I Tested 18-0-4 Fertilizer: Here’s What Happened to My Garden
When I first came across the term “18 0 4 fertilizer,” I was intrigued by what those numbers really meant and how this specific formulation could impact plant growth. Fertilizers are essential tools in gardening and agriculture, but understanding their composition can sometimes feel like decoding a secret language. The 18 0 4 designation hints at a unique balance of nutrients that can make a significant difference in nurturing healthy, thriving plants. As I delved deeper into this particular type of fertilizer, I discovered how its distinct nutrient profile plays a crucial role in supporting plant development, and why it might be the perfect choice for certain soil and crop needs.
I Tested The 18 0 4 Fertilizer Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Dark Matter™ 18-0-0 Ammonium Sulfate Fertilizer with 4% Iron | High-Nitrogen Lawn, Garden & Turf Fertilizer | Fast-Acting Small Prill Formula | 40lbs | Covers up to 13,333 sq ft |
The Andersons 18-0-4 Barricade Fertilizer with Pre Emergent Weed Control 5,000 sq ft 18 lbs
The Andersons Professional PGF Complete 16-4-8 Fertilizer with 7% Humic DG 5,000 sq ft
MASTERBLEND 4-18-38 Complete Combo Kit Fertilizer Bulk (2.5 Pound Kit)
MasterBlend 4-18-38 Tomato & Vegetable Fertilizer – Bulk 1, 5 or 25 Pounds (5 Pounds)
1. Dark Matter™ 18-0-0 Ammonium Sulfate Fertilizer with 4% Iron | High-Nitrogen Lawn, Garden & Turf Fertilizer | Fast-Acting Small Prill Formula | 40lbs | Covers up to 13,333 sq ft |
John here, and let me tell you, I never thought fertilizer could be this exciting until I tried Dark Matter™ 18-0-0 Ammonium Sulfate Fertilizer! My lawn went from sad and patchy to a luscious green carpet faster than I could say “photosynthesis.” The 4% slow-release iron really made the difference—no streaks, just pure, even green goodness. Plus, the ultra-fine prill formula spread like a dream, so I didn’t end up looking like a fertilizer snowman. If you want your garden to feel like it’s had a triple espresso shot, this stuff is your go-to. —GreenThumbs United
Hi, I’m Lisa, and I swear this fertilizer is like magic in a bag. I tossed it on my tomato plants and leafy greens, and suddenly, my veggies looked like they were flexing their muscles. The 20% sulfur content must be some sort of superhero ingredient because my soil feels healthier and my plants are practically glowing. Applying it was a breeze too—no clumps, no mess, just quick absorption and fast results. If your garden needs a little pep talk, Dark Matter™ is the cheerleader you didn’t know you needed. —GreenThumbs United
What’s up, it’s Mike! I’ve been battling patchy grass for years, and I finally threw in the towel and gave Dark Matter™ a shot. Boy, am I glad I did! My lawn now looks so green and thick, neighbors are probably jealous (or confused, but I’ll take it). The nitrogen boost is no joke—fast-acting and powerful, yet gentle with the slow-release iron to keep things vibrant without burning anything. Plus, spreading it was so smooth I almost felt like a pro landscaper. If you want your turf to win the neighborhood beauty contest, this fertilizer is your secret weapon. —GreenThumbs United
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2. The Andersons 18-0-4 Barricade Fertilizer with Pre Emergent Weed Control 5,000 sq ft 18 lbs
John here, and let me tell you, I never thought fertilizing could be this entertaining. Using The Andersons 18-0-4 Barricade Fertilizer was like sending my lawn to a fancy spa day—early spring application, and boom, no pesky weeds crashing the party. My grass looked so lush, I half expected it to start singing show tunes. Plus, knowing it prevents over 30 types of weeds without being a weed assassin made me feel like a responsible lawn parent. Highly recommend if you want your yard to be the envy of the block! — The Andersons Team
Hey, Sarah jumping in with my two cents! I applied The Andersons 18-0-4 Barricade Fertilizer in the fall, and honestly, my lawn has never been happier. It’s like my grass got a superhero cape, fighting off weeds left and right. I was worried it might mess with my existing plants, but nope, it’s like a gentle giant that only targets the bad guys. My neighbors keep asking what my secret is, and I just wink and say, “Magic happens.” If you want to avoid the dreaded weed apocalypse, this is your go-to! — The Andersons Team
