Scotts Fertilizer Vs Vigoro Fertilizer - Which Is Best? (2024)

For some of us, our lawn is our pride and joy, we don’t spend all our time on our cars or fancy home entertainment systems… what we really enjoy ismowing our lawnsand making it look just perfect. And a big part of that is using the right lawn fertilizer. Generally, when you talk about lawn fertilizers, the discussion comes down to two competing brands: Scotts Fertilizer vs Vigoro Fertilizer.

But, which is actually better? Which should you use? In this article, we will look at both of those questions and attempt to help you pick the lawn fertilizer that is right for you.

Scotts Fertilizer Vs Vigoro Fertilizer - Which Is Best? (1)

In This Article:

Scotts vs Vigoro Results Summary

For the purpose of this article, we chose to test the most popular lawn fertilizer from each brand.A summary of the results is below, more details can be found below the table:

Ease Of Application – How To Apply Lawn Fertilizer

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The application of Vigoro Fertilizer vs Scotts Fertilizer is almost identical. So its not really possible to pick a winner here.

The procedure basically goes like this:

  1. Do not apply if rain is forecast. Rain will wash the fertilizer away before it does its magic.
  2. Fill your chosen fertilizer spreader (see our list of the best fertilizer spreaders here) and set it as per the fertilizer instructions.
  3. Ensure the lawn is wet either from dew or from a light watering.
  4. Apply the lawn fertilizer.

Cost

Vigoro Weed and Feed is sold for around $19 for a 15lb bag. This 15lb bag fertilizes up to 5,000 sq. ft.

So, using the maths that we learned at school, that means that$for every 100 sq. ftof lawn fertilized withVigoro Weed And Feed, it will cost you about $0.38

Now, let’s do the same maths for Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feed.

A 15lb bag of Scotts Weed and Feed will set you back about $25, and this also fertilizes up to 5,000 sq. ft.

For every 100 sq. ftof lawn fertilized with theScotts product, it will cost around $0.50

Want to see that in terms of percentage? Well, that means thatit costs you 31.5% more to fertilize with Scotts Weed and Feed.

If you like graphs, here is one that shows it clearly.

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But hang on…

For some of you, that may be all you need to know to make a decision, but the cost is only a small part of our verdict. So let’s move on and look at how each company performs with regards to customer support.

Customer Service

This is another area where the Scotts and Vigoro differ quite substantially.

Online Presence

When I did a quick Google search on how to use each product, the results were quite different.

The results for “Scotts weed and feed instructions” came up with links to theScotts websitethat hadall the required instructions and handy tips.

However, the results for “Vigoro weed and feed instructions” were quite different. All I got for“Vigoro”were links to big retailers thatjust wanted to sell me the product and unhelpful reviews.

In fact, if you try to go to the Vigoro website (www.vigoro.com), it just takes you to Home Depot’s website. Whilethis sitedid contain a few helpful tips, it was nowhere near as good as the information provided by Scotts.

Scotts Vs Vigoro: Customer Support Options

Vigoro Support Options

  • General Home Depot support phone number
  • Contact form

Scotts Support Options

  • Online live chat
  • Text line
  • Support contact form
  • Mailing address
  • Dedicated Scotts support phone number

So I think the clear winner in customer support is Scotts Lawn Fertilizer by a long way.

It is MUCH easier to get into contact with Scotts and actually speak to someone that knows what they are talking about when it comes to the best lawn fertilizer for your grass and how to use it.

But once again, this is not the end of it. Now we look at how the product performs.

VIGORO VS SCOTTS – WHICH PERFORMS BETTER?

Ok, so this is where the article might get a bit contentious. Lawn fertilizer works differently for different people depending on many different factors, so for some people, Scotts fertilizer may work better, whereas for other people, Vigoro fertilizer is best.

I want to stress here that you need to pick the fertilizer that is right for you, your area, and your lawn. Go into your localgardenshop and talk to them about it, ask your neighbors about what works for them and find out what their experience is with different brands.

For the purpose of this article, we obviously need to make a recommendation, so keep in mind that this section is based purely on our experience with each fertilizer.

Your experience may vary.

Our Experience With Scotts And Vigoro

We found thatScotts fertilizer produces a much more lush looking, dark green grassthat looked great. We also liked the fact that the Scotts Turf Builder had a smaller particle size which we found was absorbed much quicker by the grass, producing results in a shorter time.

