4× per year max
Maximum recommended feeding frequency for UK lawns
8°C soil temp
Minimum soil temperature for effective fertiliser uptake — check at 5cm depth
High K in autumn
Potassium (third NPK number) must be highest in autumn feeds — never use spring feed in autumn
£8–£28
Typical UK price range per 5–10kg bag covering 200–400m²
The single most damaging lawn feeding mistake in the UK: applying a high-nitrogen spring/summer feed in autumn. It drives soft leafy growth that enters winter vulnerable to frost, disease and collapse. Autumn feeds must have low N and high K — the NPK third number (potassium) must be the largest. If the first number (nitrogen) is largest, it is a spring product and should not be applied after August.
Understanding NPK — The Three Numbers on Every Bag
N
Nitrogen — 1st Number
🌱 HIGH in spring (10–20)
🍂 LOW in autumn (2–6)
Drives green leaf growth and colour. Produces rapid visible greening but also faster mowing, more thatch and disease risk if excessive. The most visually dramatic nutrient.
P
Phosphorus — 2nd Number
🌱 MODERATE in spring (3–7)
🍂 MODERATE in autumn (4–8)
Promotes root development and seed germination. Less visible in effect than N. Critical in pre-seed feeds and autumn renovation. Many established lawn feeds omit it entirely (shown as 0).
K
Potassium — 3rd Number
🌱 MODERATE in spring (4–7)
🍂 HIGH in autumn (8–15)
Hardens grass cell walls, builds frost tolerance and disease resistance. The essential autumn nutrient. Works invisibly — no dramatic green-up, but the difference over a UK winter is significant.
UK Lawn Feeding Calendar — When to Apply
Jan
No feed. Soil cold. Dormant.
Feb
No feed. Iron sulphate for moss only.
Mar
🌱 Early spring if soil >8°C.
Apr
🌱 Ideal spring feed window.
May
🌱 Late spring / 4-in-1 treatment.
Jun
☀️ Optional summer feed. Balanced NPK.
Jul
☀️ Summer feed only if needed. No dry spells.
Aug
☀️ Last summer feed. Switch to autumn mindset.
Sep
🍂 Ideal autumn feed. High-K low-N.
Oct
🍂 Late autumn. Apply by mid-Oct.
Nov
No feed. Too cold. Leaches.
Dec
No feed. Dormant. Iron only.
Best Spring & Summer Lawn Feeds — UK 2025/2026
#1
A1 Lawn AM Lawn Spring & Summer Fertiliser
Professional-grade micro-granule — the specialist UK lawn brand used by lawn care professionals. Best spring feed overall.
£18–28
per 5–10kg / ~400m²
NPK 10-4-4
10-4-4
NPK Ratio
Micro-Granule
Format
8–12 weeks
Feed Duration
Mar–Aug
Application Window
A1 Lawn is the go-to brand for UK lawn care professionals and the most consistently recommended spring feed by specialist reviewers. The 10-4-4 NPK drives powerful spring greening without the extreme mowing burden of ultra-high nitrogen products like Miracle-Gro Liquid. The micro-granule format is the key differentiator — it produces significantly more even coverage than standard granules, eliminating the dark green stripe / pale stripe pattern caused by uneven spreader application. The controlled-release coating feeds steadily for 8–12 weeks, meaning one April application is typically sufficient for the entire spring period. Available direct from a1lawn.co.uk and Amazon UK. Slightly premium-priced but worth it for lawns you genuinely care about.
Pros
-
>Micro-granule — most even coverage of any UK spring feed
>Controlled release — one application covers the spring season
>Professional-grade formulation at consumer prices
>Strong greening in 7–10 days without excessive mowing surge
>Matching autumn and winter products available
Cons
-
>More expensive than mass-market brands
>Online purchase only — not in garden centres
>No moss or weed control — spring feed only
#2
Elixir Gardens Spring & Summer Lawn Fertiliser
Best balanced spring feed — moderate nitrogen, lower mowing burden, excellent Amazon UK value.
