Lawns, flowers, trees, and garden plants all need proper nutrients to grow and stay healthy. When the soil is lacking in nutrients, plants require fertilizers to compensate. From fast-acting synthetic formulas to organic fertilizers that slowly release nutrients for months at a time, there are several types of fertilizers to choose from—all dependent on your specific gardening needs.
“Having a long-term plan in mind and knowing any potential deficiencies in your soil can help you purchase the right type of fertilizer for your needs," says Liz Will, a master gardener and author of the blog Learn To Grow Gardens. It is highly recommended that you conduct a soil test prior to choosing a fertilizer to determine what minerals your soil might be missing.
After determining the deficiency in your soil, look at the fertilizer label's NPK ratio. The nitrogen-to-phosphorus-to-potassium (NPK) ratio shows the relative amounts of these three essential plant nutrients. Achieving optimal plant growth requires knowledge of your fertilizer's NPK ratio, which allows you to give your plants the correct nutrients at the optimum levels. For example, the most effective fertilizers for tomatoes will have relatively low nitrogen and high phosphorus ratings.
We spent hours researching the best fertilizers on the market, evaluating products based on the NPK ratio (the ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), feed duration, application type, ease of use, and overall effectiveness.
Best Overall
Jobe’s Organics All Purpose Fertilizer
Contains organic matter to enrich the soil
Increases root mass
Can be used on many types of plants
Pungent scent may attract dogs
Must be reapplied during the growing season
Jobe's Organics All-Purpose Fertilizer can be used to treat a wide variety of plants, making it the most versatile option on this list. With a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK) ratio of 4-4-4, it can be used in vegetable gardens, flowers, trees, shrubs, and houseplants. The addition of microorganisms improves soil quality, increases root mass, and encourages plant growth.
This fertilizer is 100 percent organic, and all of its ingredients have been verified by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) as approved in the growing and creation of certified organic products. While it is safe to use around children and pets, the pungent scent of this formula may attract dogs, so you may want to monitor your pets to prevent them from digging around in it.
Jobe's Organics All-Purpose Fertilizer comes in a resealable bag for easy storage, and it’s available in several sizes, including a 4- and 16-pound bag. This granular formula should be mixed with soil before planting. Note that this product needs to be applied every four to eight weeks throughout the growing season.
NPK Ratio: 4-4-4 | Feed Duration: Reapply every four to eight weeks | Application Type: Granular
Best for Plants
Miracle-Gro All Purpose Plant Food
Easy to mix and use
Feeds up to 2,200 square feet
Won’t burn plant roots
Formula must be kept dry or clumping can occur
Must be reapplied frequently
If you want to grow bigger, healthier plants, Miracle Gro’s All Purpose Plant Food is an excellent choice. It comes in a resealable, waterproof bag and includes a measuring scoop for precise application. The water-soluble solution can go directly into your watering can, making it easy to feed container plants.
If you’re treating a larger outdoor garden, it’s probably best to apply it with a garden feeder. This versatile formula can be used on all types of flowers as well as vegetables, houseplants, trees, and shrubs. A 5.5-pound bag of this Miracle-Gro fertilizer will feed up to 2,200 square feet. This solution is very cost-effective because you can mix the exact amount you need.
Keep in mind that it needs to be applied pretty frequently—once every two weeks for best results. According to the manufacturer, this mineral-based formula won’t burn the roots of your plants, if used as directed. Be sure to keep the powdered formula dry during storage, otherwise, clumping may occur.
NPK Ratio: 24-8-16 | Feed Duration: Reapply every two weeks | Application Type: Water-soluble granular
Best for Vegetables
Fox Farm Liquid Nutrient Trio
Includes three liquid fertilizers
Provides essential nutrients throughout the growth cycle
Delivers incredibly fast results
Must be applied in stages
This comprehensive trio from Fox Farm fertilizes plants throughout all stages of the growth cycle. As the name suggests, the Grow Big formula promotes a more abundant bounty in the early growth stages. You’ll want to apply the Tiger Bloom when you first notice buds or flowering. Tiger Bloom is an extremely potent, high-phosphorus fertilizer that will speed up the growth process even more.
The Big Bloom concentrate contains earthworm castings, which provide instant nutrition and improve soil conditions. Several users say they saw growth results within days! Please note that you can also use Big Bloom at any stage of the growing cycle to repair root systems and improve nutrient absorption. We like that this system is tailored to the specific needs of plants and vegetables. However, the application process is a bit more complicated because the products must be used in sequence.
