Liquid vs Granular Fertiliser: Why You Actually Need Both
Why We Fertilise: The Secrets to a Lush Green Lawn
Insights from Dave, Professional Greenkeeper
Healthy lawns don’t just happen — they’re built.
As a professional Greenkeeper, one of the most common questions I get asked is:
“Why should I fertilise my lawn?”
Grass might grow on its own, but it won’t thrive without the right nutrients. Without proper feeding, lawns become pale, patchy, weak, and looks unhealthy.
Fertilising ensures your lawn has what it needs to grow strong and resilient.
Why It Matters
Grass Needs More Than Water and Sun
Water and sunlight are essential — but they’re only part of the equation.
Your lawn also needs nutrients, especially:
- Nitrogen (N) – Drives green colour and growth
- Phosphorus (P) – Builds strong roots
- Potassium (K) – Improves strength and resilience
Without them, growth slows, colour fades lawn becomes patchy and depleted
Soil Nutrients Get Depleted
Mowing, rain, growth and wear all remove nutrients from the soil.
If you’re not replacing them, your lawn is slowly running on empty.
Fertiliser replenishes what’s lost and keeps performance consistent.
Types of Fertilisers
Walk into a nursery and you’ll see endless options — liquid, granular, quick release, slow release and blends.
It can be confusing.
I get asked all the time:
“What do you actually use?”
For me, it comes down to two things:
GROW a Slow-Release Granular for the foundation.
Healthy Leaf Mix - Liquid fertiliser mix for performance.
GROW Slow-Release Granular
The Foundation
You can’t rely on quick fixes alone — you need a strong base.
That’s why I use GROW Slow-Release Granular.
Not all granular fertilisers are equal. The NPK balance varies, and that balance makes a big difference.
GROW is formulated at 18-10-12 (NPK) — the blend I recommend for consistent growth, strong roots and resilience.
- 18% Nitrogen – Colour and growth
- 10% Phosphorus – Root strength
- 12% Potassium – Overall durability
GROW feeds steadily in the soil for weeks, supporting root development and long-term stability.
Ideal for:
- New turf
- Seeding
- After renovation
- Ongoing lawn health
Pro Tip: Apply every 10–12 weeks and water in.
Foundation first.
Liquid Fertiliser
Where Performance Changes
Early in my career in Turf care, everything revolved around granular.
But I wasn’t satisfied with the results. I wanted better colour and more consistency on my playing surfaces.
So I built a liquid program.
It changed everything.
Liquid fertiliser is absorbed quickly through the leaf — almost like a vitamin injection for the plant. You see faster colour response and more consistent performance.
Today, the two liquids I use and stand behind are:
THRIVE Liquid Fertiliser
REVIVE Trace Elements
THRIVE Liquid Fertiliser
THRIVE uses stabilised nitrogen, supported by iron and magnesium to boost chlorophyll production — which improves colour and performance.
The result:
- Faster colour response
- Stronger growth
- Consistent performance
THRIVE is genuinely professional grade.
It’s also a true concentrate — you’re paying for nutrients, not water.
Professional Tip: THRIVE with REVIVE and organics every 2–4 weeks for next-level results. See our Leaf Health Bundle.
REVIVE Trace Elements
Trace elements play a huge role in how a lawn performs.
Iron, magnesium, manganese, zinc and copper help with:
- Energy production
- Stress tolerance
- Nutrient uptake
- Strong, vibrant colour
They’re not just about greening — they improve plant function.
REVIVE is the trace blend I use regularly on my own lawn and professional surfaces.
Combined with THRIVE, it delivers consistent, professional-level results. See Healthy Leaf bundle
When Do I Apply?
Granular builds the base.
Liquid maintains performance.
Know Your Lawn Size
Measure length × width = square metres.
Odd shape? Break it into sections.
Water Is the Carrier
- Fill sprayer (e.g. 5L)
- Spray in one direction
- Spray in the opposite direction
- Measure what’s left
The difference = your coverage.
Add product as per label.
QR codes on packaging include video instructions.
Application Tips
GROW Granular
Use a spreader. Walk in one direction, then cross over. Water in thoroughly.
THRIVE & REVIVE Liquid
Spray in one direction, then cross over for even coverage.
To Sum It Up
For the best results —
GROW Granular fertiliser – Foundation
Leaf Health Brew- see Healthy Leaf bundle
THRIVE Liquid fertiliser – Drives performance
REVIVE Traces – Supports plant function
Organics – Elevates overall health
Healthy Leaf bundle are applied together — and it’s the exact combination I use on my own greens.
Strong roots below.
Healthy growth above.
Foundation first. Performance second. Results follow.
