How to Make Organic Lawn Weed and Feed
Best Weed and Feed. Whether you're an experienced hand in the garden or a novice, there's one thing we all aspire to achieve, and that's a beautiful luscious weed-free lawn. But as you may have already come to realize to achieve it we need to find a high-quality Lawn Weed and Feed fertilizer and a great herbicide to get on top of weed control.
That's where a 2-in-1 Weed and Feed comes into play, feeding our lawn and dealing with weeds at the same time. But which one to choose, as there are so many products offering various solutions, that need applying in different ways, right!.
To help make the right choice, I have reviewed the Best Weed and Feed products from the top brands, and I will show you how to use them to maximum effect. It's doesn't have to be complicated, so read on and we will get your Lawn Weed and Feed looking the best on the block.
When To Apply Weed And Feed
To get the most out of your 2-in-1 product, you need to get the timing right. As a general rule of thumb, apply Weed and Feed in the active season from April through to August.
Don't go too early, the idea is that you kill off developing weeds. Also, consider the 'feed' element. This part is there to support healthy grass growth, top green foliage, but also a good root system. Applying too early will lead to a huge rush to top growth a limit root production. The result – more mowing, and weaker grass.
While keeping weeds out of your lawn can be a yearly struggle, with a comprehensive strategy, you can keep your lawn green and weed-free. Any Weed and Feed product you buy will have the exact details of when to apply the formula for best results so always read the label.
Enjoying reading about Best Weed and Feed. May you also like 7 Best High Nitrogen Fertilizers + How To Use Them
How Does Weed And Feed Work?
Weed and Feed products work by either preventing the plant's protein production by blocking photosynthesis, or by inflicting root damage that leads to the weed dying. Simultaneously the fertilizer element of the treatment fuels healthy grass blade growth, leading to a more dense lawn. It is this dense and thick lawn that then helps prevent weed germination or growth by crowding out the competing weeds.
The timing of the application determines the effectiveness of Weed and Feed. Due to incorrect timing, poor or inconsistent results, leave many people thinking the product they have used does work or was too harsh on their lawn.
Applying Too Early
If applied too early in the season, your lawn may get more fertilizer than it needs leading to fertilizer scorch. Basically, your lawn will receive more fertilizer than it can process. Most types of grass need higher nutrients when actively growing mid-spring onwards. This is why most weed and feed formulas are extended-release and should be applied around April time.
Applying Too Late
Applying Weed and Feed in September reduces the overall effectiveness of the treatment. September is a great time to treat and kill weeds, but it's not the best time to treat grass as the nutrient is used to fuel top foliage growth, leading to week a weaker root network over winter. After August you would be better taking a different approach by applying a stand-alone Weedkiller for lawns in September and a Lawn Fertilizer in October.
So as you can see, it is all about getting the timing right. Again, always follow the product's application instructions for ideal results.
How Long Does Weed And Feed Take To Work?
Assuming you've chosen the right product based on your grass and weed type, (don't worry, our reviewed products specify all this!) it usually takes between 4 days and 1 month to notice results if the product is applied during the growing season.
You will notice dandelion, moss, clover, and other weed patches will black or brown and die off.
How Long Does Weed And Feed Last
Every product will have its own manufacture's recommendations. But in general Weed and Feed products are applied either, once, twice, or periodically throughout the growing season, for example, every two months or so.
My personal preference is to use a product like Scotts Turf Builder that is designed for twice a year application between April and September when the weeds are actively growing.
Liquid Weed And Feed Vs Granular
Weed and Feed products are generally available in two forms, liquid and granular. Both products are equally effective but have slightly different properties meaning they lend themselves to certain scenarios.
Liquid Weed and Feed or lawn fertilizers are applied using a spray mechanism, either by using a concentrate diluted with water and pumped through a backpack sprayer or through a convenient ready-to-use hand-held spray for smaller areas.
You can get several benefits from using a Weed and Feed Spray:
- Targeting localized areas or patches of lawn
- Fast-acting and no need to water lawn pre or post-application
Granular weed and feedare generally preferred for larger areas of lawn and applied by spreading onto a pre-watered lawn.
