meter is calibrated to accurately measure moisture in the material. If the meter is not calibrated, the results will be inaccurate.

Once the meter is calibrated to test drywall, operate the moisture meter normally according to product instructions. Insert pin meters into the drywall in several different spots to get an accurate reading of the entire wall. Similarly, a pinless meter should scan several sites on the wall for a full scope of its moisture content. For drywall, a reading of 5 percent to 7 percent is optimal.

Q. Are moisture meters accurate?

A dependable moisture meter may boast an accuracy within 3 percent of the reading, with some professional-grade models getting within 0.5 percent.

The accuracy of a moisture meter varies depending on the material you are testing, the calibration of the meter, the type of moisture meter, the procedures used during the test, and the meter’s functionality, which can vary based on upkeep and maintenance of the unit.

Above all, a moisture meter for walls and other structures will be most accurate if used correctly. A high-quality moisture meter used on the correct material by an experienced DIYer can accurately measure moisture to within 0.1 percent. However, an inexpensive moisture meter used on an inappropriate material without a proper scale could return inaccurate readings in the same way that a poor-quality stud finder can fail to find a stud if used improperly.

The post The Best Moisture Meters, Tested and Reviewed appeared first on Bob Vila.

Aerating a lawn reduces soil compaction to improve the health of the grass by allowing more oxygen and nutrients to reach the roots. For most lawns, an annual aeration is sufficient. The cost is small compared to other lawn improvement costs, such as installing a sprinkler system or removing a tree, and aerating is one of the best ways to improve a lawn’s condition.

While many factors influence lawn aeration prices, including lawn size, location, and other community factors, you might pay as little as $45 to aerate a small yard, while a large lawn could cost $400 or more to aerate. In most cases, a rep from the lawn company will want to take a look at the property before quoting a price, but the following general guidelines might be helpful. 

Aeration Cost by Lawn Size

In many cases, the size of the lawn determines aeration cost. Lawn companies often calculate their square-foot charges in increments, and the larger the yard, in general, the lower the square-foot cost of aerating. For example, while there’s a particular price range to aerate a lawn under 1,000 square feet, that per-square-foot cost may decrease for a yard of 5,000 square feet.  

After that, the price may be charged as a flat rate for yards of 10,000 square feet or more. When it comes to massive yards—measured in acres—the overall cost will usually be quite a bit lower per square foot; expect to pay a few hundred dollars per acre for aeration.

Other Factors That Affect Lawn Aeration Cost   

Lawn aeration service costs can vary widely based on a number of other considerations beyond the size of the yard. In the hunt for low-cost solutions to lawn care needs, take into account the following factors that will likely affect the final cost.

Aeration Type

Lawn companies typically use one of three aeration methods, and the preferred method for each lawn will impact the price quoted. The type of aeration that arguably offers the most comprehensive benefits, core aeration, costs the most, while spike and liquid aeration are less expensive.

Core Aeration

The equipment required to dig and remove plugs from the existing lawn is typically more expensive than either spike aeration equipment or lawn-spraying equipment, so the end cost is higher. This is reflected in the average 12 to 20 percent increase over the cost of spike aeration. On average, core aeration costs around $200 for a 10,000-square-foot lawn.

Spike Aeration

Spike aeration involves driving 4- to 5-inch spikes into the ground to increase drainage, but no soil is removed as it is with core aeration. This type of aeration is well suited for lawns with sandy soil, which doesn’t compact as clay-type soils do. It costs more than liquid aeration but less on average than core aeration, often coming in at around $85 for a 10,000-square-foot lawn.

Liquid Aeration

Liquid lawn aeration involves spraying a solution that contains enzymes over the grass. The enzymes go to work decomposing thatch—the layer of thick, dead grass that collects at the base of the grass blades—at ground level. Thatch hampers air circulation and reduces drainage. Liquid aeration can run about $75 for an average-size lawn. Liquid aeration is cheaper because it doesn’t require heavy equipment, but it won’t alleviate soil compaction as core aeration will.

Lawn Slope

Navigating steep slopes with a lawn aerator will take longer, so you can expect to pay a higher fee to have those spots aerated. Lawn companies that typically charge a set rate may switch to a per-hour rate if a substantial part of the lawn is sloped.

