Lawn and garden fertilizers provide nutrients that may not be
supplied by the soil. But excess nitrogen and phosphorus in
fertilizers can be a huge source of water pollution.
Here are some easy ways to add nutrients to your soil that are safe for the environment.
- Grow Smart, Grow Safe is an environmental rating system for commercial lawn and garden products. It rates 350 lawn and garden products, including 24 commercially available lawn fertilizers. Learn how slow-release fertilizers can help protect water quality. Grow Smart, Grow Safe lists the
percentage of slow-release nutrients in lawn and garden fertilizers. (See Shop for This Guide, below.)
- Build good soil. Healthy soil, rich in organic matter, grows healthier plants and reduces the need for additional fertilizers. Add compost to your soil to improve soil quality and increase populations of beneficial organisms.
- Make your own organic fertilizer. Using ingredients found at most garden stores, this book offers an easy-to-make organic fertilizer.