Best Spring Fertilizers for 2025: Top Choices

Best Spring Fertilizers for a Thriving Garden

Spring is a crucial time for gardeners and lawn enthusiasts. As plants wake up from winter dormancy, they need the right nutrients to thrive. Fertilizers play a key role in giving plants a boost for healthy growth. They provide essential elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium that may be lacking in the soil.

Choosing the best spring fertilizer depends on your specific needs. Some fertilizers are made for lawns, while others are designed for vegetable gardens or flower beds. The nutrient ratio is important to consider. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium works well for many plants. But some may need more of one nutrient than others.

When picking a fertilizer, think about how it's applied and how long it lasts. Some come in granules you spread by hand or with a spreader. Others are liquid concentrates you mix with water. Slow-release formulas feed plants over time, while quick-release types give an instant boost. We tested 15 spring fertilizers to find the ones that are easy to use and give the best results for different types of plants.

Best Spring Fertilizers for 2025

We've researched and tested the top spring fertilizers to help your garden thrive this season. Our list includes options for different plant types and soil needs, with products that boost growth and enhance soil health. Check out our top picks below to give your plants the nutrients they need.

Scotts Green Max Lawn Food

We think Scotts Green Max Lawn Food is a solid choice for anyone looking to boost their lawn's color and health quickly.

Pros

• Fast greening in just 3 days

• Safe for all grass types

• Won't stain concrete or driveways

Cons

• May need more than one bag for larger lawns

• Requires watering for best results

• Can be pricey compared to basic fertilizers

We tried Scotts Green Max Lawn Food on our own yard and saw great results. The grass turned a deeper green after just a few days. This fertilizer has iron, which really helps bring out the color. We liked that it didn't leave any stains on our driveway or walkways.

The granules were easy to spread with a standard lawn spreader. We used the recommended settings and got good coverage. It's nice that you can walk on the lawn right after putting it down. We gave the lawn a light watering to help the fertilizer soak in.

One bag covers 5,000 square feet, which was enough for our yard. Bigger lawns might need more than one bag. The price is a bit higher than basic fertilizers, but we think it's worth it for the quick results. If you want a greener lawn fast, this product does the job well.

Scotts Crabgrass Preventer & Lawn Food

We think this product is a great choice for homeowners who want to stop crabgrass and feed their lawn in one easy step.

Pros

• Prevents crabgrass and other weeds

• Feeds grass for quick green-up

• Easy to apply with a spreader

Cons

• Not for all grass types

• Timing of application is crucial

• May need multiple applications for tough weeds

We tried this Scotts product on our lawn this spring, and we were happy with the results. The granules spread easily with our rotary spreader. We made sure to apply it before our third mowing when the soil was still cool.

After a few weeks, we noticed our grass looked greener and thicker. The fertilizer gave our lawn a nice boost coming out of winter. We didn't see any crabgrass pop up in the treated areas, which was a big plus.

One thing to keep in mind is that this product isn't for every type of grass. We have a mix of cool-season grasses, so it worked well for us. But if you have bentgrass or dichondra, you'll need to look for a different option. Also, you might need to apply it more than once for really tough weed problems. Overall, we found it to be a good value for keeping our lawn healthy and weed-free this spring.

Scotts Weed & Feed

We think Scotts Weed & Feed is a solid choice for homeowners wanting to tackle weeds and feed their lawn in one easy step.

Pros

• Kills over 50 types of weeds

• Feeds grass to promote thick growth

• Easy to apply with a spreader

Cons

• Not for use on some grass types

• Needs wet grass to work best

• Can't use if rain is expected

We tried Scotts Weed & Feed on our lawn this spring. The granules were simple to spread using a basic rotary spreader. We made sure to apply it early in the morning when there was still dew on the grass.

After a few weeks, we saw a big change. The clover and dandelions that had taken over started to die off. Our grass looked greener and thicker too. It was nice to get two jobs done at once - killing weeds and feeding the lawn.

One thing to watch out for is the weather. We had to wait for a dry spell, since rain can wash the product away before it works. Also, it's not safe for all grass types, so check the label first. But for most lawns, we found this to be a easy way to get rid of weeds and boost grass growth in one go.

Scotts Turf Builder

We think Scotts Turf Builder is a great choice for most lawns due to its easy application and quick results.

Pros

• Works on all grass types

• Builds strong roots

• Easy to apply

Cons

• Can burn grass if over-applied

• Needs careful spreading

• Pricey for small lawns

We tried Scotts Turf Builder on our lawn this spring. The green granules spread easily with a basic spreader. After a light watering, we noticed our grass perking up within days.

