Are you constantly worried about the withering nature of your grass? You have tried every other fertilizer but unable to get the desired result? Don’t worry, the milorganite alternatives are here for your rescue. Get your desired lush green plants with these alternative fertilizers to milorganites.
The key to wholesome and healthier plants is healthy soil. What is healthier than organic fertilizer? Milorganite feeds the soil microbes and provides nutrition to the plant as it contains about 85 percent organic matter.
Milorganite contains the equitable proportion of essential calcium, iron, and phosphorus that will keep your lawn in a healthy condition. The fertilizer slowly releases nitrogen and provides nutrients to the plants. Moreover, the slow-release also protects the lawn from burning.
In the year 2019, Milogranite becomes short in supply due to high demand. Therefore, it is important to find the milorganite alternative and milorganite substitute to keep your lawn fresh for a long time.
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Milorganite Alternatives and Milorganite Substitutes
If you are unable to get a hold of milorganite fertilizer, then there is a way to substitute them with other organic fertilizers. There are great organic lawn fertilizers that you can use as milorganite alternatives and milorganite substitutes.
You need to be careful while choosing a milorganite alternative and milorganite substitutes. Keep these few things in mind will help you find the right alternative for you:
- It should not burn your lawn.
- The nitrogen content should be higher.
- The fertilizer should have good iron content.
- The fertilizer should release slowly.
With that, you can protect and nurture your lawn the same way as the milorganite does. There are many organic fertilizers available in the market. Here the question arises: Which one of them is the best fertilizer used as a milorganite alternative?
Here is the list of the top five products that cater to milorganite substitutes needs to answer your question. You can choose the one which can fulfill all your requirements.
- Safer Brand Ringer Lawn Restore, Lawn Fertilizer
- Espoma EOLF28 Organic All Season Lawn Food
- The Andersons Organic Humic DG Granular Soil Fertilizer
- Jonathan Green & Sons, 10310 8-0-1 Organic Lawn Food, 5000 sq. ft.
- Dr. Earth Organic Tomato, Vegetable, and Herb Fertilizer
Top 5 Milorganite Alternative and Milorganite Substitutes
Let’s dive into the detailed information about these products to comprehend and choose the best among them.
1. Safer Brand Ringer Lawn Restore, Lawn Fertilizer
If you are living in an area where the weather conditions are not stable, then Safe Brand Ringer Lawn Restore is your perfect choice. The fertilizer ensures that your lawn receives all the nutrients that it needs to grow irrespective of the changing seasons.
The fertilizer needs to be applied just three times a year. It is a great milorganite alternative with very little maintenance. Every time you apply the fertilizer, it will last up to 8 weeks because of the slow release of the nutrients to improve and nourish the plants over time. With a slow and steady release of nitrogen, it will protect your plants from getting burned. Moreover, the fertilizer’s NPK balance is 9-0-2 offers a great balance to help your plants grow healthy. It starts its work directly after application and provides nutrition to different microorganisms present in the soil to offer fertile conditions for the plants to grow. The plants will stay fresh and healthy around the year.
Key Features
- Works exactly like a Milorganite in feeding healthy bacteria and nutrients to plants and soil.
- Suitable for both cold and warm seasons and grass including, Bermuda grass, Ryegrass, St. Augustine, and more.
- Free from harsh chemicals
- Made with only materials beneficial for plants
Check the alternative to Milorganite Pros and Cons.
Pros
- Encourage growth
- Stop the spread of weeds.
- Protect from pests, fungi, disease, and insects.
- Covers approximately 6,250 square feet area.
Cons
- Have to be reapplied after every two months
- Produces sea-like aroma
2. Epsoma EOLF28 Organic All Season Lawn Food
One of the exceptionally slow-releasing fertilizers, Eposoma, consists of nitrogen formulation that includes about 7.6 percent of water-insoluble nitrogen. The fertilizer has been designed specially to nourish and enhance the plant’s growth.