Soil Type

The type of soil can also affect lawn aeration costs because lawn companies may recommend different aeration methods based on whether your soil is sandy, clay-based, or loamy.  

Geographic Location

In any community, the cost of living and the going price of labor are determining factors in lawn care services. In general, the cost of lawn care services in rural communities can be significantly lower than in busy metropolises because the cost of living is lower. In addition, local taxes and business fees can fluctuate, which will affect the price since these overhead costs are passed on to the customer.

Pricing and Packages

The cost of aeration can often be negotiated down by purchasing a package deal. This might involve buying a maintenance package that provides for fertilizing every other month, reseeding in the fall, and applying an herbicide in the spring. Packaged together, these services could end up costing up to 20 percent less than they would if they had been purchased individually. However, the savings will vary depending on the company and the promotions and packages it offers.

Some companies may offer flat-rate aeration services, typically in the range of $120 to $175, either as part of a package or separately, while others might charge an hourly rate of between $40 to $70.

Prep Work

Aeration equipment requires a smooth, clear yard to operate efficiently. If the lawn company has to rake up bushels of dry leaves or clear away fallen limbs and debris, there may be an extra service charge added to the bill—ranging from $40 to $70 per hour.

Common Add-On Services

Even without buying a seasonal service package, it’s possible to save money on aeration and lawn care costs by having the company perform an additional service on the same day they aerate. Lawn companies may offer a discount for two services done on the same day because they’re already on-site aerating. 

Fertilizing

Having the lawn fertilized costs $50 to $80 for a whole lawn. If the yard needs to be fertilized, it will probably cost less to have aeration and fertilization performed at the same time. Applying fertilizer is often done immediately after aeration so the nutrients can seep into the holes in the lawn.

Overseeding

Aeration and seeding also go hand in hand. In many regions, it’s standard practice to overseed a lawn after aeration—depending on climate—so reseeding is often combined with aeration. The average cost to aerate and overseed a lawn is $100 to $160. Seeding a new lawn costs about the same as overseeding an existing one. 

Dethatching 

While aeration will overcome some of the problems of thatch—the layer of dead organic material at soil level—if the thatch is thicker than 1/2 inch, it might be better to have it completely removed before aerating. You can expect to pay an additional $10 to $20 per 1,000 square feet to have the lawn dethatched. Dethatching is typically done before lawn aeration.

Mowing

Mowing can add $50 to $200 to the cost of lawn aeration. This is where having a whole-season lawn maintenance package can really cut down on costs. Using the same company to perform all necessary lawn care services weekly or biweekly could provide significant savings over having the same services contracted individually. You may want to consider hiring a lawn mowing service that also provides aeration. 

Tree and Shrub Maintenance

Having shrubs and small trees trimmed as part of a lawn maintenance package that includes aeration could add as much as $450 to $1,400 to the bill. Having an entire tree removed could cost an additional $1,800 or more, depending on the size of the tree. While many lawn companies perform general tree and shrub trimming, they may not offer tree removal services, which require specialized equipment.

Reasons to Aerate Your Lawn

A lawn can go from lush one year to splotchy with bare patches the next if thatch builds up, reducing air circulation and the ability of the grass roots to absorb fertilizers and nutrients. For the best-looking lawn, perform regular maintenance tasks, such as aerating, dethatching, and fertilizing, before lawn problems arise. Any of the following signs may indicate the yard is overdue for aeration.

Pooling Water

Water should soak into the soil within approximately 30 minutes after the lawn is watered or after a light rain. If water is standing in puddles longer than that, it could result from overly compact soil or a heavy layer of thatch.

Thin or Dried-Out Grass

Just because water isn’t puddling doesn’t mean it’s soaking into the ground. Heavy, compact soil with a dense layer of thatch will keep water from soaking in, causing it to simply run off during watering or rain storms. While the ground may seem saturated, water may not be reaching the soil at root level. If the soil below isn’t getting enough water, the grass will dry quickly after watering and the lawn itself may look dried out or show signs of thinning.

