Recommended Over the Counter Organic Ferterlizer based on my results - Ask Extension
Hi I was wondering if someone could point to some specific organic fertilizer products that meet the specifications in my report for NPK that I can f...
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Recommended Over the Counter Organic Ferterlizer based on my results #941373
Asked August 03, 2026, 12:28 PM EDT
Hi I was wondering if someone could point to some specific organic fertilizer products that meet the specifications in my report for NPK that I can find at my local garden center. Thank you in advance for your time.
Washtenaw County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello
All fertilizers can meet your soil test recommendations. What will vary is how much you put down. That is based on the fertilzer’s analysis printed on its label.
MSU Extension doesn’t recommend brands or retailers.
I looked at your soil test for “Shrubs, July 22, 2026”.
It recommends that you put no fertilizer down if your shrubs have normal growth and color.
Your soil shows it is above the average level in nutrients and organic matter— you have good soil!
Trees and shrubs can get all the nutrition they need from your soil. All you need do is keep them watered during droughts, like we are having right now.
If you have a shrub that is off color, has weak or no growth, please let us know.
I am including a bulletin that explain the various organic sources of nutrients - https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/research/selecting-and-using-organic-fertilizers
I did a search to see what popular labels you might find in stores. Examples of brands that offer organic products are Espoma, Dr Earth, Miracle-Gro, Gro-Well, and Vigoro. There are more out there. As I said we do not endorse any brands, these are examples.
Pick a product that contains some nitrogen and some potassium according to the label. Those are the two nutrients your soil test recommends you use if your shrubs are not growing well. If you purchase an organic fertilizer, let us know what the analysis on the label is. We can help you with calculating how much is recommended to be applied.
All fertilizers can meet your soil test recommendations. What will vary is how much you put down. That is based on the fertilzer’s analysis printed on its label.
MSU Extension doesn’t recommend brands or retailers.
I looked at your soil test for “Shrubs, July 22, 2026”.
It recommends that you put no fertilizer down if your shrubs have normal growth and color.
Your soil shows it is above the average level in nutrients and organic matter— you have good soil!
Trees and shrubs can get all the nutrition they need from your soil. All you need do is keep them watered during droughts, like we are having right now.
If you have a shrub that is off color, has weak or no growth, please let us know.
I am including a bulletin that explain the various organic sources of nutrients - https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/research/selecting-and-using-organic-fertilizers
I did a search to see what popular labels you might find in stores. Examples of brands that offer organic products are Espoma, Dr Earth, Miracle-Gro, Gro-Well, and Vigoro. There are more out there. As I said we do not endorse any brands, these are examples.
Pick a product that contains some nitrogen and some potassium according to the label. Those are the two nutrients your soil test recommends you use if your shrubs are not growing well. If you purchase an organic fertilizer, let us know what the analysis on the label is. We can help you with calculating how much is recommended to be applied.