- Easy to apply with a drop spreader, allowing for a consistent and good spread of the product
- They usually offer better value for money.
- They will soak into your garden over time and feature slow-release formulas so you won't have to treat your lawn as often.
Organic Weed And Feed
If you are looking for a genuine organic Weed and Feed, first they can be difficult to find, and second, you cannot expect the same results as a synthetic or standard weed and feed. With organic products, the primary ingredient is corn gluten meal which is suitable for immediate contact after application. On our list, we feature Espoma Organic Weed Preventer and Westland Child And Pet-Friendly Organic Weed And Feed both organic therefore pet and family-friendly.
Family And Pet Safe Weed And Feed
For most of us with families, the safety of any product we distribute within our garden is a primary concern. Manufacturers understand this and thankfully there are a few products on the market that cater to this requirement.
Most Weed and Feed products will advise you to keep pets and children away from your lawn for 24 hours after the application. This will either be for their safety, as the product may contain ingredients that are hazardous if consumed. Or more often the weed and feed will stain surfaces if the pet or child picks up the material on their shoes or paws.
Always read the manufacturer's guidance so you can use the product with confidence.
The 10 Best Weed And Feed Reviews
Over the years I have tested dozens of weed and feed products and have a good feel for the effectiveness of each product and when best to use them. My colleagues have also shared their experiences so we can bring a wealth of knowledge. Our judgment was based on overall performance and results, ease of use, and value for money. Hopefully, this list of the Best Weed and Feed products will meet your garden's needs. Let's start our review with the best buy product from Scotts Turf Builder range:
1. Scotts Turf Builder Weed And Feed 28-0-3
Best Post Emergent Weed And Feed
Scotts is one of the best-known manufacturers of Weed and Feed and for good reason. It delivers exceptional performance in controlling dandelions and other tough-to-kill weeds, the Turf Builder is my best buy weed and feed product for you to check out. It's highly effective and produced the kind of results that make me a loyal customer and regular user.
Apply it to a wet lawn and the Weedgrip technology allows the granules to stick to weed foliage making a direct and effective weed killer. Whilst the feeding formula thickens your lawn and makes it greener and lush. You can apply anytime between early spring and late fall, but I find outstanding results can be achieved if I apply early spring and then every 6 weeks for 4 applications until late fall, which produces outstanding results.
Suitable weed and feed for Bermuda grass, Fescues, Kentucky Bluegrass, Centipede, Ryegrass, and Zoysia or Bahiagrass.
Not only does the product kill dandelions, clover, and other common weeds, it also feeds common grasses, such as ryegrass and fescue. However, I would avoid using it on certain warm-season turfs, such as Carpet Grass and St. Augustine. This is a great product that's available at most good garden stores oronline at Amazon here.
How to use: this Weed and Feed product is a granular formula that can be applied with a drop, broadcast, or rotary spreader. For best results, apply evenly to a wet lawn and avoid watering or disturbing the lawn for 24 hours after application. Covers 5,000 sq ft. Apply up to 4 times per year between early spring and late fall.
This 45-second video from the manufacturer offers a useful quick guide on Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed
How to Get Rid of Dandelions and Other Weeds using Scotts® Turf Builder Weed & Feed
Customer reviews: users report the product as very easy to apply using a handheld broadcast spreader or drop. Results show greener grass with no sign of weeds within a matter of weeks. Considered one of the best dandelion killers on forum feedback and customer reviews. It's a popular choice as the Best Weed and Feed for lawns scoring 4.6/5.
Pros
- Use it on Bermuda, Fescues, Kentucky Bluegrass, Centipede grass, Ryegrass, and Zoysia or Bahiagrass.
- Simple to apply with a drop spreader and covers 5,000 sq ft
- Kills a broad range of weeds including dandelions within 2 weeks
- Use as a post-emergent between early spring and late fall
Cons
- Nothing significant
2. Scotts WinterGuard Fall Weed And Feed
Best Fall Weed And Feed
The premium brand, Scotts, has created a new and improved weed and feed formula that kills stubborn dandelion and clover. We found that crabgrass can also be eliminated if the product is applied in early spring. another reliable product that we have used many times with good results.
