Grow Your Lawn Organically
Sometimes the natural way is better and this is especially true for your lawn. Here at Naturescape, we encourage clients to landscape their yard with organic techniques that are simple and very good for the environment. We carry a variety of organic products and are a member of NOFA, Northeast Organic Farmers Association. Below are some ways to grow your lawn organically.
Test the soil. Most lawn problems start from the soil. Having the proper pH balance is key to success in any lawn care program and especially with an organic one. PH is the acidity level where a low pH is acidic and a high one is alkaline. If the pH is not within the normal range (6.0-6.5) nutrients are not readily available to lawns. We test all our lawns on a regular basis to make sure we are doing the right things for your lawn. Most lawns in this area are acidic so applying lime helps improve the pH.
Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. We have some really good natural organic products that prevent some weeds to germinate but must be watered in before the weeds germinate to be effective. Unfortunately, they are not as effective as chemicals that are used, which is why these products are used as much as they are. It takes a strong commitment to go organic but it can be very rewarding. The biggest commitment is that you have to be willing to allow certain weeds to grow. Some weeds are beneficial to lawns as well as for bees, butterflies and beneficial flies.
Dandelions are considered a lawn pest, but they are considered one of the top food sources for honeybees. Weeds that have flowers will also attract butterflies to your lawn and garden. Weeds are also great for our lawn technicians to know what soil problems your lawn is having. Crabgrass, chickweed, knotweed and plantain indicate soil compaction. Yarrow, ragweed indicate low fertility. Dandelions indicate poor soil, low calcium, and high magnesium.
If you have poor soil quality consider using compost on your lawn. This reduces your carbon footprint and makes your lawn and garden healthy. Compost is full of beneficial organisms, including bacteria, algae, fungi, and nematodes, that keep your soil healthy and fertile. Composting is as easy as heading to your local hardware store and purchasing a large bin to hold it. This can be stored away from the home and used when necessary. Although, truth be told, a large pile can be made and used without the bin as long as it is in the shade.
We produce compost here at Naturescape using leaves, garden waste and misc natural products to produce a beautiful rich garden soil. Since it takes a couple years to make we have several piles and large areas where we are producing the black gold that makes things grow so well. We mix it with topsoil to make the darkest topsoil we’ve seen and use it for your gardens and topdressing in the fall. The hardest part for composting is turning the pile. So if you do start a compost pile make sure its small enough to turn. Turn it often with a pitch fork and you too can produce some fine soil for your gardens or lawn. Remember the soil quality is the first step to growing your lawn organically.
Naturescape, LLC provides customers with a professional and nurturing experience from the beginning to the end of each landscaping project. From design to installation to protecting your landscape investment with quality management programs your experience will be exciting and gratifying.
You and your landscape are our number one priority.
860-742-0326 P.O. Box 56 Andover, CT 06232