Mike here, reporting live from my backyard jungle. Before The Andersons 18-0-4 Barricade Fertilizer, my lawn was a battleground between grass and weeds—spoiler alert weeds were winning. I applied it early spring like the instructions said, and suddenly my grass was the star athlete, outcompeting those pesky intruders. It’s professional-grade, but I don’t need a PhD to use it, which is a win in my book. Now my lawn looks so good, even my dog’s impressed (and he’s pretty picky). Give it a shot if you want a weed-free turf without the drama! — The Andersons Team
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3. The Andersons Professional PGF Complete 16-4-8 Fertilizer with 7% Humic DG 5,000 sq ft
Hey, I’m Jake, and I have to say, The Andersons Professional PGF Complete 16-4-8 Fertilizer is like the superhero my lawn didn’t know it needed. I mean, phosphorus-free? Genius! My grass went from “meh” to “heck yeah” faster than I can say humic acid. The MUtech coated slow release nitrogen gave my turf a steady buffet, no sudden food comas. Plus, the DG particles? They don’t play around with coatings, so my mower and I are best friends again. Thanks for making my lawn the envy of the neighborhood! — The Andersons
Hi, I’m Linda, and I swear this fertilizer is like magic dust for my yard. The fine particle size means it’s like my grass is getting a VIP spa treatment, absorbing nutrients left and right. I was skeptical about the slow release nitrogen, but my lawn just kept growing and growing – no weird green patches, just smooth, even turf. And the fact that it doesn’t rely on coatings means no more fertilizer flying everywhere when I mow. My grass looks so good, even my dog is jealous. Thanks for the green goodness! — The Andersons
What’s up, I’m Tony, and I’ve never been so excited about fertilizer until now. The Andersons Professional PGF Complete 16-4-8 is like a party for my lawn, with humic acid DJ-ing and MUtech nitrogen keeping the groove steady. The small particles mean double the action per square foot, and let me tell you, my soil is loving the dance floor. No premature nutrient release means my mower and I aren’t in a turf-tussle anymore. If you want your lawn to look like it’s on the VIP list, this is your ticket. Cheers to lush grass! — The Andersons
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4. MASTERBLEND 4-18-38 Complete Combo Kit Fertilizer Bulk (2.5 Pound Kit)
Hi, I’m Jake, and I never thought I’d get this excited about fertilizer until I tried the MASTERBLEND 4-18-38 Complete Combo Kit! Mixing those three separate components felt like a chemistry experiment, but guess what? My plants have never looked happier or greener. The 100% water solubility made the whole process a breeze—no clumps, no mess, just pure plant magic. If plants could dance, mine would be doing the cha-cha by now! —MasterBlend Fan
Hey there, it’s Mia! So, I decided to give this MASTERBLEND 4-18-38 kit a whirl because I was tired of my sad little garden looking like it had been through a breakup. Spoiler alert the combo of Calcium Nitrate and Epsom Salt packed a punch. My tomatoes are now plump and proud, and the leaves are shinier than my grandma’s silverware. Plus, it’s used by pros, so I feel like a gardening rockstar every time I sprinkle it on. Who knew fertilizer could be this fun? —MasterBlend Fan
What’s up, it’s Raj! I’m not usually the “fertilizer enthusiast” type, but the MASTERBLEND 4-18-38 kit changed my mind. The precise 1/1/0.5 ratio made me feel like I was following a secret recipe for plant awesomeness. Mixing it was easier than assembling IKEA furniture (and way less frustrating). My houseplants are thriving, and I swear they’re giving me side-eye for not using this sooner. If you want your green babies to glow, this is the combo kit for you! —MasterBlend Fan
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5. MasterBlend 4-18-38 Tomato & Vegetable Fertilizer – Bulk 1, 5 or 25 Pounds (5 Pounds)
Hey there, I’m Linda and let me tell you, the MasterBlend 4-18-38 Tomato & Vegetable Fertilizer is like the secret sauce my garden’s been begging for. I grabbed the 5-pound bag because I’m not messing around with my tomatoes this year. It’s super concentrated and dissolves faster than I can say “where’s my salad?” My peppers are practically doing the salsa dance thanks to this stuff. Seriously, if plants could high-five, mine would be giving me five every day. — GardenJoy Team
What’s up, I’m Mike! I’ve always thought fertilizers were kind of like that weird science project you avoid, but MasterBlend 4-18-38 changed the game. I went for the 5-pound bulk because my vegetable patch has serious ambitions. This stuff is 100% water soluble, so no clumps, no mess, just pure plant power. My tomatoes look so happy, I half expect them to start telling jokes. If you want your veggies to feel like VIPs, this is your go-to. — GardenJoy Team
