Choosing the best weed and feed can be very overwhelming, given the huge fertilizer industry. Weed and feed fertilizers are one of the most popular products among gardeners and farmers. So much so, that over an estimated 28 million pounds of weed and feed products are being used every year. After all, it does save one a tremendous effort and time of removing the weeds manually.
Spring is just around the corner, and with it comes the freshness of beautiful, colourful plants. But where there are plants, there are pesky weeds too. Maintaining a garden is not an easy job, it requires a full hand on, back-breaking weeding to get rid of all the stubborn crabgrass, dandelions and many more. That too, for a short period of time, before they show up in your garden again. As an avid gardener myself, I have thoroughly enjoyed the benefits of weed and feed over the few years of its usage. Not only has it made gardening a joyful and easy task for me, but the lawn seems to be greener and lusher as ever before.
This article gives you the ten best weed and feed fertilizers available, along with the necessary guidance and information of their usage. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to choose one to incorporate in your gardening routine. Hopefully, gardening won’t seem like a chore anymore.
Table of Contents
Comparison Table of Best Weed and Feed 2021
| Image | Product | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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Miracle-Gro 1038361 Shake | Brand: Miracle-Gro Packaging: jug with an applicator Area covered: 135 sq feet Item weight: 4.5 pounds |
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Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed | Brand: Scotts turf builder Packaging: bag Area covered: 5000 sq feet Item weight: 14.29 pounds |
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Scotts Turf Builder Winter Guard Fall Weed and Feed | Brand: Scotts turf builder Packaging: bag NPK formulation: 28-0-3 Application: twice a year with at least 30 days gap in between Area covered: 15000 sq feet Item weight: 42.87 pounds |
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Scotts Turf Builder Winter Guard Fall Weed and Feed | Brand: GreenView Packaging: bag NPK formulation : 24-0-6 Application: Just once a year Area: 5000 sq ft, 10,000 sq ft Item weight: 18 pounds, 32 pounds |
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GreenView Weed & Feed | Brand: GreenView Packaging: bag NPK formulation : 27-0-4 Application: after every 8 to 190 weeks Area: 2500 ,5000 sq ft, 15,000 sq ft Item weight: 7 pounds,13 pounds, 39 pounds |
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Preen 2164169 One LawnCare Weed & Feed | Brand: GreenView Packaging: bag NPK formulation : 27-0-4 Application: after every 8 to 190 weeks Area: 2500 ,5000 sq ft, 15,000 sq ft Item weight: 7 pounds,13 pounds, 39 pounds |
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Scotts Turf Builder Southern Triple Action | Brand: Preen One LawnCare Packaging: bag NPK formulation : 24-0-6 Area: 5000 sq ft Item weight: 18 pounds |
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Spectracide Weed & Feed | Brand: Scotts turf builder Packaging: bag NPK formulation: 29-0-10 Application: twice a year with at least 30 days gap in between Area covered: 4000 sq feet,8000 sq feet |
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BioAdvanced 100532518 Bayer All-in-One Weed & Feed | Brand: Bio advanced Packaging: bag NPK formulation : 35-0-3 Application: all season with 30 days gap in between applications Area: 5000 sq ft Item weight: 12 pounds |
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Scotts Liquid Turf Builder with Plus 2 Weed Control Fertilizer | Brand: Scotts turf builder Packaging: spray bottle Size: 32 ounces Area covered: 6000 sq feet |
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1. Miracle-Gro 1038361 Shake ‘N Feed All Purpose Plant Food Plus Weed Preventer1, 4.5 lb
All feed and weed products have herbicides in them. Therefore, the biggest concern when using these products is whether the treated plants are safe to consume or not. The last thing anyone wants is plant fertilizer poisoning. As an avid gardener, I found it a struggle to find a product that would free my garden patch of weeds and would not be poisoning my vegetables at the same time. That is until I came across this Miracle-Gro 1038361 Shake ‘N Feed All Purpose Plant Food Plus Weed Preventer1.It is not only rendered safe for use in vegetable patches but has also boosted their growth.
