Guaranteed Analysis
Nutrient Breakdown
N · Nitrogen8%
8.0% Total Nitrogen (0.20% Ammoniacal, 7.20% Water Insoluble, 0.60% Other Water Soluble) — delivers the highest nitrogen content in the Wicked Organics line with 90% in slow-release water-insoluble form from feather meal and meat & bone meal for sustained feeding without burn risk.
P · Phosphorus3%
3.0% Available Phosphate (P2O5) — supports root development and helps establish turf and plantings during renovation and overseeding.
K · Potassium5%
5.0% Soluble Potash (K2O) — from langbeinite, enhancing stress resistance, strengthening cell walls, and improving plant metabolism during periods of heat, drought, and heavy traffic.
Derived from: Feather Meal, Meat and Bone Meal, Blood Meal, and Langbeinite. Also provides: Calcium (Ca) 3.0%, Magnesium (Mg) 2.2% (2.2% Water Soluble), Sulfur (S) 4.0% (4.0% Combined Sulfur).
Overview
What It Is
Wicked Organics 8-3-5 Stress Guard is a premium organic fertilizer formulated from four natural protein and mineral inputs: Feather Meal, Meat and Bone Meal, Blood Meal, and Langbeinite (a naturally occurring mineral providing potassium, magnesium, and sulfur simultaneously).
The guaranteed analysis reveals why this formula excels at stress conditioning: Total Nitrogen 8.00% (0.20% Ammoniacal, 7.20% Water Insoluble from feather meal and meat & bone meal, 0.60% Other Water Soluble), Available Phosphate 3.00%, Soluble Potash 5.00%, Calcium 3.00%, Magnesium 2.20% (Water Soluble), and Sulfur 4.00% (Combined).
The 7.20% water-insoluble nitrogen is the defining feature — this slow-release nitrogen feeds through microbial decomposition rather than dissolving in water, meaning nutrients become available steadily over weeks as soil biology processes the feather meal and meat & bone meal proteins. This eliminates the surge-and-crash cycle of fast-release fertilizers and greatly reduces the risk of nitrogen flushes, leaching, or burn.
Crop Fit
Best For
TurfgrassSports FieldsLawns Under StressRenovation/OverseedingWarm-Season TurfOrnamental ShrubsPerennialsLandscape Beds
Turfgrass and sports fields benefit most from the stress-conditioning properties — the calcium strengthens cell walls against traffic damage while magnesium and sulfur support recovery. Lawns facing summer heat or drought stress gain sustained nitrogen without the flush that weakens turf. Renovation and overseeding projects receive slow, steady nutrition during the critical germination and establishment period. Warm-season turf (Bermuda, Zoysia, St. Augustine) responds well to the sustained nutrient release during peak growth. Ornamental shrubs and perennials receive balanced nutrition without the risk of nitrogen flush or burn that can damage ornamental plantings.
Application Rates
How Much to Use
| Garden & beds | 6.25-12.50 lbs per 1,000 sq ft (delivers 0.50-1.00 lb actual N per 1,000 sq ft) |
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| Lawn | 6.25-12.50 lbs per 1,000 sq ft; enhanced results when applied during or after core aeration |
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| Trees & shrubs | Apply around drip line — rate varies by tree size |
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| Containers | 2-3 tbsp per gallon of soil |
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| Frequency | 2-4 applications per growing season; ideal for summer stress conditioning and fall recovery |
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Step by Step
How to Apply
1Calculate Area
Calculate area to be treated in square feet for accurate rate determination.
2Application Rate
Apply 6.25–12.50 lbs per 1,000 sq ft. Use the lower rate for maintenance, higher rate for recovery.
3Broadcast
Broadcast evenly using any style of spreading equipment for uniform coverage.
4Aeration Timing
For best results, apply during or shortly after core aeration to maximize nutrient penetration.
5Water In
Water in after application to begin activating slow-release organic nutrients.
6Repeat
Repeat 2–4 times per growing season as conditions warrant for sustained organic nutrition.
Apply 6.25-12.50 lbs per 1,000 sq ft, which delivers 0.50-1.00 lb of actual nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft. The lower rate (6.25 lbs) is appropriate for maintenance applications on healthy turf, while the higher rate (12.50 lbs) is recommended for stress recovery, renovation, or establishment. For best results, water in after application. Performance is significantly enhanced when applied during or shortly after core aeration — the aeration holes allow granules to settle into direct contact with the root zone, accelerating microbial breakdown and nutrient delivery. For landscape beds, broadcast around ornamental shrubs and perennials at similar rates, keeping granules away from direct stem contact.
Handling & Timing
Safety & Season
Safety & Storage
Store in a dry environment. Natural product. Wear gloves if skin sensitivities appear. Wear approved respirator if sensitive to dust. Eye protection optional. Wash hands after use. Keep away from water sources.
