Choosing the best fertilizer for the Pacific Northwest can be tough. The PNW’s unique climate, along with the region’s typically acidic soil, demands slow-release fertilizers that feed your cool-season grasses at a slow and steady rate.
Let’s take a look at the 5 best fertilizers that strike the right balance for your lawn.
Espoma Lawn Food 15-0-5
Espoma Lawn Food brings a host of beneficial organic matter to your PNW lawn. It has a mix of 15-0-5, with 7.7% slow-release nitrogen from poultry manure (chicken poop) and methylene urea. This is a solid pick for keeping your grass green and growing steadily, all while being kind to the environment and safe around your pets and family.
What sets this apart? It carries extras that help in balancing the region’s acidic soil – 4% calcium, 2% sulfur, and non-staining 1% iron – enhancing greenery, and tackling certain lawn diseases common in these parts of the Pacific Northwest.
Specifications
- NPK ratio: 15-0-5
- Form: Organic granules, slow-release formula
- Size: Available in 20 and 40 lb. bags
- Suitable for: All grass types
- Usage: Spring, summer, and fall (during the growing season)
What we liked:
- Beneficial microbes: Contains 6,000,000 Colony Forming Units (CFU) per gram of beneficial bacteria, including various Bacillus species. These microbes can enhance soil health and nutrient uptake.
- Organic base and slow-release formula: These features reduce the risk of nutrient leaching, which is essential in the PNW’s wet climate.
- Quick results: Some homeowners report seeing changes within days.
- Long-term benefits: Customers appreciate consistently good results over years of use.
What we didn’t like:
- Strong odor: A few homeowners mention a strong, unpleasant odor when applying the product.
- Price: It can be expensive compared to synthetic fertilizers.
- May not contain sufficient nutrients: Potassium content (5%) is lower than the regional guidelines for western Oregon soils.
Where to buy:
The Andersons Professional PGF 16-0-8 Fertilizer
If your lawn already has enough phosphorus, this fertilizer is a solid for your PNW lawn. Its unique selling point? It packs humic acid – an extra that makes the soil better at hanging onto nutrients and moisture, which can be pretty helpful with the PNW’s rain-loving soils.
With its slow-release nitrogen and no-phosphorus formula, it aligns nicely with many PNW lawn care needs and environmental considerations, particularly in Washington state.
*Note: Though this is a favorite for Washington and Idaho lawns, it’s not an option for Oregon (or California if you’re considering the larger PNW scope) due to sales restrictions.
Specifications
- NPK ratio: 16-0-8
- Form: Granules, slow-release formula, synthetic
- Size: 18 lb. bag or 40 lb. bag
- Suitable for: All grass types
- Usage: Spring, summer, and fall (during the growing season)
What we liked:
- Phosphorus-free formula: Aligns with environmental restrictions and recommendations in some PNW areas. Many soils in the region already have adequate phosphorus levels.
- Contains humic acid: It helps improve soil quality and nutrient uptake.
- Slow-release nitrogen: Provides steady feeding for up to 8 weeks, ideal for the PNW’s climate.
- DG (Dispersible Granule) technology: Particles disperse quickly when watered, moving directly into the soil.
- Includes iron (2.0%), sulfur (2.72%), and other micronutrients: This promotes a darker green color, which can be beneficial in the often cloudy PNW climate.
- Fine particle size: Offers better coverage and absorption.
What we didn’t like:
- Price: Some homeowners find it expensive compared to other fertilizers.
- Availability: It is not for sale in Oregon, so its use is limited to part of the PNW.
Where to buy:
The Andersons Professional PGF Complete 16-4-8 Fertilizer
This fertilizer, also from The Andersons, is excellent for those lawns that can benefit from a little phosphorus in their diet. With a balanced NPK ratio of 16-4-8 and a slow-release nitrogen formula, it’s pretty well-tailored to lawns all around Washington, Oregon, and even Idaho.
Remember, this one’s similar to Andersons’s above; it has humic acid, sulfur, and iron. You can expect results after only a week, and the nutrition continues for up to eight whole weeks.
Specifications
- NPK ratio: 16-4-8
- Form: Granules, slow-release formula, synthetic
- Coverage: 18 lb. bag or 40 lb. bag
- Suitable for: All grass types
- Usage: Spring, summer, and fall (during the growing season)
What we liked:
- Balanced nutrient profile: The 16-4-8 ratio is close to the recommended ratios for most PNW lawns.
- Micronutrient and sulfur content: Includes iron (3.0%), sulfur (2.72%), copper, manganese, and zinc, which can benefit overall lawn health.
What we didn’t like:
- Phosphorus content: Perfect for lawns that need a little boost, but remember, some areas in the Pacific Northwest have restrictions on phosphorus usage.
- Price: Comparatively more expensive than other fertilizers on the market.
Where to buy:
Simple Lawn Solutions Advanced 16-4-8
This fertilizer offers an NPK ratio of 16-4-8, which is just about right for lawns in this region, especially for Washington and Oregon lawns. Bonus points go to its organic components: fish and seaweed kelp. These extras enrich the soil with micronutrients that promote overall lawn health.
Customers like how easy it is to use and how quickly they see results. But be aware – while it does cover large areas, you might have to apply it more frequently than granular options.
