After a Month of Backyard Testing, We Found the Best Liquid Lawn Fertilizers for Healthy, Green Grass

Every summer, homeowners unofficially compete to grow the neighborhood’s lushest lawn, and liquid lawn fertilizers can deliver quick greening to edge out the competition. Yes, comprehensive lawn care also requires regular mowing, watering, weeding, and disease control, but providing a quality food source to your lawn is a step you can’t overlook. Still, unless you’re well-versed in the difference between all the liquid lawn fertilizers on the market, choosing the right one can be a bit of a challenge. 

After spending a month applying five popular products to a testing grid we created in our yard, we identified what each one does best. We also found three additional options that are simply too good to leave off our recommended list. Based on our research and hands-on tests, we chose the Simple Lawn Solutions 16-4-8 Complete Balanced NPK as the best overall liquid lawn fertilizer for its easy application and excellent results. 

Ahead, learn more about our top pick and the others that made our list. Then, find out what to look for when comparing the best liquid lawn fertilizers so that you can choose the one that makes your yard the envy of the block. 

1. BEST OVERALL: Simple Lawn Solutions 16-4-8 Complete Balanced NPK
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: PetraTools PetraMax 28-0-0 Nitrogen Liquid Fertilizer
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3. BEST WEED CONTROL: Scotts Liquid Turf Builder with Plus 2 Weed Control
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4. BEST ADDED NUTRIENTS: The Urban Farm Liquid Lawn Fertilizer 13-1-2
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5. ALSO CONSIDER: Medina HastaGro 12-4-8 Lawn Food
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6. BEST HIGH NITROGEN: Scotts Liquid Turf Builder Lawn Food
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7. BEST STARTER FERTILIZER: Simple Lawn Solutions Extreme Growth Booster
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8. BEST WITH IRON: Simple Lawn Solutions Lawn Energizer Blend
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Liquid Lawn Fertilizers Comparison 

Our Top Picks

The products that earned a spot on our lineup of the best liquid lawn fertilizers all perform at the highest level. They deliver essential nutrients to all grass types—including Bermuda grass, fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and ryegrass—to ensure vibrant color and healthy growth. While each offers something a little different to accommodate the unique needs of each lawn, they’re all great for keeping grass green and lush.

Best Overall

Simple Lawn Solutions 16-4-8 Complete Balanced NPK

Buy at Amazon Buy at Simple Lawn Solutions

What We Like

• Produced thickest, greenest grass of all tested products
• Easy-to-use hose-end sprayer
• Contains natural seaweed and fish
• Covers all major grass types

What We Don’t Like

• Doesn’t treat pests or disease
• Contains phosphorus, which is restricted in some regions

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Specs

• NPK ratio: 16-4-8
• Coverage per 32 ounces: Up to 3,200 square feet
• Organic or synthetic: Synthetic, but also contains natural fish and seaweed emulsions

Our Ratings

Those looking for a balanced lawn fertilizer that will promote vibrant color and healthy growth by reducing the stressful impact of mild soil deficiencies need look no further than Simple Lawn Solutions Complete Balanced spray fertilizer. With its 16-4-8 NPK ratio, it provides a potent dose of nitrogen for lush, green growth alongside phosphorus and potassium for root development and resilience. The inclusion of seaweed and fish emulsion (don’t worry, it doesn’t stink!) further enhances nutrient uptake, making it our best overall pick for maintaining a beautiful lawn regardless of grass type.

Applying the Simple Lawn Solution grass fertilizer spray is easy thanks to the integrated sprayer—just attach it to your hose, adjust the nozzle, and spray evenly across your yard. A 32-ounce bottle feeds up to 3,200 square feet of grass, and you can adjust the flow rate higher to overcome nutrient deficiencies or lower for maintenance. Another thing we love? You only need to apply it once a month. 

What our tester says: “Once I find a product I like, I tend to stick to it—and this is my favorite liquid lawn fertilizer. I love that I don’t have to mix anything and that it makes our grass so green and thick. Our dogs are hard on our yard, but this blend keeps it looking its best.”—Michelle Larson, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Simple Lawn Solutions 16-4-8 liquid lawn fertilizer at Amazon or Simple Lawn Solutions.