It works by enriching the soil with carbon content so that the nutrients can reach the plant and result in robust plant growth and great seed germination.
The Eposoma Organic All-Season Lawn Food consists of four effective biological components. These components make sure that the mixture remains active for a considerable amount of time before it needs reapplication. These four components are HAP, humic acid, humin, and fulvic acid.
The Eposoma is a great Milogranite substitute that works to promote more flush and greener looking grass.
Key Features
- Consists of 2 percent non-staining iron to promote greener grass.
- Purely organic
- Made from poultry manure and iron oxide
- Slow-releasing
Check the Milorganite Pros and Cons.
Pros
- It will not burn or over-feed the plants or soil
- It can be used throughout the year, irrespective of the season
- Covers up to 5000 ft area
Cons
- Produces earthy smell
- Have to add water to dissolve the granules.
3. The Andersons Organic Premium Humic DG Granular Soil Conditioner
Humic DG is an organic soil amendment rich in carbon content and seventy percent fulvic acid, humin, and humic acid. Humic DG is developed by using Dispersible Granule Technology licensed under The Andersons.
The granules of Humic DG disperse into various micro-organisms in contact with water and reach directly to the roots to provide nutrition to the plants and soil. It is suitable for every soil type. It decreases evaporation and retains the water content in the sandy soils. Also, it enables root penetration in compact and clay soils.
Humic DG has a distinctive carbon matrix that contains a high concentration of organic acids and trace minerals. It enriches and improves seed germination, root vigor, root mass, and overall plant growth.
It is the best milorganite alternative for providing the right amount of humic acid to the plants because of low moisture content.
Key Features
- Can be applied to all turf and soil types at any stage of growing
- Used in flower beds and gardens
- Can be applied routinely without the risk of burning the lawn
- Has NPK ratio of 7-1-2
- Does not make use of animal parts or feces.
Check the Milorganite Pros and Cons.
Pros
- Can chelate nutrients that stay for a longer period.
- User and environment friendly
- Soy-based organic fertilizer is safe for pets and children
Cons
- Not easily available
4. Jonathan Green & Sons,10310 8-0-1 Organic Lawn Food
If you have sick lawns where your crops do not grow fresh and healthy, Jonathan Green & Sons Organic Lawn Food is your best choice. The fertilizer helps to restore the withered crops with a slow feeding process into a thick, healthy turf during its application.
The fertilizer is great if you are trying to grow crops with new seeding in your lawn. It is suitable for all crops and soil types. You can apply it in any season throughout the year.
Key Features
- Consists of no bio-solids, manures, or fillers
- Have the exceptional quality of food-grade ingredients.
- NPK value is 8-0-2, that is the best composition required
Check the Milorganite Pros and Cons.
Pros
- Covers 5,000 Sq. ft area.
- Slow-releasing of nutrients
- Does not burns the crops
Cons
- Can produce a strong smell after application
5. Dr. Earth Organic 5 Tomato, Vegetable, and Herb Fertilizer
This homegrown fertilizer is prepared to provide essential nutrients to the winter and summer crops, vegetable gardens, and even plantings. You can use it in transplanting, initial days of planting the seeds, and as a compost tea or a dressing.
Dr Earth Fertilizers promote the soil’s good health by providing nutrients, including proteins, multi-minerals, humic acid, trace elements, and carbohydrates. Moreover, they are capable of producing vegetables that are filled with nutrients and are good for health.
It is a great alternative to milorganite as it is made from 100 percent of natural and organic nutrients.
Key Features
- Does not consist of chicken manure, sewage sludge, or GMOs
- Consists of pro-biotic elements, including endo and ectomycorrhizae and seven important soil microbes.
- No chemical used in making the fertilizer
- Stays and feeds the soils for many months
Check the Milorganite Pros and Cons.
