How To Apply Liquid Fertilizer: Uses For Your Lawn & Garden - WikiHow

Home » How To Apply Liquid Fertilizer » How To Apply Liquid Fertilizer: Uses For Your Lawn & Garden - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Apply Liquid Fertilizer Explore this Article Sections 1 Fertilizing Outdoor Plants 2 Fertilizing Indoor Plants 3 Fertilizing Your Lawn 4 When should you apply liquid fertilizer? 5 How often do you apply liquid fertilizer? 6 Should you water after applying liquid fertilizer? 7 What can you use to make homemade liquid fertilizer? + Show 4 more... - Show less... Other Sections Tips and Warnings Related Articles Expert Interview References Co-authored by Matt Bowman and Hunter Rising

Last Updated: February 18, 2026 References

X

This article was co-authored by Matt Bowman and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Matt Bowman is a Gardener, Landscaper, the Owner of Georgia Farm to Table, and the Owner of Tradition Property Services in Atlanta, Georgia. With over 20 years experience, he specializes in organic gardening, landscape maintenance, handyman services, homecare services, and supplying Christmas trees. Matt earned a BA in Journalism from the University of Georgia. There are 19 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 27,706 times.

If you're looking for a quick way to feed your plants or lawn, liquid fertilizer is a great way to stimulate healthy growth. Liquid or water-soluble fertilizers seep into the soil or the leaves of your plants a quick and even balance of nutrients they need, and they're so easy to use no matter what you’re growing. Keep reading for the answers to your most common questions and find out how you can apply liquid fertilizer to help any of your plants thrive!

Things You Should Know

  • To fertilize outdoor plants, run a soil test to know what nutrients are missing. Dilute a liquid fertilizer with water in a watering can and pour it onto the soil.
  • For indoor or container plants, use a balanced NPK liquid fertilizer. Dilute the fertilizer with water and apply it to the soil or directly on the leaves.
  • To use liquid fertilizer on your lawn, do a soil test to see what fertilizer nutrients it needs. Use a garden sprayer or a hose to spread the fertilizer.
  • ​​Apply liquid fertilizers every 2–4 weeks in the early morning or late evening before the hot midday sun.

Steps

Section 1 of 7:

Fertilizing Outdoor Plants

  1. Step 1 Run a soil test to see what nutrients your plants need. 1 Run a soil test to see what nutrients your plants need. Get a soil test kit and take a sample of the soil in the area near your plants. Test the soil sample following the instructions in the kit to check the nutrient levels that are already in your soil.[1] That way, you get a better idea of what you need to add to your soil so that your plants can thrive.[2]
    • If your soil already has high levels of nutrients, then you don’t need to apply any liquid fertilizer.
  2. Step 2 Dilute a liquid... 2 Dilute a liquid fertilizer with water in a watering can. Based on what you found out from your soil test, get a liquid fertilizer that’s rich in the nutrients that are missing. Every liquid fertilizer has a different concentration, so follow the directions that are on the packaging to find out how much to use. Put water and the fertilizer in a watering can and give a quick stir to ensure the solution is thoroughly mixed.[3]
    • Some liquid fertilizers come in a bottle that connects directly to the end of a hose. The fertilizer mixes with the water once you turn your hose on, so you don’t have to dilute it.
    • If you have irrigation for your outdoor plants, you can put the liquid fertilizer into a fertilizer injector connected to the line. That way, your plants will get fertilizer every time they’re watered.
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Wet the soil around your plants with the fertilizer solution. 3 Wet the soil around your plants with the fertilizer solution. Slowly pour the fertilizer solution directly onto the soil around the base of your plants to feed and water them at the same time. Only wet the soil enough so it feels damp, but not so there are standing pools of water on the surface.[4]
    • Give liquid fertilizer to the plants in your garden to help them produce more fruits and veggies you can harvest.
    • Liquid fertilizer is great for newly planted trees or shrubs so they can develop strong trunks and branches.
    • Try liquid fertilizer on your flowers when they’re in bloom to help them stay bright and colorful throughout the season.
  4. Step 4 Apply fertilizer to... 4 Apply fertilizer to the leaves with a garden sprayer for a quick boost. Unlike granular varieties, liquid fertilizers can be used as a foliar application, meaning they absorb through the leaves of your plant. If your plants need a little perk up in the middle of the growing season, dilute your fertilizer in a garden sprayer or spray bottle and mist the leaves until they start to drip. Your plants will get a healthy boost and grow in stronger.[5]
    • Any excess fertilizer that drips off will absorb into the soil and be sucked up by your plant’s roots.
    5. Advertisement
Section 2 of 7:

