With warm weather upon us, your lawn is in its prime growing season, with new plants and turfgrass thriving under the rays of the warm sun and spring rain. This is the optimal time to fertilize your lawn and give it a nutritional boost. Shopping for fertilizer at your local garden center can be overwhelming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the different types of fertilizer. In this article, we will explore the difference between the two types of fertilizer: liquid fertilizer and granular fertilizer, and which is the best pick for your lawn.
What Is Liquid Fertilizer?
Liquid fertilizer is a type of fertilizer that is dissolved in water and is widely regarded as a convenient and easy-to-use option for fertilizing plants, as it can be applied with a watering can or hose. Liquid fertilizers are also typically fast-acting, which means that plants can absorb nutrients quickly.
Liquid fertilizers are available in various formulations, including balanced fertilizers that contain all three major nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) and specialized fertilizers designed for specific plant types or growth stages. Because grass absorbs the liquid nutrients so quickly, liquid fertilizer needs to be applied more often than slow-release granular fertilizer.
Pros Of Liquid Fertilizer
- Convenient and easy to use: Liquid fertilizers can be applied with a watering can or hose, which makes them a convenient option for fertilizing plants.
- Fast-acting: Liquid fertilizers are typically fast-acting, allowing plants to absorb nutrients quickly.
- Wide range of formulations: Liquid fertilizers are available in a wide range of formulations so that you can choose the right fertilizer for your specific plant needs.
- Less likely to cause fertilizer burn: Liquid fertilizers are less likely to cause fertilizer burn than granular fertilizers, as they are diluted in water before they are applied to plants.
Cons Of Liquid Fertilizer
- Can be more expensive than granular fertilizers: Liquid fertilizers can be more expensive than granular fertilizers, as they are more concentrated.
- Can be more difficult to store: Liquid fertilizers can be more difficult to store than granular fertilizers, as they need to be kept in a cool, dark place.
- Can be more prone to evaporation: Liquid fertilizers can be more prone to evaporation than granular fertilizers, so they need to be applied more frequently.
Overall, liquid fertilizer is a convenient and effective way to fertilize plants. It is a good option for gardeners who want a fast-acting fertilizer that is easy to apply. However, liquid fertilizers can be more expensive than granular fertilizers and more difficult to store.
What Is Granular Fertilizer?
Granular fertilizer is a type of fertilizer that is made up of small, dry particles. It is the most common type of fertilizer used for lawns and gardens. Granular fertilizers are available in various formulations, including balanced fertilizers that contain all three major nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) and specialized fertilizers designed for specific plant types or growth stages.
Slow-release fertilizers gradually release nutrients to the grass over a long period. Typically, you’ll only need to apply slow-release granular fertilizer once during the season.
Pros Of Granular Fertilizer
- Affordable: Granular fertilizers are typically more affordable than liquid fertilizers.
- Easy to store: Granular fertilizers are easy to store in a cool, dry place.
- Long-lasting: Granular fertilizers can last for several weeks or even months, depending on the formulation.
- Can be used on various plants: Granular fertilizers can be used on various plants, including lawns, gardens, and flowers.
Cons Of Granular Fertilizer
- Can be difficult to apply evenly: Granular fertilizers can be difficult to apply evenly, especially on large areas.
- Can cause fertilizer burn: If granular fertilizers are not applied correctly, they can cause fertilizer burn to plants.
- Can be washed away by rain or irrigation: Granular fertilizers can be washed away by rain or irrigation, so they need to be applied carefully.
Overall, granular fertilizer is a convenient and effective way to fertilize plants. It is a good option for gardeners who want an affordable, long-lasting fertilizer that is easy to store. However, granular fertilizers can be difficult to apply evenly and can cause fertilizer burn if not applied correctly.
Which Is Better?
Every lawn has unique needs, and assessing your lawn’s needs is the key to finding the right fertilizer. While your lawn cannot tell the difference between the nutrients received from a liquid fertilizer or granular fertilizer, the time of year and the condition of your lawn play a big part in determining which fertilizer is the best to use. If your lawn desperately needs a nutrient boost and you are looking for a fast-acting fertilizer that is easy to apply, liquid fertilizer may be a good option for you. Granular fertilizer may be a better choice if you are looking for a fertilizer that needs less frequent application and will release enough nutrients to give your lawn a small boost.
Ultimately, lawn care experts like those at Lush Green Services determine the best fertilizer for your lawn. We will test your soil, assess your lawn health, and customize a fertilizer to give you the picture-perfect healthy lawn of your dreams.
