Does Fertilizer Kill Weeds? (And Why Not?)

Any backyard farmer or grower will tell you that the biggest problem that they face when growing plants, other than bugs and disease, is weeds! Almost overnight, weeds can appear in beautiful gardens and beds, destroy the area’s aesthetics, and strangle new plants.

A fertilizer on its own will not kill weeds. Most weeds require low nitrogen content soils to thrive, so by applying nitrogen-rich fertilizer to your lawn, the nitrogen content will make the soil conditions less hospitable for the weeds to grow in but will not kill them.

Weeds have no place in a perfectly manicured lawn, flower beds, or any veggie patch. Weeds do have their place in untended, natural, open areas as some plants do feed pollinators or have medicinal properties, but for a carefully tended garden, they are not welcome! If weeds are taking over your garden, then they should be removed immediately. This article will discuss how to remove weeds from your garden and keep them away permanently.

Do Fertilizers Kill Weeds?

This is an essential and highly clever question to ask and one that I’m sure all gardeners would love to know the answer to. We all cover our lawns in fertilizer at least once a year, so if fertilizer can get rid of weeds simultaneously, then that’s another job that is ticked off the preparing for Springtime and new growth list of things to do!

Sadly, fertilizer, when used on its own, does not kill weeds!

Fertilizer does, however, contain nitrogen, which, when added to the soil by way of fertilizer, makes the soil conditions less hospitable for weeds to grow.

The best way to tackle the weed problem is to kill all invasive weeds before adding fertilizer to your lawn. There are products available that can fertilize your lawn and kill weeds at the same time, so use a weed and feed fertilizer if you would like to tackle both jobs together.

Weed and feed fertilizers should be used with caution as they are toxic and contain chemicals that are harmful to the environment. Always follow the directions on the packaging before use and only apply this product if really necessary.

Does Fertilizer Help Weeds grow?

Fertilizer is basically plant food, so by spreading fertilizer over your lawn, the weeds will benefit and grow well! Weeds aren’t fussy and will absorb any fertilizer spread over them, even if the fertilizer is specifically designed for your lawn! 

By removing the weeds first, the fertilizer will improve the lawn conditions only, without improving and prolonging the lifespan of the unwanted weeds. If the weeds are not removed before you fertilize, they will take nutrients and water away from the lawn that it was intended for. 

The lawn will have to compete with the weeds for what they need to grow thick and healthy for the Summertime. Weeds also have a tendency to choke grassroots. By ensuring that your lawn is weed-free, the grass can grow well, undisturbed by sneaky weeds!

Why Do Weeds Grow So Fast? 

Weeds can be bullies to other plants as they compete for the best space, nutrients, and water in the soil. Most weed seeds are already in the soil. They lie dormant until the conditions are right for them to grow, and then they race toward the sunlight and the resources they need to survive!

As the weed is already growing in the soil, it will grab the available resources before any of your plants are established, enabling them to grow quicker and better than your chosen plants!

How To Kill Weeds In Your Garden

Most weeds and grass thrive in soil with low nitrogen content. Lawn fertilizers contain added nitrogen to aid the grass in growing thicker and promote grass blade growth.

Added nitrogen can cause the soil to become less hospitable for certain types of weeds like dandelions and clover. These weeds thrive in soils with lower nitrogen content, so by spreading fertilizer with a higher nitrogen content over these weeds, they will die off quickly.

Be careful when using nitrogen-enriched fertilizers, as too much nitrogen can damage your lawn!

There are various products available to combat the threat of weeds taking over your lawn and gardens. A quick visit to your local garden and home center should provide you with the products and expertise you need.

If you prefer the organic, natural route, here are some home remedies on how to get rid of weeds.

Natural and Organic Weed Killers

Sometimes harsh, store-bought chemical weed killers can cause more damage to your garden than to the weeds that they are supposed to destroy.

Natural remedies may su[rprise you with how efficient they are by not only attacking your weed problem but by improving the health of your lawn!

Before reaching for a store-bought product, try these remedies – always use personal protection gear before handling any substances.

• Lemons and vinegar. Add 4 ounces (113ml) of lemon juice to 1-quart (1 liter) vinegar and add to a spray bottle. Spray directly onto the weeds. They will eventually dry out and die. 
• Vinegar, dish soap, salt, and a spray bottle. Mix together 1-gallon (4.5 liters) of white vinegar, 1 cup salt, and 1 tablespoon dish soap in the spray bottle. Spray directly onto the weeds.
• Straw. Lay a thick layer of dry straw over the areas which have been attacked by weeds. The straw will suppress the weeds and fertilize the soil at the same time.
• Boiling water. Pour a pot of boiling water directly onto the weeds. The weeds will be destroyed immediately, but be careful as boiling water can also damage your healthy lawn!
• Rubbing alcohol, water, and a spray bottle. Mix 1-quart (1 liter) water with tablespoons of alcohol and pour into a spray bottle. 
• Baking soda and Epsom salts. Sprinkle directly onto pesky weeds. Avoid sprinkling onto the lawn as it will die too.
• Clove oil and water. Mix a few drops of clove oil together with water and drip onto new weeds when you see them emerge.
• Salt. An extremely effective way to kill stubborn weeds. Salt removes oxygen from the soil so pour directly onto the weeds. Keep away from the grass as it can be suffocated too!
• Coca-cola. Coke is acidic and will kill weeds when poured directly over them. Coke is not a selective weed killer, though, so be careful where you pour it!

Wrapping Up

Weeds can destroy your lawn if left unattended so remove them whenever you can. Removing weeds from your lawn before you apply fertilizer will allow your lawn to grow and flourish without having to compete for vital nutrients with unwelcome weeds.

Although there are products available to kill weeds, the best method is weed control to prevent them from growing and spreading in the first place. Prepare the soil first before planting a new lawn by removing any existing weeds and spreading weed killer over the area.

By not providing ideal growing conditions for weeds, you will enjoy a weed-free, healthy lawn for many years to come!