Best Garden Fertilizers of 2025

Steven Taylor Avatar
Steven Taylor
Last Updated: Jan 14, 2025

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Garden fertilizers are essential for maintaining a healthy and thriving garden. These products are designed to provide the necessary nutrients for plants to grow, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. They come in various forms, including granular, liquid, and organic. Granular fertilizers are easy to use and provide a slow release of nutrients, while liquid fertilizers are quickly absorbed by plants for faster growth. Organic fertilizers are made from natural materials and are environmentally friendly. With the right fertilizer, plants will grow stronger, produce more flowers and fruits, and resist diseases and pests.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Miracle-Gro All Purpose Plant Food, 3 lb Cover #TOP 1
Miracle-Gro All Purpose Plant Food, 3 lb
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Burpee Organic Plant Food for Strong Plants Cover #TOP 2
Burpee Organic Plant Food for Strong Plants
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Miracle-Gro Shake 'N Feed All Purpose Plant Food, 4.5 lbs. Cover #TOP 3
Miracle-Gro Shake 'N Feed All Purpose Plant Food, 4.5 lbs.
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Garden Fertilizers

Miracle-Gro All Purpose Plant Food, 3 lb

1000283
3 lb.
Miracle-Gro All Purpose Plant Food, 3 lb Cover
Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food, Fertilizer for Indoor or Outdoor Flowers, Vegetables or Trees, 3 lbs.

Feed your plants instantly with Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food.Full of essential nutrients, this fertilizer promotes bigger, more beautiful plants and can be used on all flowers, vegetables, trees, shrubs, and houseplants. Use it every 1-2 weeks with a watering can or the Miracle-Gro Garden Feeder. Plus, it's safe for all plants and won't burn when used as directed.

What We Like
Effective plant growth
Easy to use
Good packaging
Positive results
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
Can clump in humid conditions
Storage precautions needed

Burpee Organic Plant Food for Strong Plants

Natural Organic All Purpose Granular
All Purpose (4lb)
4 lb
Burpee Organic Plant Food for Strong Plants Cover
Burpee Natural Purpose Granular 4-Lb Organic Food for Growing Strong Plants | Good for Vegetable Garden, Flower Garden & Seed Starting, 4 lb, 4lb. Bag

Burpee Natural Purpose Granular 4-Lb Organic Food is an all-purpose plant food that provides essential nutrients, calcium, and beneficial microbes to keep your plants healthy and growing all season long. It's perfect for vegetable gardens, flower gardens, herbs, trees, shrubs, and containers. The organic formula promotes plant growth, fruit production, and vibrant blooms, making it a natural fertilizer for your best garden.

What We Like
Excellent drainage
Rich mixture, minimal filler
Boosts plant growth
Easy to work with
What We Don't Like
Somewhat pricey
Zip lock closure ineffective
#TOP 3

Miracle-Gro Shake 'N Feed All Purpose Plant Food, 4.5 lbs.

3001910
Brown/A
4.5 lb.
Miracle-Gro Shake 'N Feed All Purpose Plant Food, 4.5 lbs. Cover
Miracle-Gro Shake 'N Feed All Purpose Plant Food, For In-Ground and Container Plants, Feeds for up to 3 Months, 4.5 lbs.

Miracle-Gro Shake 'n Feed All Purpose Plant Food is a powder-formulated garden fertilizer, that provides essential nutrients for productive plants. It contains vital micronutrients and natural ingredients, such as kelp, earthworm castings, feather meal, and bone meal. These ingredients feed the microbes in the soil, which support root strength, development, and increase water efficiency. This fertilizer can be used in both ground and containers, feeds up to 3 months, and won't burn plants when used as directed.

What We Like
Plants grow fast and healthy
Easy to use container
Effective for weed prevention
Good price for quality
Long-term customer satisfaction
What We Don't Like
Messy lid design
#TOP 4

Jobe's Organics Vegetable & Tomato Granular Fertilizer

09026
White
4 lbs
Jobe's Organics Vegetable & Tomato Granular Fertilizer Cover
Jobe’s Organics Granular Garden Fertilizer, Easy Plant Care Fertilizer for Vegetable Gardens and Tomato Plants, 4 lbs Bag

Jobe's Organics Vegetable & Tomato Granular Fertilizer is a fast-acting, organic granular fertilizer that helps you achieve a more abundant harvest of vegetables and tomatoes. The product contains Jobe Biozome, a unique, extremely aggressive proprietary microorganism archaea that helps break down complex hydrocarbons and minerals into basic nutrients and trace elements that plants readily absorb. Using this fertilizer improves the long-term soil quality of your garden, increases root mass, and helps your garden resist disease, insects, drought, and other unfavorable conditions within a growing season. The easy pour bag is convenient to use, and the product is OMRI listed for organic gardening by USDA, which means no synthetic chemicals and is safe for use around children and pets.

