Comparison: Best Vegetable Garden Fertilizer Bags (Updated | Nov 11th)
If you’ve ever stood in the gardening aisle, overwhelmed by rows of fertilizer bags promising greener tomatoes and juicier carrots, you’re not alone. Choosing the best vegetable garden fertilizer can feel like decoding a science experiment—until now. We’ve dug into the dirt, tested the top contenders, and compared nutrients, ease of use, and real garden results so you don’t have to guess. Whether you’re growing zucchini in a raised bed or peppers in containers, the right fertilizer makes all the difference. Let’s find your garden’s perfect match.
- Best for organic all-purpose: Burpee Natural Purpose Granular 4-Lb Organic Food for Growing Strong Plants | Good for Vegetable Garden
- Best for seabird guano blend: True Organic All Purpose Plant Food – Organic Fertilizer for Fruits
- Best for balanced npk: GreenView Multi-Purpose Fertilizer
- Best for soil health boost: 10-10-10 General All Purpose Fertilizer for Flowers and Vegetable Beds – Raised Garden Beds – Safe for Fruits
- Best for versatile organic: True Organic All Purpose Plant Food – Organic Fertilizer for Fruits
- Best for tomato yield: Jobe’s Organics Granular Garden Fertilizer
- Best for rapid growth: Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food
- Best for calcium rich: Espoma Organic Chicken Manure 25 lb. Bag. All natural & Organic Fertilizer for All Flowers
- Best for calcium boost: True Organic Tomato & Vegetable Food – Organic Fertilizer for Superior Harvests with 6% Calcium – 4lb Bag Covers 70 sq. ft.
- Best for garden all-rounder: Espoma 10-10-10 Garden Food
Product Comparison: Best Vegetable Garden Fertilizer Bags
Burpee Natural Purpose Granular 4-Lb Organic Food for Growing Strong Plants | Good for Vegetable Garden, Flower Garden & Seed Starting, 4 lb, 4lb. Bag
- FEED YOUR PLANTS: Burpee’s All-Purpose Organic Plant Food is formulated to keep your plants growing and happy throughout the season. Major nutrients as well as calcium, minor nutrients, and some of the beneficial microbes that help keep the soil and plants healthy are released immediately and continue to feed your plants for up to 3 months.
- FOR VEGETABLES, FLOWERS & HERBS: Use this natural plant food for seed starting, bedding plants, vegetable gardens, trees, shrubs and flower containers. OMRI labeled organic. The custom blend promotes plant growth and more blooms! Great for indoor or outdoor plants.
- ORGANIC CERTIFIED: OMRI listed for organic gardening use, this plant food safely keeps your soil and plants as healthy as they can be. Easy to apply granules release essential nutrients and deliver fast-acting results for all types of plants in your home garden. Follow instructions on the bag for how much plant food to apply.
- GREAT FOR CONTAINERS: Use this balanced mix to promote growth of flowers, vegetable and herbs in patio pots and containers. You’ll see the difference in plant health, fruit production and vibrancy of blooms. A natural fertilizer for growing your best garden.
- Since 1876: Generations of customers have trusted Burpee to deliver the highest quality products and service. Gardeners rely on Burpee for accurate plant information and how-to tips that make gardening easier and more successful. Let’s grow together!
True Organic All Purpose Plant Food – Organic Fertilizer for Fruits, Vegetables, Flowers, and Herbs – 4lb Bag Covers 87 sq. ft.
- Balanced Nutrition for All Plants: True Organic All Purpose Plant Food promotes abundant organic fruits, vegetables, flowers, herbs, and foliage with a well-rounded formula.
- Prevents Soil Depletion: Contains 5% nitrogen (3.75% slow-release), 4% phosphate, 5% potash, 4% calcium, and 1% sulfur to nourish plants and enrich soil.
- Exclusive Organic Blend: Includes seabird guano, shrimp and crab shell meal, soybean meal, and fish bone meal for a nutrient-packed, eco-friendly fertilizer.
- Versatile and Easy to Apply: Ideal for in-ground and container plants, this fertilizer is simple to apply monthly during the growing season for optimal growth.
- Flexible Sizing for Any Garden: Available in 4lb (covers 87 sq. ft.), 4.5lb shaker jug (97 sq. ft.), 8lb (174 sq. ft.), 12lb (261 sq. ft.), and 25lb (544 sq. ft.) bags to fit gardens of any size.
GreenView Multi-Purpose Fertilizer, 33 lb. Bag – NPK 10-10-10
- 10-10-10 NPK balanced formulation
- Complete, all-purpose fertilizer
- Excellent for use on vegetables, flowers, trees, shrubs, and ornamental gardens
- A general purpose formula containing the important nutrients needed by most plants
- See label for coverage amount dependent on plant type
10-10-10 General All Purpose Fertilizer for Flowers and Vegetable Beds – Raised Garden Beds – Safe for Fruits, Lawns, Grass – Promotes Soil Heath and Growth – 50 Pound Bag
- Balanced Nutrition: Contains an even 10% Nitrogen, 10% Phosphorus, and 10% Potassium in each granule to deliver consistent, balanced feeding that promotes deep roots, steady vegetative growth, and abundant flowering or fruiting across a wide range of plants.
