Surging Fertilizer Prices Have Homeowners Turning to These Organic Solutions To Save Their Lawns

Synthetic fertilizer prices are on the rise. In fact, the American Farm Bureau Federation found that since the escalation of tensions in the Middle East, nitrogen fertilizer has shot up more than 30%.

That’s why it’s no surprise that many homeowners are looking for cheaper, sustainable alternatives to help maintain a healthy, attractive lawn without breaking the bank.

Not only can organic solutions save you money, they may also improve soil health and help grass become more resilient to heat, droughts, and other environmental stressors.

However, before you change up your lawn care routine, it’s important to understand the differences between organic and synthetic solutions and what they will do to your yard. 

Organic options to consider

Natural fertilizers are a great alternative, as they can add nutrients to the soil through organic, naturally derived materials, though they take longer to be effective.

“These nutrients break down slowly over time, making them very different from the typically fast release synthetic fertilizers,” explains Craig Elworthy, founder of Lawnbright, a natural lawn care company based in Lynnfield, MA.

If you’re interested in adding organic fertilizers to your lawn, here are several solutions to explore:

Leave grass clippings behind

Grass clippings are an effective natural fertilizer as they’re rich in nitrogen but also contain some potassium and phosphorus. Leaving them behind after each mow is a great way to give your lawn a little nutrient boost. 

They also act as natural mulch, keeping the moisture in the soil by slowing down water evaporation and supporting your lawn during any dry spells.

Clover seed

Clover can pump nitrogen into the soil, promoting your lawn’s growth and giving it that rich green color.  The clover's roots work with rhizobium bacteria, which allows it to convert the nitrogen from the air into a fertilizer, both for itself and any nearby plants. 

For best results, use about 2 pounds of clover per acre. Once the seeds germinate and establish, you should have 25% to 35% of clover in your lawn, which is the ideal ratio.

Banana peels

Banana peels are made with high amounts of potassium but also include a mixture of magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and calcium.

They’re a cheap, natural way to give your soil nutrients, while helping your lawn to withstand challenging conditions, such as drought and extreme temperatures.

Peels also encourage strong root development.

Worm composting 

Scott Kent, a worm farmer and soil microbiologist at Hungry Worms in Lewiston, UT, points out that vermicomposting or worm composting is another popular option. 

It uses composting worms, such as Red Wigglers to break down food scraps and other organic materials into nutrient-rich worm castings to naturally improve soil health. 

“Long term, by focusing on soil microbial health, your soil becomes alive and gets a ‘heartbeat’ again,” adds Kent.

Long-term costs of organic vs. synthetic lawn care

Organic fertilizers are typically more expensive upfront and may run you $200 to $500 per treatment compared to $100 to $300 for synthetic programs.

“However, when you factor in the reduced needs for water and fertilizers, organic options become more cost effective over time,” says Elworthy.

They focus on improving the soil, which is usually the underlying cause of lawn issues, rather than just fixing the current problems. Better soil can hold nutrients and moisture longer, allowing your lawn to develop deeper, stronger roots while positively contributing to its overall health and appearance.

Natural fertilizers ultimately lead to less maintenance, meaning you don’t have to continue to buy fertilizers over and over again. This can save you a great deal of cash in the long run.

Why a thriving lawn is key if you plan to sell 

The quality of your lawn is the first indicator of how you maintain the rest of your property. It’s one of the first things people notice when they pull up to the curb. 

If you have a patchy lawn full of weeds, they’re going to make assumptions about how the rest of the house is maintained. As a result, keeping a healthy lawn through proper fertilizer selection and application is important especially if you’re thinking of selling. 

In fact, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports that standard lawn care service can return roughly 217% of its cost at resale, making it one of the best outdoor maintenance projects for sellers. 

If you’re thinking of listing your home, Elworthy recommends investing in a slow-release organic fertilizer that will feed the lawn for months and hopefully longer than your home is on the market.