Seasonal Notes
Spring: Apply for early-season green-up and to build stress tolerance ahead of summer heat. Summer: Primary stress-conditioning window — apply before or during heat/drought stress periods. Enhanced results with core aeration. Fall: Ideal for recovery applications after summer stress and to prepare turf for winter. Also excellent during renovation and overseeding. Winter: Do not apply to frozen or dormant turf.
In Context
How It Compares
The 8-3-5 delivers twice the nitrogen of the 4-3-3 and 60% more than the 5-3-4, making it the highest-nitrogen organic option in the Wicked Organics line. The 90% water-insoluble nitrogen fraction is also the highest — versus 70% in the 5-3-4 and approximately 65% in the 10-2-8. The langbeinite-derived potassium provides a triple benefit (K + Mg + S) that single-source potassium fertilizers cannot match. Compared to the 10-2-8 All Season, the 8-3-5 has more phosphorus and more secondary nutrients (higher Ca, Mg, and S), making it the better choice for stress conditioning specifically.
Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is organic 8-3-5 fertilizer used for?
Organic 8-3-5 is a high-nitrogen organic fertilizer designed for crops and plants that need vigorous vegetative growth from natural ingredients. The elevated nitrogen (8%) fuels lush foliage, strong stems, and rapid canopy development, while phosphorus (3%) supports root health and potassium (5%) enhances disease resistance and plant resilience. It is especially effective for leafy vegetables, lawns, heavy-feeding crops, and any plants in their active growth phase. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics 8-3-5 Fertilizer delivers robust organic nutrition for gardens, landscapes, and container plantings.
Is 8-3-5 good for organic lawn care?
Yes, 8-3-5 is one of the best organic fertilizers for lawns. The higher nitrogen content promotes thick, green turf growth comparable to synthetic lawn fertilizers, while the organic ingredients feed soil biology and improve soil structure over time. The potassium component strengthens grass against drought, disease, and traffic stress. Apply 5–8 pounds per 1,000 square feet in spring and fall for best results. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics 8-3-5 Fertilizer delivers the nitrogen lawns crave through natural, slow-release ingredients that build healthier soil with every application.
How does organic 8-3-5 compare to 10-2-8?
Both are high-nitrogen organic formulas, but they differ in balance. 10-2-8 has more nitrogen and significantly more potassium, making it better for fruiting crops and plants under stress. 8-3-5 provides slightly less nitrogen but more balanced phosphorus and potassium, making it more versatile for general garden use, lawns, and mixed plantings. Choose 10-2-8 for maximum growth and fruit support, and 8-3-5 for well-rounded organic feeding across diverse plant types. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics offers both formulas for flexible organic nutrition.
What crops benefit from organic 8-3-5?
Crops that benefit most from 8-3-5 include leafy greens (lettuce, kale, spinach, chard), brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower), corn, squash, cucumbers, herbs, and turfgrass. Any crop in its vegetative growth phase responds well to the higher nitrogen. It also works as a general-purpose organic fertilizer for mixed gardens, flower beds, shrubs, and container plantings. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics 8-3-5 Fertilizer provides versatile, OMRI-Listed organic nutrition for virtually any growing situation.
How much organic 8-3-5 per 100 square feet?
For garden beds, apply 3–5 pounds of organic 8-3-5 per 100 square feet, mixing into the top 4–6 inches of soil before planting. For side-dressing, use 2–3 pounds per 100 square feet around established plants. For lawns, apply 5–8 pounds per 1,000 square feet. Reapply every 4–6 weeks during active growth. The slow-release organic ingredients provide sustained nutrition between applications. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics 8-3-5 Fertilizer is gentle and forgiving, making it easy to apply correctly for consistent organic results.
Can I use organic 8-3-5 on container plants?
Yes, organic 8-3-5 works well in containers and raised beds. Mix 1–2 tablespoons per gallon of soil at planting, and top-dress with 1 tablespoon every 4–6 weeks during the growing season. Container soil may have less microbial activity than garden soil, so adding compost to your potting mix helps organic fertilizers break down more efficiently. The gentle, slow-release nature of organic 8-3-5 reduces the risk of salt buildup that can occur with synthetic container fertilizers. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics 8-3-5 Fertilizer is safe and effective for all container-grown plants.
What ingredients are in Wicked Organics 8-3-5?
Wicked Organics 8-3-5 is formulated from vegetable protein meals, animal protein meals, bone char, natural sulfate of potash, and nitrate of soda. These OMRI-Listed ingredients provide a diverse nutrient profile beyond just NPK, including calcium, sulfur, and trace minerals. The protein meals serve as the primary slow-release nitrogen sources, while bone char provides phosphorus and calcium. Sulfate of potash delivers chloride-free potassium. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics 8-3-5 Fertilizer uses only approved natural ingredients for genuine organic growing.