What We Like
Certified organic
Fast-acting results
Improves soil condition
Convenient resealable packaging
Effective for various plants
What We Don't Like
Noticeable odor
Limited information on microbes

FoxFarm Fertilizer Soil Trio

FFSTRIO
16 oz Bottles
FoxFarm Fertilizer Soil Trio Cover
FoxFarm Fertilizer Soil Trio Liquid Nutrient: Tiger Bloom, Grow Big, Big Bloom Bottles - (Pack of 3-1 Pint)

The FoxFarm Fertilizer Trio is a powerful solution to kickstart your garden. With Grow Big, you can enhance lush vegetative growth, ensuring your plants thrive. Big Bloom is perfect for all types of plants and can be used with every watering, making it easy to nourish your garden regularly. Tiger Bloom provides essential phosphorus and nitrogen, promoting vigorous growth and encouraging abundant flowers and fruit. Together, these three fertilizers are designed to work in harmony, delivering optimal results for your garden.

What We Like
Effective for plant growth
Organic ingredients
Easy to use
Long-lasting supply
Visible results quickly
What We Don't Like
Shipping delays reported
#TOP 6

Miracle-Gro Watering Can Singles Plant Food

101430
24 Packets
Miracle-Gro Watering Can Singles Plant Food Cover
Miracle-Gro Watering Can Singles All Purpose Water Soluble Plant Food, For Flowers, Vegetables, Houseplants, Trees, Indoor and Outdoor Plants, 24 Packets

Miracle-Gro Watering Can Singles Plant Food is a no-mess way to feed your plants. The 24 pre-measured packets contain essential nutrients that start to work instantly to promote quick, beautiful results. Feed every 1-2 weeks to grow plants twice as big as unfed plants. It is a convenient way to nourish your garden.

What We Like
Easy to use packets
No mess with packaging
Effective for plant growth
Convenient pre-measured options
What We Don't Like
Higher cost compared to local options
#TOP 7

Miracle-Gro Pour & Feed Fertilizer

1006002
Brown/A
32 oz
Miracle-Gro Pour & Feed Fertilizer Cover
Miracle-Gro Pour & Feed Plant Food, Fertilizer Instantly Feeds Live Plants, For Outdoor & Indoor Plants in Containers, 32 oz.

Miracle-Gro Plant Food is designed for your convenience, making it easy to nourish your potted plants. This ready-to-use fertilizer eliminates the need for mixing, allowing you to apply it directly to the soil. With its quick-acting formula, it provides immediate nutrition to all your indoor and outdoor container plants. You can easily maintain your plants by feeding them every one to two weeks, ensuring they stay healthy and vibrant without the hassle of complicated preparation.

What We Like
Pre-mixed and ready to use
Promotes quick plant growth
Convenient for various plants
Effective for indoor plants
Improves blooms significantly
What We Don't Like
Leaking bottle issues
Small bottle size
#TOP 8

Jacks Classic No.4 20-20-20 All Purpose Fertilizer

52064
1 Pack
4 lbs
Jacks Classic No.4 20-20-20 All Purpose Fertilizer Cover
Jack's Classic 20-20-20 All Purpose Water-Soluble Fertilizer with Micronutrients to Provide General Growth on All Plants, 4lbs

The Jacks Classic No.4 20-20-20 All Purpose Fertilizer has a free measuring spoon enclosed for easy and precise application, and features the highest safety factor to prevent burning when applied as directed. It is blended with an enhanced micronutrient package which provides optimal nutrition for strong roots and green foliage, and requires no assembly. This garden fertilizer is a solar powered product.

What We Like
Transforms plant growth
Easy to use and mix
Promotes healthy plants
Family-owned company
Works for indoor and outdoor plants
What We Don't Like
Flavor issues with some produce
Requires consistent application
#TOP 9

Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard Fertilizer

Scotts - 22342
Green
4,000 sq. ft.
Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard Fertilizer Cover
Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard Fall Lawn Fertilizer for All Grass Types, 4,000 sq. ft., 10 lbs.