£12–20
per 5–10kg / ~350m²
NPK 9-7-7
9-7-7
NPK Ratio
Granular
Format
6–8 weeks
Feed Duration
Mar–Aug
Application Window
Elixir Gardens is the best value balanced spring feed available on Amazon UK. The 9-7-7 NPK is more moderate in nitrogen than A1 Lawn's 10-4-4 but significantly more balanced — higher phosphorus (7) for root development and higher potassium (7) than most spring feeds. The result is less dramatic immediate green-up but healthier, more sustainable growth with a lower mowing burden and less thatch accumulation over the season. Excellent choice for the majority of UK garden lawns where the goal is a healthy, well-fed lawn rather than maximum green impact. Matching autumn and winter fertilisers available from Elixir Gardens for a convenient seasonal programme.
Pros
-
>Balanced 9-7-7 — more phosphorus and potassium than most spring feeds
>Lower mowing burden than high-N products
>Excellent Amazon UK value and availability
>Matching autumn formula available for a seasonal system
Cons
-
>Less dramatic immediate green-up than A1 Lawn or Miracle-Gro
>Standard granule size — less even than micro-granule formats
#3
Miracle-Gro Complete Lawn Food Liquid Concentrate
Fastest-acting UK lawn feed — greener lawn in 3 days, ideal emergency rescue product. Very high nitrogen — use with care.
£8–16
per bottle / 66–200m²
NPK 3.5-0-3.5 +Fe
3.5-0-3.5+Fe
NPK (liquid concentrate)
Liquid
Format
3–5 days
Green-Up Speed
Mar–Aug
Application Window
The Miracle-Gro Complete Lawn Food Liquid Concentrate (formerly EverGreen Fast Green) delivers the fastest visible result of any UK lawn feed — visible greening in 3 days, as confirmed by multiple independent UK testers. The iron (Fe) content delivers deep, rich green colour while also suppressing moss growth. The hose-end diluter version makes large lawn application fast and convenient. The equal N and K ratio (3.5-0-3.5) is well-balanced for a liquid product. Best used for emergency green-up before events, post-drought recovery or as a supplementary quick-response top-up between granular applications. Not recommended as a primary feeding programme — granular slow-release feeds are more efficient and produce better long-term results.
Pros
-
>Fastest visible green-up of any UK lawn feed — 3 days
>Iron addition gives rich colour and suppresses moss
>Hose-end diluter makes large lawn application quick
>Low cost per m² — excellent emergency value
Cons
-
>Short feed duration — repeat applications needed
>Zero phosphorus — no root development support
>NEVER use in autumn — wrong NPK profile
#4
Vitax Lawn Feed, Weed & Moss Killer
Trusted UK brand spring treatment — reliable 3-in-1 feed, weedkiller and moss control. Good UK garden centre availability.
£14–22
per 5–15kg bag
NPK 9-0-4 +Fe
Vitax Lawn Feed, Weed & Moss Killer is a long-established UK product found in most garden centres and DIY stores. The 3-in-1 combines a spring feed with selective weedkiller (mecoprop-P for clover, plantain, daisy) and iron sulphate for moss. The 9-0-4 NPK feeds well in spring — the absence of phosphorus is consistent with established lawn best practice. Vitax is a well-respected UK horticulture brand with consistent quality. The product performs reliably and is trusted by UK gardeners who want a proven, widely available option. Not as advanced as micro-granule professional products but solid for standard gardens.
Pros
-
>Widely available in UK garden centres and DIY stores
>Reliable 3-in-1 from a trusted UK horticulture brand
>Good value per m² vs premium micro-granule options
Cons
-
>Standard granule — less even than micro-granule formats
>Herbicide restricts use near vegetable plots and new seedings
Best Autumn Lawn Feeds — UK 2025/2026
#1
Proctors Autumn Lawn Feed
Most-recommended autumn feed by UK lawn professionals — micro-granule, ideal NPK, iron for colour and moss suppression.
