Start Using Organic Methods on Your Lawn

Many people have the desire to use organic methods while caring for their lawn. Some of those people have no idea how to get going. Here are some tips to help you start taking care of your lawn using organic methods.

If you use organic methods to care for you lawn you will have to spend less time maintaining it. It will grow slower. This is because it is not being fed with chemical fertilizers. As a result, you will need to mow your lawn less often. Your lawn will also develop longer roots. This means you will need to water your lawn less. Organic lawns are healthier than other lawns. They will be able to withstand harsh conditions better. These could include excessive heat, drought, or heavy foot traffic. And, you will know that your lawn is a safe place for family activities. You will not have to worry about the chemicals that could harm family members.

Believe it or not, your lawn does not need to be aerated. Grass only needs this procedure if it has heavy traffic that will compact the soil. Unless there are people walking across your lawn everyday, it does not need this procedure. In fact, aerating can actually cause compaction on lawns that do not need it in the first place. It will let too much air in and speed the decomposition of organic matter that will help keep the soil loose and open. The only type of soil that will need occasional aerating is heavy clay that has very little organic matter, such as in a newly built subdivision.

Chemical fertilizers can make your lawn grow much faster than is healthy. You will have to mow more frequently. And, the earthworms and other decomposer organisms will not be able to keep up with the clippings and a thatch problem may occur. If you feel you have to use fertilizer, use an organic type instead.

If you are mowing less, there will be less thatch. This is the layer of undecomposed grass clipping and other organic matter. It can prevent air and water from reaching the soil if it is too thick. There is supposed to be a bit of this in your lawn. If you have too much, it is caused by feeding your lawn too much nitrogen. It can also be caused by applying pesticides to your lawn. This will kill the earthworms as well as insects. Your lawn needs earthworms to help keep the organic material in usable form,just like any other plant life.

Using chemical herbicides is also not a good idea. There are other methods that are more effective in keeping weeds out of your lawn. Such as, mowing your grass ofter. Just be sure to not mow it too low. You should use a mower that has a sharp blade and do not over fertilize. This will help the soil become rich in organic matter.

Chemical pesticides are also not a good idea. They can kill the earthworms that are beneficial to the soil. This can make your lawn more susceptible to infestations because you are killing its natural defense system. So, it will be the beginning of a vicious cycle.

Your lawn probably does not need as much water as you think it does. When it is new, it will need lots of water. But, after a few years, too much water will keep out the oxygen and encourage diseases. It is better to help your lawn to be able to retain water, instead.

You should also stop mowing your lawn too short. It puts the grass under a lot of stress and will make for much more maintenance. It also deprives the plants from sunlight and stunts the growth of a healthy root system. If the blades or grass are allowed to grow taller, they can absorb more sunlight. This will encourage a healthy, stable root system for your lawn.

It is a good idea to leave fresh clippings on your lawn. This will stimulate the earthworms in the soil to break them down into organic matter that is good for the plants. The earthworms process the clippings into nitrogen which will help your grass grow as it should. This will keep you from having to purchase fertilizer. It will save time and money.

You should not try and get your lawn to look like a golf course. Your lawn should be a source of relaxation for your family. You should not have to stress over whether it is perfect. So, unless you plan to open a putting range, let your grass grow naturally and enjoy the extra time you have with your family.

A lawn is where friends and family gather to spend time together. Or, it may be a place where you can have some much needed alone time. Whatever it means to you, if you choose to start using organic methods to care for your lawn, you will save money and time. Hopefully, these tips will help you get a wonderful, chemical free lawn for you and your family to enjoy.

SOURCE

Editors of Rodale Organic Gardening Magazine and Books. "Rodale Organic Gardening Basics: Lawns Volume 1". 2000. Pennsylvania, USA.