These formulas are also concentrated, so you’ll have to dilute them based on the manufacturer’s instructions. You’ll also have to closely monitor your plant growth to determine the appropriate time to apply each product. If you’re willing to put in the time and effort, however, you can even expect your plants to produce vegetables year-round. Not surprisingly, this three-pack is pricier than most standalone fertilizers, but it is a more thorough approach to fertilizing.
NPK Ratio: 6-4-4 (Grow Big), 2-8-4 (Tiger Bloom), 0.01-0.3-0.7 (Big Bloom) | Feed Duration: Not listed | Application Type: Concentrated liquid
Best for Fruits
Miracle-Gro Plant Food
Specially formulated for citrus trees
Easy to distribute
Non-burning formula
Requires multiple applications per year
Needs to be worked into the soil before watering
Miracle-Gro Shake 'N Feed Citrus contains many essential nutrients for ample fruit production, including potassium, magnesium, iron, and sulfur. This granular fertilizer can be used on new or existing in-ground citrus, mango, and avocado trees. While this fertilizer can be applied to other citrus trees, it may not be the best for other fruits like berries.
Applying this fertilizer formula is very simple. All you have to do is sprinkle 1.75 tablespoons of fertilizer per 4 square feet under the tree, making sure it doesn't come into contact with the trunk or foliage. Next, use a rake or shovel to work the fertilizer into the surface of the soil before watering. This formula comes in a 4.5-pound container with a spout at the top for easy dispensing.
Note that this product must be applied every three months during the growing season. Miracle-Gro Shake 'N Feed Citrus contains chemical ingredients that produce fast results but also risk burning the lawn or harming the environment. According to the manufacturer, however, this fertilizer is guaranteed not to burn when applied as directed.
NPK Ratio: 8-2-10 | Feed Duration: Reapply every three months | Application Type: Granular
Best for Trees
BioAdvanced Tree and Shrub Feed and Protect
Contains nutrients and pesticides
Easy to mix and apply
Can kill 40+ insects
Prevents new infestations for up to a year
Should not be used on edible plants
BioAdvanced is specially formulated to treat trees and shrubs, providing a mix of inorganic nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for vital nutrition. The slow-release formula promotes healthy soil and moves systemically from roots to branch tips.
It’s also a highly effective pesticide that can kill over 40 types of insects, including aphids, leafminers, and borers, which can be deadly to trees and other vegetation. Just one application will prevent new infestations for up to a year.
BioAdvanced Tree and Shrub comes in a concentrated formula, which needs to be mixed with water before application. While it could be applied with a sprayer, it’s recommended that you mix it in a large bucket or watering can to apply directly on tree and shrub roots. Since this formula contains insecticides, it is not recommended for use on edible plants. This product is a lot more expensive than other options, but it does double duty as a fertilizer and pesticide, which could save you money on professional tree care.
NPK Ratio: 2-1-1 | Feed Duration: Apply once every 12 months | Application Type: Concentrated liquid
Best for Lawns
Scotts Turf Builder UltraFeed
Safe for all grass types
Keeps grass green and lush
Crowds out weeds by creating thicker grass
Must be watered in after spreading
Does not contain weed killer
If you want to keep your lawn green and healthy, Scotts Turf Builder UltraFeed is the way to go. This fertilizer has a high nitrogen content with a ratio of 40-0-5, and it can be used on all types of grass, from centipede to Bermuda to St. Augustine. Since this formula works to thicken grass, it helps to crowd out weeds as well. However, it's important to note that it doesn’t contain any weed killers or insecticides, which means you’ll have to treat those problems separately.
For best results, this granular fertilizer should be applied with a spreader and lightly watered afterward. Scotts' long-lasting, low-maintenance formula sets it apart from the competition: Each application feeds your lawn for up to six months, and it doesn’t need to be reapplied in most parts of the U.S. during the growing season. A 20-pound bag covers up to 4,000 square feet of lawn, giving you plenty of bang for your buck.
