If you’re looking for the best lawn fertilizer for summer, we’ve got you covered. We know how important it is to have a healthy, green lawn – and we also know that the summer months can be tough on your grass.
The hot weather and lack of rain can stress your lawn and make it more susceptible to disease. That’s why it’s so important to fertilize your lawn in the summer.
Fertilizer provides the nutrients your grass needs to stay strong and green, even during the hottest months of the year.
There are a lot of different lawn fertilizers on the market, and it can be tough to know which one is best for your lawn. That’s why we’ve done the research for you and put together a list of the best grass fertilizer for summer.
We’ll also give you tips on applying fertilizer and how often you should fertilize your lawn. So, if you’re ready to learn more about the best lawn fertilizer ratio for summer, read on!
What is Fertilizer?
Fertilizer is a material added to the soil to supply nutrients that are essential for plant growth. Plants need nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for healthy growth, which are the three main nutrients found in fertilizer.
Nitrogen helps plants to grow strong roots and green leaves. Phosphorus helps plants to develop strong stems and produce flowers and fruits. Potassium helps plants to develop strong roots and resist disease.
When to Fertilize Lawn in Summer
The best time to fertilize your lawn in the summer is early summer, before the hottest weather hits. This will give your grass a chance to absorb the nutrients from the fertilizer and use them to stay strong during the hot months. Read our article and find out What is the Best Time of Day to Fertilize Lawn?
How Often to Fertilize Lawn in Summer
You should fertilize your lawn every six to eight weeks during summer. This will give your grass the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and green. Before you fertilize your lawn, check the label of the fertilizer to see how often you should apply it.
Our Top Summer Lawn Care Tips
In addition to fertilizing your lawn, you can do a few other things to keep it healthy during the summer months. Here are our top tips:
Wear Gloves and Goggles When Applying Fertilizer
When applying fertilizer, especially synthetic fertilizer, it’s important to wear gloves and goggles. This will protect your skin and eyes from the chemicals in the fertilizer.
Summer fertilizer for grass or any type of fertilizer can irritate your skin and eyes. If nitrogen gets on your skin, it can cause a burning sensation. If it gets in your eyes, it can cause temporary blindness.
Wash Your Hands After Applying Fertilizer
Your safety and the safety of your family are important to us. That’s why we always recommend washing your hands after applying fertilizer – even if you’re wearing gloves.
This will help to remove any fertilizer that may be on your skin, and it will also help to keep the chemicals out of your eyes.
Wear Long Sleeves and Long Pants
When applying fertilizer, it’s also a good idea to wear long sleeves and long pants. This will help to protect your skin from the chemicals in the fertilizer.
If you have any cuts or open wounds on your skin, cover them with a bandage before applying fertilizer.
Choose the Right Fertilizer for Your Lawn
There are a lot of different lawn fertilizers on the market, and it can be tough to know which one is best for your lawn. If you’re unsure which summer fertilizer to choose, ask a lawn care expert. They’ll be able to recommend the best grass fertilizer for summer based on the type of grass you have and the condition of your lawn.
Apply Fertilizer Carefully
Besides your and your family’s safety, another important consideration when applying summer fertilizer is the environment.
When you’re applying fertilizer, be sure to follow the directions on the label. This will help ensure you’re not using too much or too little.
Applying too much fertilizer can be harmful to the environment, and it can also harm your lawn. Applying too little fertilizer won’t be effective, and you’ll be wasting your time and money.
Water Your Lawn Deeply and Regularly
Deep watering encourages deep root growth, which is important for a healthy lawn. You should water your lawn deeply and regularly during summer, ideally once a week.
If you live in an area with high temperatures and low humidity, you may need to water your lawn more often.
Store Fertilizer Safely
Any time you’re not using fertilizer, it’s important to store it safely. Keep it away from children and pets, and store it in a cool, dry place.
The safe storage of fertilizer is especially important during the summer months when the heat can cause the chemicals in fertilizer to break down.
Consider storing your fertilizer in a cool, dark place, like a basement or garage. You can also store it on a top shelf in a closet. Just ensure that your pets and children can’t reach it.
Before storing your summer fertilizer, read the label to see if there are any special storage instructions.
Keep Children and Pets Off the Lawn After Applying Fertilizer
After applying fertilizer, it’s important to keep children and pets off the lawn until the soil has had a chance to absorb the fertilizer. This is usually around 24 hours, but it’s best to check the label of your fertilizer to be sure.
Some fertilizer can take up to two weeks for the soil to absorb, so it’s best to err on the side of caution and keep children and pets off the lawn until that time.