Hard Soil

Clay-based soils are heavy and slick when wet but turn rock-hard when the soil dries out. Aeration is often the first step in rescuing a lawn that has too-hard soil. Core aeration will remove hard soil plugs, and then the lawn can be top-dressed with compost, which will filter into the holes, increasing air and water availability and improving soil structure.

Too Much Thatch

Brown spots in the lawn may be the result of overly thick thatch. To check your lawn, separate the blades of grass and pinch up a small amount of thatch—it’s the brown, spongy layer just above the soil. If it’s thicker than 1/2 to 3/4 inch, it’s time to aerate or dethatch the lawn.

Uneven Growth

In a healthy lawn, grass grows uniformly and evenly. But in areas with dense thatch and compacted soil, the grass won’t grow as well, resulting in a lawn that looks uneven or grass that appears to be different shades of green.

High Traffic

A lawn is meant to be enjoyed, but one that is the site of the weekly neighborhood touch-football game or frequent parties is more likely to suffer from compaction problems. Having it aerated will go a long way toward keeping it soft and lush.

Should You Hire a Pro for Lawn Aeration?

To save money on lawn maintenance costs, you can rent a core-type lawn aerator from a home improvement or equipment rental store for about $100 per day. A spike aerator typically rents for less. An equipment deposit of about $150 may also be required, but it will be refunded when the machine is returned. 

A truck or trailer is necessary for hauling an aerator, which, depending on the size, can weigh upwards of 100 pounds. Some aerators are gasoline-powered, so factor in the price of fuel. Those unfamiliar with operating an aerator should plan to spend about 30 minutes learning how to use it correctly. The aeration process itself can take a few hours, depending on yard size.

While liquid aeration sits solidly in the DIY realm, the spike and core methods may be best left to a professional who’s familiar with the machine and able to load, unload, and transport the equipment with ease. Additionally, a pro is also more likely to spot other lawn problems and suggest a plan of action before the issues can develop into something more expensive to remedy. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of attempting this job yourself as opposed to hiring one of the best lawn care services. 

FAQs

The post How Much Does Lawn Aeration Cost? appeared first on Bob Vila.

Fertilizers for indoor plants provide essential nutrients for houseplants living in containers, helping them stay strong, healthy, and pest-free. After researching dozens of the most popular indoor houseplant fertilizer products, we tested nine top performers for 30 days to learn more about their effectiveness for different plants, soils, and growing environments. We also contacted a landscape expert with more than 30 years of experience to get insights on the benefits of using a houseplant fertilizer.

Based on our research and test results, our top recommendation is the Espoma Organic Indoor Plant Food—a balanced formula that’s easy to apply, effective, and inexpensive. Ahead, follow along with the results of our tests of the best fertilizers for indoor plants before choosing the one that meets your needs.

1. BEST OVERALL: Espoma Organic Indoor Plant Food
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All-Purpose Plant Food
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3. BEST ORGANIC: Neptune’s Harvest Fish and Seaweed Fertilizer
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4. BEST SLOW-RELEASE: Osmocote Plus Smart-Release Plant Food 
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5. BEST LIQUID: Dyna-Gro SuperThrive Grow 7-9-5 Liquid Plant Food
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6. BEST FOR CACTUS: Grow More Cactus Juice Cacti & Succulents Fertilizer
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7. BEST FOR FLOWERING PLANTS: JR Peters Jack’s Classic 10-30-20 Blossom Booster
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8. BEST FOR HERBS: Dr. Earth Organic Life All Purpose Fertilizer
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9. BEST ALL-PURPOSE: JR Peters Jack’s Classic 20-20-20 Plant Food
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Fertilizer for Indoor Plants Comparison Chart

Our Top Picks

We tested the best indoor plant fertilizers for a range of specific houseplant needs. If you’re looking for the best plant food for your indoor home garden, check out these reviews. 

Best Overall

Espoma Organic Indoor Plant Food

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What We Like

• Concentrated formula is easy to mix and apply
• Includes humic acid and beneficial microbes
• Very affordable organic option

What We Don’t Like

• Bottle size isn’t economical for big plant collections
• Requires frequent applications

Specs

• Type Organic liquid concentrate
• Size 8 ounces
• NPK 2-2-2

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Odor 5/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Value 4.5/5

In our test, the Espoma organic indoor houseplant food proved effective and easy to use. As a concentrated liquid plant food, it requires mixing, which is as simple as filling the cap halfway full (about 2 teaspoons) with fertilizer and the rest of the way with water. Its smell isn’t as pungent as other organic fertilizers we’ve tested and doesn’t linger long after application.