This feed and weed works wonders in preventing the growth of any types of weeds. Only one application works for 3 months. For maximum results, it is important to apply this in early spring before the emergence of any weeds.
The feed comes in small granules, but doesn’t require any spreader for its application. The manufacturers have included a specially designed applicator lid. Moreover, there are no restrictions of methods in its application. Just shake it over the desired plant or vegetable and leave it do it’s magic. The weed and feed comes in a 4.5 pound jug , estimated to cover an area of 135 sq ft.
Features:
Pros
- Few applications required in a year
- Not toxic or poisonous for use in food gardens
- No additional broadcast spreader needed
Cons
- Covers very small area
2. Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed 3, 5,000 Sq. Ft.
When choosing a feed and weed fertilizer, it is best to go for a household name. One of the best-known brands in the fertilizer industry is the Scotts turf builder. They have been successfully supplying fertilizers for many years, while improving their products as they go. This particular product is claimed to be two times stronger and more effective in killing weeds as compared to Scotts other manufactured fertilizers. It also happens to be the editors pick because of its popularity among users to get the desired health turf.
If you own grass such as ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, zoysia grass, Bermuda grass, centipede grass, Bahia grass and are trying to deal with dandelion, clover etc. this is your go to product. Although it is formulated to deal with over 50 different kinds of weeds, but it works best on dandelions and clovers. Their weed grip technology effectively removes the weeds, while thickening the grass to prevent resurfacing of any weed. But caution is needed and instructions should be followed correctly for best results. The manufactures have specified not to use this product on lawns that have St Augustine grass, bent grass or carpet grass. If used it will leave huge patches of burnt grass.
This fertilizer uses pre-emergent herbicide formula, hence works best by killing the weeds at germination stage. Therefore, this weed and feed fertilizer should be used in early spring on moist wet ground. Avoid watering for 24 hours as well as excessive watering, it will wash away the herbicides and do not over use than the recommended apply. If used properly, the active ingredients last for 6 weeks and should be only used twice a year. With at least 30 days in between the application time. Scott turf builder gives a money back guarantee to its customers.
Features:
Pros
- Potent weed killer, targets up to 50 weeds
- Unharmful for a large variety of grasses
- Effectively kills weeds at the germination stage
Cons
- Doesn’t work on crabgrass
- Gets easily washed away in the first few days of application
3. Scotts Turf Builder Winter Guard Fall Weed and Feed 3, 15,000 Sq Ft
Another successful product of Scotts turf builder is the Scotts Turf Builder Winter Guard Fall Weed and Feed 3. It has the same benefits as the previous product with one major difference. It is made for use in winter, to get the greenest, lushest turf in spring. It enhances the lawns ability to absorb water and various nutrients for stronger, deeper roots by the time spring arrives. It is also a favorite among gardeners and farmers. So popular that it is one of the best-selling product available in the market.
Featuring weed grip technology, it makes use of pre-emergent herbicides to destroy weed seedlings. Killing them even before they have a chance to germinate. But this does not mean you can’t use it on fully grown weeds. It supports the killing of fully mature plant weeds too and is also classified as a broad leaf killer. Pest grasses such as purple sledge is also effectively destroyed by this Winter guard fall weed and feed. Again, the product should be refrained from using on grasses such as carpet grass, St Augustine and bent grass. If you own these grasses, there are other good options available.
For the application process, it is recommended to use a Scotts drop or rotary spreader for even spreading of the granules. The rotary spreader, unfortunately, doesn’t come with the weed and feed but they are easily available. Before spreading the seeds, it is important to have the ground moist. Also don’t use it on a rainy day or if there is a forecast of rain within 24 hours. The weed and feed is harmful for kids and pets, care should be taken in the first few days of application. Like with all Scotts products, this one has a money back guarantee too.