Scotts WinterGuard Fertilizer is designed to enhance your lawn's health as it prepares for winter. By promoting strong, deep root growth, this fertilizer ensures your grass will thrive come spring. It provides essential nutrients that help your lawn recover from summer's heat, drought, and wear. Applying it in the fall, whether your lawn is wet or dry, is ideal for maximizing its benefits. Suitable for all grass types, this product makes lawn care easy and effective, helping you achieve a lush, green yard with minimal effort.

What We Like
Effective for lawn greening
Quick visible results
High-quality product
Easy to use
Good winter lawn stabilization
What We Don't Like
Inconsistent coverage area
Slightly higher price at stores
#TOP 10

Farmer’s Secret Soil Revitalizer

FS-Soil32oz
32oz
Farmer’s Secret Soil Revitalizer Cover
Farmer’s Secret Soil Revitalizer (32oz) - Organic (OMRI Listed) Soil Health Booster - Liquid Compost Soil Amendment - Activated Humic Acid - Liquid Compost Soil Amendment

Farmer's Secret Revitalizer is an organic soil microbe booster that feeds the soil, not just the plants. By stimulating microbial activity in your soil, it enhances the success rate of all plant types. This liquid compost soil is like a fast-track to composting. For optimal results, apply monthly during the growing season, particularly in spring and fall. Free from synthetic chemicals, its main ingredient is activated humics from organic sources. With a concentrated formula that requires dilution at a 1 oz to 1 gallon ratio, applying it to your soil is a breeze. Farmer's Secret Revitalizer is a product made with pride in Kentucky, crafted based on the knowledge of award-winning farmers.

What We Like
Revives lawn and garden effectively
Improves nutrient levels in soil
Safe for plants, no burning
Excellent customer support
What We Don't Like
Small jar size
Initial smell can be off-putting
Buying Guide Image

Sorting Out the Garden Fertilizers That Are Right for You

Introduction

As a gardener, you know the importance of using fertilizers to keep your plants healthy and thriving. But with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which fertilizers are best for your garden. In this article, we will discuss some key factors to consider when choosing garden fertilizers, as well as some tips for using them effectively.

Factors to Consider

When choosing garden fertilizers, the first thing you need to consider is the type of plants you are growing. Different plants have different nutrient requirements, so it's important to choose a fertilizer that is tailored to the specific needs of your plants. For example, if you are growing flowers, you will want to use a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus, as this nutrient is essential for promoting blooming. If you are growing vegetables, on the other hand, you will want to use a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen, as this nutrient is essential for promoting healthy leaf growth.

Another important factor to consider when choosing garden fertilizers is the type of fertilizer itself. There are two main types of fertilizers: organic and synthetic. Organic fertilizers are made from natural sources, such as compost or animal manure, while synthetic fertilizers are made from chemicals. Both types of fertilizers can be effective, but it's important to choose the type that is best suited to your gardening needs. For example, if you are concerned about the environmental impact of your gardening practices, you may want to choose organic fertilizers. On the other hand, if you are looking for a quick and easy solution, you may prefer synthetic fertilizers.

Tips for Using Garden Fertilizers

Once you have chosen the right fertilizers for your garden, it's important to use them properly in order to get the best results. Here are some tips for using garden fertilizers effectively:

  • Follow the instructions on the fertilizer label. Each fertilizer is different, and the label will provide specific instructions for how much and how often to apply the fertilizer. Be sure to follow these instructions carefully to avoid over-fertilizing or under-fertilizing your plants.

  • Apply the fertilizer at the right time. The best time to apply fertilizer is during the active growing season, when your plants are most in need of extra nutrients. This is typically in the spring and summer, but it can vary depending on the type of plants you are growing. Be sure to check the instructions on the fertilizer label for specific timing information.

  • Use the right amount of fertilizer. It's important to apply the right amount of fertilizer to your plants, as too much fertilizer can be harmful. Over-fertilizing can lead to burning and damage to your plants, and can even contaminate groundwater and harm the environment. Be sure to measure carefully and follow the instructions on the label to avoid over-fertilizing.

