Milorganite Slow-Release Fertilizer Review [Summer 2022]

Common Questions about Milorganite

The following are some of the most common questions about Milorganite and its use. The responses I'm providing here are based on information from the manufacturers (ingredients, safety, application, etc.) but, more importantly, they are backed up by my personal experiences with the product.

Is Milorganite safe?

Milorganite is absolutely a safe product, especially in comparison to a lot of products offered by competitors. The product doesn't smell great, but just being around it (opening a bag and pouring it into a spreader) you can tell that it has less of a harsh chemical smell than nearly all of the typical fertilizers you'll find at a big box retailer.

I am not a chemist by any means, and this is mainly based on my initial instincts with the product (I've used plenty of Scotts products in the past and now plenty of Milorganite as well), but I feel comfortable using this product and letting my kids and dog play in the yard the same day.

Is Milorganite safe for dogs?

My dog has eaten enough Milorganite for me to know that, yes, Milorganite is safe for dogs. This is backed up by the manufacturer as well. They say that, while your dog may experience some discomfort if they eat too much of it, your dogs can safely consume the product without harm.

They do warn that some dogs may be attracted to it and enjoy eating it. I think our dog falls into this camp. You do apply it at a pretty heavy rate, so where he finds larger piles here and there he does like to munch on it. We've never noticed any adverse side-effects from him eating it.

Is Milorganite organic?

Being derived from living matter, Milorganite is an organic fertilizer. Unlike other inorganic fertilizers, it provides slow-release nitrogen and adds organic matter into the soil, setting you up for long-lasting and long-term success.

Is Milorganite safe for vegetables?

By following the manufacturer's instructions, you can safely use Milorganite to get fantastic results when growing vegetables. The slow-release nitrogen is beneficial for plant growth overall, and the phosphorous content means that your veggies will have strong, thick roots capable of producing high yields.

Always follow instructions when applying fertilizer to plants that will be consumed. Even the safest products should still be used properly when food is involved.

Is Milorganite good for flowers?

Milorganite can be used for flowers to help them grow their biggest and brightest. Due to the slow-release nature of the product, you'll only have to apply it every six to eight weeks.

You'll get better results with fewer applications, meaning you can spend more time enjoying your flowers and less time tending to them.

Can you use Milogranite with other fertilizers?

You can safely interchange Milorganite with other fertilizers within a growing season, but you should not apply both at once or double up your application. Granular fertilizer products all have specific application rates that vary, and it can be difficult to mix and match safely.

Using Milorganite with another product is much more common with fertilizers that also contain a weed killer, such as Scotts Weed and Feed. Since Milorganite is only a fertilizer and not a weed killer, this can be a great way to get the benefits of both products.

Can you use Milorganite with Weed and Feed?

Yes, you can use Milorganite with Weed and Feed in the same season. You should not apply a mix of both at the same time or double up your application. I have had success alternating between the two products during the weedy summer season.

This past season I used this approach in my own yard and was very happy with how everything turned out. Weed and Feed is good at killing off the weeds, but I prefer the slow-release aspect and greening capabilities that Milorganite offers for general fertilization needs.

Weed and Feed specifies to apply at least 30 days apart. Milorganite generally recommends a schedule of every six weeks or so. Weed and Feed does contain a lot of the same nitrogen that Milorganite contains, so if you are using both products then Milorganite definitely becomes the side dish rather than the main course.

I applied the Weed and Feed about 45 days apart but did apply Milorganite in between the applications with no ill effects on my lawn. Not long after, my lawn was looking as thick, green and healthy as I had ever seen it.

Can you use Milorganite as a starter fertilizer with new grass seed?

Milorganite makes a fantastic starter fertilizer for new grass seed. The slow-release formula makes it safe to use on lawns in their early phases of growth. And the boost of nutrients (specifically nitrogen and phosphorous) will help newly seeded areas estabilsh themselves and grow in thicker and more quickly.

When applying new grass seed, you can mix two parts of Milorganite to one part grass seed to help your seed get off to a strong start. Those instructions are directly from the manufacturer. I personally haven't use it with brand new seed, but I have used it to great success on seed that was less than a month old.

Can you use Milorganite once a month?

I have personally had great success applying Milorganite on a monthly schedule. This is where the non-burning aspect of Milorganite really shines. It is really difficult to apply too much Milorganite.

They do generally recommend applying it every six weeks, and honestly, a monthly schedule is probably not necessary long-term but if you are trying to kick-start a yard that hasn't been properly maintained then you will be happy with monthly applications.

Does Milorganite burn grass?

The thing that makes Milorganite so easy to use is that it does not burn grass. You can dump a pile of it in one spot and you'll have no problem whatsoever.

Try that with something like Scotts products and you'll have a burn spot in your yard within a day. I've even had trouble with those products leaving burn marks just due to the product building up on my spreaders' wheels.

Most fertilizers sold at big-box retailers contain salts that are responsible for the burn effect when you apply too much of the product.

You won't worry about that with Milorganite. It is literally one of the most fool-proof products that I've ever used.

Does Milorganite green up grass?

I have only been using Milorganite for a season, but my grass is greener now than it has ever been. With iron and nitrogen, Milorganite will give you a healthy, dark-green lawn that will impress all your neighbors and friends.

Most fertilizers don't contain iron, and when it comes to color it can be one of the most critical components. Milorganite's non-staining iron helps to give you a dark, dark green color that is truly impressive.

Does Milorganite kill weeds?

The one main thing Milorganite doesn't do is kill weeds. When using Milorganite you will have to handle weeds separately, whether that's by manually pulling them, using a pre-emergent weed killer to prevent them in the first place or using a post-emergent product to eliminate them after they've already sprung up.

The lack of herbicide in the product isn't necessarily a bad thing, it's just something to be aware of as you decide on your own personal lawn care regimen.