Have no idea about choosing the best fertilizer for Kentucky bluegrass? We got you!
Kentucky bluegrass is a lush and gorgeous grass species that is adored by many homeowners, landscapers, and golf course managers. But growing this grass to its full potential can be quite challenging without the right fertilizers.
Choosing the best fertilizers for Kentucky bluegrass is crucial to ensure that your lawn stays vibrant, healthy, and green all year round.
So whether you're a turf expert or just starting with your first garden project, keep reading as we unveil some of the best options that will make your lawn thrive!
Here are the best fertilizers for kentucky bluegrass you can buy in 2024:
- Quick-Release: The Andersons PGF Balanced 10-10-10 Fertilizer
- Fertilizer With Crabgrass Preventer: Scotts 26003
- Best For Deeper Green: The Andersons Professional PGF Complete 16-4-8 Fertilizer
- Slow-Release: Pennington 100536576
- Best For Thicker Lawn: Scotts 30158
- Best For Strong Root: Simple Lawn Solutions 16 4 8
| 6 Best Fertilizers For Kentucky Bluegrass | ||
|---|---|---|
Quick-Release | The Andersons PGF Balanced 10-10-10 Fertilizer | |
Fertilizer With Crabgrass Preventer | Scotts 26003 | |
Best For Deeper Green | The Andersons Professional PGF Complete 16-4-8 Fertilizer | |
Slow-Release | Pennington 100536576 | |
Best For Thicker Lawn | Scotts 30158 | |
Best For Strong Root | Simple Lawn Solutions 16 4 8 | |
Quick-Release: The Andersons PGF Balanced 10-10-10 Fertilizer
- Bring immediate results – contain quick-release nitrogen
- Increase grass’s resistance to disease and stress - micronutrients and 2% iron
- Ensure to provide the lawn with same amount of nutrients - fine particle size
- No complaint
The Andersons PGF Balanced 10-10-10 Fertilizer is a great fertilizer for Kentucky bluegrass. Especially if your lawn has reduced vigor and turns yellow, a rich amount of quick-release nitrogen in this fertilizer can immediately change the game.
Also when fed with this product, your lawn will receive all other essential macronutrients, such as phosphorus and potassium, in a balanced ratio that encourages strong growth.
The addition of micronutrients and 2% iron help provide extra greening to the grass blades and increase their resistance to disease and stress.
One thing we really like about this fertilizer is its super-fine particle size, making it easy to spread the product evenly.
And the fact is that these nutrients not only nurture the grass but also enrich the soil, thanks to the inclusion of the Humic DG.
| The Andersons PGF Balanced 10-10-10 Fertilizer Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 18 Pounds |
Fertilizer Analysis | 10-10-10 |
Coverage | 5,000 square feet |
Highlight Features | contain quick-release nitrogen micronutrients and 2% iron fine particle size |
The Andersons PGF Balanced 10-10-10 Fertilizer is an excellent quick-release grass food for feeding Kentucky bluegrass.
Fertilizer With Crabgrass Preventer: Scotts 26003
- Kill and prevent crabgrass – contain a combination of three weed-killing ingredients
- Long-lasting – prevent crabgrass up to four months
- Help grassroots stay healthy – contain slow-release nitrogen
- Expensive
- A bit tricky to fill the fertilizer to a spreader
A bit different from The Andersons PGF Balanced, this fertilizer line from Scotts can prevent weed infestations, aside from helping to promote strong, healthy growth of Kentucky bluegrass.
It contains a powerful combination of three weed-killing ingredients that kill and prevent crabgrass effectively.
When applied according to the directions, this product will control crabgrass and many other weeds for up to four months. Impressive!
The formulation also contains slow-release nitrogen to help grassroots stay healthy and provide support for longer-term growth.
| Scotts 26003 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 20 lb. |
Fertilizer Analysis | 16-0-1 |
Coverage | up to 4,000 sq. ft. |
Highlight Features | contain a combination of three weed-killing ingredients contain slow-release nitrogen |
We highly recommend the Scotts 26003 if you’re looking for a versatile fertilizer that not only feeds Kentucky bluegrass but also kills and prevents crabgrass effectively.