£16–24
per 5–10kg / ~350m²
NPK 5-5-8 +Fe
5-5-8 +Fe
NPK + Iron
Micro-Granule
Format
8–10 weeks
Feed Duration
Sep–Oct
Application Window
Proctors Autumn Lawn Feed is the professional standard for UK autumn lawn feeding. The 5-5-8 +Fe NPK formulation is exactly right for the UK autumn requirement — the potassium (8) is the highest value, keeping nitrogen low enough to avoid vulnerable top growth while the phosphorus supports root deepening before winter. The iron addition produces a deep, rich green colour response that persists through autumn without any nitrogen-driven growth surge. The micro-granule format delivers exceptionally even nutrient distribution — more important in autumn than spring because uneven nitrogen even at low levels creates visible patchiness in the resting lawn. Applied in September as part of the autumn renovation sequence (scarify → aerate → top dress → overseed → Proctors autumn feed), it delivers transformative results year on year.
Pros
-
>Correctly formulated 5-5-8 — the most professional autumn NPK profile
>Iron addition — deep green colour without growth surge
>Micro-granule — exceptionally even coverage across the lawn
>Trusted by UK lawn care professionals — most recommended autumn feed
Cons
-
>Mainly online purchase — less visible in garden centres
>Higher cost than Evergreen Autumn or supermarket own-brand
#2
A1 Lawn Autumn & Winter Fertiliser
Premium matched autumn companion to A1 Spring — high potassium, micro-granule, professional grade.
£18–28
per 5–10kg / ~400m²
NPK 4-6-10
4-6-10
NPK Ratio
Micro-Granule
Format
8–12 weeks
Feed Duration
Sep–Oct
Application Window
The A1 Lawn Autumn & Winter Fertiliser is the natural pairing with A1 Spring for gardeners who want a consistent, professional-quality seasonal feeding system. The 4-6-10 NPK has the highest potassium of any retail autumn feed reviewed here — ideal for maximum winter hardening. The phosphorus (6) is also elevated to support deep root development before the soil cools in November. Micro-granule format ensures the same quality even coverage as the spring product. Available from a1lawn.co.uk and Amazon. For gardeners using A1 Spring in April, using A1 Autumn in September is strongly recommended as the matching second half of the seasonal programme.
Pros
-
>Highest potassium (10) of any retail autumn feed reviewed
>Natural match for A1 Spring — consistent seasonal system
>Micro-granule — same even coverage as the spring product
Cons
-
>Higher price than mass-market autumn feeds
>Online only — no garden centre distribution
#3
Miracle-Gro EverGreen Autumn Lawn Care
Best widely available autumn feed — the go-to choice for UK garden centres, B&Q and Homebase. Solid formulation with iron.
£12–20
per 3.5–7kg bag
NPK 4-0-8 +Fe
4-0-8 +Fe
NPK + Iron
Granular
Format
~6 weeks
Feed Duration
Sep–Oct
Application Window
Miracle-Gro EverGreen Autumn Lawn Care is the most widely available autumn lawn feed in the UK — sold in virtually every garden centre, B&Q, Homebase and Dobbies. The 4-0-8 +Fe NPK is correctly formulated for autumn — double potassium vs nitrogen, plus iron for colour. The zero phosphorus is typical for EverGreen products and is acceptable for established lawns (where root systems are developed). It does not match the micro-granule precision of Proctors or A1 but is a solid, reliable autumn feed at an accessible price from the UK's most trusted lawn care brand. The spreader box format available for some sizes makes application easy without a spreader.
Pros
-
>Most widely available autumn feed in UK — every major retailer
>Correctly formulated for autumn — 4-0-8 with iron
>Miracle-Gro brand trust and consistent quality
>Spreader box format available — easy even application
Cons
-
>Standard granule — less even than micro-granule alternatives
>Zero phosphorus — less root-development support than Proctors 5-5-8
#4
Westland SafeLawn Natural Lawn Feed
Best pet and child safe option — natural organic-based, immediately safe after drying, suitable spring and light autumn use.
£14–22
per bag (80–200m²)
NPK ~8-1-3
Westland SafeLawn is the correct choice for households with pets and young children — natural organic-based formulation, safe on the lawn immediately after the granules have dried (no 24–48 hour exclusion period). Named Safest Lawn Feed by Expert Reviews UK. The spring-biased NPK (8-1-3) means it is best used in spring; for autumn use a dedicated high-K autumn feed is preferable for serious winter hardening. Available nationwide at B&Q, Homebase and garden centres — the most accessible natural lawn feed in the UK.