Best Bang For The Buck

PetraTools PetraMax 28-0-0 Nitrogen Liquid Fertilizer

Buy at Amazon Buy at Walmart Buy at PetraTools

What We Like

• Slow-release lawn fertilizer​ helps keep grass green
• Very large coverage area
• Only needs to be applied once a month

What We Don’t Like

• Requires mixing plus the purchase of a sprayer

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Specs

• NPK ratio: 28-0-0
• Coverage per 32 ounces: Up to 12,800 square feet
• Organic or synthetic: Synthetic

Our Ratings

If your lawn is looking dull and in need of rapid greening, PetraTools nitrogen grass fertilizer will provide the exact nutrient it needs: nitrogen. While most lawn fertilizers contain enough nitrogen to green up a lackluster lawn quickly, this 28-0-0 NPK fertilizer extends those effects by using a blend of 70 percent quick-release nitrogen for immediate results and 30 percent slow-release nitrogen to keep things looking good between feedings.

Though this budget-friendly pick doesn’t come in a ready-to-spray container, diluting the 32-ounce concentrate and applying it with your own sprayer can cover up to 12,800 square feet. Since it only needs to be applied once a month (or every 2 weeks initially to restore deficient nitrogen levels), the relatively small jug will end up providing a surprising amount of seasonal coverage. If your lawn is on the sad side and you’re looking for a cost-effective way to get it back to green, the PetraTools high-nitrogen liquid fertilizer will be hard to beat.  

What our tester says: “The only thing I didn’t like about this product was applying it with my pump sprayer. But since hose-end sprayers are pretty cheap and the PetraMax section of my testing grid looked just as good as my top pick’s, I can definitely see myself using it again.”—Michelle Larson, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the PetraTools liquid lawn fertilizer on Amazon, Walmart, or PetraTools.

Best Weed Control

Scotts Liquid Turf Builder with Plus 2 Weed Control

Buy at Amazon Buy at Lowe's Buy at Ace Hardware

What We Like

• Broadleaf herbicide kills weeds like clover and dandelions
• Convenient applicator bottle
• High nitrogen content for quick greening

What We Don’t Like

• Stubborn weeds require more frequent application
• Overspray may kill desirable plants

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Specs

• NPK ratio: 25-0-2
• Coverage per 32 ounces: Up to 6,000 square feet
• Organic or synthetic: Synthetic

Our Ratings

Feeding the lawn is a great idea—as long as you aren’t feeding weeds at the same time. Enter Scotts’ Turf Builder Plus 2, an effective weed and feed that combines liquid fertilizer with a broadleaf herbicide. It has an NPK ratio of 25-0-2 to encourage quick greening and robust growth, plus 2,4-D to kill weeds like clover and dandelion without harming grass. 

Turf Builder with weed control is a sprayable lawn fertilizer​ that comes ready to use. Just attach it to the end of a standard garden hose and turn on the water. The product automatically dilutes as you spray the grass, allowing a 32-ounce bottle to treat up to 6,000 square feet. If stubborn weeds haven’t met their end after the first application, you can apply another round after 3 to 4 weeks. For best results, wait to spray until your grass has reached full spring greenup, and avoid watering for at least 48 hours. 

What our tester says: “This weed and feed didn’t green my grass quite as much as my two favorite products, but it definitely helped with weeds. I’ve already applied it to some areas outside my testing grid that were rife with dandelions, and I’ve noticed a massive improvement.”—Michelle Larson, Product Reviews tester and writer 

Get the Scotts Turf Builder with Weed Control liquid lawn fertilizer at Amazon, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, Target, or Scotts.

Best Added Nutrients

The Urban Farm Liquid Lawn Fertilizer 13-1-2

Buy at Amazon Buy at Walmart Byuy at Urban Farm

What We Like

• Concentrated liquid lawn fertilizer​ covers a large area
• Packed with natural nutrients
• Supports soil health and microbial activity

What We Don’t Like

• Best when applied 2 to 3 times/month
• Overwhelming smell until diluted

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Specs

• NPK ratio: 13-1-2
• Coverage per 32 ounces: Up to 10,000 square feet
• Organic or synthetic: Synthetic but contains several natural ingredients

Our Ratings

Some lawns can use an extra boost of nutrients like the ones found in The Urban Farm’s liquid grass fertilizer. This concentrated formula features a blend of natural ingredients, including bat guano, worm castings, kelp, and humic acid, for a more organic approach to lawn care. With a nitrogen-based NPK ratio of 13-1-2, it encourages vibrant coloring and rapid growth, while the inclusion of iron, magnesium, sulfur, and other micronutrients helps balance soil needs.