Best For Deeper Green: The Andersons Professional PGF Complete 16-4-8 Fertilizer
- Promote deeper green grass – 16% nitrogen
- Increase the soil’s water and nutrient retention capacity - 7% humic DG content
- Wish it worked well with Scotts broadcast spreader
The Andersons Professional PGF Complete 16-4-8 Fertilizer contains all the essential nutrients that Kentucky bluegrass needs to stay healthy and thrive.
In particular, the 7% humic DG content of this fertilizer is beneficial for a number of reasons. It helps to increase the water and nutrient retention capacity of the soil, improves soil texture, and enhances root growth.
As a result, the lawn will have improved water absorption and better nutrient availability, which helps to promote deeper green grass.
But the best part is this fertilizer contains a whopping amount of nitrogen, 16%. If your lawn is fed with this product regularly over time, you'll see a noticeable difference in the color of Kentucky bluegrass.
| The Andersons Professional PGF Complete 16-4-8 Fertilizer Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 18 Pounds |
Fertilizer Analysis | 16-4-8 |
Coverage | 5,000 sq. ft. |
Highlight Features | 16% nitrogen 7% humic DG content |
The combination of essential nutrients, humic DG, and balanced NPK proportions make The Andersons Professional PGF Complete 16-4-8 Fertilizer an ideal choice for promoting healthy and deep green grass.
Slow-Release: Pennington 100536576
- Feed the grass for up to 3 months without having to re-apply - slow-release nitrogen content
- Strengthen the grass against heat and drought - 5% iron content
- It takes time to see changes
Pennington 100536576 is a fantastic slow-release fertilizer for Kentucky bluegrass.
Its slow-release nitrogen content ensures extended feeding for up to 3 months, providing your lawn with the nutrients it needs over an extended period of time.
The biggest benefit of this slow-release method is it feeds your lawn for a longer period of time without having to re-apply.
Additionally, the 5% iron content of this fertilizer helps to strengthen your lawn against heat and drought, which are common conditions experienced by Kentucky bluegrass.
| Pennington 100536576 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 14 pounds |
Fertilizer Analysis | 30-0-4 |
Coverage | 5000 Sq. Ft. |
Highlight Features | slow-release nitrogen content 5% iron content |
If you're looking for a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer for Kentucky bluegrass that also can strengthen the grassroots to fight against heat and drought, then don't hesitate to pick the Pennington 100536576.
Best For Thicker Lawn: Scotts 30158
- Help fill any gaps with new grass – contain grass seeds
- Able to enhance root development and soil quality – contain soil improver
- It requires proper preparation to use seeds
What's so special about this fertilizer is it not only contains grass food but also grass seeds and soil improver. That's why it can thicken your lawn quickly while other competitors can't.
The soil improver helps to enhance root development for deeper and stronger roots, the seed helps to fill in any gaps with new grass, and the fertilizer helps to feed the new grass and thicken and green it.
Important note: Proper timing of your lawn care is important. Fall and Spring are the best times to use this fertilizer as seeds germinate best when temperatures are between 60°F and 80°F and all danger of frost has passed.
| Scotts 30158 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 40 lbs. |
Fertilizer Analysis | 9-1-1 |
Coverage | 4000 sq. ft. |
Highlight Features | contain grass seeds contain soil improver |
The Scotts 30158 contains a combination of grass seed, fertilizer, and soil improver to help establish deep roots for a thick, green lawn. With this lawn care product, you should be able to achieve a thicker lawn.
Best For Strong Root: Simple Lawn Solutions 16 4 8
- Help develop healthy and strong root - Premium Lawn Food, NPK with Added Seaweed Extract and Fish
- Provide clean and safe liquid nutrients - Formulated with feed-grade ingredients
- Easy to apply – the bottle design with a spray nozzle
- It takes a while to spray if you have a large lawn
This fertilizer is specifically designed to promote strong root growth in Kentucky bluegrass and other grasses.
The formulation is made up of specially selected minerals and nutrients that are essential to the healthy development of a lawn. (Such as seaweed and fish ingredients.)
