An insecticidal fertilizer composition is prepared by contacting a solid fertilizer with a solution of a nicotinyl insecticide. The nicotinyl insecticide solution can be imidacloprid in a solvent, such as dimethyl sulfoxide, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone or N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone, and mixtures thereof. The solution contains at least about 10 wt % of the insecticide in solution to attain a solid, particulate fertilizer containing at least about 0.1 wt % of the insecticide.