Best Fertilizer for Fall - The Secret to a Perfect Lawn
As autumn breezes begin to blow, the leaves turn from green to gold, and a new season dawns upon us. The fall season signifies change, and like all living things, plants require proper nourishment to thrive and grow. Fortunately, there is a secret weapon that can help your plants maintain their health and vitality in the face of this seasonal shift - the best fertilizer for fall.
Picture a garden bursting with a riot of colors - deep reds, earthy browns, and warm oranges. A garden that is a reflection of your hard work, your love for your plants, and your determination to create a space that is not only beautiful but also healthy. However, just like any living organism, plants require specific nutrients to stay healthy, strong, and vibrant.
Our Top Choices
Best Overall Fall Fertilizer: Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard Fall Lawn Food
Best Slow-Release Fall Fertilizer: Milorganite Fertilizer for Fall 5-4-0
Best Fertilizer with Weed Preventer: Ferti-Lome For All Seasons Plus Preventer 16-0-8
Best Fertilizer for Winter Lawn Survival: Jonathan Green Winter Survival Fall Fertilizer
Best Organic Fall Fertilizer: Espoma Organic Lawn Food – Fall Winterizer (8-0-6)
Also read: Best Fertilizers for Plumeria
The best fertilizer for fall is like a multivitamin for your plants. It contains a blend of essential nutrients that help to promote root growth, maintain strong stems, and encourage blossoming. Just as our bodies need proper nutrition to fight off illness and disease, plants need the right fertilizer to remain healthy and robust.
So, as the leaves begin to fall, and the temperatures drop, don't forget the power of the best fertilizer for fall. With its help, your garden will flourish with a vitality and resilience that will see it through the winter months and emerge even more beautiful and vibrant in the spring.
TL;DR
- Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard Fall Lawn Food: This fertilizer is specifically formulated for fall and provides a balanced source of essential nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, to promote root growth and winter hardiness.
- Milorganite Fertilizer for Fall 5-4-0: This organic fertilizer provides a slow-release source of essential nutrients, including nitrogen and phosphorus, to promote root growth and winter hardiness.
- Ferti-Lome For All Seasons Plus Preventer 16-0-8: This fertilizer provides a balanced source of essential nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, to promote root growth and winter hardiness, and also contains a preemergent weed control to prevent weed growth in the spring.
- Jonathan Green Winter Survival Fall Fertilizer: This fertilizer is specifically formulated for use in the fall and contains a balanced source of essential nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, to promote root growth and winter hardiness.
- Espoma Organic Lawn Food – Fall Winterizer (8-0-6): This organic fertilizer provides a balanced source of essential nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, to promote root growth and winter hardiness.
Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard Fall Lawn Food
Scotts Winterguard Fall Lawn Food is a granular fertilizer with a high nitrogen content (32%) and potassium (10%). It is available in 12.5-pound bags (covers 5,000 sq ft) and 43-pound bags (covers 15,000 sq ft), making it ideal for large and small lawns. We use a walk-behind broadcast or drop spreader for application, and we always follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid over-application.
One of the significant benefits of using Scotts Winterguard Fall Lawn Food is that it helps turfgrass green up quickly and repairs damage caused by excess summer heat or drought. It also builds strong, deep roots for a better lawn next spring, improving the lawn's ability to absorb water and nutrients versus an unfed lawn.
Also read: Best Fertilizer for Grass
At ColumbiaFlorist.net, we use Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard Fall Lawn Food in the following way:
- We measure the area of our lawn to determine the amount of fertilizer needed for the coverage area. We typically use a walk-behind broadcast or drop spreader to apply the fertilizer.
- We then apply the fertilizer evenly to the lawn, following the manufacturer's recommended application rate. This is important to avoid over-application, which can cause burnt grass.
- After applying the fertilizer, we water the lawn thoroughly to ensure the fertilizer is absorbed correctly.
- It is crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying Scotts Winterguard Fall Lawn Food to ensure the best results. Applying too much fertilizer or not watering enough can cause damage to your lawn.
