Best Fertilizer for Bermuda Grass: Make the Bermuda Grass Glow and Grow

Bermuda grass is the epitome of the old adage – one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. If you scout the internet for a while, you’ll find people annoyed by the Bermuda grass invasion, and you’ll also find people loving and caring for Bermuda. Yes- this grass has it both ways.

This love and hate dichotomy put the Bermuda grass in a very interesting position for lawn-owners. Even I, who once loathed this grass with all my being, started to plant, feed, and care for it. Why so? Because nothing can make a lawn look so lustrous, thick, and green with such little maintenance.

Although Bermuda grass is infamous for its explosive growth, the grass you’ll get without a fertilizer will be bland. So, if your dream is to get greenery in your backyard or front where you can enjoy the morning news with a Cuppa, the best fertilizer for Bermuda grass is exactly what you need.

I’ve swum through an ocean of fertilizers, and only a few of them had what it takes. So, let me show you what my years of poking and prodding have come to.

Some of the Top-Rated Fertilizers for Bermuda Grass According to Yours Truly!

All the fertilizers I’ve got for Bermuda grass, I put them under the radar, and not all of them came through scot-free. Only 7 fertilizers gave me anything worth writing home about.

So, I’ll tell you what each fertilizer brings to the table. Don’t worry; I’ll not forget to mention the shortcomings- you’ll get the whole scoop.

Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard

Ask any serious lawn-owner, and they’ll tell you that the best time to make changes in your lawn is fall. If you play your cards right just before winter, you’ll be rewarded with a dazzling lawn by summer. The Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard is for people who prefer taking action when the time is ripe.

I was a bit hesitant about this fertilizer because the results were not instant. As I applied it in Fall, I had to wait for the growth season to witness the full glory. The fertilizer strengthens the root system. The powerful base it creates works as the foundation for healthy and colorful grass.

I’ve already mentioned that the results aren’t immediate. The granular particles are partly to blame for it. Compared to liquid fertilizers, granular fertilizers take time to settle in. One has to let this fertilizer take things at its own pace.

While the granular particles are slowpokes, the nutrient delivery is even and consistent. You know you can spread fertilizers, go to sleep, only to wake up to an explosion of grass you never wanted?

However, I never had to scratch my head with this issue. The Scotts WinterGuard had my back with its slow-yet-effective granular formula.

This feature especially comes in handy with Bermuda grass because they tend to overwhelm the lawn. So, if the fertilizer keeps the nutrients pumping at a moderate speed, Bermuda grass flourishes better.

I also looked at the NPK ratio of this fertilizer. For those of you who don’t know, the NPK ratio is an abbreviation for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The magic number to consider for NPK is 3-1-2, nitrogen-3, phosphorus-1, and potassium-2.

However, there is no strict regulation. Just keep in mind that nitrogen should always stay at the top of the ingredient hierarchy.

Scotts WinterGuard has 32-nitrogen, 0-phosphorus, and 12-potassium as its ingredients. Although the absence of phosphorus hurts, the buffed-up nitrogen takes care of the problem.

Also, the amplified potassium makes the Bermuda grass thicker and resistant to drought, extreme heat, and all-day human trampling.

Another user-friendly feature most people ignore is the option to choose from different packs. I could either go for the 5000 square feet fertilizer or get my entire lawn fed with the 15000 square feet product. The former is somewhat expensive if you compare it to the latter.

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Usually, I take the 15000 square feet because I get three times more fertilizer by only paying a little over double.

I’ve been a happy customer of the Scotts WinterGuard for a long time. If I had to say what’s wrong about this fertilizer, I would point out the all-inclusive feeding. It’s not so much of a drawback, rather a safety precaution of sorts. By all-inclusive feeding, I mean this fertilizer feeds anything and everything.

Yes – even the weed in your lawn will take a crunchy bite out of this delicacy. So, you have to be on your toes when applying it to your lawn. Weeds are invasive by nature, and if you give them a boost, I don’t need to tell you what happens.

I believe the Scotts WinterGuard can be of service if you can overcome this problem by removing the existing weed.

