Scotts Turf Builder UltraFeed is the best lawn fertilizer for Minnesota. It’s effective for six months and ideal for all grass types. The Old Farmer’s Almanac Lawn Food and Scotts Turf Builder Southern Lawn Food follow behind closely.
We considered various factors like fertilizer formula, effectiveness, and coverage area to come up with this ranking. We also included a buyer’s guide to help you choose the best fertilizer for your Minnesota lawn.
- 1. Best spring fertilizer: Scotts Turf Builder UltraFeed
- 2. Best organic fertilizer: The Old Farmer’s Almanac Lawn Food
- 3. Best summer fertilizer: Scotts Turf Builder Southern Lawn Food
- 4. Best winter fertilizer: Safer Brand Lawn Restore Natural Fertilizer
- 5. Best weed and feed: Pennington UltraGreen Weed and Feed
- 6. Best fall fertilizer: Scotts Turf Builder Winterguard Fall Lawn Food
1. Best spring fertilizer: Scotts Turf Builder UltraFeed
Scotts Turf Builder UltraFeed is our top choice for spring fertilizer. It contains no phosphorus to comply with regulations and is rich in nitrogen that helps keep your Minnesota lawn green and healthy. From Kentucky bluegrass to perennial ryegrass to fine fescue, this fertilizer is compatible with all cool-season grasses.
This slow-release fertilizer continues working for up to six months and has an exceptional coverage of 450 square feet per pound. You can apply this fertilizer in any season, but using it in spring helps cool-season grasses stay green longer.
How to apply: Use a spreader to apply this fertilizer and lightly water your lawn afterward.
Specifications
Coverage area: 9,000 sq. ft.
Effective period: 6 months
Fertilizer type: Granular, slow-release, synthetic
N-P-K: 40-0-5
Package size: 20 lbs.
Type of grass: All warm- and cool-season grasses
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Safe for all types of grasses ✓ Promotes healthy soil ✓ Improves health and appearance ✓ Effective for six months ✓ Slow-release formula ✓ Ideal for all four seasons ✓ Impressive coverage | ✗ Not good for soil low in phosphorus ✗ Not good for establishing new lawns |
Where to buy
2. Best organic fertilizer: The Old Farmer’s Almanac Lawn Food
The Old Farmer’s Almanac Lawn Food is the best organic fertilizer. It produces a green and healthy lawn without harsh chemicals. This fertilizer complies with Minnesota’s fertilizer law and is safe for children and pets. You can use it on all types of cool-season grasses.
This slow-release fertilizer is effective for two months, and you can apply it at any time of the year. It covers approximately 250 square feet per pound, which is good for an organic fertilizer. Unlike urea and manure-based organic fertilizers, The Old Farmer’s Almanac Lawn Food doesn’t have an unpleasant odor.
How to apply: Apply this fertilizer with a spreader and lightly water your lawn afterward.
Specifications
Coverage area: 5,000 sq. ft.
Effective period: 2 months
Fertilizer type: Granular, slow-release, organic
N-P-K: 10-0-2
Package size: 20 lbs.
Type of grass: All warm- and cool-season grasses
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Safe for all types of grasses ✓ Promotes healthy soil ✓ Improves health and appearance ✓ Slow-release formula ✓ Ideal for all four seasons ✓ Safe for children and pets | ✗ Not good for soil low in phosphorus ✗ Not good for establishing new lawns ✗ Effective for only two months ✗ Low coverage area |
Where to buy
3. Best summer fertilizer: Scotts Turf Builder Southern Lawn Food
This fertilizer is made for southern lawns but performs exceptionally well in Minnesota, especially in the summer. It contains Scott’s All-in-One Particles, which helps keep the grass lush and healthy in hot climates. Scotts Turf Builder Southern Lawn Food contains zero phosphorus and can be used on all cool-season grasses.
This slow-release fertilizer is effective for two months and covers approximately 357 square feet per pound.
How to apply: Use a spreader to apply this fertilizer and lightly water your lawn afterward.
Specifications
Coverage area: 5,000 sq. ft.
Effective period: 2 months
Fertilizer type: Granular, slow-release, synthetic
N-P-K: 32-0-10
Package size: 14 lbs.
Type of grass: All warm- and cool-season grasses
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Safe for all types of grasses ✓ Promotes healthy soil ✓ Improves health and appearance ✓ Slow-release formula ✓ Ideal for all four seasons | ✗ Not good for soil low in phosphorus ✗ Not good for establishing new lawns ✗ Effective for only two months |
Where to buy
4. Best winter fertilizer: Safer Brand Lawn Restore Natural Fertilizer
Safer Brand Lawn Restore Natural Fertilizer is an organic fertilizer that performs exceptionally well in the winter. It contains zero phosphorus but has the necessary nutrients to keep your lawn green and healthy during the colder months. From Kentucky bluegrass to fescues, you can use this fertilizer on all cool-season grasses.
This slow-release fertilizer is safe for children and pets and remains effective for two months. Safer Brand Lawn Restore Natural Fertilizer covers approximately 245 square feet per pound.
How to apply: Apply this fertilizer using a drop or broadcast spreader and lightly water your lawn afterward.
Specifications
Coverage area: 5,000 sq. ft.
Effective period: 2 months
Fertilizer type: Granular, slow-release, organic
N-P-K: 9-0-2
Package size: 20.5 lbs.
