Liquid vs Granular Fertilizers in Summer: Which Is Better?

As temperatures rise and gardens enter their most demanding growth phase, the question often arises: should you be using liquid or granular fertilizer for summer feeding? Each type has its benefits—and drawbacks—depending on your goals, plant type, soil condition, and even the weather.

In this blog, we’ll break down the pros and cons of both fertilizer types, explore which crops benefit most from each, and help you decide how to feed your plants more efficiently this summer using products available from Supply Solutions LLC.

What Are Liquid and Granular Fertilizers?

Liquid fertilizers are typically water-soluble concentrates or ready-to-use solutions that can be applied via watering cans, hose-end sprayers, or fertigation systems. They offer rapid nutrient delivery, especially beneficial during stress periods like summer.

Granular fertilizers come in solid pellet form, applied by hand or spreader. They break down over time, offering slower, extended nutrient release.

Pros and Cons of Liquid Fertilizers

Pros:

• Fast absorption, visible results in days
• Ideal for correcting nutrient deficiencies
• Easy to mix with micronutrients or pest control products
• Can be applied directly to leaves (foliar feeding)
• Excellent for container gardens, ornamentals, and crops in active bloom

Cons:

• Requires more frequent applications (every 1–2 weeks)
• Can leach easily in heavy rain or overwatering
• More labor-intensive for large areas

Pros and Cons of Granular Fertilizers

Pros:

• Long-lasting, slow-release feeding (3–6 weeks or more)
• Better for deep root feeding
• Easier for large areas like lawns and field crops
• Typically more cost-effective per application

Cons:

• Slower to show results (7–10 days or more)
• Risk of burn if not watered in properly
• Nutrients may get locked in dry soil during heatwaves

Key Summer Considerations

In hot, dry conditions, plant stress increases and nutrient uptake can slow. Here’s how each fertilizer type performs:

• During heatwaves: Liquid is safer and faster but needs consistent watering.
• With drought stress: Granular may sit unused in dry soil. Use liquids if you’re irrigating.
• For heavy feeders: Use granular as a base and supplement with liquid during peak growth.

Best Uses for Liquid Fertilizers in Summer

• Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers: These crops benefit from rapid uptake of nitrogen and potassium during fruiting.
• Ornamental flowers: Keep blooms vibrant with 10-10-10 Liquid Fertilizer.
• Container plants: Quick nutrient access is vital due to limited root space.
• Correcting deficiencies: Foliar sprays with Calcium Nitrate or iron for chlorosis.

Best Uses for Granular Fertilizers in Summer

• Lawns: Use 21-0-0-24S Ammonium Sulfate for summer greening and pH management.
• Trees and shrubs: Feed deep-root systems with 12-6-6 Ornamental Blend in granular form.
• Vegetable beds: Use granular 10-10-10 early in summer, then liquid as a booster.

Application Tips

• Water thoroughly after applying granular fertilizer to activate nutrients.
• For liquid products, apply in the morning or late afternoon to reduce evaporation.
• Avoid both types during the hottest part of the day.

Blending Strategies for the Best of Both Worlds

Smart gardeners often combine both types for efficiency and control:

• Apply granular at the beginning of summer as a base.
• Supplement with liquid fertilizers during fruiting, flowering, or visible stress.

This approach provides steady feeding while allowing quick corrections and targeted boosts.

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—your best summer fertilizer choice depends on your plants, your soil, and your climate. That said, a strategic mix of granular for slow-release support and liquid for targeted feeding can yield the best results in most gardens.

Not sure what your lawn, flower beds, or crops need right now? Reach out to the pros at Supply Solutions LLC.

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Email sales@mysolutionssupply.com
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Let Supply Solutions LLC help you feed smarter this summer.