How to use: the best time to apply is in fall so that grass can be better prepared for the next growing season. To maximize the effectiveness of the product, grass must be wet during application.
Customer reviews:users were satisfied with the performance of this product and noticed their grass remained green even in the winter months. Scores 4.5/5 overall. Find it on Amazon.
Pros
- Strengthens the lawn against drought and heat
- Thickens the grass
- Eliminates stubborn weeds including dandelions and a good crabgrass preventer
Cons
- Can burn lawn of dosage to high per sq meter
3. Miracle-Gro EverGreen Complete 4-In-1 Weed And Feed [UK Only]
The ever-popular brand, Miracle-Gro, has come up with yet another complete 4-in-1 weed and feed formula that helps your lawn absorb nutrients and water more effectively so that it can tolerate heat and drought.
The product kills moss and many other species of weeds, but it does take longer to take effect. Our test took 10 days to see noticeable results, but the results were good. For the best results use a drop spreader to evenly distribute the treatment across your lawn.
How to use: apply 35 grams per square meter and water the lawn thoroughly after 2 days. Make sure the product is dried before allowing pets or children to use the treated area.
Customer reviews: users were pleased with how effective this product was in turning their lawn green, as long as you don't apply too much! Although results take longer to show, they found the product easy to use and scores 4.5/5 across all retail platforms and forums. Check the latest price here.
Pros
- Kills moss
- Protects lawn against heat stress
Cons
- Takes longer to see results than the 7 days stated
- Strong metallic smell
4. Greenview Fairway Formula Fertilizer + Crabgrass Preventer
I'm a big fan of this slow-releasing compound from Greenview Fairway, which helps reduce your annual feeding and weeding costs. Greenview states their new and improved 65% nitrogen formula kills over 200 species of weeds and feeds the grass for up to 3 months. However, we have tested the product and found that it didn't work so well work on St. Augustine grass, but was really effective on the other lawn tests. So perhaps pass this one by if you have St. Augustine grass, but use it with confidence on other grass types.
How to use: apply the granules in early spring when the lawn is wet using a drop or broadcast spreader. Wait 3 days before mowing the lawn.
Note: because of the slow-releasing properties of this weed and feed product, it is best used on established and healthy lawns. Using it on new grass may result in stunted growth.
Check price online here
Customer reviews: users noticed thicker and greener lawn right after the first application. The product helped turn grass green, but most users didn't find it as beneficial for killing crabgrass.
Pros
- Excellent performing lawn fertilizer
- Requires infrequent application with noticeable results after 1 month
Cons
- Better-suited for established lawns
- May injure carpet grass and St. Augustine
- Not effective for killing crabgrass
5. Espoma Organic Weed Preventer Plus Lawn Food
Espoma Organic Weed Preventer Plus Lawn Food is one of the few organic treatments readily available. Made from 100% corn gluten meal this product is pet-friendly and friendly to just about any other living organism in your garden. It has a 9% nitrogen content so delivers a good level of lawn fertilization.
Proven to kill a whole bunch of baddies including – Black medic, black nightshade, buckhorn plantain, catchweed bedstraw, common lambsquaters, curly dock, dandelion, purslane, redroot pigweed, velvetleaf, annual bluegrass, barnyard grass, giant foxtail, green foxtail, large crabgrass, orchardgrass, quackgrass, shattercane, smooth crabgrass, wolly cupgrass, and yellow foxtail.
How to use: Espoma recommends twice a year application in spring and fall for the best results. Apply to a dry lawn that has recently been mowed. Use a drop or broadcast spreader and be certain to overlap slightly to prevent striping. Water lightly after the application if rain is not expected within 24 hours.
Check latest prices online
Customer reviews: Customer purchasing Espoma Organic Weed Preventer we primary concerned with its organic properties and were happy with the results.