Specifications
- NPK ratio: 16-4-8
- Form: Liquid concentrate
- Coverage: 3,200 sq. ft. (32 oz. bottle), 12,800 sq. ft. (1 gallon)
- Suitable for: All grass types
- Usage: Spring and summer
What we liked:
- Balanced nutrient profile: Balanced NPK ratio suitable for most PNW lawns (3-1-2 for Washington and Idaho; 6-1-4 to 8-1-2 for Oregon).
- Contains organic components: Additional micronutrients from fish and seaweed kelp can enrich soil health.
- Suitable for various grass types: Versatile for different grass species common in the PNW.
What we didn’t like:
- Liquid form: Though easier to apply, liquid fertilizer may run off in the PNW’s wet climate if not applied carefully.
- It may not contain all the required nutrients: It doesn’t include sulfur, which is needed by some PNW lawns.
- Contain Phosphorus: While great for promoting root growth, phosphorus is restricted in some places (like the state of Washington) due to environmental concerns. Check your local regulations before using.
Where to buy:
Scotts Natural Lawn Food
If you’re searching for an organic option with a slightly lower nitrogen content, Scotts Natural Lawn Food could be just the right formula. Its NPK ratio of 11-2-2 falls within the recommended ratios for PNW lawns and includes slow-release nitrogen that feeds your grass steadily over time.
Remember, the ‘Natural’ in its name isn’t there for kicks – it’s actually OMRI listed as a product compatible with organic lawn practices.
It’s sourced from bone meal, blood meal, potassium sulfate, and meat meal – it largely aligns with regional guidelines around phosphorous usage while also boosting potassium and sulfur levels.
Specifications
- NPK ratio: 11-2-2
- Form: Granular, organic
- Coverage: 4,000 sq. ft. (29.5 lb. bag)
- Suitable for: All grass types
- Usage: Any season
What we liked:
- Environmentally friendly: Natural and organic ingredients.
- Consistent results: Some people praise the product for great results after using it regularly over several seasons.
- No strong odor: Unlike some other organic fertilizers.
What we didn’t like:
- Slow results: It can take 2 to 3 weeks to see noticeable improvements.
- Attracts pets: Dogs may be drawn to eat or roll in the fertilizer.
- Slow to dissolve: Some people report granules remaining visible for weeks.
Buyer’s PNW guide to lawn fertilizers
Living in the Pacific Northwest, where Washington, Oregon, and Idaho stretch out with their unique vibes, your lawn care needs can be as diverse as your landscapes.
Whether you’re sprucing up a patch of cool-season grass near Seattle or caring for a yard in Boise’s drier climate, it’s important to choose the right lawn fertilizer that caters to your specific spot and grass type in the PNW.
When selecting a fertilizer for your PNW lawn, keep these factors in mind:
- Test your soil: Before applying any fertilizer, it’s important to test your soil. This will help you determine exactly what nutrients your lawn needs and in what quantities.
- Slow-release nitrogen: This form of nitrogen releases slowly over time, providing a steady source of nutrients for your grass. This is important in the Pacific Northwest, where heavy rains can rapidly wash away available nitrogen. Check our guide on “Liquid vs. Granular Fertilize.”
- Low phosphorus or no phosphorus: Many soils in the region already have sufficient phosphorus. Plus, certain areas have restrictions on phosphorus usage due to environmental concerns. Always check local regulations before applying phosphorus fertilizer.
- Soil pH: Consider periodic soil testing and use lime if needed to adjust pH.
- Iron content: Iron and sulfur can help maintain a dark, rich lawn color in the often-cloudy PNW climate.
- Potassium content: In western Oregon and western Washington, the soil often lacks potassium, so a fertilizer with sufficient potassium content is essential.
- Grass type: PNW lawns are usually made up of cool-season grasses like fescue and ryegrass. These types thrive on fertilizers formulated for cooler, wetter conditions and benefit from nutrients that support root development and disease resistance.
*Note: If you’re a newbie to lawn care, not quite sure where to start, or how glossed-over fertilizer bags work in the real world, here are some handy guides for you:
FAQ about best lawn fertilizers for the Pacific Northwest
What is the recommended NPK ratio for fertilizer in Washington State?
The recommended NPK ratio for lawns in Washington State typically falls between 3-1-2 and 6-1-4, but this can vary depending on your lawn’s specific needs.
What is the recommended NPK ratio for fertilizer in Oregon State?
For most lawns in Oregon, OSU Extension recommends an NPK of approximately 6-1-4 to 8-1-2 (e.g., 24-4-16 or 24-3-6). This means that for every 6 or 8 parts nitrogen (N), there should ideally be about 4 to 2 parts potassium (K).
What is the recommended NPK ratio for fertilizer in Idaho State?
Idaho’s soil and climate can vary, but in general, the recommended NPK for most Idaho lawns is the same as in Washington – 3-1-2.
Call a lawn care pro for help
Picking the right fertilizer can be a real head-scratcher, right? With all the different weather patterns, soil types, and grass you’ve got across the Pacific Northwest, it’s easy to get tangled up in all the details.
Remember, test your soil, consider the local environmental regulations, and match the fertilizer to what your lawn specifically needs.
But if you’re feeling stuck or just not sure where to start – a pro can make things a whole lot simpler for you. Lawn Love connects you with the best lawn care professionals near you who know the PNW region inside and out.
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