Fertilizing Indoor Plants

  1. Step 1 Use a balanced... 1 Use a balanced NPK liquid fertilizer for your plants. A balanced fertilizer has equal parts nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), which are all helpful nutrients to stimulate plant growth.[6] Check the packaging on the fertilizer to see if the 3 numbers listing the nutrient amounts are the same, such as “10-10-10” or “15-15-15.”[7]
    • You do not need to run a soil test for container plants since most potting mixes already say what nutrients they contain.
    • Fertilizers are great for promoting blooms, as well as supporting indoor and potted plants after you transplant them into new containers.
    • If you’re growing tomatoes or planting bell peppers, use a liquid fertilizer with a higher amount of potassium to help your plants grow more fruits.
  2. Step 2 Dilute the fertilizer in a watering can. 2 Dilute the fertilizer in a watering can. Read the label on the packaging to determine the ratio of fertilizer to water you need. Usually, you’ll use about 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of fertilizer per 1 gallon (3.8 L) of water. Put the water and fertilizer in your watering can and swish it around to ensure they’re mixed together.[8]
    • Some fertilizers for indoor and potted plants are already diluted in the bottle, so they’re ready to use right away. Always read the instructions on the package thoroughly to see if you need to add water.
  3. Step 3 Soak the soil with your fertilizer solution. 3 Soak the soil with your fertilizer solution. Pour the fertilizer solution directly onto the soil to water and feed your indoor potted plants at the same time. Let the fertilizer seep into the soil so it comes out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Just be sure to stop adding fertilizer before water starts pooling on the surface.[9]
  4. Step 4 Spray fertilizer on the leaves if your plants are stressed. 4 Spray fertilizer on the leaves if your plants are stressed. If you ever accidentally forget to water or feed your plant, then your plants can use the extra boost from a little liquid fertilizer in the middle of the growing season. Put the diluted fertilizer into a spray bottle or garden sprayer and apply it directly on the leaves. You’ll see your plant perk up within the next couple of days.[10]
    5. Advertisement
Section 3 of 7:

Fertilizing Your Lawn

  1. Step 1 Perform a soil test to find out what nutrients your lawn is missing. 1 Perform a soil test to find out what nutrients your lawn is missing. Take a sample of soil from your lawn and run your soil test. When you see the results, make note of which nutrients your lawn needs so you can get a liquid fertilizer that contains them.[11]
    • Liquid fertilizers help give your grass a quick boost of green in the middle of the growing season.
    • You only need to test your soil once every 3–5 years to monitor the nutrient levels.[12]
  2. Step 2 Pour liquid fertilizer... 2 Pour liquid fertilizer in a garden sprayer and dilute it with water. A garden sprayer is the best way to apply liquid fertilizer to your lawn since you get the most even coverage. Check the fertilizer package to see how much you need to mix with water to get the proper concentration.[13]
    • The concentration of different liquid fertilizers will vary. If you accidentally use too high of a concentration, it could “burn” your grass and damage your lawn.
  3. Step 3 Attach the fertilizer... 3 Attach the fertilizer bottle to a hose if it has a hose-end applicator, alternatively. Some liquid fertilizers come in a bottle that screws directly to the end of a garden hose. When you turn on your hose, the fertilizer automatically mixes with the water so it’s at the proper concentration. That way, you don’t have to worry about measuring or diluting the fertilizer.[14]
    • Most fertilizers with hose-end applicator bottles can cover 2,500 square feet (230 m2) of your lawn.[15]
  4. Step 4 Spread the fertilizer evenly over your lawn. 4 Spread the fertilizer evenly over your lawn. Start in the corner of your lawn and spray the fertilizer onto your grass in rows back and forth. Walk backward to avoid stepping on any areas you just applied your fertilizer. The fertilizer will absorb through the blades of grass and the soil to help promote healthy growth.[16]
    • Try applying fertilizer right after you mow your lawn so the grass has more time to absorb the nutrients before you mow again.
    5. Advertisement
Section 4 of 7:

When should you apply liquid fertilizer?

  1. Step 1 Wait at least 2–3 weeks after planting to use liquid fertilizer. 1 Wait at least 2–3 weeks after planting to use liquid fertilizer. You could damage the roots if you apply liquid fertilizer at the same time as planting your plants. After 2 or 3 weeks, the roots have a little more time to establish and will effectively absorb the nutrients from your fertilizer.[17]
  2. Step 2 Apply fertilizers in the morning or evening during the growing season. 2 Apply fertilizers in the morning or evening during the growing season. Since the mid-day sun could make the water and fertilizer evaporate, stick to applying it in the early morning or late evening when there isn’t as much sunlight.[18]
    3. Advertisement
Section 5 of 7:

How often do you apply liquid fertilizer?