Features:
Pros
- Active ingredients last up to 6 weeks
- Deals with a variety of grass
- Only 2 applications required in a year
- Money back guarantee
Cons
- Does not have a rotary spreader
4. GreenView 2129268 Fairway Formula Spring Fertilizer Weed & Feed
There are a few professional grade products in the fertilizing industry and GreenView 2129268 Fairway Formula Spring Fertilizer Weed & Feed + Crabgrass Preventer is one of them. Yes, it is a bit pricey but you’ll soon see that the price tag is rightly justified so. This product reduces the annual usage costs. Gardeners of cool season grass should definitely make this a priority.
What makes this product stand out is the number of different lawn treatment it provides. Fertilization of the lawn through slow release and quick release nutrients, killing of approximately 200 species of weed and destroying roots of crabgrass, preventing its regrowth. It is exceptional when it comes to getting rid of crabgrass as compared to its competitors. The manufacturers have specified a 65 percent slow-release nitrogen formulation. This means your lawn will be continuously supplied by nitrogen for 12 weeks approximately. Because of this property, the grass barely ever needs reapplying. You are restricted to use it only on established roots, with developed root system. It has the potential of destroying or stunting growth of new, younger grass.
GreenView 2129268 Fairway Formula Spring Fertilizer Weed & Feed + Crabgrass Preventer can be used independently of the season all year round. This doesn’t mean its suitable for all kinds of grass though. Preferably, it should be used on cool season grasses but the manufacturers have provided a list of grasses to use on and those to avoid. If you are living in Florida and have a lawn of St Augustine you should not use on your grass.
The product is sold in two different sizes, 18lb covering 5,000 sq ft of area and 32 lb covering a total area of 10,000 sq ft. For application, dampen the grass to make the granules stick to its blades. For removal of dandelion apply when they are in their growing stage and haven’t matured.
Features:
Pros
- Used in any season
- Noticeable results in just 4 weeks
- Effectively deals with broad leaf weeds and crab grass
Cons
- It is expensive
5. GreenView Weed & Feed – 13 lb. – Covers 5,000 sq. ft.
This product is perfect for buyers that are after powerful, potent weed and feed within a reasonable budget. The price may be less but that doesn’t mean there is any compromise on the quality of the herbicides. Rather it works just as fine, even better, than the ones available for the same price. This greenView weed and feed has the same formulation of that as the GreenView 2129268 Fairway Formula Spring Fertilizer Weed & Feed, but with a bit less potency.This means that nitrogen is released slowly over time, for 8 weeks only. Reapplication of the fertilizer is required more often than was in the case of fairway formula fertilizer.
The variety of grasses it can be used on is also the same. But you can always check the list provided by the manufacturers. It restores a fresh, healthy looking lawn in no time by strengthening the roots and enhancing their ability to absorb nutrients and water. A lawn treated with this fertilizer has more chances of surviving the harsh heat.
To get the best results, apply on wet moist grass, to aid sticking of granules on to the blades of the weeds. There are three sizes 7lb,13lb and 39lb available. The company guarantees 100 percent money back.
Features:
Pros
- Usable in every season
- Three different size options available
- Inexpensive
- Improves grass conditions in 4 weeks
Cons
- Frequent reapplication for good results
6. Preen 2164169 One LawnCare Weed & Feed-Covers 5,000 sq. ft, 18 lb
This product is best for newly emerging weeds and pest grasses. It is a cheap alternative to the GreenView fairway formula spring fertilizer. As specified by the manufacturers, this product is suitable to get rid of crabgrass, dandelion and other 250 stubborn varieties of garden weeds.
The product has post emergent herbicides which means it stays in the soil preventing any regrowth of weeds. Because of this property, it is best to use One LawnCare Weed & Feed, after 8 weeks of sowing the seeds. The formulation is of the ratio 24-0-6 with 0 percent phosphorus. While it can be used on almost all cool and warm season turf grasses, but is still not suitable for colonial bent grass, dichondra, Augustine grass and carpet grass.