Pros
- Drought tolerance
- Enhance plant performance and increase nutrient availability
- More lavish, fresh, and greener crops and vegetables
- Pet-safe and Children-safe
Cons
- Expensive
- Produces strong smell
Comparison Between Milorganite And Other Fertilizers
Ironite vs Milorganite
Milorganites and Ironite have a different role and techniques that can be explored by drawing a comparison between them. They can be compared on the following basis:
- Function: Many plants require iron-supplements to bring out the lush green color on their leaves. Ironite is that one iron supplement that can even bring the burnt plants to life. Other nutrients are also added to the plants for their good health, such as nitrogen, manganese, and potassium.
Milorganite consists of heat-dried microbes. It is composed of 15 percent synthetic and 85 percent organic; there are no chances of burning the lawn. Milorganite are known for improving the quality of the soil all around the year.
- Mildness and Ratio: While Milorganites are mild and do not contain any harsh chemicals, the ironites contain harsh chemicals. The ironites are composed of 12 percent iron, 1 percent potassium, 1 percent, and some phosphorus, while the milorganites are composed of 5 percent nitrogen, 32 percent potassium, and 2 percent phosphorus.
- Safety: Ironites are inorganic and synthetic; therefore, you must take safety precautions before applying, such as wearing full sleeves, gloves, and long pants. However, the milorganites are 100 percent to apply.
- Overdose: Overdose of milorganites doesn’t burn the lawn while ironites will cause the burning on the lawn.
- How fast it starts working: Miorganites takes about 7-8 days to show the results, while ironites takes a long time of about 2-3 weeks to show its results.
For ironite vs milorganite, we will now compare the products of each category: Milorganite 32 lb. Slow Release Nitrogen Fertilizer vs. Ironite Mineral Supplement.
Ironite and Milorganite are both brand-name lawn products having their unique features and functions. Each of them is manufactured by an individual company focusing on lawn care. The only difference lies in their purposes.
The key comparison points are,
- Ratio: Ironite has the ratio 1-0-1, while milorganite has the ratio 5-2-0. The former has 4.5 percent iron with added micronutrients, while the latter has 4 percent iron. That is the reason ironite are additive because of low composition.
- When to Use: Ironite is a better option if you want your lawn lush green and healthy within weeks. If you notice yellow color has started to appear, apply ironite as it does not require much water and will improve your soil quality.
On the other hand, you should apply miogranite when there is enough moisture in the soil, and the temperature of the soil is 55-58 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Long Term Results: Milorganite works slow and steady and, therefore, have long term effects on your lawn. At the same time, the application of ironite can more often ruin your lawn instead of protecting it.
Milorganite vs Scotts
Among the fertilizer present in the market, it is difficult to choose the one that best suits you. You must know what they offer before you choose them.
- Uses: Milorganite is an organic fertilizer, while Scotts are chemical fertilizers. Both are designed to provide nourishment to the grass. The grass needs more maintenance as it is a crucial part of your lawn that handles all kinds of weather, mold, and drought.
- Application: You can apply both milorganite and Scotts using a broadcast spreader. But the over-application of Scotts can result in the burning of the grass. You can safely apply milorganite in any season with any chance of burning, while you should limit the application of Scotts during midsummer, late fall, and early spring to avoid burning
- Effects: While the Scotts fertilizers have high nitrogen content, they make the grass look greener and accelerate their growth. On the other hand, milorganite contains low nitrogen content and includes iron, which makes the grass green, but it does not fasten the lawn’s growth. It is a slow-release fertilizer.
Milogranite vs Scotts: Scotts Turf Builder WinterGaurd Fall Lawn Food and Milorganite 32 lb. Slow Release Nitrogen Fertilizer.
Being two completely different fertilizers but only one purpose to provide nourishment to the plants, they can be compared to the following points:
- Coverage area: One bag of Scotts Turf Builder can cover about 5,000 sq. ft. With Milorganite, you can cover only a 2,500 sq. ft. area.