Be sure to keep an eye on your pets, even if you think they’re staying off the lawn. If they track fertilizer into the house, it can harm your family.
What Fertilizer Numbers to Use in Summer
When fertilizing your lawn in the summer, you’ll want to use a fertilizer with higher nitrogen content. Nitrogen is one of the three main nutrients in fertilizer, and it’s responsible for promoting green, healthy growth in lawns.
The best lawn food for summer will have a higher first number in the fertilizer ratio. The best numbers to use in summer are 15-0-8, 10-0-4, or 6-0-0.
How Do the Fertilizer Numbers Work?
The three numbers on a fertilizer package are known as the N-P-K ratio. They stand for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, the three main fertilizer nutrients.
The first number is the nitrogen content, the second number is the phosphorus content, and the third number is the potassium content. For example, a fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-0-4 contains 10% nitrogen, 0% phosphorus, and 4% potassium.
Why Fertilize Lawn in Summer
Summer is important to fertilize your lawn because the warm weather encourages growth. The summer months are also when your lawn is most likely to suffer from heat stress and pests.
Fertilizing your lawn in the summer helps to promote healthy growth and prevents problems like brown patches, thatch, and bare spots.
How to Apply Summer Lawn Fertilizer
When applying summer lawn fertilizer, it’s important to follow the directions on the label. This will help ensure you’re not applying too much or too little fertilizer.
It’s also important to water your lawn before applying fertilizer. This will help the soil to absorb the fertilizer more effectively.
After applying fertilizer, water your lawn again to help the fertilizer to seep down into the root zone.
Types and Options for Summer Lawn Fertilizers
There are two main types of lawn fertilizer: organic and synthetic. These two are not the same, especially regarding their safety when used on your lawn, how long they last, and their effectiveness.
We’ll discuss both below so you can make the best decision for your lawn.
Organic Lawn Fertilizers
Organic lawn fertilizers use natural ingredients, like compost, manure, and other plant-based materials. They provide a slow release of nutrients, which is ideal for summer lawns.
Organic fertilizers are also safe for children and pets and won’t burn your lawn if used as directed. This makes them a great choice for families with young children or pets.
However, organic fertilizers can be more expensive than synthetic fertilizers. They are also hard to apply evenly and may attract pests if not used properly.
Synthetic Lawn Fertilizers
Synthetic lawn fertilizers use chemical ingredients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. They are the most popular type of fertilizer because they are generally less expensive than organic fertilizers.
Synthetic fertilizers have a precise mix of nutrients, so you know how the fertilizer will benefit your lawn. They are also easy to apply evenly and don’t attract pests.
However, synthetic fertilizers can harm children and pets if ingested, and they can pollute groundwater if you over-apply. Ensure you read and follow the directions on the label to avoid these problems.
The Best Summer Lawn Fertilizers – an Overview
- Best Overall Summer Lawn Fertilizer: Advanced 16-4-8 Balanced NPK
- Best Lawn Fertilizer for Seeding and Sod: Extreme Grass Growth Lawn Booster
- Best Organic Lawn Fertilizer: Milorganite 0636 Organic Nitrogen Fertilizer
- Best Lawn Fertilizer for Fast Results: Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble Lawn Food
- Best Summer Fertilizer for Many Lawns: Scotts Green Max Lawn Food
- Best Liquid Concentrate: Ultimate 3-18-18 NPK- Lawn Food Quality Liquid Fertilizer
- Best Lawn Fertilizer for Bugs: Scotts Turf Builder SummerGuard Lawn Food with Insect Control
- Best All-Purpose Lawn Fertilizer: Urban Farm Fertilizers All-Purpose Vegetable Fertilizer
- Best Coverage: The Andersons HumiChar
Our Top Pick for the Best Lawn Fertilizer for Summer
After considering all the factors above, our top pick for the best lawn fertilizer for summer is the Advanced 16-4-8 Balanced NPK fertilizer. This fertilizer contains a balanced mix of nutrients that will promote healthy growth in your lawn all summer long.
It’s also easy to apply, and it won’t attract pests. Plus, it contains seaweed and fish meal to provide your lawn with additional nutrients.
If you’re looking for organic fertilizer, our top pick is the Milorganite 0636 Organic Nitrogen Fertilizer. Made from organic materials, this fertilizer will slowly release nutrients over time to provide your lawn with a steady supply of nutrients all summer.
Now, let’s take a closer look at our top picks for the best lawn fertilizer for summer.