Rotary spreader should be utilized for even application and the applied area shouldn’t be watered for a 24 hour period. When dealing with crabgrass, apply the feed after 4 weeks of its growth. The packing comes in one size of 18 pounds covering a square feet of 5000.
Features:
Pros
- Provides result within a time frame of a weeks
- Makes grass roots thicker and healthier
Cons
- Needs many applications
7. Scotts Turf Builder Southern Triple Action
If you happen to have st Augustine grass, you might have been quite disappointed as there are not many products suitable for it. This, Scotts Turf Builder Southern Triple Action, is made for it along with other grasses such as carpet grass and zoysia grass.
The formulation provides three benefits at the same time. Not only does it kill weeds but also kills pests and harmful insects for six months. Fire ants, crickets, army worms etc will no longer be a threat to your beautiful garden. The feed provides all the necessary nutrients to make your grass stronger and healthier.
According to the manufacturers it should be applied when the grass is in its growing stage. When applying, the targeted area should be dry and watered immediately after the application. For maximum results it should be applied once in spring and once in fall.
Features:
Pros
- Kills weeds and harmful insects
- Only 2 applications a year
Cons
- Toxic for children and pets
8. Spectracide Weed & Feed 20-0-0, Ready-to-Spray, 32-Ounce
Up till now all the products reviewed are all in the granular form. While that has its own benefits but it becomes a hustle as you have to buy a separate rotary spreader for even spreading. This, Spectracide Weed & Feed 20-0-0, Ready-to-Spray, 32-Ounce, however comes in spray form. It has an easy-to-use spray bottle, that is connected to a hose and easily sprayed from there.
It has 20-0-0 formulation with 20 percent nitrogen in its formula. The product might be inexpensive compared to other competitors but it is no less when killing weeds. It covers majority of weeds commonly found in a garden as well as many broad-leafed weeds such as dandelion, plantain, chickweed etc.
Before application, the garden should be watered continuously for two or three days. This watering process should then stop for 24 hours before spraying the weed and feed fertilizer for best results.
The bottle comes only in one size on 32 ounces only but covers an impressive area of 7,500 sq feet.
Features:
Pros
- Easy application through a spray bottle
- Can be used on almost all types of grass
Cons
- Probability of over spraying if not paying attention.
9. BioAdvanced 100532518 Bayer All-in-One Weed & Feed with MicroFeed Actio
BioAdvanced 100532518 Bayer All-in-One Weed & Feed with MicroFeed Action, , is a quite unique product available in the market. As most of the weed and feed fertilizer support pre- emergent herbicides, this has post emergent weed killer as well. Effectively it is a three in one product having the benefits of pre-emergent, post-emergent and fertilizer.
The post emergent weed killer gets absorbed into the soil and prevents the regrowth of any weed seedling for around 6 months. It has a NPK formulation of BioAdvanced 100532518 Bayer All-in-One Weed & Feed with MicroFeed Action, is specifically designed for southern grasses. With NPK formulation of 35-0-3, and 50 percent slow release of nitrogen. Using special micro feed action, it improves the plants nutrient and water intake. It can be used in any season to prevent all kinds of weeds, from crabgrasses in summer to dollar weed in winter.
A broadcast spreader or a Scotts Acugreen can be used to spread the granules evenly on to the lawn .In summer the best temperature to apply is between 50-90 degree Fahrenheit for maximum absorption. Do not apply at temperatures above 90 Fahrenheit as the heat can damage the granules. The garden or lawn should be watered only after 24 hours of application. Moreover, it should be only applied to actively growing grassing that has been mowed twice. It comes in only one size of 12 pounds, covering an area of 5000 sq feet.
Features:
Pros
- Effectively kills crabgrass, chickweed and dandelion
- Keeps the weeds from regrowing for 6 months due to post emergent herbicides
Cons
- Requires several applications in a year
10. Scotts Liquid Turf Builder with Plus 2 Weed Control Fertilizer
All the previous Scotts turf builder products discussed are in granular form, this one, however, is the only spray bottle product. It is an excellent alternative to the granular form, that too at a reasonable price.