NPK Ratio: 40-0-5 | Feed Duration: Up to six months | Application Type: Granular
Best Organic for Lawn
Espoma Spring Lawn Booster
Promotes greener grass
Contains to protect against disease
Covers up to 5,000 square feet
Not ideal for St. Augustine or centipede grasses
May take weeks to see results
This Espoma fertilizer is made with feather meal and pasteurized poultry manure, a nitrogen-rich fertilizer formula that results in greener grass. It has an NPK ratio of 8-0-0, which promotes early-season lawn growth, and it also contains 3 percent calcium to protect lawns from disease. The formula is available in a 30-pound bag and can feed up to 5,000 square feet of lawn. Plus, the granular application is a breeze.
According to the manufacturer, it’s best to apply this fertilizer in February, March, or April for cool-season grasses and in January or February for warm-season grasses. Please note that this formula doesn’t contain potassium, so it may need to be supplemented with a potassium-rich formula late in the growing season if you have St. Augustine. We do not recommend this formula for centipedegrass, as it prefers a fertilizer with a lower nitrogen percentage. Since this is an organic formula, it may take a few weeks to see results. On the plus side, it's safe to use around children and pets.
NPK Ratio: 8-0-0 | Feed Duration: Up to two months | Application Type: Granular
Best for Indoor Plants
Espoma Organic Plant Tone
Can be used year-round on indoor plants
Non-burning formula
Slow-release formula feeds for up to 6 months
Suitable for flowers, vegetables, trees, and grass
Can have a strong organic odor when first applied
Organic fertilizers can be a safer alternative to other formulas, especially if you’re using them to feed indoor plants that are around kids and pets. Espoma Organic Plant Tone is enhanced with bio-tone beneficial microbes for healthy plant growth.
It’s also one of the most user-friendly fertilizers in our roundup. This slow-release formula feeds for up to six months, and it is ready to use without any mixing required. Since organic fertilizers are less potent, they reduce the risk of burning plants and grass from over-fertilization.
Espona can be used on indoor plants year-round. In addition to houseplants, you can apply this fertilizer to vegetables and flowers during the growing season and on trees and shrubs in the spring and fall. We also appreciate that the bag has detailed instructions for specific doses. Like many organic formulas, this fertilizer may have a very strong odor. However, it should not be so bothersome indoors when used in smaller amounts.
NPK Ratio: 5-3-3 | Feed Duration: Up to six months | Application Type: Granular
Final Verdict
If you prefer an organic approach to growing vegetables and flowers, Jobe’s Organics All Purpose Fertilizer is an excellent option. It promotes steady plant growth and improves soil conditions. If a lush, green lawn is your goal, we recommend Scotts Turf Builder UltraFeed. This nitrogen-rich fertilizer provides fast results and feeds lawns for up to 6 months.
What to Look for in Fertilizers
Type
Granular fertilizers are applied by mixing them into the soil or via a method known as “top dressing.” The latter simply means sprinkling or spreading the granules over the soil surface. Granular fertilizers come in either quick-release or slow-release formulas. Quick-release formulas completely dissolve into the soil within a few weeks. Slow-release formulas, like the Espoma Plant Organic All Purpose Plant Food (our best for indoor plants), contain microbes that break down the fertilizer gradually, providing nutrients over an extended period of time–or even an entire growing season in some cases.
Liquid fertilizers are water-soluble fertilizers that need to be diluted before application. These types of fertilizers begin supplying nutrition to plants immediately, so you’ll often see results within a few days. The downside to liquid fertilizers is that they only supply nutrients for a few weeks, which means they need to be reapplied frequently. Our best for vegetables pick, the Fox Farm Liquid Nutrient Trio Soil Formula, contains three liquid fertilizers, which can be used at various stages of the growing cycle.
Active Ingredients
The letters "NPK" stand for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, the three essential nutrients that plants need to grow. Manufacturers will list these ingredients in a ratio format such as 5-5-5 and 10-10-10. For example, if you see 5-10-5 on the product label, you can assume it stands for 5 percent nitrogen, 10 percent phosphorus, and 5 percent potassium. You can determine the ideal ratio based on your plant's specific needs. With its high nitrogen count, Scotts Turf Builder UltraFeed is our top choice for lawns and helps maintain a healthy lawn no matter the grass type.
Organic or Synthetic Formula
Organic formulas are made from natural sources like plants, animals, and minerals, while synthetic formulas contain chemically processed compounds such as ammonium nitrate or urea.
- Organic: The ingredients might include manure, alfalfa meal, kelp meal, and bone or blood meal. Organic fertilizers, like our best overall pick, also contain microorganisms to improve soil conditions and feed plants. These fertilizers provide nutrients for longer periods of time because it takes a while for the microorganisms to break down.