Simple Lawn Solutions Liquid Aerating Soil Loosener

I was cruising along with the Scotts WinterGuard until the worst summer of my life. The unbearable lashes of heat didn’t only pale out the grass in my lawn; it took away the soil’s potency.

The Scotts couldn’t help me anymore because the hardened soil would outright reject the granular fertilizer. I had to fix this, and after month-long research, I came across the Simple Lawn Solutions Liquid Loosener.

As I was saying, the horror of a summer took away everything I’ve worked so hard to achieve. The soil on my lawn was in shambles, and let’s not even mention what happened to the Bermuda grass. However, after trying out this fertilizer, the soil started to regain its lost vigor.

The revitalization process took some time, but the soil was back in business. I realized later that the excessive heat had blocked the soil’s aeration paths. The Simple Lawn Solutions Liquid Loosener went in and opened the pathways for the soil to breathe again.

Also, clamped up soil rejects water and fertilizer as well. I tried the Scotts WinterGuard, but after the heat had hardened the soil, it wouldn’t accept any water or fertilizer. So, the Liquid Loosener mollified the soil, allowing it to consume nutrients again.

I had a perfectly good-looking lawn, and I didn’t think it could get any better. All my years of using fertilizer, I never thought my lawn could look even better. After the Liquid Loosener performed its magic, the soil was so fertile and responsive that the next batch of Bermuda grass was different.

The post-catastrophe batch was thicker, shinier, and more beautiful. I didn’t know how it happened at first, but now I understand. The Simple Lawn Solutions Liquid Loosener removes all the toxic elements from the soil and nurtures the root.

All these things help boost the soil’s ability to absorb more nutrients from a fertilizer pack.

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However, the Liquid Loosener has a few chinks in its armor. If you didn’t get it by now, let me enlighten you- this is not a fertilizer. It doesn’t have the nutrients required to feed the lawn. It’s more of a fertilizer-booster per se; the aerator will help your lawn resistant to hardships and responsive to nutrients.

Also, the coverage seems a little off to me. According to the manufacturer, the 32 oz bottle should cover a whopping 32,000 square feet. However, the concentration becomes so thin if applied in this manner that it begs the question of whether or not the solution is working at all.

Still, the Simple Lawn Solutions Liquid Loosener gave my soil a new life. Despite all the complaints, I have to put my hands together for this product because it worked as advertised.

That’s why, although it’s a fertilizer-booster, I would say it deserves a spot in the race for being the best fertilizer for Bermuda grass.

Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed

No lawn can remain free from weeds for too long. One day or another, your beautiful lawn will succumb to the aggressive invasion of these unwanted plants. When this happened to me, I resorted to the Scotts Weed and Feed. It gave me the best of both worlds as I got a fertilizer that could handle weeds to boot.

One fine morning, I woke up and saw my lush green lawn having some yellow spots. I thought it was nothing but a few patches gone awry, but a few days later, the dandelions were everywhere. I thought of buying a dedicated weed killer. However, if I could kill two birds with one stone, why not?

The Scotts Weed and Feed can take care of pesky dandelion and clovers. If you don’t know, turf is the primary hunting ground of these weeds, and a small oversight can ruin thousands of hours you’ve put into your lawn. So, I could rest easy and let this fertilizer-cum-weed-killer take charge.

A question that circulates around lawn-owners is- will the chemicals from the weed killer part of this fertilizer kill/harm the grass? Don’t worry; I’ve used it for years without any hiccup of that sort. However, if you let the weed killer handle a fierce and large battalion of dandelion/clover, there might be some yellowish residue.

The nutrients from the fertilizer portion of this product are compatible with Bermuda grass. The NPK ratio is 28-0-3. A little disproportionate for my liking, but the overflowing nitrogen compensates for the lack of other ingredients. The nitrogen alone can feed the grass enough to give it a decent appearance.

The Scotts Weed and Feed is a combo pack. So, the application procedure is not the same as traditional fertilizers. While most fertilizers are safe for pets and children, the chemicals present in this make it harmful. Also, trampling would make the weed killer ineffective.

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So, you have to look at this product as a weed killer and apply accordingly. A moderate temperature is necessary, and there should be no rain within 24 hours of application.

