7 Best High Nitrogen Fertilizers & How To Use Them

So, your garden is looking a little depleted. The once luscious green grass has a yellow tinge, your rose stems are struggling to maintain their structure, and the foliage in your vegetable patch is looking scarce.

Not to worry, however, because we have a list of potential solutions! High nitrogen fertilizers are great for encouraging plant growth and strength, in addition to boosting their color and overall health.

Below, we’ve listed the 7 best high nitrogen fertilizers available today. They have each been hand-selected according to their formulas, their versatility, and how easy they are to use.

We’ve also included a handy buyers’ guide which discusses how to best use these fertilizers.

Take a look!

Quick Comparison: Top Picks For High Nitrogen Fertilizers & How To Use Them

Best Overall: PetraTools Liquid Nitrogen Fertilizer 28-0-0

If you’re looking for a fertilizer that will promote green grass and quick growth, look no further than the PetraTools Liquid Nitrogen Fertilizer 28-0-0. Its proven formula will easily turn yellow, nitrogen deficient grass into a lusciously thick green.

This formula’s ratio is 28-0-0, meaning that it is comprised of 28 parts nitrogen to 0 parts phosphorus and 0 parts potassium.

It is also an innovative fertilizer, in the sense that it provides 70% quick-release nitrogen and 30% slow-release nitrogen. This means that you will see results very quickly, and this fertilizer promotes ongoing growth between applications.

There is no need to worry about whether this fertilizer will work with your type of grass because it works with them all!

Whether you have cold- or warm-season grass, this liquid fertilizer is sure to give it a new lease of life. It is also suitable for both old lawns and new lawns.

This fertilizer is also super easy and quick to use. For maintenance, simply mix 5 ounces of this nitrogen fertilizer per gallon of water.

If your grass is visibly lacking in nitrogen, you can use up to 10 ounces per gallon of water to correct the imbalance.

It is recommended that you use the PetraTools Sprayer, to ensure a completely even spray across the lawn.

Finally, all PetraTools products have a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

If anything about this fertilizer is to your disliking, you can call up their customer service team, based in the USA, and they can answer any and all queries.

Although, if the reviews are anything to go by, it’s unlikely that you’ll need this service at all!

Pros

• 28-0-0 NPK ratio – high nitrogen formula that helps boost the color and growth of grass.
• 70% quick-release 30% slow-release – provides fast results and continues to work in-between applications.
• Works on all types of grasses – very versatile product.
• Easy to use – ideal for beginners.
• Customer satisfaction guarantee – their customer service team can ensure any issues or queries are solved.

Cons

• Bottle size – three sizes available, however, reviewers who opted for the smaller two (1 Gallon and 8 ounces) were disappointed by the size.

Runner Up: Simple Lawn Solutions Grass Micronutrient Booster with Iron & Nitrogen

Simple Lawn Solutions have definitely earned the name with this product.

This micronutrient booster is ideal for anyone looking to give their grass an extra bit of energy and maximize health, growth, and color.

The ratio of this formula is 6-0-0, meaning that there are six parts nitrogen to 0 parts phosphorus and 0 parts potassium.

The nitrogen is combined with iron and a micronutrient blend to give grass a luscious green appearance and also provide it with the necessary nutrients to keep it healthy in-between applications.

This fertilizer is also a particularly versatile option. It can be used on all grass types, including Bermuda, St. Augustine, Buffalo, Centipede, Florida Palmetto, Fescue, Zoysia, Bahia, Ryegrass, and Kentucky Bluegrass.

Simple Lawn Solutions also emphasize that this product is suitable for use at any time of year!

As a bonus, this fertilizer comes in a ready-to-spray bottle. This means that you don’t have to measure out the appropriate quantities of fertilizer. Instead, simply spray the fertilizer onto your lawn.

The spray mechanism also ensures that you are able to distribute the fertilizer equally.

Finally, this fertilizer is manufactured completely within the USA, by a family-owned business that has 25 years of experience in the industry. Therefore, you’re in good hands if you purchase this product!

Reviewers emulate this sentiment, often raving about the ability of this fertilizer to bring lawns that are seemingly beyond help back to life!

