The top-rated organic fertilizers for a greener, thicker lawn

A healthy lawn isn’t built overnight—it’s built in the soil. The right organic fertilizer does more than make your grass green for a few weeks. It feeds the microorganisms that keep your soil alive, builds root strength, and improves the natural structure so your yard can handle drought, heavy rain, and even foot traffic.

Synthetic fertilizers might give you instant color, but they burn out fast. If you want a lawn that gets stronger year after year, these organic fertilizers are worth keeping on hand.

Milorganite Slow-Release Nitrogen Fertilizer

Milorganite has been around for nearly a century, and there’s a reason homeowners keep coming back to it. It’s made from heat-dried microbes that have digested organic matter, so it adds nutrients naturally without burning your grass.

Because it’s slow-release, it feeds your lawn for weeks instead of days. It’s especially good for building soil structure and encouraging deep root growth. You won’t get that neon green look overnight—but what you will get is consistent, sustainable growth that lasts.

Espoma Organic Lawn Food

Espoma’s lawn food relies on feather meal, poultry manure, and sulfate of potash to give your grass steady nutrition without harsh chemicals. It’s designed to improve soil health with every use, so your yard doesn’t depend on constant applications.

It’s safe for kids, pets, and pollinators, which makes it ideal if you’ve got a busy backyard. Apply it spring through fall, and you’ll notice thicker, greener grass that holds up better to heat and drought.

Jonathan Green Organic Lawn Food

This fertilizer is formulated to feed both your lawn and the microbes beneath it. It contains natural proteins that boost microbial activity, which helps release nutrients already stored in your soil.

It’s a great option for homeowners trying to wean their lawns off synthetic fertilizers. Over time, it helps restore natural balance to your soil, reducing that constant need for extra feeding. It’s slow-acting but reliable—exactly what long-term lawn care should be.

Dr. Earth Super Natural Lawn Fertilizer

Dr. Earth’s formula uses alfalfa meal, fish meal, and kelp meal to build soil health the natural way. It’s enriched with beneficial microbes and mycorrhizae, which help grass roots absorb nutrients more efficiently.

It’s one of the best options if you’re transitioning a lawn that’s been treated with chemicals. You’ll see stronger roots and better drought tolerance after a few applications. The smell can be noticeable at first, but it fades quickly once it’s watered in.

Safer Brand Lawn Restore

Safer Brand’s Lawn Restore delivers nitrogen, potassium, and iron through plant-based ingredients. It’s quick to green up your lawn while still being fully organic and safe for pets.

The real benefit is how it balances quick results with long-term health. It stimulates both root and microbial growth, helping your grass store energy and nutrients through the seasons. It’s a smart pick if you want something that actually works fast without sacrificing sustainability.

Jobe’s Organics All-Purpose Granular Fertilizer

Jobe’s isn’t lawn-specific, but it’s a versatile, affordable option that performs surprisingly well for grass. It’s made from bone meal, feather meal, and composted materials, offering a steady, natural nutrient release.

Because it’s granular, it spreads easily with a standard broadcast spreader. It’s not the fastest green-up, but it strengthens your soil with every application, which pays off when you want resilience and steady color all year.

Scotts Natural Lawn Food

This is Scotts’ more eco-friendly answer to their classic fertilizers. It’s plant- and animal-based, and it won’t burn your lawn even if you overapply.

It delivers visible greening within a week or two while building organic matter in your soil. You can use it any time of year, even during active play or after mowing, which makes it one of the more user-friendly organic options for families.

Down to Earth Organic Bio-Turf 8-3-5

This fertilizer uses fish meal, feather meal, and kelp meal to encourage deep green growth and strong root systems. The 8-3-5 formula gives a balanced feed that promotes both top growth and underground health.

It’s OMRI-listed, which means it’s certified for organic use. Many people notice richer soil texture and improved water retention after regular use. It’s an excellent option if you’re maintaining a large yard and want professional-quality results from an organic source.

Kellogg Organic Lawn Food

Kellogg’s organic lawn food is plant-based and fortified with beneficial microbes that help your soil retain nutrients longer. It’s made to be safe for kids and pets and can be applied directly to wet or dry lawns.

It’s a good “starter” organic fertilizer if you’re new to this kind of care. You’ll see a slow but steady improvement in color, thickness, and root depth. It’s particularly effective for warm-season grasses that thrive on steady nitrogen intake.

The Andersons Organic Fertilizer 7-1-2

This one’s a favorite among homeowners looking for professional results with an organic formula. The Andersons 7-1-2 uses soy-based nutrients to feed grass consistently while enhancing soil quality over time.

It spreads easily and breaks down evenly, so you don’t get patchy results. Over a few seasons, it helps reduce thatch and strengthens your soil’s ability to hold moisture. It’s an investment in long-term lawn health, not a quick fix—and that’s exactly why it works.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.