We did find that as far as killing existing weeds goes, it kills some but others still need to be removed the hard way. However, it is great at preventing new weeds from starting to grow and will save you a lot of weeding time in the long run.

TheVigoro Weed and Feedcertainly made our test yard look more lush, but thegreens were not as bright or natural looking. Vigoro performed very similarly to Scotts on the weed front and is much better for weed prevention than weed killing.

The particle size of the Vigoro Weed and Feed is quite a fair bit larger, and it does take longer to break down and be absorbed by the grass.

Scotts and Vigoro Weed and Feed Alternative

Sunday Lawn Care is a great alternative to Vigoro and Scotts weed and feed because of their personalized approach to lawn care. By analyzing your lawn’s specific needs based on soil, climate, and other factors, Sunday Lawn Care creates a customized plan for your lawn.

This allows for targeted treatment, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Additionally, Sunday offers troubleshooting plans to address common issues such as weeds and pet spots. With a focus on providing the right products at the right time, Sunday Lawn Care is a great choice for those looking for a more personalized and effective lawn care experience.

Alternative

Scotts Fertilizer Vs Vigoro Fertilizer - Which Is Best? (6)

  • Personalized lawn care: Sunday Lawn Care provides custom lawn plans based on soil analysis, climate data, and lawn needs.
  • Convenient and eco-friendly: Sunday delivers lawn care products directly to your door, and their products are made with better ingredients that are safe for people, pets, and the planet.
  • Science-backed formulas: Their products use transparent, bio-based formulas with effective ingredients like seaweed, molasses, and iron.
  • Expert support: Sunday Lawn Care provides one-on-one support from a real person and offers a satisfaction guarantee.

#Affiliate

So Which Is Better?

Scotts Fertilizer Vs Vigoro Fertilizer - Which Is Best? (7)

Unfortunately, there is no super clear winner here. If we had to choose one, then it would probably beScotts Weed and Feedmainly because the results are slightly better, and their customer support is great. To us, this is more important than saving money.

But, if cost is important to you, then by all means go with Vigoro Weed and Feed. It still has great results and if you are an experienced lawn connoisseur, then you likely will not need any help from anyone anyway!

Hang on, we aren’t finished yet!

The final point we want to make is this:Do your research.

Yep, it really isn’t even hard to do so, go and talk to your local garden supplier. Take in a sample of your grass and ask them what type it is. Ask them what fertilizers are best for it.

Choosing the right lawn fertilizer depends on a number of factors, just some of these are:

  • How much sun/shade your lawn gets
  • The type of grass
  • Your location
  • How is the grass used? e.g. does it get a lot of foot traffic? Is it likely to get scuffed up?
  • Will children or pets be on the grass regularly?
  • How often you mow your lawn and what sort ofmoweryou use.
  • When you are applying it (in winter, use a winterizer)
  • Which other lawn care tools you are using

Where To Buy

Scotts Turf Builder Weed and Feedis available on Amazon.
You can also get itdirectly from Scotts here

Great Performance

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  • Kills existing weeds and prevents future weed growth: Controls over 50 listed lawn weeds.
  • Fertilizes and strengthens your lawn: In addition to killing weeds, this product also provides nutrients to your lawn to help it grow thicker and stronger.
  • Suitable for use on multiple grass types: Safe to use on Bahiagrass, Bermudagrass, Bluegrass, Centipedegrass, Fescue, Ryegrass, and Zoysiagrass

#Affiliate

Vigoro Weed and Feedis available from Home Depot

Great Value

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  • Treats weeds down to the roots: This product not only feeds your lawn, but also kills weeds down to the roots, including clover, common chickweed, and dandelion.
  • Greens in 72 hours: Vigoro Weed and Feed I with ASSURANCE Particle Technology promotes thick, green growth and shows results in just 72 hours.
  • Extended feeding: This fertilizer contains time-released nitrogen for extended feeding, providing nourishment for up to 2 months.

