Best Fertilizer For Grass In Summer of 2024: Top 6 Picks

By Harry RamosLast update: 2024-03-28

A good fertilizer promotes the root and leaves growth, helping your lawn grow more quickly and become greener, thicker, and healthier.

Here are my top picks for the best fertilizer for grass in summer:

Here are the best fertilizers for grass in summer you can buy in 2024:

  • Best Overall: Scotts 26008A Turf Builder Southern Triple Action
  • Best For Smaller Lawn: Scotts Turf Builder Thick'R Lawn Sun and Shade
  • Best For Larger Lawn: Scotts Turf Builder Starter Food for New Grass
  • Best For Bermuda Lawn: The Andersons PGF Complete Fertilizer
  • Easy To Apply: Simplelawn Advanced 16-4-8 Balanced NPK
  • Best For Deep Root Growth: Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food
Best Fertilizer For Grass In Summer: Top 6 Picks
Best Overall
Scotts 26008A Turf Builder Southern Triple Action
    Read Our Review
    Best For Smaller Lawn
    Scotts Turf Builder Thick'R Lawn Sun and Shade
      Read Our Review
      Best For Larger Lawn
      Scotts Turf Builder Starter Food for New Grass
        Read Our Review
        Best For Bermuda Lawn
        The Andersons PGF Complete Fertilizer
          Read Our Review
          Easy To Apply
          Simplelawn Advanced 16-4-8 Balanced NPK
            Read Our Review
            Best For Deep Root Growth
            Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food
              Read Our Review

              Best Overall: Scotts 26008A Turf Builder Southern Triple Action

              Scotts 26008A Turf Builder Southern Triple Action
              Scotts 26008A Turf Builder Southern Triple Action
              Pros
              • Perfect for leave growth
              • Kills Dollarweed and Clover
              • Prevents and Kills Fire Ants
              • Feeds and Strengthens Lawns
              • Scotts My Lawn app
              Cons
              • Only for grass & Recommended for spring grass

              Scotts Turf Builder Southern is specially formulated for leave development with a very high Nitrogen ratio, especially good for grass turfs in spring. It has a unique 3-in-1 function. First, it kills dollar weed and clover. Second, it prevents and kills fire ants. Third, it feeds and strengthens your plants.

              Scotts Turf Builder Southern is recommended for Southern lawns, such as St. Augustine (including Floratam), Carpetgrass, Centipede, and Zoysiagrass.

              You can download Scotts My Lawn app in your phone to measure the exact amount of fertilizer you need. Then, pour the right amount of fertilizer into a spreader, config the right numbers as recommended.

              However, with zero Phosphorus, which is a macronutrient essential for root development, flowering, and fruiting, Scotts Turf Builder Southern is not suitable for other plants than grass. Although Scotts Turf Builder Southern is recommended for spring, it is perfectly okay if you use it for your lawn in summer.

              Scotts 26008A Turf Builder Southern Triple Action Specifications

              When to Apply

              Spring

              Coverage Area

              8,000 sq. ft.

              Fertilizer Analysis

              29 - 0 - 10

              Size

              26.84 lbs

              Highlight Features

              Kills Dollarweed and Clover

              Prevents and Kills Fire Ants

              Feeds and Strengthens Lawns

              Verdict

              Scotts Turf Builder Southern is specially formulated for leave development with a 3-in-1 function.

              Best For Smaller Lawn: Scotts Turf Builder Thick'R Lawn Sun and Shade

              Scotts Turf Builder Thick'R Lawn Sun and Shade
              Scotts Turf Builder Thick'R Lawn Sun and Shade
              Pros
              • Fill in gaps with grass seeds
              • Feed new grass & Thicken existing turf
              • Improve soil nutrients
              • Scotts My Lawn app
              Cons
              • Only for grass

              Scotts Turf Builder Thick'R Lawn has a high Nitrogen ratio for leave growth. It is recommended for new grass. It is a 3-in-1 solution since it combination seeds, fertilizer, and soil improver. The seeds are to fill in gaps of the turf with new grass. The fertilizer is to feed new grass; thicken & green existing grass. The soil improver adds nutrients into the soil, helping the roots strengthen. Scotts Turf Builder Thick'R Lawn results in a thicker, greener lawn.

              Like Scotts Turf Builder Southern, you can download Scotts My Lawn app in your phone to measure the exact amount of fertilizer you need. Also, Scotts Turf Builder Thick'R Lawn is only for grass, not for other kinds of plants since it contains very little of phosphorus and potassium.

              Scotts Turf Builder Thick'R Lawn Sun and Shade Specifications

              When to Apply

              For new grass

              Coverage Area

              1,200 sq. ft.

              Fertilizer Analysis

              9 - 1 - 1

              Size

              12 lbs

              Highlight Features

              Fill in gaps with grass seeds

              Feed new grass & Thicken existing turf

              Improve soil nutrients

              Verdict

              Scotts Turf Builder Thick'R Lawn is a 3-in-1 solution for a thicker and greener lawn.