If I had to pick a weakness in this fertilizer, it would be the coverage. I thought I would get 5000 square feet, but what I actually got was a little north of 4000 square feet. Also, I’ve seen the excessive 28 points of nitrogen harming the soil, but it happened only in a handful of cases.

I think the Scotts Weed and Feed is a circumstantial purchase. If you don’t have a looming threat of dandelion or clover, there is no need to get this two-in-one pack. Instead, you could get a dedicated fertilizer. However, if the mentioned weeds are being pesky, you can always count on this product.

Simple Lawn Solutions Lawn Food Quality Liquid Fertilizer

My lawn was doing okay with the fertilizers I’ve mentioned till now. However, I wanted to see what a high-end fertilizer can bring to the table, and boy was I surprised. The Simple Lawn Solutions Liquid Fertilizer is my neighbors’ weapon of choice. After witnessing the results firsthand from nearby lawns, I decided to give it a shot.

In case of most fertilizers, I had to either get a spreader or take the high road of doing it manually. This fertilizer was a breath of fresh air because of its built-in spreader. There is no need to worry about the water-to-ingredient ratio. All I needed to do is attach a water hose, and it was good-to-go.

Remember when I told you the ideal NPK ratio is 3-1-2? You’ll be hard put to find this exact number. However, in this liquid fertilizer, there is 16-nitrogen, 4-phosphorus, and 8-potassium. Do the math, and you’ll see the magical 3-1-2 NPK formation is here.

Although other variants of NPK can help, this particular combination is a cut above the rest.

Besides, this fertilizer is a beast when it comes to results. Compared to granular fertilizers, the change is immediate. Only 20 days after application, I saw the Bermuda grass glow in all its glory. However, the nutrients are steroids. Therefore, don’t overfeed the grass if you don’t want an unwanted explosion.

There are no chemical ingredients in this fertilizer. The all-organic nutrients do not harm the lawn. In fact, I didn’t have to keep my dog on a leash after applying this fertilizer. However, you should give the ingredients some time to dissolve and reach the roots before letting pets and children trample all over.

Also, the fertilizer isn’t restricted to a particular season. You could apply it at any time of the year and still get the work done. However, if you want to get the most out of this fertilizer, it’s better to lay it down before the growth season.

Still, the Simple Lawn Solutions Liquid Fertilizer isn’t free from freckles. Although the NPK ratio is ideal, this fertilizer is a powerful feed. What I mean is- the nutrients can boost the grass up to such an extent that the growth becomes more than you can handle.

I would suggest you steer clear from this fertilizer if the grass length in your lawn is already moderate.

Also, many people have a love and hate relationship with the sprayer. While some people get to reap its benefits for years, others can lose the sprayer to an unforeseen malfunction. Hence, this perk can be momentary if you do approach this accessory with gentle hands.

As I said earlier, this fertilizer is high-end. Evidently, if I take the cost-to-coverage rate into account, the price is steep compared to its contemporaries. However, I think the impeccable NPK ratio is well worth the expense.

Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Lawn Food

Although I enjoyed using the Simple Solutions Liquid Fertilizer, I wasn’t completely sold on it. A part of me wanted more. I kept talking with experts, and that led me to the Miracle-Gro Lawn Food.

Trust me; the tag “miracle” isn’t just some marketing sleight of hand; it’s actually a miracle fertilizer.

Let me start by telling you this – the Miracle-Gro Lawn Food is in many ways similar to the Simple Solutions Liquid Fertilizer but with more oomph. However, there are few distinctions as well.

For instance, this fertilizer isn’t liquid.

Still, the Miracle-Gro also sports a built-in sprayer similar, which made my job much easier. While I do have a separate sprayer, I like having the built-in sprayer because it can work as a backup.

The procedure is simple to follow – fill the sprayer bucket, attach a hose, turn the dial to adjust settings, and shoot.

Unlike other granular fertilizers, this one is rather keen to jump into the action. I’ve told you that granular fertilizers are slow-feed because it takes time for the particles to reach the root. However, the Miracle-Gro goes against the nature of granular fertilizer and starts working instantly.

If you apply it during the growing period of Bermuda grass, you’re likely to observe measurable results within a short spell of 15 days. To me, that’s amazing coming from a granular fertilizer.