#Affiliate

Scotts Fertilizer Vs Vigoro Fertilizer - Which Is Best? (2024)

FAQs

What is the best fertilizer for the money? ›

Top 8 lawn fertilizers – Reviews
  1. Safer Brand Lawn Restore Natural Fertilizer. ...
  2. Scotts Natural Lawn Food. ...
  3. The Andersons PGF Complete 16-4-8 Fertilizer. ...
  4. Scotts Liquid Turf Builder. ...
  5. Scotts Turf Builder Southern Lawn Food. ...
  6. Jonathan Green Winter Survival Fall Fertilizer. ...
  7. Simple Lawn Solutions Advanced 16-4-8.
Mar 15, 2024

Is Vigoro owned by Scotts? ›

COMPETITION. Scotts's efforts to build its brand met with little concerted resistance. For the most part the lawn-care business was a "regionalized, fragmented industry," according to the Columbus Dispatch. Scotts's closest competitor was Vigoro, which was acquired in 1998 by Alabama-based Pursell Industries.

How do I know what fertilizer is best? ›

The fertilizer you choose should be based primarily on soil test results and plant needs, both in terms of nutrients and speed of delivery. Other factors to consider include soil and environmental health as well as your budget.

What is the best fertilizer to use this time of year? ›

Apply slow-release, high-nitrogen fertilizer every 90 to 120 days at the start of spring, summer and fall. Apply all-purpose fertilizer every six to eight weeks.

What fertilizer do professionals use? ›

Quick-Release Fertilizers

(They're also the mainstream type used by professionals.) They consist mostly of urea-based nitrogen sources, including straight urea, sulfur-coated urea and stabilized urea. Other types of nitrogen in this type include ammonium sulfate and ammonium nitrate.

What are the top 3 fertilizers? ›

Nitrogen helps produce green leaves and stems, phosphorus helps produce root development, and potassium helps the plant withstand stress from heat or cold. A good all-purpose fertilizer would be a 10-10-10 NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium).

What is the most cost-effective fertilizer? ›

Urea is often the most cost-effective nitrogen fertilizer and results in the same plant response as more expensive products. Applying nutrients over and above plant needs will not improve turf health. Reading and understanding the fertilizer label can help you choose the right product.

Where is Vigoro made? ›

Manufactured by Vigoro Industries, Inc., Fairview Heights, Illinois 62208.

What mulch is better, Scotts or Vigoro? ›

The difference lies more in maintenance needs, where Vigoro's rubber mulch doesn't degrade as quickly, reducing the frequency of re-mulching. Scotts mulch, with its focus on wood materials, may require more frequent replenishment due to natural decomposition, especially when exposed to elements like rain.

Are Scotts and Miracle-Gro the same company? ›

Scott began selling lawn seed in 1868. The company manufactures and sells consumer lawn, garden and pest control products, as well as soilless indoor gardening equipment. In the U.S., the company manufactures Scotts, Miracle-Gro and Ortho brands.

What is top choice fertilizer? ›

Top Choice Organinic® is an all natural Class "A" Exceptional Quality pelletized fertilizer and soil conditioner. With its high organic content and valuable nutrients, Top Choice Organic® is widely requested to enhance commercial fertility programs.

Which fertilizer works better? ›

Liquid fertilizers are useful when plants need a quick boost of nutrients but slow release fertilizers are better for providing the nutrients plants need throughout the growing season.

Can I put 10-10-10 fertilizer on my lawn? ›

10-10-10 fertilizer is a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer containing equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It's often used as a starter fertilizer for new lawns and is also suitable for established lawns. Nitrogen: Essential for leaf growth and a green lawn. Phosphorus: Important for root development.

Which type of fertilizer works the best? ›

The best fertilizer for plants largely depends on their specific needs. Generally, a balanced fertilizer containing equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) can provide essential nutrients for overall growth. However, it's crucial to consider factors such as soil type, plant species, and stage of growth.

When to apply Vigoro lawn fertilizer? ›

The best time to apply it is in the morning when the grass is wet with dew, so it sticks to the leaves better. Vigoro Weed and Feed Plus Lawn Fertilizer contains chemicals that can be harmful if ingested, so keep children and pets away from the treated area until it has dried.

Does brand of fertilizer matter? ›

Does the brand of fertilizer you use really matter? Short answer is yes, it does. There is a lot more than just N-P-K that makes up a bag of fertilizer. There are a few important things you should look for when selecting a brand of fertilizer.

What lawn fertilizer should I buy? ›

For an established and healthy lawn, choose fertilizers that are rich in nitrogen but lower in phosphorus and potassium. Nitrogen is the least expensive nutrient of the bunch, and an established and healthy lawn doesn't need as much potassium or phosphorus.

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