It also features rapid absorption and quick uptake, meaning the nutrients reach the root zone of your grass quickly, helping it to get the nutrition it needs to produce healthy and strong roots.
| Simple Lawn Solutions 16 4 8 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 3 Pounds |
Fertilizer Analysis | 16-4-8 |
Coverage | 3200 square feet |
Highlight Features | Premium Lawn Food, NPK with Added Seaweed Extract and Fish Formulated with feed-grade ingredients the bottle design with a spray nozzle |
When it comes to the best Kentucky bluegrass fertilizer for strong root, our solid pick is the Simple Lawn Solutions 16 4 8
How To Choose The Best Fertilizer For Kentucky Bluegrass?
Choosing the best fertilizer for Kentucky bluegrass depends on several factors. You need to consider the soil conditions, climate, and lawn care activities.
Test Your Soil’s pH
Kentucky bluegrass prefers a soil pH of 6.0-7.0, so it is important to test your soil’s pH before applying any fertilizer.
If your soil has a higher pH, you may need to use an acidic fertilizer or lime to bring the pH down before fertilizing.
Consider The Climate In Your Area
Climate is also another important factor.
In general, cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass require more nitrogen in the spring and fall to grow, while warm-season grasses require more nitrogen in the summer.
Type Of Lawn Care Activities
What’s the type of lawn care activities you are performing?
If you are overseeding in the fall, then you should use a fertilizer that’s low in phosphorus and high in nitrogen. A big plus if it also contains a pre-emergence weed control. This will give the new grass seedlings a boost of nutrients and help prevent weeds from taking over. To make sure you have a healthy lawn, consider some weed and feed for fall overseeding.
On the other hand, if you are only mowing and performing general maintenance, then a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 can be used.
Remember to always test your soil's pH before applying any fertilizer, and adjust the ratios according to the weather and time of year.
Which Brands Make The Best Fertilizer For Kentucky Bluegrass?
The Andersons
The Andersons is an established brand with a wide range of products that are specifically formulated to meet specific lawn needs.
They offer products that are both high-performing and environmentally friendly, making them an excellent choice for feeding Kentucky bluegrass lawns.
Additionally, their products are safe for people, pets, and the environment, which is always beneficial.
Scotts
Scotts is a reliable brand for Kentucky bluegrass fertilizers. The main benefit of using Scotts fertilizers is that they are specifically designed to provide the nutrients that Kentucky bluegrass requires to stay healthy and look its best.
They also offer many other benefits. Scotts fertilizers are easy to apply and can be used with either a spreader or a sprayer.
FAQs
When should I fertilize Kentucky bluegrass?
The best time to fertilize Kentucky bluegrass is during the autumn when the cool-season grasses grow optimally and can best utilize nutrients.
How do you make Kentucky bluegrass greener?
To make Kentucky bluegrass greener, apply 1/8 pounds of Ammonium Sulfate per 1,000 square feet of turf while the temperature is warmer. This will help stimulate growth and promote greener foliage.
What nutrients does Kentucky bluegrass need?
The most yield-limiting fertilizer nutrient for Kentucky bluegrass seed yield is nitrogen. It’s necessary to add other micronutrients like phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur.
How to properly fertilize a Kentucky bluegrass lawn?
This tutorial video will show you how to properly fertilize a Kentucky bluegrass lawn:
Do you apply fertilizer to wet or dry grass?
It depends on the fertilizer you use. Some products require to be applied to wet grass while others can be used on wet or dry grass. You should read the product instructions before use.
Conclusion
With the right fertilizer, Kentucky bluegrass can have a healthy, beautiful appearance.
The best fertilizer for Kentucky bluegrass should be those that provide essential nutrients without overdoing it. This includes slow-release organic fertilizers like compost and manure as well as synthetic blends with balanced N-P-K ratios specifically tailored to meet the needs of your lawn.
With proper care and regular applications of the right fertilizer, you will be able to enjoy a lush, green lawn full of life all year round.
That’s all for this article. Thanks for reading!
Harry RamosI’m Harry Ramos, who's crazy about all things green. I’m here to share some experience in my gardening adventure and how to choose the best products for your garden. Let's dig in, get our hands dirty, and celebrate the simple, earthy pleasures of the garden together!