This natural plant food’s ingredients are derived from hydrolyzed poultry manure, hydrolyzed soy protein, hydrolyzed fish protein, bone meal, and kelp extract. It also contains added beneficial microbes proven to enhance nutrient absorption and minimize waste as well as humic acid to regulate soil pH and increase water retention. Even at its regular vs. sale price, this is the most affordable organic houseplant fertilizer we tested in terms of both the purchase price and cost per application. If you have a particularly large collection of indoor plants, however, you may want to wait for a sale as this concentrate only comes in 8-ounce bottles.  

Read our full review: Espoma Organic Indoor Plant Food

What our tester says: “This formula is mild and doesn’t deliver fast bursts of growth, but by using in on our plants twice a month, they stay healthy and attractive, with no noticeable insect or disease issues.”—Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Espoma fertilizer for indoor plants at Amazon, Ace Hardware, Walmart,or Target.

Best Bang for the Buck

Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All-Purpose Plant Food

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What We Like

• General purpose formula promotes growth and health
• Works for both houseplants and outdoor garden plants
• Lowest cost per application of all tested products

What We Don’t Like

• Low phosphorus level isn’t ideal for flowering plants
• Highly concentrated formula must be diluted

Specs

• Type Water-soluble granules
• Size 0.5, 3, 5, 5.5, 6.25, and 10 pounds
• NPK 24-8-16

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Odor 5/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Value 4.5/5

Miracle-Gro has been around for generations, and our test results show why. It’s easy to use and store, produces zero smell, delivers fast results, and is incredibly inexpensive overall and per application. To use these highly concentrated fertilizer granules, simply measure them with the included scoop and mix with water. They will dissolve instantly without clumping or stirring. 

Since this product is so concentrated, it’s important to soak the soil when watering but not add so much solution that it runs off. This prevents unused water-soluble nutrients from flowing out of the soil (and perhaps down the drain, depending on your watering process), which can contribute to pollution. Excess nitrogen and phosphorus from private septic systems and municipal sewage treatment facilities can contaminate groundwater and cause unchecked algae growth in streams, lakes, and rivers. To help prevent this, consider capturing and storing any excess water that drains off after fertilization. Use plain water next time your plants need a drink, and then apply the stored runoff during subsequent fertilization.

What our tester says: “Our plants responded really well to us alternating Miracle-Gro applications with plain water during testing. They all sent out a flush of fresh new growth about 2 days after the first treatment and looked healthy and strong by the end of the month.”—Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Miracle-Gro fertilizer for indoor plants at Amazon, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, Walmart,or Miracle-Gro.

Best Organic

Neptune’s Harvest Fish and Seaweed Fertilizer

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What We Like

• Minimally processed natural ingredients
• OMRI listed for use in organic gardening
• Concentrated liquid formula is easy to apply
• Generous phosphorus content stimulates root and flower production

What We Don’t Like

• Strong fish smell lingers around for a day
• Doesn’t include measurement tool for mixing

Specs

• Type Liquid
• Size 18 and 36 ounces, 1 and 5 gallons
• NPK 2-3-1

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Odor 3/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Value 4/5

This organic fertilizer from Neptune’s Harvest is formulated with a combination of fresh fish and seaweed from the North Atlantic. It’s certified by OMRI, so you can rest assured it’s made exclusively with natural and organic ingredients. After watering our test plants with it for a month, the results were excellent: lush new growth and no symptoms of overfertilization or infestation. 

To use this concentrated formula, mix it according to the label’s instructions and apply every two weeks. Unfortunately, Neptune’s Harvest doesn’t come with any type of measuring device for this process. While one cap approximates the required tablespoon per gallon of water, the cap isn’t designed for that purpose, which makes it very hard to clean. Still, we had to figure out a way because the dirty cap made the bottle a smelly mess—and the smell is acute, especially in its undiluted state. It is not horrible like rotten fish, but it gives off an intense fish smell that lingers for a day after feeding. Odor aside, the nutrient analysis is just right for stimulating root and bud development, so this could be an excellent choice for cultivating seedlings, reducing transplant shock, and boosting flowering plants. shock, and boosting flowering plants.