Our Top–Rated Reviews on the Best Summer Lawn Fertilizers
Advanced 16-4-8 Balanced NPK
Best Overall Summer Lawn Fertilizer
Amazon’s Choice Award: Garden Fertilizers by Simple Lawn Solutions
Key Features:
- Brand: Simple Lawn Solutions
- Fertilizer number: 16-4-8
- Grass compatibility: All grass types
- Diameter of area product can cover: Up to 32,000 square feet (2,880 square meters)
- Product dimensions: 5.5 x 3 x 9 inches (13.97 x 7.62 x 22.86 centimeters)
- Item form: Liquid
- Recommended uses: Lawn fertilizer
- Who should buy it: Homeowners looking to enhance their lawn’s health during the summer months
If you want a fertilizer that is easy to apply and will not attract pests, the Advanced 16-4-8 Balanced NPK may be the perfect choice for your summer lawn. This fertilizer comes in liquid form, so it is easy to spread evenly over your lawn. It also contains seaweed and fish meal, which provide your lawn with additional nutrients.
The 16-4-8 fertilizer ratio is ideal for summer lawns, providing the perfect mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This fertilizer is safe for all grass types, and you can use it on lawns up to 32,000 square feet (2,880 square meters).
Manufactured in the United States of America by a family-owned company with over 20 years of experience, the Advanced 16-4-8 Balanced NPK is a high-quality fertilizer that will help your lawn thrive all summer.
Pros:
- It contains a perfect mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium
- Seaweed and fish meal provide additional nutrients
- Easy to apply
- Safe for all grass types
Cons:
- Some customers have complained that the bottle design is difficult to use
Extreme Grass Growth Lawn Booster
Best Lawn Fertilizer for Seeding And Sod
Best Seller in Patio, Lawn & Garden
Key Features:
- Brand: Simple Lawn Solutions
- Fertilizer number: 6-18-0
- Grass compatibility: All grass types
- Diameter of area product can cover: Up to 12,800 square feet (1,152 square meters)
- Product dimensions: 7.45 x 4.1 x 11.8 inches (18.92 x 10.41 x 29.97 centimeters)
- Item form: Liquid
- Recommended uses: Lawn fertilizer
- Who should buy it: Homeowners with large lawns who want to encourage thick, green growth during the summer months
When establishing a new lawn, it’s important to use the right tools and products to ensure success. One such product is Extreme Grass Growth Lawn Booster, which helps to promote rapid growth and strong roots.
This fertilizer is a great choice for new sod and new seedings, as it provides essential phosphorus to promote increased seed germination. It’s also blended with humic acid, which helps break down organic matter and release nutrients into the soil.
The Extreme Grass Growth Lawn Booster is best used during spring and summer, and you can apply it with a pump or any other sprayer. It’s available in a commercial size that can cover up to 12,800 square feet (1,152 square meters), making it an economical choice for large lawns.
Pros:
- Helps to promote rapid grass growth
- Ideal for new sod and seedings
- It contains phosphorus to encourage increased seed germination
- Blended with humic acid to break down organic matter
- Available in a commercial size that covers up to 12,800 square feet (1,152 square meters)
Cons:
- Some users have reported that the sprayer clogs easily.
Milorganite 0636 Organic Nitrogen Fertilizer
Best Organic Lawn Fertilizer
Best Seller in Patio, Lawn & Garden
Key Features:
- Brand: Milorganite
- Grass compatibility: All grass types
- Diameter of area product can cover: 2,500 square feet (225 square meters)
- Product weight: 32 pounds (14.52 kilograms)
- Item form: Granular
- Recommended uses: Lawn fertilizer
- Who should buy it: Homeowners with small yards who want an organic option
Milorganite 0636 Organic Nitrogen Fertilizer is an excellent option if you’re looking for high-quality organic nitrogen fertilizer. It comes with a slow-release nitrogen formula, so your lawn can absorb the nutrients gradually and over an extended period.
Additionally, this fertilizer contains phosphorus, calcium, and iron–all of which are essential nutrients for a healthy lawn. It also comes in a 32-pound (14.52 kilograms) bag, enough to cover 2,500 square feet (225 square meters) of turf.
Milorganite 0636 Organic Nitrogen Fertilizer demand is high, so it’s often out of stock. If you can find it, though, it’s definitely worth the purchase.