  1. Step 1 Apply fertilizer to indoor and outdoor plants once a month. 1 Apply fertilizer to indoor and outdoor plants once a month. Since plants absorb liquid fertilizers quickly, they don’t stay in the soil for very long during the growing season. Every 3–4 weeks, mix up a little more of your liquid fertilizer and reapply it to the soil or directly on the plant leaves to give them a boost of food so they can thrive throughout the growing season.[19]
    • Avoid fertilizing during the winter months when your plants are dormant since they won’t be able to suck up the nutrients.[20]
    • Alternatively, cut the concentration of the fertilizer in half and apply it every 2 weeks for consistent feeding throughout the season.
  2. Step 2 Spread liquid fertilizer across your lawn every 2–4 weeks. 2 Spread liquid fertilizer across your lawn every 2–4 weeks. Liquid fertilizer is fast-acting, so it doesn’t help promote growth throughout the entire season like granular fertilizers. Go out after 2–4 weeks to spray your lawn again so it grows consistently.[21]
    • Grass goes dormant during the winter months, so avoid using fertilizer when your grass stops growing at the end of the season.
    3. Advertisement
Section 6 of 7:

Should you water after applying liquid fertilizer?

  1. Water the soil before applying liquid fertilizer, but not after. Water the soil before applying liquid fertilizer, but not after. Liquid fertilizer moves through the soil easier when it’s damp, so just wet the soil with a watering can just before you apply it. Since the fertilizer is already mixed with water and absorbs into the soil, you don’t have to water it in after you apply it.[22]
    • Solid granular fertilizer needs to be watered in after you apply it, or else it will sit on the surface of your soil.
Section 7 of 7:

What can you use to make homemade liquid fertilizer?

  1. Try making “compost tea” with plant scraps and water. Try making “compost tea” with plant scraps and water. Fill a bucket halfway with loose compost, such as chopped weeds, plant scraps, and grass clippings. Then, fill the bucket with water and leave it outside to make the compost tea. Stir the compost mixture every day for 2 weeks to keep it aerated. When you want to use some of the compost tea, strain some out of the bucket and apply it to the soil or on the leaves of your plants.[23]
    • Try using plants like stinging nettle, alfalfa, comfrey, and dandelions in your compost tea since they’re all rich in nutrients.
    • Cover the top of the bucket with a [mesh screen] to keep out bugs and mosquitoes.
    2. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Tips

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

  • Avoid getting fertilizer on pavement or hard surfaces so it doesn’t wash into a storm drain and contaminate water.[24] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • If it’s about to rain, wait to apply fertilizer since it could easily wash off your plants and leach into groundwater.[25] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Use Miracle‐GroHow toUse Miracle‐Gro Grow Plants FasterHow toGrow Plants Faster Fertilize a Citrus TreeFertilizing a Citrus Tree: What Month, How Much, & Best Ratios Take Care of PlantsHow to Care for Houseplants & Outdoor Plants Fertilize TreesHow toFertilize Trees Apply Weed and FeedHow and When to Apply Weed & Feed to Your Lawn Use PotashWhy Do Gardens Need Potash? Everything You Need to Know Mix Hydroponics NutrientsHow toMix Hydroponics Nutrients Care for a Hibiscus PlantHow toCare for a Hibiscus Plant Make a Compost TeaHow toMake a Compost Tea Fertilize Dragon FruitHow to Choose & Use a Fertilizer for Your Dragon Fruit Grow Healthy PlantsHow toGrow Healthy Plants Plant a Seed in a PotHow toPlant a Seed in a Pot Plant Grass PlugsHow toPlant Grass Plugs Advertisement

Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about gardening, check out our in-depth interview with Matt Bowman.

References

  1. ↑ Matt Bowman. Gardener & Owner, Tradition Market & Garden. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ https://www.almanac.com/how-fertilize-your-vegetable-garden
  3. ↑ https://youtu.be/qPRbs8pvvhE?t=262
  4. ↑ https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/fertilizing-trees-shrubs/
  5. ↑ https://turf.arizona.edu/ccps101.htm
  6. ↑ Ben Barkan. Professional Gardener. Expert Interview
  7. ↑ https://www.almanac.com/abcs-fertilizing-containers
  8. ↑ https://youtu.be/aA03SAuEnWE?t=129
  9. ↑ https://youtu.be/7jrfNglwIJE?t=6013
More References (16)
  1. ↑ https://www.almanac.com/abcs-fertilizing-containers
  2. ↑ Matt Bowman. Gardener & Owner, Tradition Market & Garden. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ https://www.riley.k-state.edu/lawn-garden/soil-testing-fertilizing/index.html
  4. ↑ https://turf.arizona.edu/tipsnov00.htm
  5. ↑ https://youtu.be/KgLVENZ4hVo?t=148
  6. ↑ https://youtu.be/HvtY4ifl98c?t=145
  7. ↑ https://youtu.be/V2m73Hr-tkE?t=311
  8. ↑ https://www.almanac.com/how-fertilize-your-vegetable-garden
  9. ↑ https://ipm.missouri.edu/MPG/2019/4/foliarFeeding/
  10. ↑ https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/fertilizer/applying-fertilizer-to-vegetables.html
  11. ↑ https://extension.umd.edu/resource/fertilizer-indoor-plants
  12. ↑ https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-news/hot-weather-fertilizer-tips-your-yard-and-garden
  13. ↑ https://www.almanac.com/how-fertilize-your-vegetable-garden
  14. ↑ https://www.almanac.com/fertilizer-tea-plants-weeds-and-grass
  15. ↑ https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/fertilizer/applying-fertilizer-to-vegetables.html
  16. ↑ Ben Barkan. Professional Gardener. Expert Interview