Pros
- Organic weed and feed using 100% corn gluten meal
- Effective across a wide range of common weeds
Cons
- Availability of this product can be a problem
6. EverGreen Complete 4-In-1 Lawn Care
Evergreen has come up with a complete 4-in-1 weed and feed product that promises to create a thicker and greener lawn within a week whilst killing moss and weeds.
Keep in mind that moss will blacken after 2 weeks and you must rake out all the dead weed in order to prevent further growth. We found that full weed control took as long as 2 months, but the end result is well worth it.
The formula helps protect the lawn against drought and heat stresses, which makes it ideal for use in warmer climates. Just make sure you keep pets and children away from the treated areas. One downside of this product is the limited distribution. You may struggle to find this brand in the USA, you can check online here at Amazon.
How to use: for best results, use from April to September and water the granules thoroughly after application.
Customer reviews: over 4,000 users rated this product 4.5/5 as it did exactly what it said it would. Customers recommended using a spreader for the best results.
Pros
- Very effective moss killer
- Turns grass green within one week
- One of the most popular brands with a proven track record
Cons
- Overapplication will damage the grass
- Limited availability in USA
7. Westland Child And Pet-Friendly Organic Weed And Feed
If you need a child-friendly and pet-safe weed and feed, consider this organic weed and feed product from Westland. It prevents moss and weed growth whilst naturally feeding your lawn with long-lasting nutrients. This fast-acting formula contains friendly bacteria that break down moss and weed leaves.
Within just one week, expect to see a greener and healthier lawn thanks to the added lawn seed in the organic fertilizer. After application, the grass seed will germinate and fill those bald patches in the lawn. As the grass becomes thicker and stronger, it overtakes the moss and weed.
Buy online here at Amazon
How to use: apply 35 grams of granules per square meter to ensure even lawn coverage. For the best results, you can double the application amount. Apply every once from February to September when the grass is actively growing.
Customer reviews:users were very pleased with the results of this weed and feed scoring it 4.4/5. Just 10 days after application, their grass started turning thicker and green. One small complaint was the strong odor of the fertilizer due to its organic nature. However, if you water the grass a day or two after application, the smell will soon disappear.
Pros
- Ideal for newly-sown lawn
- Organic ingredients, pet, and child safe
- Fast and effective
Cons
- A little smelly due to organic ingredients
- Only available in the UK
8. Preen One Lawncare 3 In 1 Weed And Feed
This post-emergent weed and feed from Preen One was a close runner based purely on results. It is the best choice for killing growing weeds but requires application every 2 months. It will kill up to 250 species of weeds including crabgrass!
So you may be wondering why we have ranked this product down the list?. The answer is simple. This product requires a regular application to achieve outstanding results. If you're in the lawn care profession and a product like that is great. But for regular gardeners, a product requiring application more than twice a season is just too much to ask.
How to use: apply the granules on a damp lawn using a broadcast spreader every 2 months. For persistent weed problems, apply every month.
Customer reviews: users were pleased with how thick and healthy their lawn became after using this product with not a single weed in sight scoring it a solid 4.3/5 across all retail outlets and gardening forums! Available at all good garden stores or you can buy it online here at Amazon
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Works in less than 1 month
- Thicker and healthier lawn after use
Cons
- Will require several applications to achieve result
9. BioAdvanced Weed & Feed All In One Crabgrass Killer
What's great about this weed and feed from BioAdvanced is that you can apply it just once in spring or early fall to see results. The slow-release 25% granules formula feeds your lawn for weeks while killing crabgrass, dandelions, and other grassy weeds.
The formula encourages healthy root growth to make your lawn more resistant to heat and drought. Only use this product on established lawns of the following turf types; Bermudagrass, Fescue, Zoysiagrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass, Buffalograss, and Seashore Paspalum
How to use: for every 1000 square feet, use 2.4 pounds with any rotary or drop spreader. Apply the granules evenly and uniformly starting from the lawn borders before working your way to the center.
Customer reviews: just after a month of applying this weed and feed, users saw a very lush and weed-free lawn, with not a single crabgrass in sight! They scored 4.3/5 and found the granular formula very easy to apply. Check the latest price at Amazon.
