This page is a reference of organic fertilizer sources across the country that can be used for a hybrid organic lawn care program. Milorganite is a national brand produced in Milwaukee and recommended by many YouTubers including The Lawn Care Nut, but there are many other local sources. This type of organic fertilizer is typically produced from Class A biosolids (a byproduct of wastewater treatment) so it is an environmentally beneficial way to recycle and reduce waste.
Advantages of Organic Fertilizer
- In addition to releasing nutrients, as organic fertilizers break down, they improve the structure of the soil and increase its ability to hold water and nutrients. Over time, organic fertilizers will make your soil–and plants–healthy and strong.
- Since they are the ultimate slow-release fertilizers, it’s very difficult to over fertilize (and harm) your plants.
- There’s little to no risk of toxic buildups of chemicals and salts that can be deadly to plants.
- Organic fertilizers are renewable, biodegradable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly.
Disadvantages of Organic Fertilizer
- Microorganisms are required to break down and release nutrients into the soil. Since they need warmth and moisture to do their job, the effectiveness of organic fertilizer is limited seasonally. The good news is that these microorganisms obtain energy from decaying plant and animal matter, so an application of organic fertilizer provides a complete package of nutrients for your soil.
- Organic fertilizers break down according to nature’s rules, so they may not release nutrients as soon as you need them. You have to be patient – you won’t see improvement overnight. In fact, you may actually see a deficiency in your plants during the first couple of months until the first application breaks down. Hang in there! You’ll most definitely be rewarded.
- Nutrient ratios are often unknown, and the overall percentage is lower than chemical fertilizers. However, some organic products are actually higher in certain nutrients.
Organic Fertilizer Sources
| Name | Source | Availability | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milorganite | Milwaukee, WI | National retailers, such as Home Depot & Lowe's | Link |
| Ringer Lawn Restore | Lititz, PA | Hard to find at local retailers | Amazon |
| Bay State Fertilizer | Boston, MA | See website | Link |
| OceanGro | Bayville, NJ | Ocean County, NJ, and surrounding areas (see website) | Link |
| Loop | King County, WA | See website | Link |
| TAGRO | Tacoma, WA | See website | Link |
| SoundGRO | Pierce County, WA | See website | Link |
| Dillo Dirt | Austin, TX | See website | Link |
| Synagro Granulite Fertilizer | Primarily east of the Mississippi | Nationwide | Link |
| Hou-Actinite | Houston, TX | See website | Link |
| Purely Organic | Nationwide | Locally, or Amazon | Amazon |
| Blain's Farm and Fleet All Natural | Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, and Wisconsin | See Website | Link |
| Sunniland All Natural | Florida | Home Centers | Link |
| Missing Any? | Let me know | Let me know | Contact Me |
Please let me know if you have another brand that should be added to the list or if any links aren't working. Thanks!