- Promotes Soil Health: Improves the fertility and biological health of your soil over time by encouraging beneficial microorganisms that naturally support strong, resilient plants and help retain moisture and nutrients where they’re needed most.
- Safe & Effective: Formulated to be safe for use on fruits, vegetables, herbs, grass, and ornamental plants when applied properly, making it ideal for gardeners who want to grow healthy food and maintain attractive landscapes without compromise.
- All-Season Performance: Suitable for early spring soil preparation, midseason growth support, and fall garden replenishment, this fertilizer adapts to your planting schedule and provides dependable nutrition through every stage of the growing cycle.
- Easy to Use for Consistent Results: Simply broadcast evenly over the soil surface, work gently into the top few inches, and water thoroughly. Clear instructions make application simple whether you’re feeding raised beds, flower borders, or large lawn areas.
True Organic All Purpose Plant Food – Organic Fertilizer for Fruits, Vegetables, Flowers, and Herbs – 12lb Bag Covers 261 sq. ft.
- Balanced Nutrition for All Plants: True Organic All Purpose Plant Food promotes abundant organic fruits, vegetables, flowers, herbs, and foliage with a well-rounded formula.
- Prevents Soil Depletion: Contains 5% nitrogen (3.75% slow-release), 4% phosphate, 5% potash, 4% calcium, and 1% sulfur to nourish plants and enrich soil.
- Exclusive Organic Blend: Includes seabird guano, shrimp and crab shell meal, soybean meal, and fish bone meal for a nutrient-packed, eco-friendly fertilizer.
- Versatile and Easy to Apply: Ideal for in-ground and container plants, this fertilizer is simple to apply monthly during the growing season for optimal growth.
- Flexible Sizing for Any Garden: Available in 4lb (covers 87 sq. ft.), 4.5lb shaker jug (97 sq. ft.), 8lb (174 sq. ft.), 12lb (261 sq. ft.), and 25lb (544 sq. ft.) bags to fit gardens of any size.
Jobe’s Organics Granular Garden Fertilizer, Easy Plant Care Fertilizer for Vegetable Gardens and Tomato Plants, 4 lbs Bag
- Package contains 4 pounds organic vegetable and tomato fertilizer grains and is produced to avoid wasteful runoff, mess, hazards and smells
- Plant fertilizer is formulated with a 2-5-3 NPK to provide vegetables and tomatoes the nutrients they need to create high yield and vibrant foliage
- Jobe’s organic fertilizer contains no synthetic chemicals and are OMRI listed for organic gardening by the USDA
- Application is simple and should be done every 4-6 weeks or as needed during the growing season
- Jobe’s organic fertilizer is easily measured to provide the right amount of nutrients for vegetable and tomato plants without risk of over fertilizing
Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food, Fertilizer for Indoor or Outdoor Flowers, Vegetables or Trees, 3 lbs.
- Full of essential nutrients, it instantly feeds to grow bigger, more beautiful plants versus unfed plants
- Feed every 1-2 weeks
- Use with the Miracle-Gro Garden Feeder or any watering can
- For all flowers, vegetables, trees, shrubs and houseplants
- Safe for all plants, guaranteed not to burn when used as directed
Espoma Organic Chicken Manure 25 lb. Bag. All natural & Organic Fertilizer for All Flowers, Vegetables, Trees, and Shrubs. for Organic Gardening.
- FOR USE ON: Use Chicken Manure organic fertilizer for flowers (annuals, perennials, and roses), Vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, squash, and lettuce), trees and shrubs.
- CONTAINS: Chicken Manure has no additives; dehydrated (heat treated) and granulated for easy application. 5-3-2 Fertilizer analysis with 8% calcium. Environmentally Safe – No sludges or toxic ingredients.
- WHEN / HOW TO USE: Use Chicken Manure fertilizer spring and fall on trees and shrubs. For roses, flowers and vegetables use monthly throughout the growing season. Apply to the soil around the drip line of the plant and then water thoroughly. Ready to use and requires no mixing.
- FOR ORGANIC GARDENING: Espoma Organic Chicken Manure is approved for organic gardening; It is a registered Organic Input Material meaning it meets all requirements for organic production.
- MADE IN THE USA: Product of the Espoma Company. The leader in natural organics since 1929.
True Organic Tomato & Vegetable Food – Organic Fertilizer for Superior Harvests with 6% Calcium – 4lb Bag Covers 70 sq. ft.
- Supports Healthy Harvests: True Organic Tomato & Vegetable Food delivers essential nutrients for superior yields of organic fruits and vegetables.
- Prevents Blossom End Rot: Enriched with 6% calcium, this fertilizer helps prevent blossom end rot and ensures healthier, more productive plants.