Pros
- Excellent performing lawn fertilizer
- Requires an infrequent application with noticeable results after 1 month
Cons
- Better-suited for established lawns
- May injure carpet grass and St. Augustine
- Not effective for killing crabgrass
10. Pennington Weed & Feed UltraGreen Lawn Fertilizer
This premium post-emergent weed and feed product from Pennington is a slow-release 10.5% nitrogen and 5% iron that acts fast on growing grass. What we love about this lawn fertilizer is its extended feed formula that lasts as long as 3 months. In addition to encouraging greener grass growth, the product kills more than 250 species of weeds.
While the product is safe for both cold and warm grasses, it is not suitable for St. Augustine. Available at all good gardening stores and online here
How to use: apply with a spreader in late spring between April and June when weeds are actively growing.
Customer reviews: users couldn't be happier with this nitrogen-heavy fertilizer as they obtained positive results within 2 months of application. Their grass had doubled in thickness and the color turned into a uniform dark green. It scores 4.3/5 with users.
Pros
- Excellent results
- Helps grass grow quickly
- Great value for money
Cons
- Nothing of significance
11. Scotts Liquid Turf Builder Weed And Feed Spray
We couldn't pull together a comprehensive list of the Best Weed and Feed for lawns without including a Liquid Weed and Feed. Scotts Liquid Turf Builder is the best product that is widely available. Now don't get me wrong here, my preference would almost always be for a powder or granular weed and feed. The exception being when small amounts of lawn need treating.
This handy little spray bottle is great for pulling out of your garage to tackle sections of lawn.
How to use it: Connect your hosepipe to the top of the bottle and use it as a trigger spray to target the areas you wish to treat. One bottle will cover 6,000 sq ft of lawn.
Customer Reviews: With thousands of customer reviews across all major retail platforms and forums this product gets a rating of 4.3/5, demonstrating the user-friendly package you get with this Liquid Weed and Feed Spray. Check the latest prices here on Amazon.
Pros
- Great hose spray applicator bottle
- Easy to use Liquid Weed and Feed
Cons
- Only suitable for smaller areas of lawn
- Expensive per square meter compared to granules
How To Apply Weed And Feed To Lawns
Every weed and feed product has its own specific application instructions, which must be followed for safety and for optimum results. But to give you a general idea of how to apply weed and feed, here are some guidelines:
1. Mow and water the lawn two days before applying weed and feed. This helps ensure even distribution of the granules in the wet lawn.
2. Extreme temperatures will adversely affect your lawn's tolerance so always choose a day when temperatures are higher than freezing but below 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Don't apply weed and feed immediately after heavy rain. Sure, you want the lawn to be moist but it shouldn't be soggy!
4. Using a rotary or drop spreader, follow the exact instructions of the particular weed and feed product you're using to apply the granules in your lawn. Cover the area evenly by walking back and forth across the lawn.
5. If you're using a spray weed and feed, attach the liquid bottle to your garden hose and apply it in a precise pattern as per the instructions to ensure full coverage.
Most weed and feed products require more than one application to yield results. It is, therefore, important that you carefully follow the directions so as to avoid burning your grass.
When To Water After Applying Weed And Feed
It is generally recommended to water your lawn prior to applying weed and feed product to get the soil damp. Some products will require you to avoid watering your lawn for at least 24 hours after application. Whilst other products will need watering-in or a good period of rainfall before they become active and begin working. Check the manufacturer's instructions to get the best results from your weed and feed product.
Best Weed And Feed For Lawns Conclusion
If you've been looking for the Best Weed and Feed for lawns, we believe all of the products we've reviewed make a great option. That said, our top 4 picks stand out in terms of effectiveness, value for money, and proven track record.
To help you decide, why not consider a top-rated product Scotts Turf Builder Weed And Feed. The company's weed and feed products adequately cover a lot of ground and don't require frequent applications to yield great results. There is also a fast-acting product from Pennington that won't burn your grass and eliminates up to 250 types of weeds. Whichever product you choose, we're certain your lawn will turn from lame to lush in no time!
Source: https://myoutdoorstuff.com/best-weed-and-feed/
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