Pros:
- Made with organic ingredients
- It contains essential nutrients like phosphorus, calcium, and iron
- It comes in a large 32-pound (14.52 kilograms) bag
Cons:
- Organic ingredients mean it may not be as effective as synthetic fertilizers
- Often out of stock due to high demand
Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble Lawn Food
Best Lawn Fertilizer for Fast Results
Amazon’s Choice in Garden Fertilizers by Miracle-Gro
Key Features:
- Brand: Miracle-Gro
- Fertilizer number: 30-0-6
- Grass compatibility: All turf grasses
- Diameter of area product can cover: Up to 7,200 square feet (648 square meters)
- Product dimensions: 5 x 5.5 x 10 inches (12.7 x 13.97 x 25.4 centimeters)
- Item form: Liquid
- Recommended uses: Lawn fertilizer
- Who should buy it: Ideal for those who want to see fast results and don’t mind spending a little more money
Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble Lawn Food is a fast-acting fertilizer that encourages a thick, green lawn. Formulated for turfgrass, it contains high nitrogen and chelated iron for a quick, greening response.
For easy, even application, use the Miracle-Gro Garden Feeder. One feeder refill pack treats up to 1,000 square feet (90 square meters). This product is best used in early spring and summer when the grass is actively growing.
Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble Lawn Food feeds through the roots and the blades to feed all grass types (when used as directed). It is ideal for use on newly seeded lawns, established lawns, and as a booster fertilizer.
Pros:
- Fast results
- Easy to use
- Good coverage since it’s water-soluble
Cons:
- May burn your lawn if not used as directed.
Scotts Green Max Lawn Food
Best Summer Fertilizer for Many Lawns
Best Seller in Patio, Lawn & Garden
Key Features:
- Brand: Scotts
- Fertilizer number: 33-0-2
- Grass compatibility: All grass types
- Diameter of area product can cover: 10,000 square feet (900 square meters)
- Product dimensions: 24 x 3.5 x 15 inches (60.96 x 8.89 x 38.1 centimeters)
- Item form: Granular
- Recommended uses: Lawn fertilizer
- Who should buy it: Consumers with medium to large-sized lawns
If you’re looking for summer lawn food to help your grass stay green and healthy all through the summer months, then Scotts Green Max Lawn Food is a great option. This product features a dual-action formula that feeds and supplements your lawn, ensuring that your grass stays lush and green no matter how hot it gets outside.
In addition, this product consists of 5.17% iron, a micronutrient that helps keep your lawn looking its best during the warmer months. This product is safe for all grass types and will not stain your concrete or decking.
Finally, Scotts Green Max Lawn Food is easy to apply and safe to use around children and pets, so you can rest assured that your family is always safe while you’re working to keep your lawn looking its best.
Pros:
- Enriched with 5.17% iron to enhance the greening process
- Easy to apply
- Safe for all grass types
- Safe for children and pets
Cons:
- Some customers felt that the coverage information was inaccurate.
Ultimate 3-18-18 NPK- Lawn Food Quality Liquid Fertilizer
Best Liquid Concentrate
Amazon’s Choice in Garden Fertilizers by Simple Lawn Solutions
Key Features:
- Brand: Simple Lawn Solutions
- Fertilizer number: 3-18-18
- Grass compatibility: All grass types
- Diameter of area product can cover: Up to 3,200 square feet (288 square meters)
- Product dimensions: 5.5 x 3 x 9 inches (13.97 x 7.63 x 22.86 centimeters)
- Item form: Liquid
- Recommended uses: Lawn fertilizer
- Who should buy it: People who want to treat nutrient deficiencies or maintain lawn vigor
If your lawn is showing signs of wear and tear from the summer heat, give it a boost with Ultimate 3-18-18 NPK- Lawn Food Quality Liquid Fertilizer.
Made with high-quality, feed-grade ingredients, this lawn fertilizer provides your turf with the nutrients it needs to develop strong roots, withstand stress, and maintain its vigor throughout the season.
This fertilizer’s high phosphorus and potassium content promote turf hardiness and root growth, while the nitrogen helps your lawn achieve a deep, rich green color.
Equipped with a ready-to-use hose-end sprayer, Ultimate 3-18-18 NPK- Lawn Food Quality Liquid Fertilizer is easy to apply, and its fast-acting formula provides your lawn with the nutrients it needs to recover from summer stress and prepare for the cooler months ahead.
Pros:
- Promotes turf hardiness and root growth
- Fast-acting formula
- Easy to apply with an included hose-end sprayer
Cons:
- Some users have reported lawn burn if applied too heavily.
Scotts Turf Builder SummerGuard Lawn Food with Insect Control
Best Lawn Fertilizer for Bugs
Amazon’s Choice in Garden Fertilizers by Scotts
Key Features:
- Brand: Scotts
- Fertilizer number: 20-0-8
- Grass compatibility: All grass types
- Diameter of area product can cover: 5,000 square feet (450 square meters)
- Product dimensions: 11.5 x 11.5 x 2.5 inches (29.21 x 29.21 x 6.35 centimeters)
- Item form: Granular
- Recommended uses: Lawn fertilizer
- Who should buy it: Homeowners with small to medium lawns
If you’re looking for lawn food to help your grass withstand the heat and drought of summer, Scotts Turf Builder SummerGuard Lawn Food is a good option.