Get the Neptune’s Harvest fertilizer for indoor plants at Amazon or Neptune’s Harvest.

Best Slow-Release

Osmocote Plus Smart-Release Plant Food

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What We Like

• Continuously feeds for up to 6 months
• Available in 4 different sizes
• Great for indoor and outdoor plants

What We Don’t Like

• Difficult to measure for pots smaller than 6 inches

Specs

• Type Slow-release pellets
• Size 1, 2, 4.5, and 8 pounds
• NPK 15-9-12

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Odor 5/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Value 5/5

We anticipated some difficulty gauging the effectiveness of a slow-release fertilizer in just a few weeks, but we were pleasantly surprised. Within a month, our test plants perked up and began showing additional growth. Each had a nice new flush of foliage that looked healthy and strong. The best part was that we didn’t need to mix up fertilizer or follow a weekly or biweekly application—we simply used the included measuring scoop to get the appropriate quantity of fertilizer pellets, pushed them down into the soil’s surface with a small stick, and watered each pot as usual. 

Although the purchase price of the Osmocote is slightly higher than some of the other fertilizers we used, the product’s value shines through in the season-long feeding it provides. In fact, on a per-application basis, it’s actually one of the least expensive options we recommend (approximately $.32 per application for 2 gallons of soil). It also eliminates the hassle of mixing solutions and keeping up with a feeding schedule. 

Get the Osmocote fertilizer for indoor plants at Amazon, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware,or The Home Depot.

Best Liquid

Dyna-Gro SuperThrive Grow 7-9-5 Liquid Plant Food

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What We Like

• Formula is perfect for flowering plants
• Ultraconcentrated liquid is budget friendly
• Can also be used in hydroponics and outdoor gardens

What We Don’t Like

• Difficult to measure accurately in small amounts

Specs

• Type Water-soluble liquid
• Size 8 and 32 ounces, 1 gallon
• NPK 7-9-5

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Odor 5/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Value 4/5

The most difficult part of working with the Dyna-Gro fertilizer was measuring the minuscule amount of concentrate needed for a quart of plant food (a quarter of a quarter teaspoon, or .042 ounces). To address this, we mixed up a gallon of fertilizer solution and stored the extra three quarts until needed. Now, each time we apply it, we appreciate that this well-balanced fertilizer provides both micronutrients and a beneficial NPK content, delivering 2 percent calcium along with traces of magnesium, boron, chlorine, cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, sodium, and zinc—all of which are required for long-term plant health. 

Our results with Dyna-Gro were similar to those using Osmocote but not as rapid as with Miracle-Gro. The plants produced a healthy flush of new foliage with no symptoms of stress, disease, or insect infestation. This was the only synthetic fertilizer we applied with each watering, so our long-term concern was that residue could accumulate in the soil and cause problems with extended use. When using this product long-term, buyers should monitor their plants for signs of stress and flush the soil with clear water. 

Dyna-Gro offers recommendations for different application rates to fit a variety of growing situations. You can feed at each watering with a solution of ¼ or ½ teaspoon per gallon of water or increase the ratio to 1 teaspoon per gallon for a biweekly or monthly feeding schedule. They also provide instructions for use in hydroponic systems, siphon feeders, irrigation injectors, or foliar spray.

Get the Dyna-Gro fertilizer for indoor plants at Amazon or Walmart.

Best for Cactus

Grow More Cactus Juice Cacti & Succulents Fertilizer

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What We Like

• Low nitrogen for cacti and succulents
• Value price is great for large cacti collections
• Supports healthy plant tissue and drought resistance

What We Don’t Like

• Must be applied frequently for best results
• For cacti and succulents only

Specs

• Type Liquid
• Size 16 ounces
• NPK 1-7-6

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Odor 5/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Value 4.5/5

It was much more difficult to gauge our success with Cactus Juice compared to the other fertilizers we tested. The test cacti simply didn’t grow as quickly as other types of houseplants, and we didn’t expect them to. But they looked great and continued to improve throughout the month of testing. The color of the foliage deepened noticeably, and the first hints of flower buds began to appear by the end of the month. In short, everything progressed as it should.