- NPK: Milorganite with an NPK value of 5-2-0 and contains 4 percent iron. While the Scotts have 22-2-14, with such high nitrogen content, you can get your plants to grow at a faster rate.
- Burning: With a low amount of nitrogen, milorganite will not burn your lawn. On the other hand, if Scotts are re-applied, there is a high probability that your lawn may burn.
Milorganites vs Procare
Being both organic fertilizers, few things make out the points for comparison between the two:
- Clear the Weeds: If your lawn has grown unwanted weeds, applying procare fertilizers might help. They are successful in clearing the weed that can harm your lawn. Milorganites do not clear the weeds.
- Application: Procare fertilizers work well on golf courses, residential lawns, non-edible part plant areas, and parks. They are mostly used for commercial purposes. On the other hand, you can use milorganite on any kind of lawn and every soil type.
- Manufacturer: Pennington is the Procare fertilizer manufacturer, while Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District manufactures Milorganite.
Miloganite vs Procare, two products: Milorganite 32 lb. Slow Release Nitrogen Fertilizer vs. Pennington Pro Care Fertilizer.
The two products can be compared based on the active ingredients, application, and coverage area.
- Active Ingredients: Pro Care Fertilizer consists of 15 percent Urea Nitrogen, 5 percent iron, and 15 percent Soluble Potash (K2O). Simultaneously, the milorganite fertilizer comprises 2 percent phosphorus, 32 percent potassium, and 5 percent phosphorus.
- Coverage Area: Pro care fertilizer offers a coverage area of about 12,500 sq. ft. It is much more beneficial if you have big commercial or residential lawns. The Milorganite has a coverage area of just 2,500 sq. ft. If you have a personal lawn or a small garden, you can go ahead and apply milorganite.
A Detailed Buying Guide
Before you think about choosing the best milorganite alternative and milorganite substitute, you need to consider certain things to have the best alternative at your side.
Consider the basic features that your milorganite alternative should have.
- It should be slow-releasing.
- Look for the nitrogen content as it should be high.
- It should not overfeed; otherwise, your plant will burn.
- It should have a high iron content to make the plant greener and more vibrant.
- It should be devoid of any harsh chemicals.
Key Things to Consider While Choosing A Lawn Fertilizer
Your lawn’s growth entirely depends on what kind of results you want from your fertilizers. Here is the detailed description of things you should consider before finding your alternative to milorganite.
The Type of Grass You Have
It is important to know the type of grass you own. If you have no idea about it, you cannot optimize the right product for your lawn. Moreover, some weed and feed types can take your grasses as weeds and clear them off. That is not what you want for your lawn. Some grasses are best for a specific climate. For instance, slender-bladed grasses cannot tolerate excess heat, while the thicker-bladed grass can. Therefore, thicker-bladed grasses are suitable for southern climates. The fine-bladed grow instantly in cool climates.
Understand the NPK ratio
More specifically, the NPK ratio stands for Nitrogen, P stands for Phosphorus, and K stands for Potassium. The ratio tells you about how much amount and the percentage of nutrients are there in a fertilizer. For instance, if a fertilizer’s NPK ratio is 10-0-8, there is 10 percent nitrogen, no amount of phosphorus, and 8 percent potassium.
Nitrogen is beneficial for the plant’s health and growth; it helps the plant to stay lush green. Phosphorus is required to provide growth and nutrients to the roots. Lastly, potassium protects the plants against any disease or drought.
The best combination will depend on various factors, including the climate of the area and the turf type. You must check on your grass package label to make sure you provide them with the required nutrition.
Organic vs. Synthetic
Now that you have the NPK ratio, it’s time to choose whether you would like organic or synthetic fertilizers. Synthetic fertilizers are made from gases, minerals, and some waste to generate the results at a fast rate. You may expect the result within days. The only downside is the burning of grass when over-applied. They are not environment-friendly.
