Core 24-6-12 Lawn Fertilizer 45 lb - Fast Green-Up and Long Feed

In this review the Andersons Core 24-6-12 fertilizer is evaluated for homeowners and lawn care enthusiasts who want a reliable, all-purpose feed that both greens quickly and sustains growth. The bottom line: this 45 lb bag is best for medium to large lawns where even coverage and a balance of quick and slow release nutrients matter. Our review found the product delivers visible green-up in days for many users while the timed release keeps turf supplied for up to six weeks between applications.

Key Features

• 4:1:2 nutrient ratio: The 24-6-12 formulation supplies a balanced mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to support vigorous growth and recovery.
• Iron and micronutrients: Added iron helps produce a deeper green color while micronutrients support overall turf health beyond basic feeding.
• Super-fine particles: Very small granules improve distribution so more particles land per square foot, helping achieve uniform results across the lawn.
• Dual release nitrogen: A blend of quick and slow release nitrogen offers an initial boost and sustained feeding for up to six weeks, reducing the need for very frequent reapplications.
• Seasonal versatility: Suitable for spring, summer, and fall use on a wide range of turf types, making it a flexible choice for most yards.

Who It's For

This product is aimed at homeowners, landscapers, and gardeners with small to large lawns who want both fast visible results and extended feeding between applications. It is particularly useful for those who prefer a single, multi-season formula that includes iron and micronutrients, and for yards where uniform coverage matters.

Those who should look elsewhere include users with very small lawns who prefer smaller package sizes or those seeking fertilizer formulations with very high potassium or specialized slow-release schedules for winterization. Also, anyone requiring organic-only inputs should choose a certified organic product instead.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Effective green-up: customers report fast greening often within a week, making early-season results easy to see.
• Balanced nutrition: the 24-6-12 ratio plus iron and micronutrients supports sustained turf health and vigor.
• Even distribution: super-fine particles increase particles per square foot for more consistent coverage.
• Long feeding interval: quick plus slow release nitrogen reduces re-application frequency up to about six weeks.

Cons

• Large bag size: the 45 lb bag covers up to 15,500 sqft but may be cumbersome for small yards or those who prefer smaller packages.
• Not organic: it is a conventional synthetic fertilizer, so it is not suitable for strictly organic lawn programs.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Andersons Core 24-6-12 in a 45 lb bag is a strong value for homeowners who want rapid green-up plus extended feeding without frequent applications. Its balanced 24-6-12 formula, added iron, and super-fine particles produce consistent, visible results across most turf types, making it a practical pick for medium to large lawns.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I apply this fertilizer?
For best results reapply every 4-6 weeks during the growing season as recommended for continued feeding and green-up.

Will this work on all grass types?
Yes, the formula is designed for great performance on all turf types and for use in spring, summer, and fall.

When should I expect to see green-up?
Many users report visible green-up in as little as one week thanks to the quick-release portion of the nitrogen.