It contains insect control to protect your lawn from listed insects, including ticks, ants, and fleas. So if your main concern is protecting your lawn from pests, this could be the fertilizer for you.
The company guarantees that it won’t burn your lawn. However, some users report that it did indeed burn their lawns. But this seems to be the minority. Most people say it’s a good, effective fertilizer.
Scotts Turf Builder SummerGuard Lawn Food is available in 5,000 and 15,000 square feet (450 and 1,350 square meters). So if you have a small or large lawn, you can find the right size for your needs.
Pros:
- Feeds and strengthens your lawn against heat and drought
- Lawn food with insect control
- Protects your lawn from listed insects
- Guaranteed not to burn your lawn
Cons:
- Some users say it burned their lawn.
Urban Farm Fertilizers All-Purpose Vegetable Fertilizer
Best All-Purpose Lawn Fertilizer
Key Features:
- Brand: Urban Farm Fertilizers
- Fertilizer number: 4.5-2.5-6.0
- Grass compatibility: All grass types
- Product dimensions: 8 x 5 x 10 inches (20.32 x 12.7 x 25.4 centimeters)
- Item form: Liquid
- Recommended uses: Vegetable fertilizer (drip, forlia, hand-watering in soil, containers, hydro
- Who should buy it: Homeowners Looking for an All-Purpose Fertilizer
When it comes to Urban Farm Fertilizers All-Purpose Vegetable Fertilizer, there are many features to love. For one, the NPK on this fertilizer is 4.5-2.5-6.0, which is perfect for various plants.
Secondly, it’s calcium-rich, so it’s great for preventing blossom end rot. Blossom end rot is a common issue in tomatoes, peppers, and other vegetables, caused by a lack of calcium. This fertilizer will help to prevent that issue.
Another great feature is that the composition of this fertilizer comprises organic components, including mycorrhizae, humic acid, worm casts, enzymes, kelp, and minerals. Mycorrhizae, in particular, are beneficial fungi that help to improve plant health by increasing nutrient and water uptake. Kelp is also a great addition, as it’s packed with nutrients that plants need.
This fertilizer is all-purpose so that you can use it on all grass types and most plants. It’s also super-concentrated, so a little goes a long way. One gallon of this fertilizer makes 256 gallons of full-strength nutrient solution. Add one tablespoon per gallon of water, and you’re good to go.
Pros:
- Perfect NPK for a variety of plants
- Calcium-rich to prevent blossom end rot
- Comprises organic components including humic acid, mycorrhizae, enzymes, worm casts, kelp, and minerals
- All-purpose for most plants
Cons:
- None that we could find!
The Andersons HumiChar
Best Coverage
Amazon’s Choice in Garden Soil by The Andersons
Key Features:
- Brand: The Andersons
- Fertilizer number: 16-4-8
- Grass compatibility: All grass types
- Product dimensions: 15 x 14 x 4 inches (38.1 x 35.56 x 10.16 centimeters)
- Item form: Granular
- Recommended uses: Lawn fertilizer
- Who should buy it:
Last on our list of best lawn fertilizers for the summer months is the Andersons HumiChar.
This is a great option if you’re looking for an organic, environmentally friendly way to improve your soil. The HumiChar is a carbon-based soil amendment (50% humic acid and 50% granulated biochar) that you can blend with fertilizers or use alone.
Patented with Dispersible Granule (DG) Technology, the HumiChar particles disperse when watered, making it easy to apply. With DG, breaking down particles is not an issue, and you’ll have an evenly distributed, low dust application.
The Andersons HumiChar is environmentally friendly and OMRI listed. You can feel confident that you’re doing something good for your lawn and the environment using this product.
Apply HumiChar anytime during the growing season for the best results. It’s a great way to improve soil health and fertility, and your lawn will thank you for it!
Pros:
- Organic and environmentally friendly
- OMRI listed
- Easy to apply with Dispersible Granule (DG) Technology
Cons:
- Expensive
The Final Say on Summer Lawn Fertilizers
While there are many different lawn fertilizers on the market, our top pick for the best lawn fertilizer is Advanced 16-4-8 Balanced NPK. This quick-acting fertilizer will give your lawn the nutrients it needs to thrive during the summer months.
All the lawn fertilizers on our list are great options, so choose the one that best fits your needs. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and always read the labels before applying any fertilizer to your lawn.
We hope you found these reviews helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them with us below. Thanks for reading, and happy gardening!