According to the manufacturers, this product kills garden weeds such as dandelions, clovers, chickweed within 24 hours of its application. The special formulation provides all the nutrients required for boosting the growth of grass. It also strengthens roots and increases their ability to absorb minerals from soil. Noticeable results are observed in as less time as 48 hours.
For application, connect the hose to the nozzle and spray on the targeted area. For best results use it after mowing your lawn. It should be used on actively growing weed. This Scotts Liquid Turf Builder is useable in all seasons. Unlike the granular weed and feed, rain does not wash it away. Rather rain enhances its productivity. What’s more, it is not poisonous for pets and children.
The product is available in one size of 32 ounces and covers an area of 6000 sq ft.
Features:
Pros
- Boosts grass growth and strengths roots
- Kills weeds within 24 hours
- Doesn’t burn the grass
Cons
- Risk of over spraying
Buyer’s Guide for the selection of the Best Weed and Feed
This buyers guide will provide you the necessary steps to follow before purchasing any weed and feed as well as precautions taken before its application. A wrong kind of product has the potential of burning all your grass instead of doing it any good. To avoid this, make sure you go through all the following steps:
Identifying grass and weeds
This has to be the most important step to buying the best suitable weed and feed product. If you don’t know your type, don’t just assume it yourself. Take a sample to the nearest nursery and ask an expert for it’s identification. Along with this, you should be clear on the type of weeds that grown in your garden. Again, if you are not sure about this seek professional help.
Right timing
This is another crucial factor that will determine the success of the weed and feed fertilizer. If your grass is in its initial stage of growth don’t use a product meant for mature grass. If you are going to sow grass seeds, then its best to treat the area beforehand. Sowing seeds and using weed killers at the same time will weaken your plants and stunt their growth. Similarly, if it’s the start of spring you should consider buying products that prevent the growth of weeds.
Target your plant’s nutrient deficiencies
Weed and feed is not only about killing and preventing the growth of weeds. It also acts as fertilizer for your plants. The product should effectively deal with your garden’s deficiencies, giving you strong healthy plants. That is why when getting your grass and weeds identified, take a sample of the soil for testing too. This will give you the information of your lawn’s deficiencies.
Also Read the Guide: Best Compost Bins
Use the recommended amount of weed and feed
With each product the manufacturers provide the recommended, safe amount to be used within a given time frame. Do not exceed that amount thinking it will work faster. It won’t, rather it might end up killing your plants and burning grass.
Keep watering your garden
It is essential that you do not forget to water your plants after applying the weed and feed. Keep on watering the plants so that the nutrients and herbicides get absorbed in to the soil. In summers its recommended to water early in the morning to avoid evaporation issues
FAQs about Weed and Feed
Q1: What is the composition of the weed?
Ans: The weed is made up of a combination of active ingredients atrazine , 2,4-D etc.These are basically herbicides that target different weeds.
Q2: What composition should the feed be of?
Ans: All weed and feed products essentially have three main important nutrients i.e nitrogen , phosphorus and potassium. There are also other kinds of nutrients in the feed but are mostly in trace amounts.
Q3: Can I use any weed and feed for my vegetable garden?
Ans: No not all of the weed and feed products are suitable for food plants. In this article only one product that is the miracle-Gro shake’N feed can be used for vegetables and fruit trees. Others have a potential of poisoning the plants.
Q4: Does weed and feed pose a threat to pets and children?
Ans: If it is granular weed and feed, then it is poisonous for kids and pets. Therefore, they should be kept of the lawn for the first 3-4 days. However, if your using spray weed and feed it is safe for them unless instructed otherwise.
Q5: What is the best season to apply weed and feed?
Ans: The best season to apply is usually early spring, with the optimum temperature of soil around 55 degrees Fahrenheit.