- Nutrient-Rich Formula: Features 4% nitrogen (3% slow-release), 5% phosphate, 6% potash, 6% calcium, and 1% sulfur for balanced plant nourishment.
- Versatile Application: Ideal for in-ground and container plants, this fertilizer is easy to apply monthly during the growing season.
- Multiple Sizes Available: Choose from 4lb (covers 70 sq. ft.), 4.5lb shaker jug (covers 78 sq. ft.), 8lb (140 sq. ft.), 12lb (210 sq. ft.), or 25lb (438 sq. ft.) to suit your garden’s needs.
Espoma 10-10-10 Garden Food, 6.75-Pound Bag; Promotes Growth in All Flowering Plants, Trees, Shrubs, and Vegetables. Granular for Easy Application. Pack of Two.
- GENERAL PURPOSE: A fertilizer that provides all three major plant nutrients
- FOR USE ON: Use Garden Food 10-10-10 for flowers Vegetables, trees and shrubs
- CONTAINS: Gaden Food 10-10-10 is a blend of the finest agricultural grade plant food ingredients. Feeds plants quickly.
- WHEN / HOW TO USE: Use Garden Food 10-10-10 fertilizer spring and fall on trees and shrubs. For roses, flowers and vegetables use monthly throughout the growing season. Apply to the soil around the drip line of the plant and then water thoroughly. It is ready to use and requires no mixing.
- MADE IN THE USA: Product of the Espoma Company.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
How do I decide between an organic fertilizer and a synthetic one for my vegetable garden?
Organic options like Burpee Natural Purpose, True Organic blends, Jobe’s Organics, and Espoma Chicken Manure add beneficial microbes and improve soil structure, while synthetic formulas such as GreenView 10-10-10 provide fast‑acting nutrients. If you prioritize long‑term soil health and organic certification, choose an OMRI‑listed product. For quick greening and precise nutrient ratios, a synthetic fertilizer may be more convenient.
What NPK ratio should I look for when growing vegetables?
A balanced 10-10-10 ratio, found in GreenView, Raisin’s 10-10-10, and Espoma Garden Food, supports overall growth, root development, and fruiting. For tomato‑focused gardens, a slightly higher potassium and calcium blend like True Organic Tomato & Vegetable Food (6‑5‑6 with 6% calcium) can reduce blossom‑end rot. Adjust the ratio based on specific crop needs and soil test results.
How does coverage area vary among the fertilizer bags listed?
Coverage depends on the product’s recommended application rate; for example, True Organic’s 4‑lb bag covers about 87 sq ft, while its 25‑lb bag reaches roughly 544 sq ft. GreenView’s 33‑lb bag typically treats 300‑400 sq ft, and Espoma’s 6.75‑lb 10‑10‑10 bag covers around 150‑200 sq ft. Check each label for exact spread rates to match your garden size.
Which fertilizer gives the best value per pound?
When measuring cost per pound, larger bulk bags such as True Organic’s 25‑lb or Espoma’s 25‑lb Chicken Manure often provide the lowest price per unit. Although the 10‑10‑10 synthetic blends are inexpensive, the organic blends deliver added soil‑health benefits that can offset the higher upfront cost. Compare the price per pound and factor in the frequency of application to determine true value.
Are there special tips for using these fertilizers in containers?
For container plants, use a granular organic product like Burpee Natural Purpose or Jobe’s Organics, applying the recommended amount directly to the potting mix and watering thoroughly. Water‑soluble options such as Miracle‑Gro can be mixed with water for quick feeding, but avoid over‑dilution which can leach nutrients. Always follow the label’s dosage for the container volume to prevent root burn.
Why is OMRI certification important when selecting a fertilizer?
OMRI certification guarantees that a product meets organic standards set by the USDA, meaning it contains no prohibited synthetic chemicals. Products like Burpee Natural Purpose, True Organic blends, and Jobe’s Organics carry this label, making them suitable for certified organic gardens. If you plan to sell produce as organic, using OMRI‑listed fertilizers is essential.
What are the benefits of calcium‑rich fertilizers for tomato plants?
Calcium helps strengthen cell walls and prevents blossom‑end rot, a common problem in tomatoes. True Organic Tomato & Vegetable Food includes 6 % calcium, while Espoma Chicken Manure provides 8 % calcium in its 5‑3‑2 blend. Incorporating a calcium‑enhanced fertilizer can improve fruit quality and yield, especially in sandy or acidic soils.
How do slow‑release nutrients compare to quick‑release in these products?
Slow‑release nutrients, found in True Organic’s 3.75 % slow‑release nitrogen and Burpee’s granular formula, feed plants over several weeks, reducing the need for frequent re‑application. Quick‑release options like Miracle‑Gro dissolve instantly, giving an immediate boost but requiring more regular feeding. Choose slow‑release for steady growth and convenience, or quick‑release when plants need a rapid nutrient surge.