How long is fertilizer good for?

Depending on the type, fertilizer can last for years in storage. Liquid fertilizers can last upwards of 10 years, and granular fertilizer has no finite expiration date. It isn't just the chemical makeup of these products that affects their longevity – proper storage is key.

Is it OK to use old fertilizer?

The general answer is no, fertilizer does not go bad if it is properly stored. Fertilizer is made up of a variety of natural minerals and elements that do not break down over time allowing you to store your unused fertilizer from year to year.

How long does unused fertilizer last?

Liquid chemical fertilizers can last up to ten years, whereas liquid organic fertilizer has a shelf-life of 5-8 years. If you're looking at microbial inoculants, the lifespan is even shorter, lasting two years.

Can you store unused fertilizer?

Answer: Store lawn and garden fertilizers in their original bags or containers so you will know the content and analysis of the product next season. Store granular fertilizers in a protected location where they will remain dry. Granular products absorb moisture from the air, causing them to cake up like cement.

Does Miracle Gro fertilizer expire?

Answer: Miracle-Gro Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food has a shelf life of about 3 years if kept in a cool dry place.

WILL MY FERTILIZERS GO BAD? // Fertilizer Shelf Life and Storage

Does Scotts lawn fertilizer expire?

Fertilizer doesn't expire, but we recommend keeping it dry and in an airtight container, and using it up within a year to get the best results. The longer the fertilizer sits unused, the more likely it is to become damp and clumpy, which could make it hard to spread.

What can you do with leftover fertilizer?

Search for a local household hazardous waste facility that accepts fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides on 1-800-RECYCLING.com. If none exists in your area, contact local garden supply stores to see if they will accept your unused fertilizer for proper disposal.

How do you store dried fertilizer?

How long does granular fertilizer last in soil?

Granular fertilizers tend to be slow-release and can last anywhere from two to five months. The packaging should tell you how often the nitrogen fertilizer will last and when to reapply it.

Does fertilizer need to be watered in?

All fertilizers should be watered-in. This ensures that the product will be washed into the soil and become available to the grass through the roots. It's important to water-in with enough water—but not too much.

What is the most effective fertilizer?

Best Overall : Jobe's Organics All Purpose Fertilizer

However, the blend of nutrients in Jobe's Organics All-Purpose Fertilizer comes close. Your plants can have a productive growing season with a 4-4-4 mix of nitrogen for stem and leaf growth, phosphorus for seed or fruit growth, and potassium for drought resistance.

How should fertilizers be stored?

Safe Storage

Whenever possible fertiliser should be stored inside a secure building made from non-combustible materials. The building should be dry, well ventilated and with a floor free of sharp objects. When storing fertiliser inside a building: Stack to a maximum of 3 bags high.

How do you store fertilizer in bulk?

Store piles of dry bulk fertilizer on an impermeable surface under cover or in a building. Treat dry fertilizer impregnated with a pesticide as a pesticide. Store under cover or protected from rain.

Which of the following is a proper storing of fertilizer?

Store on a raised level, well-drained, dry and smooth surface. Use a pallet beneath the bags to prevent direct contact with the ground and the water (i.e. in case of heavy rain). Only use pallets with undamaged pallet caps, they must also be free from splinters and nails.

How do you store fertilizer water?

Always store these products in an area with temperatures between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit and be sure to keep the lid on tight. Granular water soluble microbial inoculants, just like water-soluble granular fertilizers, should be stored in sealed bags or containers in a cool and dry environment.

How do you dispose of fertilizer bags?

Leave liquid fertilizer in its container with the lid on. Wrap it in four or more layers of newspaper, so it is absorbed in the case of a spill. Place the wrapped container inside a sturdy trash bag and tie closed. Place the bagged fertilizer inside your trash can with your regular trash on the day of trash pick-up.

Is lawn fertilizer considered a hazardous material?

The chemicals in lawn and liquid fertilizer are definitely helpful for grass, but they are considered hazardous waste. Obviously, the trashcan isn't the best place for old fertilizer. The primary ingredients are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Can you over fertilize grass?

Applying too much fertilizer to your lawn will cause the nitrogen and salt levels in the soil to increase rapidly, which can damage or even kill the grass. When this happens, it is known as “fertilizer burn” and looks like yellow and brown strips or patches of dead grass.

Does Osmocote fertilizer expire?

What is the shelf life of Osmocote^®? Osmocote^® granules can last for as much as eight (8) years when stored properly. Proper storage means being in a relatively cool but dry place.

How often should I fertilize my lawn?

A full feeding is recommended at least 5-6 times per year. You want to feed your lawn when it's growing most rapidly. However, you should base the frequency on your climate and the type of grass you have. For example, cool season grasses can be fertilized in late spring, but only if necessary.

What happens if you apply fertilizer to wet grass?

Fertilizer applied to grass that is damp or wet but not soggy will be just as effective as fertilizer applied to dry grass. Fertilizer applied to waterlogged grass or grass that is in soil that has standing water on top of it may be diluted so much that it will lose 60% or more of its potency.

Should you fertilize before or after cutting lawn?

Though there are no hard, fast rules to lawn care, as a general rule, the grass should be mowed first, then fertilized; this removes excess lawn waste and exposes the soil, which helps the fertilizer work more efficiently.

Will fertilizer burn grass if not watered?

If you leave fertilizer sitting on your lawn without watering it into the soil for a period of days, you run the risk of losing some or all of your fertilizer to the first heavy rain that hits your lawn.

Is it safe to store fertilizer in garage?

Some good storage spots include your garage or a shed. Garage: If you choose to store fertilizer in your garage, again make sure that it's out of reach. Keep it on a high shelf that kids cannot reach, or even better a cabinet that can be locked.