Pros
-
>Immediately safe for pets and children after drying
>Nationwide availability — B&Q, Homebase, garden centres
>Natural organic-based — safer for soil biology and wildlife
Cons
-
>NPK biased toward spring — not optimised for winter hardening
>Slower greening than synthetic products
Best 4-in-1 Lawn Treatments — Feed, Weed, Moss & Green
4-in-1 products contain herbicide and iron. Do not use within 8 weeks of overseeding (kills seedlings), near vegetable plots (herbicide runoff), or in autumn if renovation seeding is planned. Spring use on established lawns only.
#1
Miracle-Gro EverGreen Complete 4-in-1
UK's number-one best-selling lawn treatment — feed, weed, moss kill and greening in a single spring application.
£18–45
3.24kg (80m²) – 12.6kg (360m²)
NPK 8-0-4 +Fe +Herbicide
8-0-4 +Fe
NPK + Iron + Weedkiller
Granular Spreader Box
Format
~1 week
Greening Speed
Apr–Jun
Application Window
The Miracle-Gro EverGreen Complete 4-in-1 is used by more UK households than any other lawn product. The spreader box format makes application genuinely easy — walk the perimeter first to create a border strip, then fill in the centre in parallel rows. One 30-minute application in April or May delivers spring feeding, selective weed control (clover, daisy, dandelion, plantain), moss kill (iron sulphate) and a fast colour response. The moss and weeds turn black-brown within 2 weeks and must then be raked out — the product kills them but does not remove them. Greens the lawn visibly within approximately 1 week in active growing conditions. The most time-efficient comprehensive spring lawn treatment available in the UK.
Pros
-
>UK's number-one seller — massive proven UK user base
>4 treatments in one — most time-efficient spring treatment
>Spreader box — easy application without spreader equipment
>Visible greening in approximately 1 week
>Nationwide availability — every UK retailer
Cons
-
>Not for use near vegetable plots or after overseeding
>Dead moss and weeds must still be raked out 2–3 weeks later
>Zero phosphorus — no root support component
Organic & Natural Lawn Feeds — Best UK Options
Plantworks Empathy Seaweed Lawn Stimulant
-
>Named Best Lawn Feed for Greener Turf by Expert Reviews UK — liquid seaweed extract stimulates root growth, improves drought resilience and feeds soil microbial activity. Safe for pets and children immediately after drying. Approximately £8 per bottle.
>Best used as a complement to a granular spring or autumn feed — the seaweed hormones (cytokinins and auxins) improve nutrient uptake efficiency from the primary fertiliser, enhancing overall results
>Apply in September alongside the autumn granular feed — promotes root activity through autumn and into early winter without any nitrogen-driven top growth risk
>Also effective as a post-drought recovery stimulus — apply alongside a balanced granular feed after hosepipe restrictions lift to accelerate lawn recovery
>Seaweed feeds alone do not provide sufficient NPK for a UK spring lawn — always combine with a proper granular spring feed. The seaweed enhances the primary feed; it does not replace it.
Why Choose Organic Lawn Feeds?
-
>Less thatch over time: Organic feeds deliver balanced growth without the nitrogen surge that accelerates thatch accumulation. Lawns on organic programmes typically need less frequent scarification
>Soil biology improvement: Organic feeds support the bacteria and fungi that decompose thatch, fix nitrogen and suppress disease — building a self-sustaining lawn system rather than a nutrient-dependent one
>Pet, child and wildlife safety: No synthetic herbicide, no chemical burn risk, no exclusion period required after application. Significant practical advantage for family gardens
>Water safety: Organic feeds have minimal runoff impact compared to soluble synthetic nitrogen, which contributes to eutrophication in UK waterways and ponds
>Westland SafeLawn is the most accessible natural-based option — available at B&Q, Homebase and garden centres nationwide. The best choice for family lawns where safety is the priority.