I remain skeptical about fast-acting fertilizer because overfeeding can be dangerous. But this fertilizer is granular in nature, so by nature, it has slow-feed properties. My doubts were wiped clean as I saw the grass on my lawn glowing.

The NPK ratio of this fertilizer is 24-8-16. If you’re up to speed by now, you should know that this number is a variant of the ideal 3-1-2 ratio. This fertilizer is overflowing with nitrogen and potassium, which strengthens the roots and thickens the exterior of Bermuda grass.

Also, put next to the price, the coverage is incredible. With less than $25 a pack, the Miracle-Gro covers 7200 square feet. If you ask me, the coverage alone makes it a lucrative snatch for any budget hunter.

However, there are no alternate packs to choose from- you can’t just purchase a bigger pack if you want to. I think the manufacturers should look into that.

I don’t think there is anything explicitly negative about this fertilizer. Apart from the attached sprayer’s occasional malfunctioning, the Miracle-Gro Lawn Food stands tall on almost all fronts. The NPK ratio is optimal, the nutrients are natural, the results are quick- it has all the features one could hope for.

However, not all soil types are compatible with this fertilizer, but that’s a one in a million case. So, I believe the price and performance fusion makes the Miracle-Gro another worthy contender for being the best fertilizer for Bermuda grass.

The Andersons PGF Complete

I never thought I would use anything else after the Miracle-Gro’s miraculous touch. However, the alchemist within me wouldn’t let me stop experimenting. The Andersons PGF was becoming the talk of the town in my neighborhood, and I thought to myself- let’s see what’s so special.

The moment I ripped open the pack, I was awestruck. I took the particles in my hand- they were as fine as baking sugar. You’re probably wondering why anybody should concern themselves about the fine nature of the fertilizer.

Well, each particle packs a combination of nutrients that could feed the roots. So, the equation goes something like this- fine particle equals to more particles equals to more nutrients per spread.

I must say, I was impressed by the manufacturer’s efforts to confine all the necessary ingredients in such a small, nearly dust-like substance.

It’s not only the substance that makes it stand out; it has the perfect NPK ratio as well. The NPK of Andersons PGF is 16-4-8, which is compatible with nearly all grass and soil types.

Also, the granular particles disperse slowly throughout the soil. Naturally, granular particles have a restricted feed system. And that’s excellent because overfeeding can cause an all-out Bermuda grass takeover.

The Andersons PGF is slower than other granular fertilizer as well. It takes about 8 weeks for all the nutrients to reach the roots. So, you can apply it during the growing season and sit back without having to worry about any overfeeding shenanigans.

Another feature that can escape the eye of many is the presence of fulvic and Humic acid. The names of these acids didn’t break into this article up to now because it’s not directly related to fertilization. Rather, these two acids soften hardened soil for better nutrient absorption. So, that’s a “Plus.”

The nutrient release is slow in this fertilizer. Evidently, the results are not immediate. I had to wait for quite some time before I noticed anything to write home about. However, once the fertilizer kicked in, the Bermuda grass looked lush, alive, and happy! I have zero complaints about the performance.

Still, the Andersons PGF has its Achilles’ Heel- not just one but a few. For starters, the price can slash a nasty hole through your wallet. It’s not an expensive rip-off, don’t get me wrong. The fertilizer does hold its ground, but the coverage for the cost is a little lackluster.

Another blunder from the manufacturer is the poorly crafted instruction. It’s way off base, and if you don’t reduce the spreader settings, you’ll get nothing close to the advertised 5000 square feet

Thus, I would say there is a bit of a learning curve with this fertilizer, and if you’re just walking into the realm of lawn-care, you’re going to have a bumpy ride.

Also, peeps from North Dakota and California can’t get their hands on this fertilizer.

Super Juice All in One Soluble Supplement Lawn Fertilizer

I kept exploring further and further, trying out new fertilizers every chance I get. Not all of them worked out as planned, but some were worth the effort. As I continued my quest to find something substantial, I came across the Super Juice All in One.

While it didn’t sway me to the Miracle-Gro’s extent, I was convinced enough to give it a slot in the top 7.