- Synthetic: Both highly concentrated and water-soluble, these fertilizers begin working very quickly to help plants and lawns get a jumpstart on spring growth. Because they work quickly, however, it is essential to follow application guidelines to prevent burning plant roots and foliage. Our top choice for plants, Miracle-Gro All Purpose Plant Food, is a synthetic formula that delivers incredibly fast results.
Soil Compatibility
Knowing what type of soil your yard has is important for finding the right fertilizer. To accurately determine the properties of your soil, you can collect a sample and have it tested at your local extension agency. Once you know the specific soil texture, you can create ideal growing conditions for your plants.
Loamy soil is ideal for growing a wide variety of plants. It is high in nutrients and contains the perfect blend of clay, sand, and silt. Clay soil contains densely packed particles, which are great for retaining nutrients and moisture, but they can restrict oxygen and impede drainage. To amend clay soil, it’s best to add organic matter during the springtime before planting. Organic formulas that contain manure from cows, goats, and chickens are particularly beneficial. Our best overall fertilizer, Jobe’s Organics All Purpose Fertilizer, contains microorganisms to help improve soil quality.
Standout Features
Seasonality
You should always refer to the product’s label and apply the fertilizer at the recommended time. Synthetic fertilizers are usually applied just before or during a plant’s active growing season. “Synthetic fertilizers are fast-acting, but after feeding your plants, the nutrients are washed away from the soil during rain or watering,” says Will. For that reason, synthetic fertilizers need to be applied more frequently than organic formulas.
Since organic fertilizers are slow-acting, it’s best to apply them in the fall so that nutrients are available in the spring planting season. Over time, the organic microorganisms will break down the soil, improving water use and airflow. A major advantage of slow-release organic fertilizers is that they are applied less frequently than your average fertilizers. Our pick for indoor plants, the Espoma Organic Plant Tone, can provide nutrients for up to six months without reapplying.
Weed Control
“Fertilizers themselves do not control weeds, but an unhealthy lawn is far more susceptible to weed growth than a healthy lawn,” Will says. “By fertilizing your lawn on a regular basis, and addressing any nutrient deficiencies, you’ll be helping your lawn crowd out weed growth.” If weeds are particularly problematic in your lawn or garden, look for a fertilizer that contains weed killer. Our best for trees pick, the BioAdvanced Tree and Shrub Feed and Protect, doesn’t control weeds, but it does contain a highly effective insecticide that can kill over 40 types of insects.
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Which is better, liquid fertilizer or granular fertilizer?
“Liquid fertilizer is quicker for plants to absorb and provides nutrients right away, while granular fertilizers are more of a slow-release fertilizer,” says Will. “Liquid fertilizers are a great option if you want to perk up your plants right away or treat specific nutrient deficiencies.” Granular fertilizers, on the other hand, are better suited for feeding over a period of time. Another advantage to granular fertilizers is that they are less likely to burn your plants.
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Should I fertilize my lawn?
“Lawns need fertilizer just like any other plant, and using fertilizers at the right time can give you a lush, green lawn all season,” says Will. The nitrogen in fertilizer can help your lawn to grow greener and thicker. “It can also help it to withstand drought and disease and crowd out those pesky lawn weeds,” she adds.
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How many different types of fertilizer should I have?
According to Will, the number of fertilizers you need all depends on your plant’s needs. “A basic, all-purpose fertilizer is always good to have on hand,” she says. Note that there are all-purpose fertilizers specifically formulated for lawns, flowering annuals, and perennials. In addition to an all-purpose fertilizer, Will says that you may need other fertilizers that address specific nutrient deficiencies. “A soil test is a great way to see which nutrients your soil is lacking, and those deficiencies can be addressed with a fertilizer that contains higher amounts of the minerals you need,” she adds.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Sage McHugh, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce who specializes in the home and garden sector. When selecting the best fertilizers for this roundup, she considered dozens of products, carefully evaluating their NPK ratios, feed duration, application type, ease of use, and overall effectiveness. McHugh also looked at hundreds of customer reviews, as well as write-ups from third-party websites.
Our Experts:
- Liz Will, a master gardener, garden coach, and author of the blog Learn To Grow Gardens
- Daniela Galvez, senior editor at The Spruce