Pros

• 6-0-0 ratio – high nitrogen formula that brings life back to yellow grass.
• Nitrogen, iron, and micronutrient blend – keeps grass healthy in-between applications.
• Can be used on all types of grass – makes this fertilizer a versatile option.
• Ready-to-spray bottle – means no measuring necessary, and very even distribution of the product.

Cons

• Coverage – some reviewers found it difficult to get adequate coverage on big lawns.

Alternative: Greenway Biotech Blood Meal Fertilizer 13-0-0

If you’re in need of a quick-acting source of nitrogen, Greenway Biotech’s Blood Meal Fertilizer 13-0-0 can give you everything you need. In fact, this fertilizer is proven to improve the quality and health of crops.

The 13-0-0 ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, respectively, means that this formula is particularly high in nitrogen.

In this fertilizer, the source of nitrogen is Blood Meal, which also has many other benefits.

For instance, it lowers the pH level of the soil, is known to improve the health and quality of crops, and is particularly fast-acting, meaning that it’s a great source for plants that need immediate help.

This product also comes with very clear instructions, making it simple to use.

All you have to do is measure out the necessary amount of fertilizer, and spread the product onto the surface of your soil.

Following this, you should mix the fertilizer into your soil if possible. Finally, all you have to do is water your plants!

If your soil is in good shape, you can use 7 to 10 pounds per 1000 square feet, ¼ cup per plant, or 1 pound per 10-foot row.

If your soil is in average condition, you should use between 12 to 15 pounds per 1000 square feet, ⅓ cup per plant, or 2 pounds per 10-foot row.

If your soil is in poor condition, and in need of a big boost, you should use up to 25 pounds per 1000 square feet, ⅓ cup per plant, or 3 pounds per 10-foot row.

Finally, if you’re looking to purchase your products from a company that is doing the world some good, Greenway Biotech is perfect.

They have great quality control, they are a certified minority-owned small business, they support sustainable agriculture, and they even have their own non-profit organization called Greenway Foundation!

Pros

• 13-0-0 formula – gives plants a great boost.
• Nitrogen from blood meal – improves the overall health of the soil and is fast-acting.
• Clear instructions – make using this product very easy.
• Ethical company – ideal for consumers looking to buy products from a company that is doing good.

Cons

• 4-pound bag – quite small.

Alternative: Down to Earth Blood Meal Fertilizer Mix 12-0-0

If you’re looking for an organic fertilizer that is high in nitrogen, the Down To Earth Blood Meal Fertilizer is perfect for you.

It embodies the quintessential, traditional organic fertilizer that helps give plants a boost in a natural and healthy way.

The 12-0-0 nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium ratio means that this fertilizer is particularly high in nitrogen.

Similar to the product listed above, this fertilizer also uses blood meal as its source of nitrogen.

In fact, this product is listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) for use in organic production, meaning it is truly an organic product that you can trust!

The organic formula of this fertilizer is ideal for all types of growing plants. An adequate supply of this fertilizer ensures plenty of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and shoots!

It can be used to start fruiting plants like tomatoes, peppers, squash, and melons, and is also ideal for use in vegetable gardens.

Although, it is particularly great for heavy feeders, such as corn, spinach, broccoli, and leafy greens.

This product is also quite easy to use. For vegetable gardens, you should use around 3 pounds of fertilizer per 100 square feet. For best results, work the fertilizer into the soil and water afterward.

For plants within a container, simply use one or two tablespoons of fertilizer per gallon of soil.

The manufacturer stresses how important it is to follow these guidelines, as too much blood meal can burn plants.

Reviewers absolutely love this product. Many of them claim that this fertilizer is particularly good at keeping pesky crop-eaters away from their plants.

Some even claim that, after using this fertilizer, their garden bloomed in such a way that they had never seen before!

Although, it’s important to note that the packaging can be a little temperamental, so maybe move the product to a more suitable container once purchased.

Pros

• 12-0-0 ratio – high nitrogen content brings life back to plants.
• Listed by OMRI – 100% organic product that is very safe to use.
• Suitable for many types of plants – makes for a very versatile product.