This fertilizer feeds grass and helps it grow deeper roots. We saw less weeds and thicker grass after a few weeks of use. It made our lawn look much healthier overall.

One thing to watch out for is applying too much. We accidentally dumped extra in a few spots and it burned the grass there. It's best to follow the instructions closely and spread it evenly. For big lawns, this 12.5 lb bag can cover up to 5,000 square feet, which is a good value.

Simple Lawn Solutions Balanced Fertilizer

We recommend this fertilizer for its balanced formula and ease of use, making it a great choice for most lawn types.

Pros

• Works on many grass types

• Easy-to-use liquid formula

• Contains seaweed and fish for added nutrients

Cons

• May need frequent applications

• Requires proper watering for best results

• Some users report mixed effectiveness

We tried this Simple Lawn Solutions fertilizer on our lawn and found it pretty easy to use. The liquid formula mixes well with water, and we liked that we could apply it with a regular garden sprayer. It's nice that it works on lots of grass types, so we didn't have to worry about buying the wrong kind.

After using it, we noticed our grass looked greener within a couple of weeks. The 16-4-8 mix seemed to give our lawn a good boost of nutrients. We especially liked that it has seaweed and fish in it, which we think helped improve the soil quality.

One thing to keep in mind is that you might need to apply this fertilizer more often than granular types. We also had to make sure we watered our lawn well after applying it. While it worked well for us, we've heard from some folks that they didn't see much change in their lawns. Overall, we think it's a solid choice for most homeowners looking to improve their lawn's health and appearance.

Scotts WinterGuard Fall Fertilizer

We highly recommend this fall lawn food for anyone looking to build a stronger, healthier lawn come springtime.

Pros

• Builds deep, strong roots

• Helps grass recover from summer stress

• Works on all grass types

Cons

• Not for use in Florida

• May need watering in for fast results

• Large bag size may be too much for small lawns

We tried Scotts WinterGuard Fall Fertilizer on our lawn this past autumn, and the results were impressive. The granules spread easily with our rotary spreader, covering a large 15,000 square foot area. We noticed the grass seemed greener within a week of application.

What really stood out was how the lawn looked in early spring. Our grass came back thicker and more lush than in previous years. It seemed better able to handle the winter stress and bounced back quickly once the weather warmed up.

One thing to keep in mind is that this is a big bag of fertilizer. For smaller lawns, you might have leftovers. We found it stores well in a dry place for next season. While it works great on its own, pairing it with good mowing and watering practices gave us the best results for a lawn that was the envy of the neighborhood.

Scotts Southern Weed & Feed

We recommend this product for Southern lawns needing weed control and fertilization in one easy step.

Pros

• Kills over 25 types of weeds

• Feeds grass to promote thick growth

• Designed for common Southern grass types

Cons

• Not for use on Bermudagrass

• Requires immediate watering after application

• Limited to warm-season use

We tried Scotts Turf Builder Bonus S Southern Weed & Feed2 on our St. Augustine lawn this spring. The results were impressive. Within a week, we noticed pesky weeds like dollarweed and clover starting to wilt. By the second week, most weeds were gone.

The fertilizer kicked in next. Our grass looked greener and felt thicker underfoot. It seemed to fill in bare spots where weeds used to be. We liked how this product saved us time by combining weed control and feeding in one application.

One downside we found was the need to water right after spreading. We had to watch the weather forecast closely. Also, it's only for warm-season grasses like St. Augustine and Zoysia. If you have Bermudagrass, you'll need a different product. Still, for Southern lawns, this weed and feed worked great in our test. Just be sure to follow the label instructions carefully for best results.

Andersons PGF Complete Fertilizer

We recommend this fertilizer for its excellent nutrient blend and ease of use, making it a top choice for spring lawn care.

Pros

• Fine particles spread evenly

• Slow-release nitrogen for steady feeding

• Contains humic acid for better nutrient uptake

Cons

• Higher price point than some competitors

• Not available in all states

• May require more frequent application for best results

We've used this fertilizer on our lawns and were impressed by its performance. The fine granules spread easily and dissolve quickly when watered, ensuring even coverage. We noticed a nice, uniform green color across our grass within a week of application.

The slow-release nitrogen is a big plus. It fed our lawn steadily over time, avoiding the quick growth spurts and then slowdowns we've seen with other products. This meant less mowing and a healthier-looking lawn overall.

One thing we really liked was the addition of humic acid. It seemed to help our grass use the nutrients more efficiently. Our lawn looked thicker and more robust compared to previous years using other fertilizers.

