Does Fertilizer Go Bad? (2024)

FAQs

Does Fertilizer Go Bad? ›

Most fertilizers don't go bad when they're stored properly and they can be used for many years. Granular fertilizers, for instance, typically don't have a set expiration date, while liquid fertilizers generally stay fresh for about 8 to 10 years. An exception to this rule are lawn fertilizers that contain weed killers.

Most fertilizers don't go bad when they're stored properly and they can be used for many years. Granular fertilizers, for instance, typically don't have a set expiration date, while liquid fertilizers generally stay fresh for about 8 to 10 years. An exception to this rule are lawn fertilizers that contain weed killers.

However, over several years, the nutrients may not be as potent or effective. Typically, lawn fertilizers do not have a defined expiration date. If stored properly - in a dry, cool, and dark place - both granular and liquid lawn fertilizers can last for several years and maintain their effectiveness.

Storage best practices can prolong fertilizer's effectiveness and potency. Depending on the type, fertilizer can last for years in storage. Liquid fertilizers can last upwards of 10 years, and granular fertilizer has no finite expiration date.

"Do not keep fertilizer in a hot enclosed area like a shed, as spontaneous combustion could occur if the temperatures and moisture levels reach certain conditions," says Miranda Niemiec, horticultural expert at Great Garden Plants. The safest place to store fertilizer is in a cool, dry place.

Did you ever wonder “Does fertilizer go bad?”. The general answer is no, fertilizer does not go bad if it is properly stored. Fertilizer is made up of a variety of natural minerals and elements that do not break down over time allowing you to store your unused fertilizer from year to year.

The easiest way to dispose of fertilizer is to give it to someone that can use it. Even if the product is old it can still be used as a fertilizer. If the product was not stored properly and has become solid, dissolving the product with water or crushing will allow application to desired area.

Plant food like Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble All Purpose Plant Food should not expire if stored properly and kept in a dry and cool space where the particles won't get wet. However, some plant foods, especially organic ones, contain microbes which can eventually expire.

Fertilizer doesn't expire, but we recommend keeping it dry and in an airtight container, and using it up within a year to get the best results. The longer the fertilizer sits unused, the more likely it is to become damp and clumpy, which could make it hard to spread.

Simply using a wet or dry fertilizer makes a difference. Liquid fertilizers can last for 2 to 6 weeks. Granular fertilizers typically have a slow rate of release and a life span of 2 to 5 months.

Can you store fertilizer in a 5 gallon bucket? ›

An excellent way to store opened bags of lawn or garden fertilizers is to place the bags in large containers, such as 5 gallon buckets, and cover with tight-sealing lids.

Fertilizers generally don't have a strict expiration date, but their effectiveness can diminish over time, especially if exposed to moisture. It's advisable to use them within one to two years of opening for optimal results.

Closed, well-ventilated, tidy, secure, and free-of-dust room. Keep fertilizers well separated from other chemical substances and flammable materials. For open products, close the bag securely, wrap in plastic or store it in its tightly sealed plastic container. Ensure good stock control based on the earliest expiring.

In garden plants, it often appears as brown, burnt-looking tissue on leaf edges and tips. This is very similar to the burn plants suffer from de-icing salts that accumulate during icy winters.

Unfortunately, if the fertiliser is exposed to water before it is able to be spread, it breaks down, as you have found. The result is a gooey mess, a bit like cement, which holds onto water and becomes completely unmanageable. It cannot be spread in a traditional spreader.

The success also depends on the root health. If plant roots are severely damaged, chances to revive the crops are poor. Fix fertilizer burn by flushing excessive nutrients out with water for about a week. Excessive nutrients will leach below the root zone, making the soil environment safer for crops.