Cons

• Packaging – can break.
• Quantity – too much may burn plants.

Alternative: GreenView Fall Lawn Food

GreenView Fall Lawn Food is a great fertilizer that encourages root growth and makes plants hardy enough to stay strong throughout the winder.

Its innovative technology provides plants with a nitrogen source that gives plants a consistent deep green color.

This fertilizer is specifically designed for use in the fall. Its zero-phosphate nitrogen formula restores nutrients to the soil and repairs damage associated with the summer months.

It helps established grass to continue to grow quickly and strongly, which in turn, helps to maintain a thick, green lawn through the fall months.

In fact, GreenView products use a special fertilizer technology, called MESA nitrogen technology.

This constitutes a proprietary single-particle, controlled-release nitrogen source that provides superior performance.

This slow-release technology means that upon applying this fertilizer, your lawn will be fed for up to eight weeks!

This product is also super easy to use. According to the manufacturer, this fertilizer should be used in the fall, after you have seeded your lawn and it has been mowed two or three times.

Apply 3.2 pounds of this fertilizer per 1000 square feet of lawn by using a drop spreader.

In cooler climates, this fertilizer can be used twice a year, and for warmer climates, it can be used up to 4 times a year.

Reviewers love how this product can bring a battered lawn back to life, and help it keep a luscious green color all the way through fall!

However, it’s important to note that the instructions should be followed to a tee. Some reviewers have found that using too much product has burnt their lawn.

Pros

• Zero-phosphate high-nitrogen formula – makes grass stronger and more green.
• Slow-release formula – can feed your lawn for up to eight weeks.
• Specific instructions included – very easy to use.

Cons

• Quantity – can burn a lawn if too much fertilizer is used.

Alternative: Miracle-Gro 24-8-16 All Purpose Plant Food

If you’re fairly new to fertilizing your garden, and you’re looking for a tried-and-tested product from a reputable brand, the Miracle-Gro 24-8-16 All Purpose Plant Food is ideal.

In fact, based on its top-quality performance, many individuals argue that it’s the best nitrogen fertilizer that you can buy.

With its 24-8-16 nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium ratio, this fertilizer provides plants with a great boost of life when they need it most.

It also has a dual-feeding action, meaning that it is capable of feeding plants through both the leaves and the roots.

As a consequence, plants get a great influx of nutrients that betters their overall health and makes them brighter.

However, the real draw of this product is the convenience factor. When used with the Miracle-Gro Watering House Garden Feeder Kit, you are able to fertilize very large areas in absolutely no time!

All you have to do is measure out the necessary amount (according to manufacturers’ recommendations) into a watering can or spray, and apply it to the desired plants.

The manufacturer suggests using this fertilizer every 7 to 14 days, although it’s always a good idea to use it less throughout the months in which your plants are dormant.

It is also important to note that the manufacturer’s measurements should be followed precisely. If they are not, unnecessary burning of your plants could occur.

Reviewers absolutely love this fertilizer. In particular, its ability to boost the size and brightness of flowers, in addition to improving the overall health of plants, has been mentioned on numerous occasions.

However, it’s important to note that some reviewers feel as if the price point is too high for the product.

Pros

• 24-8-26 ratio – high nitrogen formula great for giving the lawn a boost.
• Dual-feeding action – can feed plants through leaves and roots.
• Miracle-Gro Watering House Garden Feeder Kit – makes this fertilizer super easy to apply.

Cons

• Miracle-Gro Watering House Garden Feeder Kit – available at extra cost.

Alternative: Cesco Solutions Urea Fertilizer

If your garden is severely lacking in nitrogen and is in dire need of a good boost, the Cesco Solutions Urea Fertilizer can provide the solution.

It is composed of the finest quality ingredients that will work to encourage the healthy development of your plants.

Its 46-0-0 nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium formula means that this fertilizer packs a punch! The powerful nitrogen content will provide your plants with what they need for luscious leafy growth.

The nitrogen in this product comes from Urea, which is made with the finest quality, water-soluble products.

Reviewers have described this product as a miracle fertilizer, thanks to its ability to invigorate depleted soil and give life back to all kinds of plants!

