To maintain a healthy, green lawn can be tricky—to say nothing of in unstable climates or compacted, mossy, and weed-invasive soils. Miracle-Gro EverGreen Complete 4-in-1 is favourite among many UK gardeners in this regard.
Placed as a one-stop lawn solution, it guarantees to nourish your grass, kill weeds and moss, and give visible greening effects within seven days. But while it's the UK's best-selling lawn care product, does it deliver on its promises?
Recognised Brand
With over 65 years of experience, Miracle-Gro is a household brand in gardens across Britain. Trusted for being at the forefront and scientifically based, the company offers a huge portfolio of lawn and plant care products.
One of their best-known products is the EverGreen Complete 4-in-1, and for good reason—it does four important things in one treatment. But as with any popular product, it's worth taking a closer examination at what it does, how to safely use it, and whether or not it's suitable for your specific lawn needs.
Key Features
The Miracle-Gro EverGreen Complete 4-in-1 is a simple to use, quick-acting granular lawn feed. Bought in a 7kg pack, large enough to treat 200 m², it comprises a weedkiller, moss control, and fertiliser all in one application.
The fertilizer is high in nitrogen and potassium that are essential nutrients to encourage green, lush growth and healthy root development. It also contains active ingredients in the form of MCPA, mecoprop-P, and iron sulphate to suppress broadleaf weeds and moss effectively.
Works in Stages
Under ideal conditions, most users can see distinctly greener grass within a week or so of application. The 4-in-1 formula works in stages: first increasing thicker, healthier grass and simultaneously killing weeds and blackening moss. Gardeners are then meant to rake out dead moss after perhaps two weeks and, if there are bare patches, reseed them to help complete coverage.
One Stop Solution
The product is marketed as a "one-stop solution" to numerous lawn issues, and its WaterSmart technology vows to make your lawn drought- and heat-stress-resistant—a progressively useful aspect with the vagaries of the weather today.
Application and Safety Information
While Miracle-Gro EverGreen Complete 4-in-1 is simple to apply, with the vast majority of customers describing it as easy to apply and quick to include in lawn care, it is not absolutely hazard-free. The granules must be watered in after application, and precautions for safety suggest avoiding the use of treated areas by children and pets until the lawn has dried and been absorbed.
Handle with Care
Specifically, this product contains chemical weedkillers and biocides that may cause irritation to the eyes and should be handled with care. It is recommended that the users take heed and follow all the safety instructions noted on the label carefully, wear protective gear if needed, and avoid over-application that might ultimately damage the grass or other surrounding plants.
Price and Availability
Depending on special offers and where you purchase it, a 7kg bag of Miracle-Gro EverGreen Complete 4-in-1 tends to cost between £12 and £22. Given the coverage and number of uses, most users find it good value—especially when compared to buying separate products to use for fertilizing, weeding, and moss killing.
However, there are a few frugal customers who will find cheaper alternatives or more natural lawn care methods. We shall return to the product comparison at another time.
Customer Feedback
Customer reviews of Miracle-Gro EverGreen Complete 4-in-1 are mostly positive, especially about the product's efficacy in improving lawn appearances, weed and moss control, and fast-growing, healthy grass. The product is a must-have in the eyes of many customers. Quality control issues—mostly about moisture and lumpiness in the product—have been frequently addressed to be thought about. The following is a summary of key trends in buyers' experience.
Works Well – Provided Conditions Are Right
Most customers state that the product "works well" and exactly what it is designed to do—especially when it comes to killing moss and weeds. Some have been using the product for years and state that they have been returning to it year after year because of its consistent results.
It was merely described as "excellent" by one reviewer, while another merely mentions that it "kills weeds quickly and effectively," also praising its ability to kill moss. A common view is that provided it is used well and under the right conditions, this lawn feed can bring back to life a tired lawn.
Weed and Moss Control: Generally Good but Sometimes Patchy
Many users simply say that the product kills moss and weeds effectively, commonly causing visible results within a week. But it has been less effective year to year, with some users noting that it didn't work as well as expected in certain years.
One user noted that the moss was killed very effectively but "there was no improvement at killing the weeds." Others commented that weeds do return after a certain amount of time and must be treated again. Even application is also noted as a problem which can affect effectiveness.
A Prominent Greening Effect
Numerous reviewers report a noticeable improvement in the colour and health of their lawn. Many users state that their grass looks "lush and green" within days of application, and numerous others noted speedy growth that necessitated more regular mowing.
One of the clients reported that their grass transformed from a "dead stage into a living, healthy green surface." Some, however, reported that the added greeneries contained patches of bare spots, especially in areas where weeds or moss had been pulled out.
