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10 Best Compost Fertilizers 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Scotts Green Max Lawn Food, Lawn Fertilizer Plus Iron Supplement for Greener Grass, 10,000 sq. ft., 33.33 lbs.

Scotts Green Max Lawn Food is a versatile lawn fertilizer designed for various grass types and can be used during different seasons. Its dual-action formula includes an iron supplement, which helps achieve a deep green appearance within just three days. The product's high nutrient content, including 27% nitrogen, facilitates robust grass growth.

Additionally, the inclusion of 5% iron enhances the greening process, making it particularly effective for those looking to quickly improve the aesthetics of their lawn. The product is also designed to cover a large area of up to 10,000 sq. ft., making it suitable for extensive lawns. Another practical feature is that it does not stain concrete or other hard surfaces when applied as directed.

Scotts Green Max Lawn Food may not be the best fit for those specifically looking for compost-fertilizers rich in organic matter and beneficial microbes, as it primarily focuses on lawn aesthetics rather than soil health. The texture is granular, which might be less ideal for users looking for finer compost materials.

#2

Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food - Fertilizer for All Grass Types, 5,000 sq. ft., 12.5 lbs.

Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food is designed to strengthen and protect various grass types, making it versatile for different lawns. It improves grass's root strength and its ability to absorb water and nutrients, which are critical for a healthy lawn.

A single 12.5 lb. bag covers a substantial area of up to 5,000 sq. ft., making it economical for larger lawns. The product's texture is in powder form, which can be easier to apply on both wet and dry lawns.

As a synthetic fertilizer, Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food is a solid option for homeowners looking to maintain a healthy and robust lawn with ease.

#3

Brut Organic Worm Castings – 30 Lb – Garden's Elixir for Thriving Blooms & Harvests!

Rating
9.3
Nutrient Content
Organic Matter
Texture

Most important from
4763 reviews

Nutrient Content
These castings are nutrient-dense and moist, perfect for various gardening applications like top dressing and mixing into potting soil.
Organic Matter
The product is free from additives or foreign materials, ensuring purity and effectiveness.
Texture
The richness and texture of these worm castings are unparalleled, described as 'Black Gold' by one user.
Maturity
Plants thrive after adding these worm castings, showing significant growth and producing loads of fruit.

Brut Organic Worm Castings is a high-quality option for gardeners seeking to enhance plant growth with organic fertilizers. One of its significant strengths is the nutrient-rich content, ensuring your plants receive the necessary minerals for lush and vibrant growth. Additionally, being certified organic by OMRI and CDFA assures users of its purity and adherence to organic farming standards.

The castings are produced in-house from organic materials, raised indoors, guaranteeing a controlled and clean environment, which is beneficial in maintaining high-quality organic matter and nutrients. The family-owned brand, Brut Worm Farms, emphasizes care in production, which adds a personal touch to the product's credibility and reliability.

Brut Organic Worm Castings is a solid choice for those looking to naturally boost their garden's health, especially if they prioritize organic and family-produced products.

Rating
9.3
Nutrient Content
Organic Matter
Texture

Most important from
4763 reviews

Nutrient Content
These castings are nutrient-dense and moist, perfect for various gardening applications like top dressing and mixing into potting soil.
Organic Matter
The product is free from additives or foreign materials, ensuring purity and effectiveness.
Texture
The richness and texture of these worm castings are unparalleled, described as 'Black Gold' by one user.
Maturity
Plants thrive after adding these worm castings, showing significant growth and producing loads of fruit.

Buying Guide for the Best Compost Fertilizers

Choosing the right compost fertilizer can significantly impact the health and growth of your plants. Compost fertilizers are organic materials that have been decomposed and recycled as a fertilizer and soil amendment. They enrich the soil with essential nutrients, improve soil structure, and enhance the soil's ability to retain moisture. When selecting a compost fertilizer, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you pick the best fit for your gardening needs.
Nutrient ContentNutrient content refers to the levels of essential nutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) present in the compost fertilizer. These nutrients are crucial for plant growth. Nitrogen promotes leafy growth, phosphorus supports root development and flowering, and potassium enhances overall plant health. Compost fertilizers are often labeled with an N-P-K ratio, such as 5-3-2. For leafy vegetables, a higher nitrogen content is beneficial, while flowering plants may require more phosphorus. Assess your plant's needs to determine the appropriate nutrient balance.
Organic MatterOrganic matter in compost fertilizer is the decomposed plant and animal residues that improve soil structure, water retention, and microbial activity. High organic matter content is important for enhancing soil fertility and health. Compost fertilizers with higher organic matter content are ideal for improving poor soils and supporting long-term soil health. If your soil is already rich in organic matter, you might opt for a compost with a balanced or lower organic matter content.
pH LevelThe pH level of compost fertilizer indicates its acidity or alkalinity, which can affect nutrient availability and microbial activity in the soil. Most plants prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Compost fertilizers typically have a neutral pH, but it's important to check if you have specific plants with particular pH requirements. If your soil is too acidic or alkaline, choose a compost that can help balance the pH to the desired level for your plants.
TextureThe texture of compost fertilizer refers to its particle size and consistency. Fine-textured compost is well-decomposed and easy to mix into the soil, making it suitable for seed starting and top dressing. Coarse-textured compost contains larger particles and is better for improving soil structure and aeration. Choose a texture that matches your gardening application. For example, fine compost is ideal for potting mixes, while coarse compost is better for garden beds and landscaping.
Source MaterialsSource materials are the original organic materials used to create the compost fertilizer, such as plant residues, animal manure, or food waste. The source materials can influence the nutrient content and quality of the compost. Compost made from diverse sources tends to have a more balanced nutrient profile. If you prefer a specific type of compost, such as vegan compost (plant-based) or manure-based compost, consider the source materials listed on the product. Choose a compost that aligns with your gardening philosophy and plant needs.
MaturityMaturity refers to the degree of decomposition of the compost fertilizer. Mature compost is fully decomposed, dark, crumbly, and has an earthy smell. It is safe to use directly on plants without the risk of burning them. Immature compost may still be decomposing and can harm plants if applied too soon. Always opt for mature compost to ensure it provides immediate benefits to your soil and plants. Check for signs of maturity, such as a uniform texture and absence of recognizable organic materials.

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