Despite the high-nitrogen content, this fertilizer also has a neutral pH, which means that it is compatible with most soils.

In fact, this product can be used on all indoor plants, your lawn, and your garden vegetables!

The manufacturer also notes that this product can be used in a variety of crafting activities, like Tie Dye. So if that’s what you’re into, be sure to check this product out.

The packaging is resealable, with an easy-pour design. However, this product may not be good for beginners, as there aren’t very clear instructions included within the pack.

Due to the wide variety of both industrial and residential purposes, the manufacturer recommends looking online to find how much you should use, and how you should use it.

However, this shouldn’t be too difficult, as it is just a standard, water-soluble fertilizer. Just approach it little by little so as to not burn your plants!

The company Cesco Solutions is committed to preserving and protecting an evergreen planet for future generations to enjoy.

Their goal is to manufacture environmentally friendly services, and as such, this product is a great choice for anyone looking to be more mindful of the sustainability of their purchases!

Pros

• 40-0-0 ratio – super high nitrogen fertilizer acts as a great boost for plants.
• Neutral pH – compatible with all types of soils and plants.
• Forward-thinking company – great for anyone looking to make more sustainable purchases.

Cons

• No clear instructions – may not be ideal for beginners.

Buyers’ Guide

Buying a high nitrogen fertilizer can be tricky. There is often a lot of intense jargon involved in the marketing of these products, and so it can be tricky to figure out which one is right for you.

Further, due to the sheer number of different forms of high nitrogen fertilizer, it can be difficult to know how to best use your specific one.

To help bolster this confusion, below, we discuss everything you need to know about high nitrogen fertilizers.

This includes how to tell if a formula is high in nitrogen and what that means, how to best use high nitrogen fertilizer, and when to best use a high nitrogen fertilizer.

Take a look!

N-P-K Ratio

So, how can you tell that fertilizer is high in nitrogen?

The most obvious way to find out is to look at the NPK value, which should be presented clearly on the product, in the form of 3 numbers, such as 10-5-6.

This value represents the ratio of the primary active ingredients within that particular fertilizer.

The primary active ingredients in fertilizers are Nitrogen (N), Phosphate (P), and Potassium (K).

If you look back to our example, this can be understood as describing that the product is 10 parts nitrogen, to 5 parts phosphate, to 6 parts potassium.

As nitrogen is the ingredient with the highest content, this formula is a high-nitrogen formula.

Although, you might wonder, what is it that these active ingredients actually do, and why would you want a fertilizer that is higher in one than another?

Nitrogen (N) is essential for vegetation growth. This chemical helps plants from the early stage of shoot growth, all the way through to the growth of new leaves and stems.

It also gives plants their rich, luscious green color. If your lawn or plants are dwindling, and turning yellow, it is likely that they are deficient in nitrogen.

Phosphate (P), also known as Phosphorus, is important to support the health of flower production.

In particular, it helps plants produce larger flower blooms, which can then lead to higher yields of seeds and fruits.

It is also known to encourage healthy root growth. If you are hoping for larger blooms and yields, a fertilizer that is high in phosphate might help.

Potassium (K), also known as potash, is important for the root system of the plant.

It encourages the healthy development of the roots and the stems, and can also, as a consequence, support larger flower and fruit production.

Therefore, a high-nitrogen fertilizer is ideal if your garden is lacking in color, or struggling to grow.

In particular, nitrogen fertilizers can make plants hardier, which is great if your garden is struggling to survive certain weather conditions.

Types Of Nitrogen Fertilizers

There is a huge number of different types of high nitrogen fertilizers. The type you will need will completely depend on what you plan to use it for, and your own preferences.

Below, we’ve listed some of the most common types of high nitrogen fertilizers, and their general uses. Check them out to find the right one for you!

1. General-Purpose Plant Food

General-purpose plant food that is high in nitrogen is still likely to have a phosphate and potassium content, unlike some other high nitrogen fertilizers.

This makes it an appropriate fertilizer for many types of different plants. These can be used to feed a lawn, produce vegetables, or grow roses.

These fertilizers can come in many different forms. If you’re a beginner or have very little time, we recommend going for the fertilizer sticks.