What caught my eye in this fertilizer is the presence of some potent nutrients. While most fertilizers draw the line after the standard nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK), the Super Juice takes it a step further by including Sulphur and Iron.

Let me break down the science a bit here. Sulfur helps the soil re-adjust the pH-levels. If the pH-levels go beyond a particular threshold, the soil begins to lose its natural ability to absorb nutrients.

On the other hand, Iron functions as a photosynthesis enabler. If you’ve covered basic Biology, photosynthesis helps grass, or any plant for that matter, prepare their own food.

The presence of these two nutrients makes this fertilizer unique and beneficial. Besides, it has two different distribution methods, which gave me the flexibility to choose the feed (NPK) ratio. I could either go for a 14-2-4 or dial it back to a 7-1-2 if need be.

Whether you choose the former or latter ratio would depend on the needs of your lawn. For instance, during summer months, the grass is already poised for growth. You can just go for the 7-1-2. If you’re applying it in an off or pre-growth season, the 14-2-4 will work wonders.

Choosing between the two NPK ratios would also determine the coverage you get. I mostly used the 7-1-2, and the coverage was a little south of two acres. If I take a rough estimate, it would be around 35000 square feet.

Also, this fertilizer can work as a booster to other fertilizers as well. It can recondition the soil to increase its sensitivity to nutrients. I tried this out once, and I don’t think the supplement did anything worth mentioning. So, you’ll be better off using it as a fertilizer.

There are a lot of issues with this fertilizer, I must say. What strikes out most is the price-tag. It covers one/two acres (depending on the concentration you use), but the near-$80 expense is a hard-to-swallow hit.

I would not recommend this fertilizer for a casual lawn-owner because clearly, this fertilizer is for professional use. If you have huge land to play with, the Super Juice will serve you nicely.

Also, the nutrient ratio in the label doesn’t fit the coverage this fertilizer advertises. I crunched the numbers, and if you apply this fertilizer according to the instructions, the nutrient value isn’t up to par.

Hence, the Super Juice isn’t so super if you don’t have a big land to cover and big bucks to dish out.

Things You Need to Keep in Mind While Buying A Fertilizer for Bermuda Grass

When someone’s scouring through the internet, talking to neighbors, binge-watching YouTube- all they’re trying to do is find the answer to a simple question- what is the best fertilizer for Bermuda grass?

As you can see, only 7 fertilizers made my list. Why? Because they have something special that others lack. I’ll talk about the features that separate the best from the rest. Once you’re out to get a fertilizer, keep your eyes peeled for these features.

When to Fertilize Bermuda Grass?

Getting the right fertilizer for your lawn is just one piece of the puzzle. The rest of it, though, would depend on how you use the fertilizer to get the maximum output.

If you want to eke out all a Bermuda grass fertilizer has to offer, you need to know when to fertilizer Bermuda grass. The following chart will help you.

Note: As you can see from the chart, the consistent nitrogen count is 1.5 pounds for 1000 square feet. You have to crunch the numbers and figure out how much nitrogen you get from a fertilizer pack. The NPK ratio on the label will help you determine the number. Let me show you the math.

If the NPK of a particular fertilizer is 24-8-16 and the weight is 5lb, then the nitrogen count is 24 (the nitrogen count) multiplied by 5 (package weight), divided by 100. So, in this particular pack, there are 1.2 pounds of nitrogen.

Some Parting Wisdom

Speaking from experience… growing and maintaining a lawn is not a child’s play. Behind a beautiful lawn is a lot of planning, number crunching, and physical effort. However, everything will fall to pieces if the foundation, namely the best fertilizer for Bermuda grass, isn’t in your arsenal.

So, you need to make sure you have the right fertilizer by your side before you make a move. I’ve listed 7 fertilizers in this article, but I’m not beyond favoritism as well.

If I had to crown the champions, narrowing the list even further, I would say the Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Lawn Food would take the cake.

Once you pair it up with a supplement such as Simple Lawn Solutions Liquid Aerating Soil Loosener, I don’t think you have to look back. Still, all the 7 fertilizers I’ve mentioned are worth the buck. When the dust settles, you would have to decide what food would satiate your lawn’s hunger – Cheers!