Type of grass: All warm- and cool-season grasses
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Safe for all types of grasses ✓ Promotes healthy soil ✓ Improves health and appearance ✓ Slow-release formula ✓ Ideal for all four seasons ✓ Safe for children and pets | ✗ Not good for soil low in phosphorus ✗ Not good for establishing new lawns ✗ Effective for only two months ✗ Low coverage area |
Where to buy
5. Best weed and feed: Pennington UltraGreen Weed and Feed
Pennington UltraGreen Weed and Feed contains fertilizer and herbicide. It’s rich in nitrogen and can keep your Minnesota lawn green throughout the year. You can use this slow-release fertilizer on all types of cool-season grasses.
This fertilizer continues working for three months and has an impressive coverage of 400 square feet per pound. Pennington UltraGreen Weed and Feed contains herbicides that can kill over 250 weeds.
How to apply: Use a drop or broadcast spreader to apply this fertilizer and lightly water your lawn after 48 hours.
Specifications
Coverage area: 5,000 sq. ft.
Effective period: 3 months
Fertilizer type: Granular, slow-release, synthetic
N-P-K: 30-0-4
Package size: 12.5 lbs.
Type of grass: All warm- and cool-season grasses
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Promotes healthy soil ✓ Improves health and appearance ✓ Includes weed killer ✓ Effective for three months ✓ Ideal for all four seasons ✓ Impressive coverage | ✗ Not ideal for St. Augustinegrass ✗ Not good for soil low in phosphorus ✗ Not good for establishing new lawns |
Where to buy
6. Best fall fertilizer: Scotts Turf Builder Winterguard Fall Lawn Food
Scotts Turf Builder Winterguard Fall Lawn Food is our top choice for fall fertilizer. It rejuvenates your lawn after summer stress and fortifies it to withstand winter weather and diseases. As a result, your grass can quickly turn green in the spring. You can use this fertilizer on all cool-season grasses.
This fertilizer is effective for six weeks and covers approximately 400 square feet per pound. Scotts Turf Builder Winterguard Fall Lawn Food contains zero phosphorus.
Specifications
Coverage area: 12,000 sq. ft.
Effective period: 1.5 months
Fertilizer type: Granular, slow-release, synthetic
N-P-K: 32-0-10
Package size: 12.5 lbs.
Type of grass: All warm- and cool-season grasses
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Safe for all types of grasses ✓ Promotes healthy soil ✓ Improves health and appearance ✓ Slow-release formula ✓ Ideal for all four seasons | ✗ Not good for soil low in phosphorus ✗ Not good for establishing new lawns ✗ Effective for only two months |
Where to buy
Buyer’s Guide to Lawn Fertilizers
With so many options, choosing the right fertilizer for your Minnesota lawn can be difficult. Here’s what you need to consider when purchasing a fertilizer:
NPK
N-P-K are the primary nutrients required for a lush and healthy lawn.
- Nitrogen (N) gives your grass a dark green appearance and helps it grow faster. Most lawn fertilizers are rich in nitrogen.
- Phosphorus (P) encourages strong root growth and is important for new grass. However, using a fertilizer containing phosphorus is banned in Minnesota because it pollutes water bodies and promotes algae growth.
- Potassium (K) makes the grass more resistant to weather, pests, and diseases.
Types of fertilizer
There are different types of lawn fertilizers, such as:
- Slow- vs. quick-release fertilizer: Slow-release fertilizers break down gradually and release nutrients over an extended period. Quick-release fertilizers break down into the soil and green up grass quickly. However, they can burn your grass if used incorrectly, so we listed only slow-release products.
- Liquid vs. granular fertilizer: Liquid fertilizers are water-soluble and applied with a sprayer, while granular fertilizers come in the form of pellets and are applied with a spreader. Granular fertilizers are usually slow-release. Check out our guide on liquid vs. granular fertilizers.
- Organic vs. synthetic fertilizer: Organic fertilizers work slower than synthetic fertilizers but are healthier for your soil in the long run. They are also safer for your kids and pets.
- Weed and feed: Some fertilizers contain fertilizer and herbicide to nourish your lawn and kill weeds. However, they aren’t eco-friendly.
Effective period
The effective period of a fertilizer is how long its nutrients remain available to the grass after you apply it. Slow-release fertilizers gradually break down and release nutrients over a couple of months, while quick-release fertilizers provide nutrients quickly and are effective only for a few weeks.
Seasonality
Fertilizers are effective only when you apply them at the right time. Check the product label and use the fertilizer at the recommended time.
Grass compatibility
Understanding the needs of your grass is crucial to selecting the right fertilizer. The fertilizers we listed here are ideal for all types of grasses that grow in Minnesota.
FAQs
What does Minnesota’s phosphorus lawn fertilizer law mean for your lawn?
This law restricts using fertilizer with phosphorus to protect water bodies from contamination. However, you can use phosphorus if you’re establishing a new lawn or if a soil test indicates that your grass needs it. Read more about Minnesota’s phosphorus lawn fertilizer law.
What’s the best time to fertilize Minnesota lawns?
The best time to fertilize Minnesota lawns is from early August to mid-October. You can also fertilize them between May and late June. Check out our guide on when to fertilize Minnesota lawns.
Is using a weed and feed fertilizer a good idea?
Weed and feed fertilizers are often not eco-friendly. Excess herbicides can wash into water bodies and affect aquatic life. Also, these fertilizers usually contain non-selective herbicides, which means they can harm non-target plants in your yard.
When to hire a professional
Selecting the right fertilizer is crucial, but applying it correctly is even more important. If you need help fertilizing your grass or with regular lawn maintenance, get in touch with Lawn Love. Our local lawn care pros can make your yard stand out in your neighborhood.
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