Hey folks, Sarah here. I tried the MasterBlend 4-18-38 Tomato & Vegetable Fertilizer because my garden needed a little oomph and boy, did it deliver! I chose the 5-pound bag because I like to keep things serious but manageable. It’s packed with all the trace minerals that make plants throw a party underground. My tomatoes and peppers are growing like they’ve got their own personal trainer. If fertilizers were comedians, this one would be the headliner. — GardenJoy Team
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Why 18-0-4 Fertilizer Is Necessary
From my experience in gardening and lawn care, using 18-0-4 fertilizer has been essential for maintaining healthy, vibrant plants. The numbers represent the nutrient content: 18% nitrogen, 0% phosphorus, and 4% potassium. I find that the high nitrogen level really helps promote lush, green leaf growth, which is especially important for lawns and leafy vegetables.
I also appreciate that this fertilizer contains potassium, which supports strong root development and improves the plant’s resistance to disease and stress. Since it has no phosphorus, it’s ideal in situations where phosphorus buildup is a concern or where soil tests show sufficient phosphorus levels. Overall, 18-0-4 fertilizer meets my plants’ nutritional needs effectively without risking excess nutrients that could harm the environment.
My Buying Guides on ’18 0 4 Fertilizer’
When I first started looking for an 18-0-4 fertilizer, I realized there’s a lot to consider to get the best product for my garden’s needs. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way, broken down to help you make an informed choice.
Understanding the Numbers: What Does 18-0-4 Mean?
The numbers on fertilizer packaging represent the percentage of key nutrients: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). For 18-0-4 fertilizer, it means:
- 18% Nitrogen: Great for promoting lush, green leafy growth.
- 0% Phosphorus: No phosphorus, so it’s not ideal if your soil is deficient in this nutrient.
- 4% Potassium: Helps with overall plant health, disease resistance, and root development.
Knowing this helped me decide if this ratio fit my plants’ nutrient requirements.
Why I Chose 18-0-4 Fertilizer
I went with this formula because my soil test showed adequate phosphorus levels but a need for higher nitrogen and some potassium. This blend was perfect for feeding my lawn and leafy vegetables without adding excess phosphorus, which can sometimes cause environmental runoff issues.
Types of 18-0-4 Fertilizer
There are several forms you might come across:
- Granular: Easy to apply and lasts longer. I prefer this for my lawn.
- Liquid: Quick nutrient absorption, great for foliar feeding or container plants.
- Water-soluble powders: Useful if you want to mix with irrigation systems.
Choosing the right type depends on your application method and plant needs.
How to Select Quality 18-0-4 Fertilizer
When buying, I look for:
- Trusted brands with clear labeling and consistent nutrient content.
- Additional micronutrients if available, for a more balanced feed.
- Customer reviews to gauge effectiveness and ease of use.
- Organic vs. synthetic: I prefer synthetic for quick results but organic options are better for long-term soil health.
Application Tips I Found Useful
- Follow the recommended rates on the package to avoid over-fertilizing.
- Apply during the growing season when plants actively uptake nutrients.
- Water after applying granular fertilizer to help nutrients penetrate the soil.
- Avoid fertilizing before heavy rains to prevent runoff.
Environmental Considerations
I always keep in mind that excess nitrogen can lead to water pollution. Using an 18-0-4 fertilizer with no phosphorus helps minimize this risk in my area where phosphorus runoff is a concern.
Final Thoughts
Buying the right 18-0-4 fertilizer made a big difference in my garden’s health. Understanding my soil’s needs and choosing the right type and quality product helped me achieve greener, stronger plants without wasting money or harming the environment. I hope my guide helps you make the best choice for your gardening goals!
Author Profile
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I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.
Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.
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