Choose a lawn fertiliser for the season, the lawn’s needs and the way you can apply it accurately. Check the label for its intended use, nutrient analysis, rate and watering instructions before buying.
Feeding is optional. A thin lawn may be suffering from shade, drought, heavy wear or compacted ground, so look for those causes before deciding that it needs fertiliser. The RHS advises checking lawn maintenance first and notes that overuse can cause pollution. If you are encouraging wildflowers in a lawn, avoid fertilising that area.
Choose a feed for the season
Spring and summer lawn feeds are intended for periods of active grass growth. Autumn products are formulated for later-season use; the balance varies between products, so check the label rather than assuming every autumn feed is the same.
Choose a product whose instructions fit the conditions you expect to have. A spring feed left over in the shed is not automatically suitable for an autumn application. Our guide to when to feed a lawn explains seasonal timing and conditions.
Read the NPK analysis
The three numbers on a fertiliser label refer to its declared nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content. Nitrogen supports leafy growth, phosphorus supports root and shoot growth, and potassium contributes to cold hardiness. The numbers describe the nutrient analysis, not the application rate.
Compare the analysis alongside the stated purpose and directions. The highest nitrogen figure is not necessarily the best choice for your lawn. For a fuller explanation, see what NPK means on lawn fertiliser.
Granular or liquid?
Granules can be spread with a suitable lawn spreader. Check the manufacturer’s instructions and calibrate for the particular product: granules vary, so a setting that worked with one feed may not give the correct rate for another.
Liquid feeds need the dilution and application equipment specified on the label. Compare the area each product is intended to cover, the equipment you have and whether you can apply it evenly. Both formats need careful measurement.
Check the directions before you buy
- Coverage and rate: measure the grass area, excluding paths and borders, and check the stated application rate.
- Watering: check whether the product needs watering in and whether conditions are suitable for doing so.
- Children and pets: follow the label’s precautions and re-entry instructions.
- Frequency: check the interval between applications and avoid applying extra because the grass still looks thin.
- New seed: if the lawn is newly sown, check that the product is suitable for young grass and follow its timing instructions.
Our guide to applying lawn fertiliser evenly covers measuring, spreading and clearing any spills from hard surfaces. Follow the product label for handling and storage.
What about the Spritely range?
Our proposed Spring & Summer Lawn Feed and Autumn Lawn Feed are currently out of stock. These are concepts in development: their analyses, application rates and other specifications have not yet been confirmed. Check the final label when the products become available.