Unlike many liquid fertilizers, Urban Farm’s liquid lawn fertilizer concentrate uses hydroponic-grade nutrients, beneficial bacteria, mycorrhizae, and enzymes to create better long-term results. Commonly sold in a 3.78-liter jug that can treat 5,000 square feet a minimum of eight times, it’s an economical choice for large lawns. There are a few drawbacks: it does need diluting, it requires you to buy an applicator if you don’t already have one, and it has a relatively strong, earthy smell—but those things are small trade-offs for noticeably improved grass color and thickness. 

Get The Urban Farm liquid lawn fertilizer at Amazon, Walmart, or The Urban Farm.   

Also Consider

Medina HastaGro 12-4-8 Lawn Food

Buy at Amazon Buy at Lowe's Buy at Walmart

What We Like

• Contains beneficial trace minerals and natural supplements
• Stimulates both grass and soil health
• 32-ounce spray-ready jug or refill gallon container available

What We Don’t Like

• Low nitrogen levels may require more frequent application

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Specs

• NPK ratio: 12-4-8
• Coverage per 32 ounces: Up to 4,000 square feet
• Organic or synthetic: Synthetic

Our Ratings

Fertilizing a lawn regularly during the growing season can get expensive, but with Medina’s HastaGro 12-4-8 fertilizer, the process is quite a bit more affordable. This pick is sold in 32-ounce hose-ready containers that treat up to 4,000 square feet and 1-gallon jugs (without applicators) for fertilizing up to 16,000 square feet of lawn. The manufacturer suggests applying HastaGro to established lawns with grass clippings left on four times per growing season, or, with grass clippings removed, once a month during the mowing season.

In addition to nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, this liquid lawn fertilizer also contains trace minerals like copper, iron, manganese, and zinc to support lawn health. Medina also adds natural supplements, such as humic acid and a proprietary soil activator, to stimulate soil organisms and promote efficient nutrient uptake. Just be sure to apply it regularly to achieve ample greening, as its nitrogen levels are a bit lower than many products on this list. The benefit of that lower level, though, is that it’s unlikely to burn your grass if overapplied. 

Get the Medina liquid lawn fertilizer at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Walmart.

More Great Options

While we haven’t had a chance to test the following products yet, we couldn’t resist including them on our list. Each has excellent user reviews and offers unique NPK ratios that might be exactly what your lawn needs. 

Best High Nitrogen

Scotts Liquid Turf Builder Lawn Food

Buy at Amazon Buy at Tractor Supply Co. Buy at Ace Hardware

What We Like

• Greens lawns quickly
• High nitrogen content
• Applicator bottle included

What We Don’t Like

• Can burn grass if over-applied

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Specs

• NPK ratio: 29-0-3
• Coverage per 32 ounces: Up to 2,000 square feet
• Organic or synthetic: Synthetic

Home landscapers looking to revive a particularly lackluster lawn may want to consider Scotts’ Liquid Turf Builder Lawn Food, which has the highest ratio of nitrogen on our list with its NPK ratio of 29-0-3. It comes in a convenient applicator bottle that attaches directly to the end of a standard garden hose, eliminating the need for mixing to minimize the mess. 

A 32-ounce bottle of this high-nitrogen lawn fertilizer​ treats up to 2,000 square feet of lawn, and you might begin to see results in as little as 1 to 2 days. For best results, Scotts recommends applying this Turf Builder formula four times a year: early spring, late spring, early fall, and late fall. Since it is so high in nitrogen, be sure to follow the application instructions closely to keep from over-fertilizing your lawn and burning your grass. 

Get the Scotts Turf Builder liquid lawn fertilizer at Amazon, Tractor Supply Co., Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, Walmart, Target, or Scotts. 

Best Starter Fertilizer

Simple Lawn Solutions Extreme Growth Booster

Buy at Amazon Buy at Simple Lawn Solutions

What We Like

• Comes in a hose-end applicator bottle
• High phosphorus level promotes germination
• Moderate amount of nitrogen greens without burning

What We Don’t Like

• Too much phosphorus for an existing lawn

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Specs

• NPK ratio: 6-18-0
• Coverage per 32 ounces: Up to 3,200 square feet
• Organic or synthetic: Synthetic, but also contains humic acid, a natural organic substance found in soil

The Extreme Growth Booster fertilizer from Simple Lawn Solutions features an NPK ratio of 6-18-0, making it well suited for newly seeded areas. The generous amount of phosphorus helps boost grass seed germination, while added humic acid increases nutrient uptake to give delicate seedlings a strong start. It also contains enough nitrogen to promote healthy growth and vibrant color without burning tender, immature shoots. 