Overall, Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard Fall Lawn Food is easy to use and provides excellent results when used correctly. It is essential to follow the instructions carefully to avoid over-application and burnt grass, but when used properly, it is an excellent choice for fall fertilization.
Milorganite Fertilizer for Fall 5-4-0
We have used this product for many years with excellent results.
How to Use: First, it is important to determine the square footage of your lawn to ensure that you purchase the correct amount of Milorganite Fertilizer for Fall. Once you have the correct amount, you will need to use a broadcast spreader to apply the fertilizer evenly over your lawn. We recommend using a rate of 32 lbs of fertilizer per 2,500 square feet of lawn.
Also read: Best Fertilizer for Bermuda Grass
It is best to apply Milorganite Fertilizer for Fall in early fall before the first frost. This will give your lawn the necessary nutrients to prepare for the winter months and come back strong in the spring. It is also important to water your lawn thoroughly after application to ensure that the fertilizer is absorbed properly.
One of the significant benefits of Milorganite Fertilizer for Fall is that it works well for overseeding when mixed with grass seed. This can help to thicken your lawn and improve overall growth. Simply mix the fertilizer and grass seed together and apply them together using a broadcast spreader.
In conclusion, Milorganite Fertilizer for Fall is an excellent choice for fall fertilization. It provides a good source of nitrogen and phosphorus, is suitable for year-round use and Bermuda grasses, and works well for overseeding. It is also highly sustainable and environmentally friendly, making it a popular choice for homeowners and landscapers. At ColumbiaFlorist.net, we highly recommend this product for all your fall fertilization needs.
Ferti-Lome For All Seasons Plus Preventer 16-0-8
At ColumbiaFlorist.net, we use Ferti-Lome For All Seasons Plus Preventer 16-0-8 in the fall to control common lawn weeds and fertilize the lawn at the same time. This slow-release fertilizer with herbicide is effective for up to 5 months and can be used in both spring and fall. We have found that this product effectively controls weeds such as henbit, oxalis, crabgrass, and others.
However, it is important to note that the herbicide in this fertilizer also prevents grass seed germination, so it should not be used before planting grass seed or within 60 days of overseeding. We recommend applying it 2-3 weeks before weed seed germination in early spring or fall using a broadcast spreader and activating the granules with ½ inch of water immediately after application.
Overall, we have had positive experiences with Ferti-Lome For All Seasons Plus Preventer 16-0-8 in controlling weeds and fertilizing the lawn, making it a valuable addition to our lawn care program at ColumbiaFlorist.net.
Jonathan GreenWinter Survival Fall Fertilizer
As experts at ColumbiaFlorist, we recommend using Jonathan Green Winter Survival Fall Fertilizer to help cool-season grasses survive the winter months. With high levels of potassium and 10% nitrogen, this fertilizer promotes deep root development and helps lawns look great in the fall while growing healthier in the spring. Additionally, the 3% iron content helps restore the grass to a vibrant green color.
This fertilizer can be applied using a broadcast spreader on dry grass and can even be applied on the same day of seeding. It comes in two sizes to accommodate yards of different sizes, and it's safe for use on new grass. While the nitrogen content may be lower than some other formulas, the high levels of potassium make it a great choice for preparing your lawn for the colder months ahead.
For damaged lawns, we recommend two applications of this fertilizer to ensure the best results. Overall, we believe that Jonathan Green Winter Survival Fall Fertilizer is an excellent choice for those looking to protect their lawns during the winter months and promote healthy growth come spring.
Espoma Organic Lawn Food – Fall Winterizer (8-0-6)
As ColumbiaFlorist, we are big proponents of organic and eco-friendly lawn care, making Espoma Organic Lawn Food’s fall fertilizer a great choice for our lawn care program. Not only is it safe for our staff, customers, and their pets, but it also enhances water movement within the soil, improving the overall health of the lawn. In addition, it provides two and a half times more slow release nitrogen than a conventional synthetic lawn fertilizer, which means our lawn gets the nutrients it needs over a longer period of time.