              Best For Larger Lawn: Scotts Turf Builder Starter Food for New Grass

              Scotts Turf Builder Starter Food for New Grass
              Scotts Turf Builder Starter Food for New Grass
              Pros
              • For new grass; 70% thicker, 35% quicker
              • Promotes root development
              • For all grass type
              • Scotts My Lawn app
              Cons
              • Also makes weeds grow more

              Scotts Turf Builder Starter Food has high Nitrogen & Phosphorus ratio, which is great for leave and root growth. The strengthened roots help grass be more healthy and grow faster. It is suitable for all kinds of grass, including sod & grass plugs, helping new grass grow 70% thicker, 35% quicker. So Scotts Turf Builder Starter Food is ideal for large lawns to grow naturally and greenly.

              To grow new grass, you should water every day to maintain good moisture. Remember to feed the grass every season with appropriate fertilizers to keep the grass healthy and green.

              As being a fertilizer from Scotts, you can use Scotts Turf Builder Starter Food with Scotts My Lawn app to measure the exact amount of fertilizer you need.

              However, since Scotts Turf Builder Starter Food does not prevent and kill weeds, it also makes weeds grow more. You should you an additional weed killer product.

              Scotts Turf Builder Starter Food for New Grass Specifications

              When to Apply

              For new grass

              Coverage Area

              14,000 sq. ft.

              Fertilizer Analysis

              24 - 25 - 4

              Size

              42 lbs

              Highlight Features

              Promotes root & leave growth

              Verdict

              Scotts Turf Builder Starter Food promotes root & leave growth, ideal to grow a new large lawn.

              Best For Bermuda Lawn: The Andersons PGF Complete Fertilizer

              The Andersons PGF Complete Fertilizer
              The Andersons PGF Complete Fertilizer
              Pros
              • Super fine particles & Twice more particles/sq.ft
              • Lower nitrogen ratio & Higher potassium ratio
              • Enrichs your soil & helps plants absorb nutrients better
              • Feeds up to 8 weeks
              Cons
              • Slow release & slow effect

              Andersons PGF Complete Fertilizer is highly recommended for Bermuda lawns. It has super fine particles and as twice as particles per sq.ft. More particles result in easier absorption and better distribution. It has a lower nitrogen ratio, so the plants won’t be burnt from too high particles per sq.ft ratio. It also has a higher potassium ratio for an overall healthy soil environment for the grass.

              Andersons PGF Complete Fertilizer contains Humic DG (humic and fulvic acid) to enrich your soil and help plants absorb nutrients better. The fertilizer slowly releases that can feed your grass up to 8 weeks. However, because of this, it also has a slower effect.

              The Andersons PGF Complete Fertilizer Specifications

              When to Apply

              For new grass

              Coverage Area

              5,000 sq.ft

              Fertilizer Analysis

              16-4-8

              Size

              40 lbs

              Highlight Features

              Super fine particles & Twice as more particles/sq.ft

              Humic DG

              Verdict

              Andersons PGF Complete Fertilizer has twice more particles/sq.ft for better absorption.

              Easy To Apply: Simplelawn Advanced 16-4-8 Balanced NPK

              Simplelawn Advanced 16-4-8 Balanced NPK
              Simplelawn Advanced 16-4-8 Balanced NPK
              Pros
              • Liquid fertilizer & Spray bottle
              • Natural & Organic Ingredients
              • Contains Seaweed & Fish
              • For all grass types
              Cons
              • The sprayer doesn’t work well when the liquid is low

              Simplelawn Advanced 16-4-8 Balanced NPK has the same N-P-K ratio as Andersons PGF Complete Fertilizer. While Andersons PGF Complete Fertilizer has super fine particles for better distribution, Simplelawn Advanced Balanced NPK is liquid for even better distribution.

              It comes with a sprayer for easy application. Just connect it with a water hose and spray evenly throughout your lawn. The liquid fertilizer contains natural & organic ingredients, which are non-toxic and not too harsh on your lawn. It also contains seaweed and fish.

              The sprayer works well for the first half of the bottle; however, it causes some troubles when the liquid is low.

              Simplelawn Advanced 16-4-8 Balanced NPK Specifications

              When to Apply

              Spring & Summer

              Coverage Area


              Fertilizer Analysis

              16 - 4 - 8

              Size

              32 Ounces

              Highlight Features

              Liquid fertilizer & Spray bottle

              Verdict

              Simplelawn Advanced Balanced NPK is a liquid fertilizer with a sprayer for easier application.

