After all that shoe talk last week I hope more folks will consider using less pesticides on their grass. Sounds like a big jump, but really it isn’t too difficult or costly.
I know because as spring finally came around at our house and we took a look at our lawn, we had a decision to make. The last two years the “greeny” in me took over and we just didn’t really do anything to our lawn. Since it isn’t looking like a pro golf course and others in the household are feeling a bit disgruntled, we looked into a safe organic fertilizing program.
We started by putting corn gluten meal (what goes in dog food I was told) with 10% nitrogen. It’s a bi-product of the cornstarch industry. It is suppose to work naturally to prevent germination of crabgrass and weed seeds and act as the first layer of fertilization.
Next we will put down an application of granular limestone to correct the PH of our soil and return the soil’s PH to a healthy level. The lime will decrease the acidity of our lawn, allowing the turf’s roots to draw up the minerals and nutrients. This should create an ideal environment for the grass to flourish.
Later this spring, during the summer and early fall we will put down a complete balanced organic fertilizer that replenishes the soil naturally.
Before the winter arrives, we will need to put down an organic winter feed to promote root development and faster spring greenup.
I read that we will need to put down a micro-organism application as well to safely control grubs which had fun in our lawn last year.
We are looking forward to a healthier, safer and greener looking yard. Any tricks you have found that work as well?
Tread Lighter with a safer lawn,
-Phyllis, Green Expert
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