Conclusion

Choosing the right garden fertilizers is an important part of maintaining a healthy and thriving garden. By considering the type of plants you are growing, the type of fertilizer, and using them properly, you can ensure that your plants get the nutrients they need to grow and flourish. With a little bit of knowledge and care, you can choose the right fertilizers for your garden and enjoy the rewards of a beautiful and bountiful harvest.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When should I apply 10-10-10 fertilizer to my vegetable garden?

It is recommended to apply 10-10-10 fertilizer to your vegetable garden in early spring or autumn when the roots are actively growing. Make sure to water the soil to moisten it and distribute the fertilizer to a depth of 12-18 inches.

2. Is 10-10-10 good for vegetable garden?

Yes, 10-10-10 fertilizer is considered a good balanced fertilizer for vegetable gardens. It is a universal blend that can be used on any plants in various situations.

3. What is 10-15-10 fertilizer good for?

10-15-10 fertilizer, like Schultz All Purpose 10-15-10 Plant Food, is suitable for feeding both indoor and outdoor plants. It is particularly useful for transplanting, repotting, and rooting.

4. What is 20-20-20 fertilizer used for?

20-20-20 fertilizer is a multi-purpose and balanced formula that can be used in all stages of plant growth for both vegetable and flower gardens. It contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium to provide essential nutrients to garden plants.

5. Can I use 15-30-15 fertilizer on vegetables?

15-30-15 fertilizer, like Plant-Prod 15-30-15 High P, is recommended for the beginning of growth in greenhouse crops and open ground vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers.

6. When should you not fertilize your garden?

Avoid fertilizing plants at the end of their growing season. It is generally best to fertilize landscape plants when they begin to grow actively.

7. Should you fertilize garden in fall or spring?

Fall is an ideal time to fertilize your garden, shrubs, and plants. Fall fertilization leads to a beautiful and healthy spring garden if done correctly.

Editor's Notes

During our garden fertilizer research, we found 24 garden fertilizer products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 629,079 customer reviews through our big data system to write the garden fertilizers list. We found that most customers choose garden fertilizers with an average price of $17.78.

The garden fertilizers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of garden fertilizers, including Miracle-Gro, Burpee, Jobe's Organics, FoxFarm, Jack's Classic. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Steven Taylor Avatar

Steven Taylor grew up in a small town called Beaufort in South Carolina and his passion for building and woodworking has led him to master the latest garden gadgets. He always holds every chance to patch up or sand down his beloved garden. There are various novel technologies in his articles.

Garden Fertilizers Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Miracle-Gro Burpee Miracle-Gro Jobe's Organics FoxFarm Miracle-Gro Miracle-Gro Jack's Classic Scotts Farmer's Secret
Item Weight 3 Pounds 4 Pounds 4.5 Pounds 4 Pounds 16 Ounces 227 Grams 2 Pounds 1 Pounds 0.5 Pounds 0.8 Pounds
Item Form Powder Granules Granules Granules Liquid SOLID Liquid Powder Granules Liquid
Coverage Full 213 Square Feet Full Medium Organic Full Medium Full 4000 1 acre
Liquid Volume 1419.53 Milliliters 4 Liters 2129.29 Milliliters 1 Liters 48 Fluid Ounces 1 Gallons 32 Fluid Ounces 20 Liters - 32 Fluid Ounces
Specific Uses For Product Plant Food Gardening,Plant Growth,Root Development Plant Food Root Development, Plant Growth, Soil Conditioning, Seed Development Plant Food Plant Food Plant Food - Lawn Fertilizer Organic
Unit Count 48.0 Ounce 64.0 Ounce 72.0 Ounce 64.0 Ounce 48.0 Fluid Ounces 10.24 Ounce 32.0 Fluid Ounces 64.0 Ounce - 32.0 Fluid Ounces
Global Trade Identification Number 00073561000284 00816101002443 00073561300193, 20073561300197 00073035090261 - 00073561013208 80073561006008, 00073561006002 00671341520641 - 00850034277097
Target Species 1.5 lbs. feeds approximately 600 sq. ft. with the Miracle-Gro Garden Feeder Herba - Vegetable and tomato Plants Use on all flowers, all vegetables, houseplants, roses and all trees and shrubs - plants - Plants
Mixing ratio 5.875d-1 - - 2-5-3 - 1 teaspoon per 1 gallon of water - 4 lbs/gallon - 1:128
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.9
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