FERTILISERS

A fertiliser is key to giving that super healthy, green lawn and keeping it protected throughout the year. To learn how to apply fertiliser, check out the advice page.

You have 3 main options of lawn fertilisers. All of these require water to activate them, but the difference is that the water soluble has to be mixed with water before applying to your lawn. 

Granular - Lawn Feed - 9/10

If you are going to opt for a granular fertiliser, you will need to find a suitable way of evenly spreading this, so bear this in mind as you will probably need to invest in a spreader.

Granular fertilisers are designed to be a slow release option and can last weeks or even months, so they are a very good long term option. These will come in seasonal variations too, which allows you to easily ensure that you get the correct option. 

They are activated by water so once you have spread the granular fertiliser, you will then need a lot of water otherwise there is a small chance of scorching. However, this chance of scorching is greater with a Weed & Feed. So you will need to either invest in a sprinkler or hope for rain. The latter is normally rather abundant in the UK, so try to time it in line with weather forecasts. 

When comparing costs to a Weed & Feed, a Lawn Feed fertiliser is more expensive. However, the Lawn Feed is generally recommended over a Weed & Feed due to its easier application and the small cost increase is generally worth it. 

If you are looking for a lawn feed, take a look at Westland Lawn Feed.



Westland also offer an autumn lawn feed

Granular - Weed & Feed - 7/10

If you are going to opt for a granular fertiliser, you will need to find a suitable way of evenly spreading this, so bear this in mind as you will probably need to invest in a spreader.

The Weed & Feed fertiliser has the same slow release properties as the Lawn Feed, lasting weeks and months, which makes it a very good long term option. Likewise, it also requires a large amount of water after it is applied so you will want to look at sprinklers, but the likelihood of scorching is greater with a Weed & Feed. 

However, the weed killing properties of a Weed & Feed treatment are not especially effective. If you have small and sparse weeds, it may well clear them but does very little with substantial weeds. Regardless, the fertilising properties of it are still impressive. 

In relation to costs, the Weed & Feed is cheaper than a Lawn Feed. Despite this, the Lawn Feed is considered a better fertiliser, so it is advised that you stretch to the extra cost.

If you are looking for a weed and feed, take a look at Westland All in One.

Water Soluble - Lawn Feed - 5/10

Water soluble treatments are mixed with water beforehand and so, you lessen the issue of water being needed when applying the fertiliser. However, it does still need water applying afterwards as well as having other negatives. 

To apply this, you will need to mix it beforehand and use a watering or sprayer can to apply it. Each watering can will probably only cover 2-3 square meters, so it is going to take a very long time to apply if you have anything other than a small lawn.

A water soluble treatment is a quick pick me up for your lawn. The treatment is sprayed directly onto the lawn, rather than dissolved into the soil, so the treatment affects the lawn quicker and it gives you quick results. However, a water soluble treatment is not a long term solution and you should opt for granular treatments for a permanent option. 

If you are looking for a liquid lawn feed, try Miracle Gro.

Verdict

Granular fertilisers give better results and once you have the equipment, it is quick and easy to apply, especially if you have anything other than a small lawn. Over time, you may see a bit of accidental scorching, but don’t worry about it!

Go for one of the granular fertilisers for a long term solution (preferably a Lawn Feed), or you can use a water soluble option if you want a quick boost.