Organic fertilizer contains natural ingredients that come from plants and animals. These ingredients endure very little processing. In contrast, synthetic fertilizers contain manufactured ingredients, including chemicals.
Although organic fertilizer may take a little longer to work, its benefits are widespread and long-lasting. It improves the health of soil, plants, and ecosystems. Typically non-toxic, it’s also safer for children and pets.
Transform your lawn naturally with organic fertilizers. Discover expert insights on their unique advantages over synthetic options, understand how they nourish the soil differently, and learn essential application tips to avoid common pitfalls.
How does organic fertilizer work?
Microorganisms (microbes) must break down organic fertilizer before plants can absorb the nutrients. As the organic matter decomposes, the plant receives a slow, steady nutrient stream.
“Organic fertilizer is a water-insoluble, slow-release fertilizer,” says Amanda Folck, an extension educator at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. “… slow-release fertilizers are more expensive and are slow in releasing the needed fertilizer to the area.”
Although organic fertilizers often contain less N-P-K than synthetics, being insoluble, a greater percentage of nutrients are absorbed.
How is organic fertilizer different from other fertilizers?
Organic vs. synthetic fertilizers
When comparing organic and inorganic fertilizers, organic plant food is better for the long-term health of your soil.
| Organic Fertilizer | Synthetic Fertilizer |
| Derived from plants and animals | Manufactured with chemicals |
| Wide range of nutrients | Narrow nutrient range |
| Low N-P-K | High N-P-K |
| Sustains soil | Degrades soil over time |
Read more: Can You Combine Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer?
Organic vs. fast-release fertilizers
When comparing slow-release and quick release fertilizer, quick release works faster. However, slow-release fertilizer works for a longer period.
| Organic Fertilizer | Fast-release Fertilizer |
| Nutrients are gradually released | Immediately releases a nutrient burst |
| Takes longer to see results | Quickly see results |
| Feeds plants for a long time | Nutrients are quickly depleted |
| Low risk of fertilizer burn | High risk of fertilizer burn |
Read more in our complete guide: Slow-Release vs. Quick-Release Fertilizer
Why use organic fertilizers?
Natural fertilizers enhance the health of your plants and soil without harming your family.
Improved soil health
Organic fertilizer improves soil’s health and sustainability. It encourages microbes, who themselves become organic fertilizer. Additionally, the microbe activity loosens up the soil, so plants can access more nutrients and water.
Environmental benefits
Because organic food is insoluble, its contents are less likely to wash away with run-off water. However, even if it does, the natural ingredients are likely benign. Additionally, synthetic fertilizer production has a heavier carbon footprint.
Long-term results
Organic fertilizers are usually slow-release. Thus, they gradually decompose, providing plants with a steady stream of natural fertilizer. It often takes more time for plants to reap the benefits of organic fertilizer, but they are supplied food for a more extended period.
Safe for family and pets
Synthetic fertilizers contain chemicals that may harm people and pets. On the other hand, organic plant food tends to be non-toxic.
With organic lawn fertilizer, you won’t have to worry when children and pets play on the grass. And organic vegetable fertilizer provides your family with chemical-free food.
Types of organic fertilizers
Organic fertilizers are either homemade or store-bought. Popular types include:
- Compost is one of the most popular natural sources of N-P-K. When plant materials decompose in a compost pile, they become a healthy plant food. Compost breeds hearty harvests and disease-free grass.
- Animal manure provides plants with well-balanced N-P-K, but the exact nutrients vary by the animal. Made from animal waste, it’s a healthy, all-purpose fertilizer.
- Corn gluten meal is a great organic fertilizer for lawns. Known as the natural weed and feed, corn gluten meal kills weeds and feeds plants.
- Cottonseed meal provides a balanced diet of N-P-K, making it ideal for lawns, gardens, and landscaping.
- Bone meal has an N-P-K of around 4-20-0 and contains a lot of calcium. Derived from ground animal bones, it boosts flowering and fruit production.
- Fish meal is a fast-acting liquid fertilizer rich in nitrogen and micronutrients.
- Blood meal is a dry powder that’s typically derived from cows and pigs at slaughterhouses. As one of the most nitrogen-rich natural fertilizers, blood meal helps boost plant growth.
- Worm castings inspire microbial activity. They contain N-P-K and a lot of micronutrients.
How to apply organic fertilizers
To apply organic fertilizer:
- Get a soil test to find out what’s already in the soil.
- Find out what nutrients your plants need.
- Select a fertilizer that meets your plant’s nutritional needs.
- Start fertilizing a few weeks before planting
- The best time to fertilize grass is during its growing season
- Use a spread for granular lawn food and a sprayer for liquids to evenly apply lawn fertilizer.
- After applying organic fertilizers, soil often needs tilling or watering.
Read more in our complete guide: How to Fertilize Your Lawn
Common mistakes to avoid
Before using organic fertilizers, avoid costly mistakes that can damage your lawn. Skipping soil tests, over-fertilizing, or failing to plan application schedules can waste money and harm grass health.
- Skipping a soil test: A soil test tells you what’s in the soil so you know what to add. Either buy a home kit or contact your local extension office.
- Over-fertilization is often an issue because applications are less precise and take longer to work. The best way to avoid over-fertilizing is to test the soil, carefully apply the product, and be patient with the results.
- Skipping mulch: Adding a layer of organic mulch keeps the soil moist and nutrient-rich.
- Overlooking the soil’s pH: Soil test results reveal the pH, so if needed, you can add amendments that change your soil pH.
- Failing to plan may result in feeding plants the wrong nutrient mix. Account for the nutrients the plant needs vs. what’s in the soil. Then, apply organic ingredients that will compensate.
FAQ about organic fertilizers
Because organic fertilizers are slow-release, one application lasts as long as a season.
Early morning and late evening are the best times to fertilize.
Typically, lawn fertilization costs an average of $103 to $343, but organic treatments cost $200 to $500 for a 5,000 to 10,000 square foot lawn.
Find a lawn care pro near you
The best way to feed your grass a well-balanced diet is to hire a lawn fertilization pro. Easily access Lawn Love’s network of qualified pros through our user-friendly app. In addition to fertilization, we can help with lawn mowing and over 30 other outdoor services.
Main Photo Credit: Khaligo | Adobe Stock Free | License
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