The fertilizer also contains extra potash, which is essential for next year’s spring greening. With regular use, the fertilizer promotes long-lasting nutrition for healthy lawns and soil. This means that our lawns can stay looking lush and green while also requiring less frequent mowing, a win-win for us and our clients.
While the product may be more expensive than some other options, we believe that the benefits of using an organic and eco-friendly fertilizer far outweigh the cost.
Espoma Organic Lawn Food’s fall fertilizer has a composition of 8-0-5, meaning it contains nitrogen and potash but no phosphorus. The fertilizer is sourced from organic matter, making it a great choice for those who want to keep their lawns organic.
To use the fertilizer, we apply it at the recommended rate of 6 lbs. per 1,000 square feet for lawns with grass clippings, and double the rate if there aren't any grass clippings. This ensures that the lawn gets the right amount of nutrients it needs to thrive. The fertilizer comes in a 30-pound bag that covers an area of 5,000 square feet, making it a great value for our customers.
Overall, Espoma Organic Lawn Food’s fall fertilizer is an excellent choice for fall lawn care. As part of the all-organic lawn program, it helps our lawn recover from summer and promotes spring greening. We are confident in its ability to create healthy lawns and soil while being safe for kids and pets to use.
Questions you might be asking
Why should I fertilize my lawn in the fall?
Fertilizing your lawn in the fall can help build reserves of essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, that your cool-season grass will need to maintain green color and healthy growth throughout the winter. Fall fertilization can also help strengthen the roots of your grass, which will help it better withstand winter conditions and emerge stronger and healthier in the spring.
What type of fertilizer is best for fall?
A slow-release fertilizer that provides a balanced mix of essential nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, is best for fall. Slow-release fertilizers are ideal for fall because they provide a steady release of nutrients over a longer period of time, which can help maintain green color and support healthy growth in cool-season grasses.
What NPK ratio is best for fall fertilizer?
The best NPK ratio for fall fertilizer will depend on the specific needs of your grass. In general, a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 is best for fall. A balanced fertilizer will provide essential nutrients in the right ratio to support healthy growth in cool-season grasses.
When is the best time to fertilize in the fall?
The best time to fertilize in the fall will depend on the specific climate and growing conditions in your area. In general, it is best to fertilize cool-season grasses in the late fall, when the grass is dormant and not actively growing. This will help your grass build reserves for the winter and maintain green color throughout the fall.
How often should I fertilize my lawn in the fall?
The frequency of fertilizer application will depend on the specific growing conditions and the type of fertilizer you choose. In general, it is best to fertilize cool-season grasses once or twice per year, with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific fertilizer you choose, as the frequency of application may vary depending on the type of fertilizer you use.
How cold is too cold to fertilize the lawn?
The exact temperature at which it is too cold to fertilize the lawn will depend on the specific fertilizer you choose. In general, it is best to avoid fertilizing your lawn when temperatures are below freezing, as the fertilizer may not be able to properly absorb into the soil and may freeze instead. If temperatures are close to freezing, it is best to wait until temperatures are warmer to fertilize your lawn.
When in fall should I fertilize?
The best time to fertilize your lawn in the fall will depend on the specific climate and growing conditions in your area. In general, it is best to fertilize cool-season grasses in the late fall, when the grass is dormant and not actively growing. This will help your grass build reserves for the winter and maintain green color throughout the fall.
What is the best fertilizer for early fall?
The best fertilizer for early fall will depend on the specific needs of your grass. In general, a balanced, slow-release fertilizer that provides essential nutrients in the right ratio will support healthy growth in cool-season grasses in the early fall. A fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 is ideal for fall, as this will provide essential nutrients in the right ratio to support healthy growth.
Can I use regular fertilizer in the fall?
Regular fertilizer can be used in the fall, but it is important to choose a fertilizer that is specifically formulated for cool-season grasses. Regular fertilizers may not provide the essential nutrients in the right ratio for cool-season grasses, and may not be formulated for slow-release, which is ideal for fall. It is best to choose a fertilizer that is specifically formulated for fall and provides a balanced mix of essential nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, in the right ratio.
Sources we used in this research.