Like most of the other liquid fertilizers we tested, this one did not include a measuring device. Using a measuring spoon to gauge the bottle cap volume, we found that half a capful approximates a teaspoon, so we used it to measure afterward. But then we had to clean it thoroughly before replacing it on the bottle. The tall, narrow 16-ounce bottle itself was easy to handle and poured cleanly.

Get the Grow More fertilizer for indoor plants at Lowe’s or Amazon.

Best for Flowering Plants

JR Peters Jack’s Classic 10-30-20 Blossom Booster

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What We Like

• NPK content is perfect for flowering plants
• Also suitable for boosting vegetable and fruit production
• Feeds through both roots and leaves

What We Don’t Like

• Easy to overfertilize if not careful

Specs

• Type Water-soluble granules
• Size 1.5 pounds
• NPK 10-30-20

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Odor 5/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Value 5/5

We fed Jack’s Classic Blossom Booster to two African violets, two Reiger begonias, and a phalaenopsis orchid. All of these plants had just completed a resting phase when we started the feeding test, and by the end of the month, both the violets and begonias had begun to produce an abundance of new flowers, while the orchid was starting to send up a new flower spike. 

This fertilizer comes with its own measuring scoop, and its granules dissolve instantly without clumping. While the 1.5-pound size could be a bit much for those with just one or two indoor plants, its value increases since it’s labeled for use on “all indoor and outdoor flowering plants.” At about $.04 per feeding, this specialty plant food is very cost-effective and produces quality results across a range of different types of flowering plants.

Get the JR Peters Blossom Booster fertilizer for indoor plants at Amazon or JR Peters.

Best for Herbs

Dr. Earth Organic Life All-Purpose Fertilizer

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What We Like

• Minimally processed organic ingredients from natural sources
• Suitable for culinary herbs and other edible plants
• Dry formula is easy to apply

What We Don’t Like

• Bulkier and a bit more expensive per application

Specs

• Type Slow-release pellets
• Size 1, 4, 12, and 40 pounds
• NPK 4-6-5

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Odor 4/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Value 4/5

This Dr. Earth fertilizer smells mildly like a hayfield, probably due to the high alfalfa meal content, and also contains fish bone meal, fish meal, and kelp meal that (thankfully) does not emit a noticeable fishy smell. It’s easy to apply (although no measuring scoop is included), and because it contains no animal manure, it doesn’t produce any of the “off” smells often associated with organics. 

In our trial, we used this Dr. Earth fertilizer for potted plants on potted herbs. As with the Osmocote product, it only required applying it once and watering as necessary. By the end of the month, our plants looked great and had beautiful new flushes of fresh foliage and buds. As much as we like this organic option, it is a bit more costly and bulky than other houseplant food products we tested. The 4-pound bag we used was relatively large and inconvenient for storage, and more product (by volume) is needed per feeding. Also, at $.32 per application, it was the second most expensive fertilizer we tested. However, for shoppers interested in working with nature to improve the soil and grow edible plants with a reduced risk of nutrient runoff, this Dr. Earth product is one of the best houseplant fertilizers available.

Get the Dr. Earth fertilizer for indoor plants at Amazon or Ace Hardware.

Best All-Purpose

JR Peters Jack’s Classic 20-20-20 Plant Food

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What We Like

• 20-20-20 formula works for most plant types
• Water-soluble granules are easy to measure, mix, and apply
• Affordable at about $.04 per application

What We Don’t Like

• Careless use may lead to plant damage or nutrient pollution

Specs

• Type Water-soluble granules
• Size 8 ounces, 1.5, 4, and 10 pounds
• NPK 20-20-20

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Odor 5/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Value 4.5/5

This water-soluble plant food comes in a plastic tub and includes a measuring scoop, making it very easy to store and mix. As with Miracle-Gro and the other JR Peters product we tested, the granules dissolve instantly in water and are easy to sweep up if a few spill. But more importantly, our plants love this fertilizer for the quick burst of nutrients each feeding provides. 

