Comparison: Best All Purpose Liquid Fertilizer (Updated | Nov 11th)

A balanced 10‑10‑10 or 20‑20‑20 ratio works well for most garden plants, providing equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for foliage, root, and fruit development. If you have a specific need—like boosting leaf growth—choose a higher nitrogen formula such as the EZ‑GRO 20‑20‑20. For a more moderate feeding schedule, the Triple 10 (10‑10‑10) or Gardenwise 10‑10‑10 are safe, versatile options.

Synthetic concentrates like Miracle‑Gro 12‑4‑8 and EZ‑GRO 20‑20‑20 deliver nutrients quickly and often have higher N‑PK numbers, which can produce fast growth but may require careful dosing to avoid burn. Organic options such as True Organic or the Purived blend use natural sources like fish emulsion and kelp, offering slower, steadier nutrient release and added micronutrients. Choose synthetic for rapid results on high‑demand crops, and organic for long‑term soil health and edible plant safety.

Purived’s 16 oz bottle makes roughly 50 gallons of feed, translating to about 0.32 oz per gallon, which is the most economical per unit of water. Triple 10 also stretches to 32 gallons from a similar sized container, offering good value with added amino acids and seaweed extract. The Miracle‑Gro 32‑oz concentrate yields about the same volume but is priced higher, so Purived typically wins on cost‑per‑gallon.

Gardenwise includes 6 % chelated iron, eliminating the need for a separate iron product and helping prevent chlorosis in high‑pH soils. Most other formulas, such as Triple 10 and EZ‑GRO, do not contain iron, so you may need to add a chelated iron supplement if your plants show yellowing leaves. Checking soil test results will tell you whether supplemental iron is necessary.

Seaweed extract supplies micronutrients, growth hormones, and amino acids that stimulate root development and improve stress tolerance, as seen in Triple 10 and Gardenwise. This natural boost can enhance flowering and fruit set without the risk of chemical overload. Products lacking seaweed may still perform well, but the added extract often leads to greener, more vigorous growth.

Most manufacturers recommend feeding every 7‑14 days; Miracle‑Gro suggests a weekly to bi‑weekly schedule, while Triple 10 advises every 1‑2 weeks. Organic formulas like True Organic and Purived are typically applied every two weeks to avoid over‑fertilizing. Adjust frequency based on plant response and growth stage—young seedlings need less concentration, while fruiting plants benefit from regular feeding.

The measure‑and‑pour design on Triple 10 lets you squeeze the exact dosage directly into the water, reducing spills and the need for extra tools. Conventional bottles, such as Miracle‑Gro, require a separate measuring cup, which can be messier but often provide clearer volume markings. For beginners, the squeeze‑bottle offers a simpler, less error‑prone experience.

For indoor plants, a low‑odor, gentle formula like Purived or True Organic works well, as they are odorless and safe for indoor air. Outdoor gardens benefit from higher‑strength concentrates like EZ‑GRO 20‑20‑20 or Triple 10, which can cover larger areas and handle tougher soil conditions. Consider the plant type and environment; indoor foliage prefers milder feeds, while outdoor beds can handle more robust nutrient loads.