              Best For Deep Root Growth: Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food

              Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food
              Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food
              Pros
              • For any season, any type of grass
              • Feed and strengthen grass
              • All-in-One Particle technology
              • Help grass absorb water & nutrients better
              Cons
              • Has no weed control

              Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food is a flexible choice. It is suitable for any season and any type of grass. It promotes the root development for a healthy and strengthened lawn, protecting itself from damages caused by human/pet activities or weather. Moreover, the Scotts exclusive All-in-One Particle helps your lawn absorb water and nutrients more efficiently.

              Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food is not formulated with any weed control. This makes the fertilizer friendly for all types of grass but also makes it less a versatile solution. You may need to use a weed control product in addition to Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food.

              Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food Specifications

              When to Apply

              Any season

              Coverage Area

              5,000 sq. ft.

              Fertilizer Analysis

              26 - 2 - 13

              Size

              12.5 lbs

              Highlight Features

              All-in-One Particle technology

              Verdict

              Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food builds strong roots, suitable for all seasons and all types of grass.

              How To Choose The Best Fertilizers For Grass In Summer?

              To choose the best fertilizer for grass, first, you need to know about the N-P-K ratio (or Fertilizer Analysis). N, P, K are macronutrients that essential for plant growth.

              • Nitrogen (N): Essential for leave development. It is especially crucial to grass and lawns.

              • Phosphorus (P): Essential for root, flower, and fruit development. Use a fertilizer that is higher in P for seeding, blooming, and fruiting stages.

              • Potassium (K): Essential for the overall function of plants.

              A Fertilizer Analysis such as 26 - 2 - 13 means that the fertilizer contains 26% Nitrogen, 2% Phosphorus, 13% Potassium. You should choose a fertilizer that is high in N for grass development. If you grow new grass, you should choose a fertilizer that is high in both N and P.

              You should also consider these solutions: Kills Dollarweed and Clover; Prevents and Kills Fire Ants; Fills in gaps in lawns with seeds. Some fertilizers include these solutions - You can choose these multi-purpose solutions or use different solutions for each task.

              Which Brands Make The Best Fertilizers For Grass In Summer?

              Scotts

              • Scotts is a sub-brand of Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, one of the leaders in the planting industry, manufacturing consumer lawn, garden and pest control products. Scotts is one in Scotts Miracle-Gro Company’s three brands, the other two are Miracle-Gro and Ortho brands.
              • Scotts is well-known for its wide range of fertilizers for grass. They have fertilizers for spring, summer, autumn, winter, and all season. They have fertilizers for new grass, for existing lawn, for Southern grass. When it comes to Scotts, you’ll find any type of fertilizer you need for your lawn.

              Simple Lawn Solutions

              • Simple Lawn Solutions is a creative company in the lawn care industry. It was founded in 1993, in the US, dedicating more than 20 years to producing lawn care products. It has built its worldwide reputation on all types of fertilizers and lawn foods, especially its sprayer liquid fertilizer for grass called Simplelawn Advanced Balanced NPK. It is a different fertilizer for home lawn care, which is effortless to use, unlike other fertilizer products.
              • If you like the idea of sprayable lawn solutions, Simple Lawn Solutions is the brand for you.

              The Andersons

              • The Andersons is a long-standing company, which was established in 1947 and headquartered in Maumee, Ohio. With its over 70 years of experience, The Andersons has a profound understanding of what customers and plants need. They have provided over 2 million tons of dry and liquid nutrients; created the best turfs and grass landscapes. They are famous for their laboratory corn-cob based products
              • Besides plant nutrient products, The Andersons has a diverse portfolio, from logistics service for the agricultural and food products; facility operations, risk management and marketing for ethanol and distiller dried grains; to rail management. The Andersons is a competent company that you can trust.

              FAQs

              Is it OK to fertilize your lawn in the summer?

              You have to be careful when fertilizing your lawn in the summer since extra fertilizer in the heat of summer can burn your lawn. Some products are formulated for grass in summer - they are focus on strengthening the lawn against heat and drought, often by promoting the root development

              How do I keep my grass green in the summer?

              The most important thing is to water your lawn regularly in the early morning. You'll also want to mow your lawn higher, at least 3 inches high. Fertilizer formulated for summer (strengthening the lawn against heat and drought) would also be a considerable solution.

              When should I apply summer fertilizer?

              You should apply fertilizer after the grass has grown thickly and before the summer heat arrives, which means in the late spring.

              Can you over fertilize a lawn?

              Over-fertilizer can burn your lawn, causing damage to the turf's root structure. So, read the instruction on the fertilizer package before applying it to make sure you don’t over-fertilizer your lawn.

              Conclusion

              You should consider when applying fertilizer for grass in summer because the heat of summer with exceeded fertilizer can burn your lawn. I hope this article helps you find fertilizer for your lawn.

              I’m Harry Ramos, who's crazy about all things green. I’m here to share some experience in my gardening adventure and how to choose the best products for your garden. Let's dig in, get our hands dirty, and celebrate the simple, earthy pleasures of the garden together!


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