Full Product Comparison — All Reviewed 2025/2026
| Product | Season | NPK | Format | Coverage | UK Price | Pet Safe? | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 A1 Lawn Spring & Summer | Spring | 10-4-4 | Micro-Granule | ~400m²/5kg | £18–28 | After watering | 9.2 |
| Elixir Gardens Spring | Spring | 9-7-7 | Granular | ~350m²/5kg | £12–20 | After watering | 8.8 |
| Miracle-Gro Lawn Liquid | Spring | 3.5-0-3.5 +Fe | Liquid | 66–200m² | £8–16 | After drying | 8.5 |
| Vitax Lawn Feed, Weed & Moss | Spring | 9-0-4 +Fe | Granular + Herbicide | ~400m²/5kg | £14–22 | After watering | 8.3 |
| 🥇 Proctors Autumn Feed | Autumn | 5-5-8 +Fe | Micro-Granule | ~350m²/5kg | £16–24 | After watering | 9.4 |
| A1 Lawn Autumn & Winter | Autumn | 4-6-10 | Micro-Granule | ~400m²/5kg | £18–28 | After watering | 9.1 |
| EverGreen Autumn Lawn Care | Autumn | 4-0-8 +Fe | Granular | 100–200m²/3.5kg | £12–20 | After watering | 8.6 |
| EverGreen Complete 4-in-1 | Spring 4-in-1 | 8-0-4 +Fe +Herb | Granular + Herbicide | 80–360m² | £18–45 | After watering | 8.7 |
| Westland SafeLawn | Spring/Aut | ~8-1-3 | Natural Granular | 80–200m² | £14–22 | ✅ Immediately | 8.6 |
| MOOWY Year-Round | All Seasons | 12-3-6 | Slow-Release Granular | 50–100m² | £14–22 | After watering | 8.4 |
| Plantworks Empathy Seaweed | All Seasons | Organic | Liquid Organic | Variable | £8 | ✅ Immediately | 8.2 |
Complete UK Annual Lawn Feeding Programme
This is the programme that professional UK lawn care contractors follow. Apply it consistently for 2–3 seasons and the cumulative improvement transforms even a neglected lawn into a healthy, dense, disease-resistant sward.
| When | Treatment | Product to Use | Why | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb–Mar | Moss Treatment | Iron Sulphate (Ferrous Sulphate) 25–35g/m² | Kills moss before scarification. Improves colour. Lowers pH slightly. | Separate from feed — not a fertiliser. Apply when soil above 5°C. Turns moss black in 10–14 days. |
| April (primary) | Spring Feed | A1 Lawn Spring 10-4-4 or Elixir 9-7-7 | Drives spring green-up and growth recovery after winter. | Apply when soil above 8°C. Moist soil, dry blades. No frost forecast. Do not mow for 3–5 days after. |
| May–Jun (optional) | 4-in-1 Treatment | EverGreen Complete 4-in-1 8-0-4 | Targets persistent weeds and moss after spring growth. Feeds simultaneously. | Spring/early summer only. Not after overseeding. Rake dead moss and weeds 2–3 weeks later. |
| Jul–Aug (optional) | Summer Top-Up | Miracle-Gro Liquid or Elixir balanced granular | Recovery from summer drought or heat stress. Optional for healthy lawns. | Never apply in dry spell without irrigation. Balanced NPK only — not high N in late August. |
| Sep (primary) | Autumn Renovation + Feed | Proctors 5-5-8 +Fe or A1 Autumn 4-6-10 | Hardens grass for winter. Builds root depth. Colour improvement through autumn. | Apply after scarification and aeration. Combine with overseeding bare areas. Apply by mid-October at latest. |
| Sep (if renovating) | Pre-Seed Feed | Balanced pre-seed granular (6-9-6 or similar) | Supports new seed germination — higher phosphorus promotes seedling root establishment. | Apply 2–3 days before or after overseeding. Not the same as the autumn hardening feed. |
| Oct–Nov | Seaweed Supplement | Plantworks Empathy Seaweed Liquid | Stimulates root activity and soil biology through cooling autumn period. | No nitrogen-driven growth risk. Safe to apply late in season as supplementary treatment. |
How to Apply Lawn Feed — Key Rules
Before You Apply — Conditions Checklist
-
>Moist soil + dry grass blades: The ideal condition — soil absorbs and dissolves granules; dry blades prevent granule adhesion and scorch. Ideal timing: morning after a light evening rain.