Promotes Quick Grass Growth
Customers also appreciate how rapidly the lawns respond to the fertiliser, in terms of burgeoning growth. For some, the transformation is dramatic, with the lawn performing within days. Some gardeners reported needing to mow their lawn more frequently due to improved vigour of the lawn.
That said, not everyone shared the same experience—some reported that their grass did not actually respond at all, blaming this often on uneven spreading or potentially outdated stock.
Good Value for Money
The price is fairly low compared to most customers, especially in light of the quality of results provided by Miracle-Gro EverGreen Complete 4-in-1. Especially bought in deals or in larger packs, it is seen as a cost-effective way of maintaining a healthy lawn.
The convenience of bundling fertiliser, moss killer, and weed killer together makes it appealing. Nonetheless, some consumers felt that if the product does become unusable (as allegedly at least some of the batches do), whatever perceived advantage is lost very quickly.
Easy to Use—If It's in Good Condition
Frequency of application being touted as an advantage is not surprising. Some found it easy to apply with a spreader, one stating that it did "easy work of it." Clear instructions on the package were appreciated, too.
However, others noted that a spreader is not simply optional but actually required for even coverage and avoiding burn or patchiness of the lawn. Others add that the texture of granules can play an important role in how easy it is to spread—a fact that has a direct bearing on some of the more severe reviews.
Moisture Problems: A Recurring Complaint
One of the most common negative review themes is the issue of moisture content. A number of customers complain that they've received wet, clumped, or even mouldy bags. These clumps made it difficult—or in some cases, impossible—to spread the product with normal tools.
Some attempted to dry it out before application, with limited success. Some had to sift out "clay-like" masses by hand or resort to hand-applying with a bucket. This impacts not only usability but can lead to uneven application and inferior results.
Material Quality: Differed From Batch to Batch
Most directly related to issues of moisture is general dissatisfaction with material quality in some batches. Customers report granules delivered in huge, hardened lumps which jam spreaders and reduce the usable quantity.
In a few cases, the clumps were so hard that the product had to be thrown away entirely. While the majority receive a dry, free-flowing product that works nicely, the variation of quality control does raise some suspicion regarding dependability. This issue does appear to occur both in the store and online, which also makes it harder to avoid.
Some Mixed Reviews
While numerous gardeners have reported positive results with Miracle-Gro EverGreen Complete 4-in-1, not all of them have been successful. Several consumers have left negative reviews, reporting that while the product can be extremely effective, effect will at times be patchy.
In a few cases, loyal customers have even found that latest uses did not live up to their former standards. These mixed experiences are typically the result of product quality issues, inconsistent lawn reactions, or side effects brought about by use.
Weeds Disappeared, But Grass Was Harmed
Among more frequent of these mixed reviews is that the product may be excellent for killing weeds or moss, but the aftermath is not always what customers are looking for. According to one reviewer, it "definitely killed the weeds," but then the lawn looked "worse for wear" with naked ground patches everywhere.
Another customer reported the same issue, praising past results but reporting that the latest application did no visible good for grass growth and was weak at weed control. In both cases, customers were upset that total lawn health and appearance suffered despite some evidence that the product was somewhat effective.
Moisture and Packaging Problems
There have been some complaints of bags showing up in less-than-optimal condition—most often as described as wet, clumpy, or leaking. One extremely frustrated customer described being shipped a bag of "liquid sludge," clearly broken in transit, and had no clue how to store or dispose of it.
This caused an irksome and unsatisfying customer service experience. While a few customers were successful in getting a replacement or refund, the process was not always smooth. A customer had to provide evidence in the shape of pictures after they threw away the product, which only irritated them. In other instances, the first delivery was not great, but the second bag of replacement was not bad.
Uneven Application and Clumping Issues
Lumps in the product also seem to be an issue—a literal and figurative one. Several consumers report that lumpy fertiliser clogged up their spreaders and led to uneven application, and eventually, unbalanced lawn results.
The issue not only wastes product but also has the potential to "scorch" the grass with concentration in some areas. A few reviewers commented that they invested time in hand-breaking the lumps, which took more time and wasn't as accurate.
Risk of Lawn Damage
A few consumers advise against risk of lawn scorching or darkening after product use. One reviewer commented that their lawn had become "really blackened" and still hadn't recovered after two months. Another noted that the portions of their lawn that had been treated with Miracle-Gro 4-in-1 suffered while untreated sections thrived, noting how finicky lawns are about over-application or poor spreading. While these results are in some part accountable to user miscalculation or climate, they show that Miracle-Gro 4-in-1 is capable of yielding unanticipated side effects if not used responsibly.