Like the other Simple Lawn Solutions liquid fertilizers on our list, Extreme Growth Booster comes in a spray-ready applicator bottle that attaches to the end of a garden hose for automatic dilution as you water. One 32-ounce bottle of this liquid fertilizer treats up to 3,200 square feet of just-seeded soil.

Get the Simple Lawn Solutions Extreme liquid lawn fertilizer on Amazon or Simple Lawn Solutions.

Best With Iron

Simple Lawn Solutions Lawn Energizer Blend

Buy at Amazon Buy at Simple Lawn Solutions

What We Like

• Nitrogen provides quick greening without burning
• Comes in a convenient hose-end sprayer bottle
• Includes iron to grow grass that’s deeply green

What We Don’t Like

• Can stain nearby objects unless quickly rinsed off

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Specs

• NPK ratio: 6-0-0
• Coverage per 32 ounces: Up to 3,200 square feet
• Organic or synthetic: Synthetic

Many fertilizers help grass turn a healthy shade of green, but those with added iron create a deeper, richer shade that many lawn lovers find highly attractive. Simple Lawn Solutions Lawn Energizer Blend is an NPK 6-0-0 liquid nitrogen fertilizer that uses nitrogen to promote quick greening and delivers 5 percent iron to enhance the color’s depth. This pick also contains essential micronutrients like manganese, magnesium, and sulfur—elements that are often lacking in certain soil types. 

Lawn Energizer comes in a convenient hose-end applicator bottle for easy, mess-free use. Simply attach it to a garden hose to apply it as you water your lawn. A 32-ounce bottle provides treatment for up to 3,200 square feet—just be sure to immediately rinse overspray off foundations, sidewalks, and driveways so the included iron doesn’t create a rust-like stain.  

Get the Simple Lawn Solutions Lawn Energizer liquid lawn fertilizer at Amazon or Simple Lawn Solutions.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Chose and Tested the Best Liquid Lawn Fertilizers

We began by researching dozens of liquid lawn fertilizers, selecting products that contain the essential nutrients grass needs to thrive. We prioritized several products with high nitrogen levels since nitrogen is essential for lush, green growth. We also looked for options with added ingredients to address soil nutrient deficiencies or support new seed germination. 

Then, we created a grid in an area of our yard that our dogs don’t have access to and applied each of the five products we were testing. Each product got its own lane, and we were careful to follow the manufacturer’s dilution instructions prior to application. We either used a pump sprayer or a hose-end sprayer to distribute each fertilizer, depending on the kind of container it came in. If reapplication was recommended, we followed that schedule as well. After a month, we rated each liquid fertilizer on a 5-point scale for ease of application, improvement in grass color and thickness, and overall value. 

What to Consider When Choosing Liquid Lawn Fertilizer

Most types of fertilizer have the same purpose: to deliver nutrients essential to improving grass health and growth. But they’re not a cure-all for poor soil. Instead, they supplement relatively healthy soil to produce an attractive lawn. When shopping for one of the best liquid lawn fertilizers, consider the following key factors. 

Soil pH

Most turf grasses do best when grown in soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The pH scale runs from 0 to 14, with 7 considered “neutral.” Numbers below 7 are progressively more acidic, and numbers above 7 are progressively more alkaline. While some fertilizers may help balance pH slightly, they won’t change the pH of soil that’s markedly too high or too low on the scale. Gardeners concerned about the pH level should have their soil tested and then add amendments, such as lime or sulfur, to raise or lower the pH in accordance with the results of the tests.

NPK Ratio

Most commercial fertilizers are labeled based on the amount of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) they contain by volume. Lawn fertilizers are typically higher in nitrogen than any other nutrient in order to green up the lawn and promote robust growth. This makes them unique compared to other fertilizers, such as garden fertilizers, which often have more balanced nutrient profiles. A typical NPK ratio for liquid lawn fertilizers might be 16-0-6, indicating 16 percent nitrogen, no phosphorus, and 6 percent potassium. 

Occasionally, the K in NPK stands for potash rather than potassium. Potash is a form of potassium and serves the same purpose. Phosphorus may or may not be included in liquid lawn fertilizer. If it is, it can stimulate grass seed production, which can be helpful if you want the grass to reseed itself.