The organic fertilizers are derived from living organisms- from peat moss or cottonseed to bone meal and bat guano. The organic fertilizer works slowly and takes out one to two weeks to show its results. Moreover, there is no health or environmental effects with organic fertilizers.
Finding the Correct Formula
You can choose from two formulas available: granular and liquid. Liquid fertilizers are either available as a powder, where you need to add water to it, or fluid, diluted in water. You need to apply liquid fertilizers more often than granular.
Liquid fertilizers pose a threat to the environment If they contaminate the community’s water supply by releasing cadmium, arsenic, and lead through runoff of storm drain and resulting in long-term health problems to the common people and algae blooms.
On the other hand, granular fertilizers work like a slow-release process that may take up a month or more to show results. They do not require frequent applications. Therefore, there is less threat to the environment and health. If you have the patience to wait for a month for the results, granular is your best option.
Cost
Fertilizers are relatively less costly than synthetic fertilizers. Even then, you should know the exact amount to have a clear idea of the money. If you have to spend under a budget, you first need to check your yard’s size to decide how much fertilizer you need to feed your lawn. This will help you to choose the best according to your finances.
How Much to Use
Usage is entirely dependent on what type of fertilizer you are using. Be more careful to follow the directions of the manufacturer regarding the quantity. You must prevent over-fertilizing the lawn. As you know, excess of anything is bad; over-fertilizing can damage the crops instead of nourishing it. You must see some patches on your leaves as a result. Therefore, fertilize it as per the instructions.
Benefits of Using Organic Fertilizer
As we have discussed above the organic and synthetic fertilizers, you might find that organic fertilizers are better used. Because organic fertilizers do not harm the environment, instead, they concentrate on providing essential nutrition to the soil.
Organic Fertilizers take some time before they start showing results. This is because the soils need to first break the organic fertilizers. In this process, the soil absorbs the essential nutrients from the fertilizer
The benefits of using organic fertilizers are.
Improve the Health of The Soil
With organic fertilizers, be ensured that not only will your plant grow, but the health of your soil will also improve. The fertilizer retains the soil’s water for a longer period, increasing the good bacterial activity in the soil. This way, all the essential nutrients are spread across the plants and create a space for growth.
Safe to Use
While choosing an organic fertilizer, you can remain tension-free that it would not harm your plant, your family, or even your pets.
They are known to prevent plants’ burning, nourish the soil, and be environmentally friendly.
Easy to Use
If you are worried about the whole process of application, then the process is very simple. The organic fertilizers, just like any synthetic fertilizers, are easy to use. They have countless benefits; either you add them to your soil or just spray on the leaves.
Reduce the Production of Weeds
The fertilizers are known to provide strength to the grass roots so that weeds cannot hold the roots any longer. It is better to have a thick lawn as they prevent the weeds from spreading around by not providing them with enough space to grow.
You will save your money that would be spent on weed treatment if not used fertilizers.
Weather Tolerance Is Increased
The stronger the lawns are, the more they can tolerate any weather. Weak grasses can easily catch fire and burn or change the color from green to brown in summer.
Fertilizers provide enough nutrition for the grass to become strong and face any type of weather. With strong roots, they can retain more water in them that also helps them during heavy rainfall.
Safety Precautions
While any milorganite alternatives are easy to use and safe from any hazard, it is still necessary to take some precautions while handling them.
- Always wear or carry protective gloves when you are working with fertilizers. Whether it is granular or liquid, your skin should be safe from it.
- Always use the fertilizers as given in their instruction manuals. While milo granite alternative is not harmful when they are overapplied, you should take it for granted. Always apply the adequate amount for great results.
- Any of the milorganite is not life-threatening to children or pets. But keeping them away from their reach is a better option. Sometimes, they might unknowingly eat and face the repercussions.
- Store the fertilizers in airtight containers. They may get spoiled or clumped if exposed to air.