>Soil temperature above 8°C at 5cm depth — use a soil thermometer. No results below this threshold regardless of product.
>No heavy rain forecast for 24 hours (for 4-in-1 products) — rain washes off herbicide before absorption. Light rain after 48 hours is beneficial for pure feeds.
>Mow the lawn 2–3 days before application. Do not mow for 3–5 days after. Never apply immediately after mowing.
>Never apply in full sun in summer — granules on warm dry blades cause concentrated scorch burns. Apply early morning or evening.
>Never apply to drought-stressed grass without watering thoroughly 48 hours before — nitrogen without water = scorch, not green-up.
Spreading for Even Coverage
-
>Two half-rate cross-hatch passes: Apply half the recommended rate in one direction (north-to-south) and the second half at right angles (east-to-west). This cross-hatching eliminates the striped uneven coverage of single-direction passes — the technique used by professional groundskeepers.
>Rotary spreader: Best for any lawn over 80m². Set to the manufacturer's recommended setting (printed on the bag). Push at a steady walking pace. Close the hopper on turns and at the edge strips.
>Spreader box: Convenient for smaller lawns (under 100m²). Shake rhythmically to maintain even flow. Walk at consistent speed in straight lines.
>Water in lightly if no rain falls within 48 hours of granular application — activates granules and prevents wind-scatter.
>Never overlap passes at full rate — creates dark green burn stripes from nitrogen overdose. If using overlapping passes, halve the application rate on each pass.
>Mark the treated area edge with canes or string on first pass — it is easy to lose track of position on larger lawns, leading to missed strips or accidental overlaps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Spring and autumn lawn feeds are fundamentally different products with opposite NPK priorities. Spring feeds are high in nitrogen (first number) — driving rapid green leaf growth and density recovery after winter. A typical spring NPK is 10-4-4 or 9-7-7. Autumn feeds are low in nitrogen and high in potassium (third number) — building cell wall strength, frost resistance and disease resilience to carry the grass through a UK winter. A typical autumn NPK is 5-5-8 or 4-0-8. They cannot be interchanged. Using a spring feed in autumn is the most damaging feeding mistake a UK gardener can make — it forces soft, vulnerable top growth entering the most stressful period of the year for the lawn. Always check the NPK ratio: if the first number is the highest, it is a spring product. If the third number is the highest, it is an autumn product. Products labelled "all season" typically have a moderate balanced NPK — acceptable as a compromise but less effective than a seasonally appropriate product for either spring or autumn.
For most UK garden lawns, a two-application annual programme is the standard minimum — spring (April) and autumn (September). Adding a summer application (June–July, optional) and a spring 4-in-1 treatment in May for weed and moss control gives a maximum of four applications per year — the upper limit recommended by UK lawn care professionals. More than four applications per year over-stimulates top growth, accelerates thatch accumulation, increases disease pressure and contributes to environmental nutrient runoff. More feeding does not produce a better lawn — it produces a higher-maintenance lawn. Quality of product and timing precision are more important than application frequency. A single April application of a properly formulated micro-granule slow-release spring feed and a single September application of a properly formulated high-K autumn feed will transform most UK lawns within one growing season without the negative side effects of more frequent feeding.
Yellowing or browning after applying lawn feed indicates fertiliser scorch — the most common lawn feeding accident. It is caused by one or more of: (1) Applying to dry grass in hot conditions — granules sitting on dry warm blades create concentrated fertiliser solution that burns the leaf tissue. (2) Applying at double or excessive rate — overlapping spreader passes at full rate delivers twice the recommended nitrogen, exceeding safe uptake levels. (3) Applying soluble fast-release fertiliser to drought-stressed grass without adequate soil moisture — the grass cannot dilute the incoming nitrogen fast enough. (4) Applying in full summer sun — heat combined with fertiliser concentrate causes rapid leaf burning. Recovery from fertiliser scorch: water the area heavily immediately to dilute the fertiliser concentration. Water daily for 5–7 days. Keep off the lawn. Mild scorch recovers within 2–3 weeks as new leaf growth replaces the burned material