Surprising Side Effects: Stains and Rust
Another problem of note created by a number of users is staining due to the iron sulphate content. A user said that they had the product on patio slabs, and this created "massive" rust stains that were difficult to remove.
While this might be said to be an expected risk with the iron content, not all users anticipate this effect, particularly if they are applying it close to driveways or stone edges. This highlights the importance of careful application and possibly protecting surrounding areas before use.
Declining Performance for Some
Long-term consumers of this product have at times, experienced a loss of potency. One consumer testified that it "used to be fantastic," but this year didn't kill weeds or produce grass growth like it used to. Another stated that they now have "more weeds than ever before" perhaps due to weather but still doubting the product's quality. This inconsistency has led some long-term users to consider changing brands altogether.
Pros and Cons
As with any garden product, Miracle-Gro EverGreen Complete 4-in-1 has its advantages and disadvantages. It is a best-seller for a reason — but potential consumers must weigh the benefit against the potential detriment, mainly in terms of product consistency and lawn sensitivity.
Miracle Gro Lawn Feed 4 in 1 Pros
1, Rapid Moss and Weed Control - Many users find fast, visible results in reducing moss and killing weeds. Lawns look better by the week following product application, particularly when applied consistently.
2, Greening and Growing Visible - Owing to its high potassium and nitrogen content, the product can induce bouncy, quick-growing grass growth and richer green colour. Lawns treated with care are denser and more attractive.
3, Convenience in One Step - As a 4-in-1 formula, it performs four tasks in a single application: feeding, weed control, moss destruction, and thickening. Such convenience is appealing to amateur and professional gardeners alike.
4, Good Value for Money - Priced at the lower end of the price range (£12–£15 on offer), it is generally considered good value for a 200 m² lawn. It is a potentially cost-effective solution for complete lawn maintenance.
5, Easy to Apply (in Best Conditions) - Easy to apply, and with the correct spreader, application is straightforward. When dry and in granule form as intended, it goes on smoothly and is easy to work with.
Miracle Gro Lawn Feed 4 in 1 Cons
1, Unreliable Quality — Wet or Lumpy Product - One of the ongoing issues is the receipt of unspreadable, clumped, or even worthless product. It is difficult to spread, affects coverage, and is frustrating — especially when clogging spreaders or needing to be hand-cracked up.
2, Law Damage Risk - Over-spread or irregular spreading can lead to "scorching," dark marks, or blackening of the grass — particularly where moss has perished. A couple of users had to reseed scorched areas.
3, Inconsistent Results for Some Users - While most have excellent results, some users reported little to no improvement in weed control or grass quality. Repeat buyers have reported inconsistent performance over the long-term, causing one to wonder about consistency.
4, Patios and Paving Staining - The iron sulphate present, which is useful for moss control, will cause staining of patios, paths, and concrete work if treated with care. It is a surprise to some users and is hard to clean.
5, Damaged or Destroyed Packaging - Some clients report receiving bags that appear to have been exposed to water while in storage or transport. This not only affects usability but also causes problems regarding storage and shelf life.
6, Customer Service Problems (When things go wrong) - With some there having been situations to ask for refunds or for replacement, customers were not finding customer service encounters with web shops less than smooth, particularly for photo proof in the case of wet or second-hand product.
Following Instructions
Miracle-Gro EverGreen Complete 4-in-1 is a popular lawn care solution for a number of reasons — it can make grass look visibly healthier and thicker and streamline multiple steps into one. But the consumer experience isn't all sunshine.
Erratic product quality and responsiveness to overuse guarantee that it will not work for everyone. Seasoned gardeners seeking reliable results will have to follow orders and perhaps use an excellent spreader.
Final Verdict
Miracle-Gro EverGreen Complete 4-in-1 is a proven lawn care treatment that continues to deserve its status as one of the UK's best-sellers. It lives up to much of its hype — producing visible greenery, moss suppression, and weed suppression within days if used correctly. The one-product approach makes lawn management easy, and when the product is in good condition, it's simple to apply and excellent value for money.
Some Legitimate Concerns
There are, nonetheless, legitimate concerns that potential buyers should know about. The biggest drawback is variability in package quality, with some clients receiving wet or clumped granules that are hard to apply.
In addition, over-application or non-uniform application can really damage lawns rather than improve them, especially where moss killed by the product is easily killed and results in dark or patchy patches. It's also good to exercise care when treading around patios or walkways, since iron sulphate staining is a definite risk.
Precise Applications
If you're a gardener who will use it carefully — preferably with a decent spreader and in good weather — this product can be an invaluable resource. But if you want precision or consistently immaculate outcomes with little risk, it might not be flawless every time.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5)
A good, effective lawn product when used properly — but not without its flaws.
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