Organic vs. Synthetic

Organic liquid lawn fertilizer​ is relatively rare, meaning most products contain artificial and chemical ingredients. They are formulated in a lab, and the nutrients are the synthetic equivalent of nutrients found in nature. Liquid lawn fertilizers often contain concentrated ingredients and are designed to be diluted before applying the product to the lawn. 

If applying an organic lawn fertilizer is important, it might be better to choose a granular grass food, which is more likely to contain ingredients such as composted manure or earthworm castings. For the most part, turfgrass varieties react the same to synthetic fertilizers as they do to natural fertilizers. 

Frequency of Application

Grass quickly absorbs liquid fertilizers—both through its leaf blades and through its roots—but fertilizers also pass relatively quickly out of the soil. For this reason, liquid lawn fertilizers often need to be applied more frequently than granular fertilizers, some of which are designed to dissolve gradually over a period of weeks. 

Fertilizing frequency depends on the brand and manufacturer’s recommendation and typically varies from 2 weeks to 1 month. Don’t make the mistake of applying fertilizer more often or at a higher rate than recommended. Overfertilizing can burn your grass, leading to brown areas of dead turf.

The Advantages of Liquid Lawn Fertilizers 

Both liquid and granular lawn fertilizers supply grass with the nutrients needed to grow healthy and strong, but liquid fertilizers offer some specific benefits.

• The best liquid fertilizer is absorbed quickly, and benefits can be seen in 2 to 4 days.
• Diluting liquid fertilizer is often less complicated than calibrating a drop or broadcast spreader, making the application of liquid lawn fertilizers more user-friendly.
• Liquid fertilizers can often be applied during periods of light rain or drizzle, so there’s no waiting to feed the lawn.
• The best liquid lawn fertilizer concentrate can be diluted to cover a large lawn area.

Tips for Using Liquid Lawn Fertilizers 

While applying liquid lawn fertilizer is usually straightforward, a few tips can make it even simpler and improve your results.

• Use a liquid hose-end sprayer if possible. While using a pump-type garden sprayer is possible, users will have to continually pump up the pressure in the sprayer and add more solution each time they run out. With a hose-end applicator, all you have to do is attach the sprayer to the end of the garden hose. The solution is automatically diluted as it is sprayed.
• Walk backwards when using a spray fertilizer. It’s the simplest way to apply the solution uniformly—plus, you won’t be walking through grass that’s already been saturated with fertilizer.
• Consider marking out lawn areas with stakes to help you track where you’ve already fertilized. By creating workable areas, say 15 feet wide, it’s easy to apply the fertilizer spray uniformly. Using flags or stakes to mark the areas can help.

FAQs

Along with regular mowing and watering, fertilizing is one of the best things you can do to ensure a healthy, beautiful lawn. Those new to DIY lawn care are likely to have some questions when choosing the best spray fertilizer.

Q. Is liquid fertilizer good for your lawn?

Yes. It will feed the grass with the necessary nutrients to keep it looking good.

Q. How do I choose a fertilizer for my lawn?

Most lawn fertilizers are formulated to help the grass grow—as long as the soil is healthy, that is. Any one of the products in our lineup is well suited to helping develop a lush, green expanse. If the soil is not healthy, though, have it tested and apply the recommended amendments to correct the deficiencies, as fertilizer alone won’t remedy it.

Q. What is a good liquid fertilizer?

A good fertilizer for lawn​ care is usually one with more nitrogen than any other nutrient, as nitrogen is essential for green coloring and robust growth. The best liquid fertilizer for new sod will also be the best liquid fertilizer for grass seeds.

Q. When should I apply liquid lawn fertilizer?

When to apply fertilizer depends on the specific product, but many liquid lawn fertilizers call for applying every 2 to 4 weeks, starting in early spring. 

Q. When will I notice the results after applying liquid lawn fertilizer?

Sometimes users will see results as soon as the next day. In liquid form, nitrogen is quickly absorbed by the grass, and it should appear greener in 1 to 3 days.

Q. How long does liquid lawn fertilizer last?

Unfortunately, liquid fertilizer for lawns passes out of the soil more quickly than granulated fertilizers, so plan to reapply a liquid lawn fertilizer every 2 to 4 weeks, as recommended on the package. 

Meet the Tester

Michelle Larson has been a writer and editor for more than 10 years in the fields of health, business, and the home, but until the last year of her life, she’s never been in charge of taking care of a lawn. Testing liquid lawn fertilizers taught her just how much the right formula can impact grass health and reinforced her belief in the power of research and reviews for finding products that work well and are easy to use. 

Additional research provided by Glenda Taylor.

 

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