Editor’s Choice
This is a very challenging task to choose the best among the five products listed above. However, considering a few key points, such as the NPK value, coverage, and longevity, we have concluded. The editor choice for the best milorganite alternative goes to the Safer Brand Lawn Restore Fertilizer for its power to rejuvenate and revitalize crops to its nutritious level.
Plants need nourishments at different levels in different seasons. With Safer Brand Lawn Restore Fertilizer, your lawn can get the nourishment at any time and any season. The grass stays fresh and healthy throughout. Also, the fertilizer is environment-friendly and produces no pollution at all. With lower cost, effective 9-0-2 formula, and effective 25 percent coverage per bag, Safer Brand Lawn Restore Fertilizer is your smart choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you use milorganite before the rain?
Yes, you can use milorganite before the rain. Many people prefer to apply milorganite before the rain as they would like the fertilizer to be absorbed into the ground well. Heavy rainfall after application will provide the lawns with nitrogen that is required for their nourishment.
Sometimes, heavy rainfall can lead to the fertilizers getting washed away and affecting the water’s overall quality.
2. Can you use milorganite for lawns?
Yes, you can use milorganite for lawns. Milorganite is used for many purposes and places, including lawns, vegetables, trees, shrubs, and flowers. You can also use milorganite as a carrier when you are spreading the grass seed.
3. Is milorganite organic nitrogen fertilizer?
Yes, milorganite organic nitrogen fertilizer contains about 6 percent nitrogen, out of which 85 percent is water-insoluble (WIN). It slowly releases nitrogen to provide a slow and steady transfer of nutrients to the plants’ roots.
4. How long does milorganite take to work on a lawn?
If you are wondering how long does milorganite take to work on a lawn, you can expect the results in 1-2 weeks after application. You will notice that the grass’s color will start to stand in lush green withinthe first week.
5. Is there a milorganite shortage?
Yes, there is a milorganite shortage. Many stores across the world are left with fewer bags while some none at all. The demand for milorganite has increased to such a level that has outpaced the production and availability of milorganite everywhere.
6. Can you use milorganite with other fertilizers?
Yes, you can use milorganite with other fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, and even herbicides. But, before combining it with any other fertilizer, make sure you have read the instructions carefully. If the instructions say that it is safe to combine, only then proceed with the steps.
7. Is milorganite safe for dogs?
If your dog happens to eat milogranite, it is not life-threatening. Although your dog might feel some discomfort such as irritation, inflammation of intestines, and gastroenteritis depending on the amount of milorganite he has consumed.
8. Is milorganite safe for pets?
Yes, milogranite is safe for pets. It is not toxic if consumed. It meets all the criteria for safety and health reasons. Still, it is wise enough to store milorganite at someplace away from your pets as theory can have an upset stomach if consumed.
9. What are the implications of over-applying milorganite?
Over-applying milogranite implies that they may burn your plants. The plants’ roots take up too much nitrogen and can result in burning and getting damaged.
10. Is milorganite safe for chickens?
If you have chickens and are wondering, is milorganite safe for chicken? Then your answer is yes. Both can go along well when organised properly.
11. Is milorganite safe for vegetables?
Yes, milorganite is safe for vegetables. They are US EPA approved to use it on all types of vegetable gardens. However, you should not use it in organic vegetable and fruit production.
Final Thoughts
Milorganites are not easily available in the market, but to solve your problems, you have alternatives to milorganites. The main reason as to why you should go for the substitutes or alternatives to milorganites is because of their benefits. You can use them on any type of grass as the nitrogen can provide all the essential nutrients to every type.
Out of the 5 products, you can choose what will suit your lawn the best. If you want your lawn to be flourishing with vibrant green leaves and remain healthy for a long time, a milorganite alternative is your best option. They will maintain the pH imbalance of soil, chemical pollution, and chemical burns.
James Fields is the founder of Gardener to Farmer. His passion for gardening goes back to his childhood days when he would visit his grandfather during the holidays and help him with the plants in the backyard. This has now translated to creating a dependable resource for gardening.