After the first application, we noted deep greening of the foliage within 3 days and new bud development within a week. The second application was less like flipping on a light switch and more like nudging a merry-go-round already in motion. Growth continued progressing, culminating in a lush new foliage display by month’s end. Just be careful to mix and apply this product strictly according to the label directions to avoid overfertilizing, waste, and excessive nutrient runoff.

Get the JR Peters 20-20-20 fertilizer for indoor plants at Amazon.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Fertilizers for Indoor Plants

Our tests looked at organic and synthetic fertilizers as well as liquid concentrates, water-soluble granules, and dry-application formulas. To obtain comparable results, we set up a trial with nine groups of five houseplants each, all healthy and growing in 6-inch pots. Seven of the groups were made up of common foliage plants like pothos, dracaena, snake plant, and croton, and two specialty groups featured cacti and succulents in addition to flowering houseplants.

We tested these fertilizers from early February through early March, starting as the plants completed a semi-dormant phase. Throughout testing, we monitored them for changes in health and vigor, foliage color, new growth, and infestation by insects or diseases. We also compared the up-front costs of the products along with the application rates, storage, mixing, and user convenience. We recorded our observations, scored each product on a scoring rubric, and gave awards to worthy products based on performance. 

Our Ratings: Fertilizers for Indoor Plants

What to Consider When Choosing a Fertilizer for Indoor Plants

While it’s easy to assume that all indoor plant fertilizers offer similar performance, several factors affect their functionality. Keep reading to learn about several of the most important features to consider when choosing the best fertilizer for indoor plants.

Types of Fertilizers for Indoor Plants

The three primary types of fertilizer are liquid, granular, and slow-release pellets. Each kind has advantages and disadvantages. 

Liquid

Before applying it to a plant’s leaves or soil, liquid fertilizers for plants must be mixed with water, which requires some additional measuring. However, the water makes liquid plant foods easier to apply sparingly and avoid overfertilization. Liquid houseplant fertilizer and food are typically best for those with many houseplants because a large amount of water must be used to dilute very little fertilizer. However, liquid indoor plant fertilizers move through soil and plant systems rapidly and must be applied frequently—every 1 to 2 weeks. 

Granular

Granular fertilizers are affordable and effective. Simply sprinkle the fertilizer on top of the soil, then mix or water it in. Synthetic fertilizer granules gradually dissolve as the plant is watered, typically within about 30 days. Organic plant food nutrients are released by soil microbial activity, also within about a month. Use a granular houseplant fertilizer when initially planting or repotting a plant so it can be thoroughly mixed into the soil. It typically must be reapplied after 4 to 6 weeks.

Slow Release

Slow-release indoor plant fertilizers come in several formats, including pellets, spikes, pods, and capsules. Because they emit nutrients gradually, they can last 3 to 6 months. They’re typically only available in traditional—not organic—formulas.

NPK Ratio and Plant Species

The best fertilizers contain a mixture of macronutrients—nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K)—along with traces of micronutrients. The balance of these three macronutrients is represented by its NPK guaranteed analysis, which is listed on the fertilizer’s packaging. 

For example, a guaranteed analysis of 10-10-10 means that 10 percent of the fertilizer, by weight, is nitrogen; 10 percent is phosphorus; and 10 percent is potassium. The remaining 70 percent can be made up of any combination of micronutrients and inert ingredients. Explicit details are shown on the back of the houseplant fertilizer label. 

The guaranteed analysis is sometimes converted to an NPK ratio. For instance, 10-10-10 fertilizer has a ratio of 1-1-1, whereas 10-30-20 fertilizer has an NPK ratio of 1-3-2. The NPK ratio is a good way to compare different brands and formulations of fertilizers. Three different fertilizers may have three different analyses, for example, 5-5-5, 10-10-10, and 20-20-20, but the same 1-1-1 NPK ratio. This comparison could indicate that the products may work for the same plant types, using different application rates.

Because each plant species has different nutritional needs, a “perfect” NPK ratio doesn’t exist. Generally, green houseplants require a balanced NPK ratio or one that’s slightly higher in nitrogen. A higher balance of phosphorus is particularly beneficial for flowering plants such as African violets, oxalis, and peace lilies. Phosphorus also aids in fruit production, making it beneficial to edible plants like citrus trees and tomatoes. Potassium is closely linked to general plant health, healthy cellular structure, and drought resistance.

