Why Gardeners Are Sprinkling Sugar on Their Lawns

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There are endless products you can use to care of your lawn — and plenty of them can be expensive. So when I heard that people were sprinkling sugar on their lawns, I was intrigued.

Sugar is accessible (most of us already have it in our pantries), inexpensive and easy to use — but can it really have benefits for our lawns?

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Why Are People Sprinkling Sugar on Their Lawns?

With lawns finally thawing out for spring across the Northern Hemisphere, some gardening experts reportedly recommend scattering table sugar on lawns, as reported by Express.

According to the newspaper, sugar can help dethatch your lawn. Thatch refers to a layer of dead grass and other dead organic matter that prevents your lawn from growing, and dethatching is the process of breaking down thatch, allowing grass to grow again.

Express also shared that sugar can prevent weeds from growing, as well as promote nutrients in grass.

Sugar kind of sounds like a cure-all for ailing lawns… but is that really the case?

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Should We Actually Be Dispersing Sugar on Our Lawns?

Garden authorities seem to agree that sugar can have certain benefits on lawns — as well as some drawbacks.

According to Gardening Know How, while sugar can help fertilize your lawn, it’s not enough to replace fertilizer entirely — so instead, think of it as a compliment to traditional fertilizer.

The outlet also notes that sugar sometimes supports fungal growth on a lawn (especially on shady parts of lawns). So, make sure to keep an eye on potential fungus growth and consider using a fungicide in addition to sugar.

How Often to Sprinkle Sugar on Your Lawn

According to Homes & Gardens, you can use either granulated sugar or powdered sugar on your lawn — just don’t use it too often. Gardening Know How recommends sprinkling sugar on your lawn once each season (minus winter), for a total of just three times a year.

“Sugar has its advantages, but we urge you to tread carefully, especially if your land is prone to fungal growth,” advised Rachel Crow, a gardening expert with Homes & Gardens. “However, when used in moderation, this ingredient can promote a greener lawn for the summer ahead.”

Alternatively, you could use a molasses spray (water mixed with a dash of molasses in a spray bottle). Simple Lawn Solutions advises applying a molasses spray every two-to-six weeks during gardening season.

Related: 8 Spring Weeds You Must Pull Before They Flower

This story was originally published by Dengarden on May 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the Gardening section. Add Dengarden as a Preferred Source by clicking here.