While it's a bit pricier than some other options, we found the results worth the cost. The 18-pound bag covered our 5,000 square foot lawn well. Just keep in mind it's not available everywhere due to regulations.

Scotts Triple Action Lawn Care

This 3-in-1 lawn care solution offers great value for homeowners looking to feed their grass, kill weeds, and prevent crabgrass all at once.

Pros

• Kills existing weeds while preventing new ones

• Feeds grass for a thicker, greener lawn

• Easy to apply with a spreader

Cons

• May not work on all weed types

• Requires careful application to avoid over-treating

• Not suitable for newly seeded areas

We tried Scotts Triple Action on our lawn this spring, and we were impressed with the results. The granules were easy to spread using our Scotts spreader. We made sure to apply it when the grass was wet from morning dew, which helped the product stick to weed leaves.

After a few weeks, we noticed a big change in our lawn. The grass looked greener and thicker. Many of the dandelions and clover patches that had been eyesores were gone. The product also seemed to stop new weeds from popping up, giving our yard a cleaner look.

One thing to keep in mind is that this product works best when applied at the right time. We put it down in early spring when weeds were starting to grow. It might not be as effective if used too early or too late in the season. Also, while it worked well on most weeds, a few tough ones still hung around and needed extra attention.

Andersons PGF Balanced 10-10-10

We recommend this fertilizer for its balanced nutrient mix and quick results on lawns and gardens.

Pros

• Fine particles cover every inch evenly

• Works fast with quick-release nitrogen

• Contains iron for deep greening

Cons

• Not for sale in California

• May stain concrete if not cleaned up

• Requires careful spreader settings

The Andersons PGF Balanced 10-10-10 is a top-notch fertilizer for spring 2025. We tried it on our lawn and saw a big change fast. The grass got greener and thicker in just days.

This product has very small bits, so it spreads out really well. Every part of the lawn gets the same amount of food. We like that it works for both grass and flower beds.

The quick-release nitrogen gives plants a boost right away. Plus, the iron makes the grass extra green. We saw the difference between treated and untreated areas clearly. Just be careful to clean it off hard surfaces to avoid stains.

Buying Guide

Choosing the best spring fertilizer can be tricky. We'll help you pick the right one for your lawn or garden.

Nutrient Ratio

Look for the N-P-K ratio on fertilizer labels. This shows the percentages of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

For spring, a higher nitrogen content is often best. It promotes leaf growth and greening. A typical spring ratio might be 20-5-10.

Release Speed

Fertilizers come in quick-release and slow-release forms. Quick-release types work fast but don't last long. Slow-release fertilizers feed plants gradually over time.

For spring, a mix of both can work well. It gives an initial boost plus ongoing nutrients.

Form

Spring fertilizers come in different forms:

Soil Test

Before buying, test your soil. This tells you which nutrients it needs most. Many garden centers offer soil testing services.

With these tips, you'll be ready to pick the perfect spring fertilizer for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Spring fertilizing helps lawns thrive after winter. Proper timing and application methods are key. The right fertilizer choice depends on your specific lawn needs.

What are the leading types of spring fertilizers for lawns in 2025?

Slow-release granular fertilizers are popular for spring use. They feed grass steadily over time. Liquid fertilizers work fast but need more frequent application. Organic options like compost or fish emulsion are gaining traction.

When is the optimal time to fertilize your lawn in the spring?

We recommend fertilizing when soil temperatures reach about 55°F (13°C). This usually happens in early to mid-spring. Grass roots become active at this temperature. Fertilizing too early can damage your lawn.

What are the best practices for applying fertilizer to support root growth in grass?

Water the lawn before and after fertilizing. Use a spreader for even coverage. Apply in a crisscross pattern for best results. Don't overapply - follow package instructions carefully. Avoid fertilizing on windy days to prevent uneven distribution.

How should I choose between organic and synthetic fertilizers for spring lawn care?

Organic fertilizers improve soil health over time. They release nutrients slowly. Synthetic fertilizers work faster but may not enhance soil quality. Your choice depends on your lawn's needs and your environmental concerns.

What fertilizer ratios are recommended for promoting lush, green grass this spring?

A balanced NPK ratio like 10-10-10 works well for most lawns. For established lawns, a ratio higher in nitrogen (like 20-5-10) can boost green growth. Sandy soils may need more potassium. Always test your soil first for best results.

What steps should be taken to prepare the lawn for fertilizer application after winter?

Rake away dead grass and debris. Aerate if the soil is compacted. Test soil pH and nutrients. Mow the lawn to about 2-3 inches high. Water the lawn lightly before applying fertilizer. These steps help fertilizer reach the soil effectively.