Organic or Traditional

One of the primary decisions shoppers must make is choosing between a traditional or an organic fertilizer. 

• Organic fertilizers are made entirely from minimally processed natural ingredients. Although organic fertilizers are free of potentially harmful chemicals and synthetics, their nutrient values aren’t as concentrated as traditional products. Moreover, over time, their natural content can emit an unpleasant odor. Since the marketing term “natural” isn’t regulated particularly well in fertilizers, look for a product approved for certified organic use by the OMRI. 
• Traditional or synthetic fertilizers contain a balanced blend of minerals for feeding houseplants. They typically cost less than organic fertilizers and come in more concentrated formulas. 

Application

A fertilizer’s ease of application depends largely on whether it’s a liquid, granular, or slow-release formula. 

• Liquid fertilizers must be diluted with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Pour liquid fertilizers onto the plant’s soil, or if directed by the manufacturer’s instructions, some liquid fertilizers may be absorbed through plant foliage. 
• Granular fertilizers can be sprinkled evenly on the soil’s surface and mixed into the top 3 inches of soil before it’s watered, which releases the nutrients. 
• Slow-release fertilizers vary in application method. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for fertilizing with pods, spikes, pellets, or capsules. 

Tips for Using the Best Fertilizer for Indoor Plants

To know how to fertilize plants without risking overfertilization or other fertilizer mistakes most home gardeners make, follow these tips:

• Since all fertilizers are different, follow the instructions on the manufacturer’s label.
• Avoid over-fertilization. Reduce your fertilizing schedule if your plant’s leaves droop or begin to look burnt at the edges. 
• Avoid fertilizing plants that are stressed by drought, disease, or insect infestation. Treat the problem first, then fertilize after the plant recovers.
• Know how to recognize nutritional deficiency based on leaf color: According to Ward Dilmore, founder and head landscape designer at Petrus Landscaping, “brow leaves can be a sign of a lack of potassium,” and “yellow leaves are a very common sign of a lack of nitrogen.” Purple leaves often indicate the plant needs more phosphorus. 
• There’s no need to fertilize most houseplants during their dormant season if you live in an area that experiences standard seasonal temperature changes. 
• If you’re still experiencing issues, use a soil test kit to check the soil’s nutrient levels and adjust fertilizer application as appropriate.

FAQs

While you now know more about choosing the best fertilizers for indoor plants, you might still want more information about how to use them. Here are some answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the proper fertilization of plants. 

Meet the Tester

Mark Wolfe is a writer and product tester with a background in the nursery and landscaping industry. For more than 20 years, he mowed, edged, planted, pruned, cultivated, irrigated, and renovated beautiful landscapes. Now he tests and writes reviews about the latest outdoor power equipment, hand tools, lawn-care products, and other outdoor-living goods.

Additional research provided by Savannah Sher.

The post The Best Fertilizers for Indoor Plants, Tested and Reviewed appeared first on Bob Vila.

Bird watchers and birding enthusiasts everywhere, rejoice! Not one, but two of the companies behind the best bird feeder cameras on the market announced exciting and innovative products set to drop this year.

Birdfy unveiled two new products: the Birdfy Bath Pro and the Birdfy Feeder Metal.

The Birdfy Bath Pro takes the same idea behind their ultra-popular bird feeder camera and applies it to a bird bath: Equipped with a camera and AI, the bird bath allows users to observe and identify local birds drinking and washing up. Users can watch winged visitors via live streaming and recordings, right from their phones via an app. In the same app, AI technology can help identify visitors from over 6,000 species. If you already own a bird feeder camera and want to add to your birdwatching arsenal, this is the next level up!

The Birdfy Bath Pro is available for pre-order, with prices starting at $200.

The Birdfy Feeder Metal is a metal iteration of its core product. The more durable material allows the bird feeder to withstand more extreme weather conditions. It’s also more chew-proof, which keeps it from being destroyed by other curious animals. Altogether, these upgrades make the Birdfy bird feeder camera longer-lasting than some of the brand’s previous models.