DIY Calculator

Homemade Lawn Food Calculator

Scale a homemade lawn tonic recipe to your lawn size — full batch mix or 32 oz hose-end sprayer refills at the 20 gallon setting.

What each ingredient does

  • Beer

    Sugars and yeast feed soil microbes, which can improve nutrient cycling and give a short-term green-up boost.

  • Ammonia-free soap

    Acts as a surfactant so the mix spreads evenly on grass blades and helps water soak in instead of beading off.

  • Mouthwash

    Alcohol and antiseptic compounds may help suppress fungal issues and deter some pests — results vary by recipe and lawn.

  • Household ammonia

    Supplies a quick nitrogen boost for rapid green-up, similar to a light foliar feeding. Stick to scaled amounts to avoid burning grass.

  • 32 oz hose-end sprayer

    Set the dial to 20 gallons. Each full jar treats about 1,000 sq ft — the sprayer meters concentrate into 20 gallons of spray as you walk the lawn.

Always test homemade lawn treatments on a small area first.

FAQ

Does homemade lawn food really work?
Some homeowners swear by tonic recipes for green-up. Results vary. Always spot-test first and prefer proven fertilizer for primary nutrition.
Why ammonia-free soap?
Ammonia-free soap helps the mix spread without adding extra nitrogen chemistry that can interact badly with other ingredients.
How do I use a 32 oz hose-end sprayer?
Mix one batch per 1,000 sq ft, pour into the 32 oz jar, set the dial to 20 gallons, and spray until the jar empties. Refill for each additional 1,000 sq ft section. Premix in a pitcher if the concentrate slightly exceeds jar capacity.