About This Article

Matt Bowman Co-authored by: Matt Bowman Gardener & Owner, Tradition Market & Garden This article was co-authored by Matt Bowman and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Matt Bowman is a Gardener, Landscaper, the Owner of Georgia Farm to Table, and the Owner of Tradition Property Services in Atlanta, Georgia. With over 20 years experience, he specializes in organic gardening, landscape maintenance, handyman services, homecare services, and supplying Christmas trees. Matt earned a BA in Journalism from the University of Georgia. This article has been viewed 27,706 times. 12 votes - 100% Co-authors: 8 Updated: February 18, 2026 Views: 27,706 Categories: Gardening
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 27,706 times. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Matt Bowman Co-authored by: Matt Bowman Gardener & Owner, Tradition Market & Garden Co-authors: 8 Updated: February 18, 2026 Views: 27,706 100% of readers found this article helpful. 12 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote

Quizzes & Games

What's the Best Meal Kit for Me QuizWhat's the Best Meal Kit for Me QuizTake QuizAm I Smart QuizAm I Smart QuizTake QuizHow Tall Will I Be QuizHow Tall Will I Be QuizTake QuizWhat Plant Am I QuizWhat Plant Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizTake QuizWhat’s My Perfect Hair Care Routine?What’s My Perfect Hair Care Routine?Take Quiz

You Might Also Like

Use Miracle‐GroHow toUse Miracle‐GroGrow Plants FasterHow toGrow Plants FasterFertilize a Citrus TreeFertilizing a Citrus Tree: What Month, How Much, & Best RatiosTake Care of PlantsHow to Care for Houseplants & Outdoor Plants

Trending Articles

What Emojis Mean Sex?What Emojis Mean Sex?100+ Flirty Things to Say to a Girl & Boost Her Self-Esteem100+ Flirty Things to Say to a Girl & Boost Her Self-EsteemType A B C D Personality TestType A B C D Personality TestKissing Tips: The wikiHow Guide to the Perfect KissKissing Tips: The wikiHow Guide to the Perfect KissTell That Your Crush Likes You BackHow toTell That Your Crush Likes You BackCat Sleeping Positions: 22 Common Poses ExplainedCat Sleeping Positions: 22 Common Poses Explained

Watch Articles

Calculate the Volume of a PyramidHow toCalculate the Volume of a PyramidThe Best Way to Exfoliate Your Scalp (Plus, What to Use)The Best Way to Exfoliate Your Scalp (Plus, What to Use)Save Money as a KidHow toSave Money as a KidPolish AluminumHow toPolish Aluminum2 Easy Renter-Friendly Options to Hang Your Window Treatments2 Easy Renter-Friendly Options to Hang Your Window Treatments Insert Slide Numbers in PowerPointHow to Insert Slide Numbers in PowerPoint

Trending Articles

Are You Unc? Discover How Old Your Vibe IsAre You Unc? Discover How Old Your Vibe IsWhat's My Hottest Feature QuizWhat's My Hottest Feature QuizGen Beta Slang QuizGen Beta Slang Quiz24 Different Types of Bras Explained24 Different Types of Bras Explained Play the Concentrate Game (For A Little Scare!)How to Play the Concentrate Game (For A Little Scare!)What Does Your Rice Purity Score Really Mean?What Does Your Rice Purity Score Really Mean?

Quizzes & Games

Daily Water Intake CalculatorDaily Water Intake CalculatorDo I Smell Bad QuizDo I Smell Bad QuizTake QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizTake QuizCan You Spot The False Climate Claims QuizCan You Spot The False Climate Claims QuizTake QuizAre My Hormones Imbalanced QuizAre My Hormones Imbalanced QuizTake QuizCreative Ability TestCreative Ability TestTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Home and Garden
  • Gardening
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

Let's go! X --518

Tag » How To Apply Liquid Fertilizer