As we start to venture out into our gardens, spring is the perfect time to achieve a healthy looking lawn and we’ve chosen a selection of grass fertilisers that will help you get started.
Keeping your lawn fed and nourished shouldn’t be a laborious task. Quite the opposite, a careful sprinkle of fertiliser and some regular watering is all you need to get grass roots growing. As the weather gets warmer, your lawn will need thorough watering to ensure the product has the chance to work effectively. We recommend cutting your lawn a few days prior to feed application to ensure the fertiliser has maximum impact. For best results, apply the lawn-growing formulations in the evening or on a cloudy day, using a push-along spreader which tends to be more accurate than applying by hand.
When shopping for a grass fertiliser, there are different options available; granular lawn food, liquid feed, simple seeds or a combined feed and moss killing product. Some products contain a higher level of nitrogen, while others have a high phosphorus content, so have a look at the ingredients and choose one that suits your lawn best.
Different feeds require different application methods so read product labels carefully to ensure your lawn maintenance schedule is optimised. Above all, don’t feed the grass during the hottest summer days or you’ll scorch it and have to start from scratch.
We’ve chosen a selection of lawn fertilisers that will bring your grass to life and help it withstand constant use throughout the summer, from football games to family barbecues.
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Miracle-Gro EverGreen Complete 4-in-1 Spreader
With its integrated feeder, this grass fertiliser has all you need to give your lawn a luscious look, all while killing weeds and controlling moss. Simply press down on the yellow spout, slide back the green cap, tip up the tub and scatter the feed across your lawn walking at a brisk pace. Point the spout towards the ground as you walk, letting the feed flow freely and spreading the granules across the lawn evenly.
Within one week your grass will look noticeably thicker and moss will start to lift, making it easy to rake out. This is a granular feed, which means it needs to be watered in. Try to plan a feeding session before rain is due, or use a sprinkler or hose to water the lawn to help the feed work.
There’s something rather satisfying about noticing sprouting clusters and tufts of new grass appearing. Sit back and watch your lawn come to life. Repeat the feeding process every three months.
Buy now £15.99, Amazon
Moowy Easy Mow Long-Lasting All Season Lawn Feed
Some might argue that feeding a lawn is an unnatural thing to do, but encouraging greenery to grow both supports the rest of your garden infrastructure and looks visually appealing. This resealable pouch of long lasting lawn fertiliser works for over 90 days and is suitable for all-year-round use.
This fine grained lawn feed has a coating that allows for a slow release of nutrients into the grass over time. It contains nitrogen that stimulates grass growth, phosphorous that helps root growth, potassium that prevents disease in the grass and magnesium oxide that stimulates the cell structure of the grass.
When spreading the feed, make sure you walk at a consistent pace and try to distribute it evenly. The huge benefit of this option is that it’s safe for children and animals to walk on the lawn after application, meaning treating the grass won’t interrupt your weekend plans.
Buy now £13.99, Amazon
Gro-Sure Aqua Gel Coated Smart Grass Lawn Seed
This seed is coated in a gel that protects it from drying out whilst germinating, ideal if you plan to feed your lawn in the hotter months. The clever little seeds are created with a protective blue coating to stop birds eating them whilst it grows. Effective across all areas of lawn, including patches in full sun, shade and worn areas, it works by absorbing up to 400 times its weight in water, and slowly releases moisture over time.
The lawn fertiliser has a built-in seed applicator to help with feed distribution. Simply open the box and start to spread, or use a separate push-along spreader. Either way, a consistent coating will result in a healthy lawn after a few weeks. Before use, make sure the grass is completely dry to avoid patches and quickly sweep up any wayward seeds that fall onto paving stones or driveways to avoid staining.
Buy now £12.99, Amazon
Ivisons Premium Hard Wearing Grass Seed
This lawn feed is ideal for quick results, and is particularly effective when repairing patches of grass that have been damaged by dog urine. The mix contains creeping red fescue grass seed and dwarf ryegrass seed that is effective for encouraging dense grass growth. It is registered and certified by DEFRA, and is mixed in the UK.
This option from Ivisons comes in a resealable pouch and can be stored for up to 24 months after the mixing date, with no impact to germination rates. Don’t forget to water your lawn heavily after application to keep the soil wet and give seed the best chance of growing. Keep the bag in a garage or shed, where it is readily available for repairing patches of damage throughout the season.
Whether you are applying by hand, or using a hand-held or push-along spreader, take care to spread feed evenly and clear up any seeds that scatter on pavements or paving. Whilst this feed is pet friendly, and does not contain bird repellant, it’s always best practice to prevent animals from eating them where possible.
Buy now £15.99, Amazon
Doff Pro Coat Fast Growing Lawn Seed
Easy to apply and suitable for all weather conditions, this grass feed can be poured from the box onto your lawn with minimum fuss. We recommend feeding the grass once the last chance of frost has passed so that the roots are ready to absorb the fertiliser.
After feeding you should notice quick results and (in time) can enjoy a hard-wearing lawn that will stand up to everyday family life, from pets to parties. Each box of 500g feed covers 20 square metres and results in a lush green lawn. This grass seed is covered in a micro nutrient coating that prevents birds from eating the seed before it has time to bed down.
Once established, this feed supports consistent lawn growth, which means grass growing should be a low maintenance task throughout the year. Take care to remove any stubborn weeds from the lawn before feeding (you definitely don’t want to encourage their growth).
Buy now £7.99, Amazon
Feed Organic Lawn Food
One for gardeners who prefer an eco-friendly product, this organic lawn food has been specifically developed to keep your grass healthy in a planet-friendly way. This fertiliser contains a higher level of nitrogen which helps lawn growth. The mix also includes sustainably sourced North Atlantic seaweed extract, which promotes root growth and protects plants against drought.
The purpose of this liquid feed is to maximise the nutrition of the lawn. This is one of the only products on our list that is 100 per cent organic, plant based and free from synthetic chemicals. Its natural qualities make it suitable for use around children and pets, meaning the whole family can enjoy the garden without worrying about walking on the lawn after it has been fed. This product is available as a one time purchase or via a subscription.
Buy now £10.00, Feed
So & Mo Performance Liquid Lawn Feed
If you’re looking for a more intensive lawn treatment, this product offers a 12 month plan that includes six liquid feeds. Each bottle is labelled with the month that the treatment needs to be used, starting in February and running through to December - for all-year round lawn care.
The first bottle (February) is high in potassium which strengthens the lawn’s existing root system and assists with photosynthesis which helps resist disease. These liquid feeds are child and pet friendly but the manufacturer recommends keeping them off the lawn for a day to allow time for the feed to take effect.
They must be used with a feed sprayer with a flat fan nozzle which you can buy separately. Simply use a bottle each month to maintain your lawn or alternatively, feed your lawn each season if a monthly maintenance schedule feels too much.
Buy now £70.00, So & Mo
Verdict
A reliable choice from a leading brand, the Miracle-Gro EverGreen Complete 4-in-1 spreader will help your lawn stand up to the wear and tear of daily use this summer. Scatter seeds in early spring for a lawn that grows consistently throughout the year.