These tend to be slow-release formulas that only need replacing once every few weeks or even months. Although, if that’s not for you, these fertilizers also come in liquid, powder, and granule form.

2. Organic Fertilizer

If you’re looking for a more natural way to fertilize your plants, you should look out for organic high nitrogen fertilizer.

Within these fertilizers, nitrogen has been produced through a completely natural process.

In the list of the 7 best high nitrogen fertilizers above, the organic options used blood meal (12-0-0) as a natural source of nitrogen. Other high nitrogen, organic options are:

• Feather Meal (12-0-0)
• Poultry Manure (3-2-0)
• Rabbit Manure (7-2-0)
• Tea leaves (4-1-1)
• Bat Guano (7-3-1)
• Worm Castings (1-0-0)

3. Lawn Fertilizer

High nitrogen lawn fertilizers are simply fertilizers for your lawn. They tend to have a very very high nitrogen content to encourage growth and a wonderful green garden.

The formulas of these fertilizers are also likely to include some potassium and phosphorus, to help with root development. However, this isn’t necessarily the case.

When To Use A High Nitrogen Fertilizer

Nitrogen fertilizers are best used, either when your grass needs a boost in health and color, or when the foliage of your plants and vegetables are dwindling in color and structure.

For lawns, it is recommended that you fertilize within the growing season. This is typically from March to November.

However, you should check the manufacturer’s specific instructions to find out exactly when you should apply the fertilizer, as this can differ between brands.

For indoor or outdoor plants, the spring season is the best time to fertilize with a high nitrogen fertilizer.

Make sure to not apply too much throughout the growing season, as this might hinder the overall health of your plants.

When to reapply fertilizer will also be completely dependent on the specific type of fertilizer you opted for.

Fertilizers that are ‘slow-release’ will continue to feed your plants or lawn for months.

As such, always follow the guidelines set out within the manufacturer’s instructions.

How To Use High Nitrogen Fertilizer

There are a number of different ways to apply high nitrogen fertilizers, so it is important that you check the manufacturer’s instructions, and follow them accordingly.

Below we have listed the most common ways to use high nitrogen fertilizers, check them out if you’re unsure of which one to use!

1. Top Dressing

This method is generally used for powder and granule fertilizers. All you have to do is spread the fertilizer across the area you want to fertilize.

To do this, you can either place it around the base of plants or use a drop spreader.

It is important to avoid contact between the fertilizer and the foliage and flowers in this case, as it can burn these parts of the plant.

This method usually means that the fertilizer will work in a slow-release way, as it will take time to dissolve and seep into the soil.

2. Base Dressing

To do this method, you simply need to add one step to the method above.

Once you have applied the fertilizer on top of the soil, work it into the soil by digging it in. This will provide a faster-acting fertilizing process than the one discussed above.

3. Liquid Feeds

With liquid fertilizer or fertilizer that you need to mix with water, you will need to water the fertilizer into the plant.

This can be done simply by pouring the fertilizer-water mixture into the soil around the plants or even using a spray bottle for consistent absorption.

This is generally a faster process than the two described above.

Best High Nitrogen Fertilizers FAQ

What Is The Fastest Way To Add Nitrogen To Soil?

If you’re looking for a quick fix, look out for a fast-release fertilizer. Organic fertilizers tend to be quite fast-acting, so keep an eye out for a Blood Meal of Alfalfa Meal-based fertilizer.

What Plants Put Nitrogen Back Into The Soil?

If you’re looking for a long-term, 100% natural way to replenish the nitrogen content within soil there are plants that can help.

In particular, legumes, such as peanuts, beans, peas, alfalfa, and clover are the best plants for adding nitrogen back into the soil.

Can I Make My Own Nitrogen Fertilizer?

Technically, yes. However, if you have a large area to cover, we recommend that you buy a fertilizer instead, as it can be tricky to make enough of it at once.

If you’re concerned about organic materials, simply opt for a 100% organic fertilizer.

If you really want to try to make your own nitrogen fertilizer, there are a few ways you can do so. These generally include manure, or other organic materials such as seed meal, and bone meal.