Going Green: Try Organics for Lush Lawns

Singing sparrows and dogwoods in bloom may signify the start of spring for some, but, for plenty of others, large bags of grass seed, boxes of fertilizer, and bottles of pesticide are spring’s true harbingers. Along with spring rains, we can also expect to be deluged with a wave of TV ads for traditional lawn care products. Advertising Age recently reported that Scotts, the lawn care company that brings us Miracle Gro fertilizers, Round Up herbicides, and Ortho pest control products, will increase its media spending to nearly $80 million this year. With so many weed killers, fertilizers, and pesticides aggressively marketed to us, it’s easy to see why some of the most effective, organic lawn care solutions are often overlooked.

According to a recent study by the National Gardening Association, Residential Lawn and Landscape Services and the Value of Landscaping found that homeowners spent a total of $44.7 billion on their lawns and landscaping in 2006. Clearly, lawn care is big business, and we’re serious about our lawns and gardens. Fortunately, we’ve become more serious about our impact on the environment, too.

When we replace old lawn care standbys with more environmentally-friendly choices, we no longer need those menacing “Keep off the Grass!” signs, and our children and pets can play on the lawn with impunity. And organic lawn and garden products are just as effective, affordable, and easy to use as their traditional counterparts.

Step by Step

Rather than focusing directly on the lawn, many organic products are designed to improve the soil itself. A healthier, more drought-resistant lawn is a natural byproduct of improved soil quality. You may be used to three- or four-step lawn care programs, and, if you prefer a standard regimen, organics are also available in multi-step programs.

One good organic lawn care regimen includes products from the Organica lawn series. In early spring, it’s a good idea to start with a product such as Organica’s Lawn Booster which contains natural fertilizers and corn gluten meal. This all-natural granular can be spread in a simple push spreader and actually prevents weed seeds from germinating. Corn gluten meal, a by-product of the wet-milling process of corn, is also available separately and can be applied by itself.

Establishing colonies of beneficial microbes is a great next step. Granular products such as Organica’s Microbial Soil Conditioner can be push-spread and the newly established microbial colonies will help plants retain and recycle nutrients throughout the summer.

In lieu of chemical fertilizers, replace standard, artificialNPK mixes with organics such as Organica’s Kelp Booster to enrich the soil with micronutrients.

If you find that you still have a fairly persistent weed problem, you might want to reapply corn gluten meal or Lawn Booster in September or October so that newly fallen weed seeds won’t get a chance to germinate.

Some Herbicide, Pesticide Alternatives

Fans of on-contact weed killers can choose organic alternatives such as BurnOut Weed & Grass Killer or other all-natural, vinegar-based herbicides. BurnOut Weed & Grass Killer contains a vinegar solution that is much stronger than household vinegar as well as lemon juices and other compounds. As such, it quickly kills plants by changing pH conditions. Remember, this and other vinegar-based herbicides are not selective; they will kill all vegetation on contact.

There is even an organic method for the prevention of Japanese beetle infestations. Milky Spore, containing a naturally-occurring bacterium, is lethal to Japanese beetle larvae but is safe for use around beneficial insects, pets, and people. Japanese beetle grubs exposed to Milky Spore die within seven to 21 days, and as the grubs decompose, they release billions of new spores which remain active in soil for up to 20 years. Additionally, without a plentiful supply of grubs to feed on, moles will go elsewhere to seek food. Milky Spore is available as a lawn spreader mix or in concentrate.

Mowing Schedules

In addition to soil quality, mowing height and frequency can impact the health of your lawn. Ideally, grass should be kept around two and a half inches tall. Taller grass shades out weeds and retains more moisture, further stunting weed growth. To avoid stressing your lawn too much, never cut more than one third of its height and try not to mow when grass is too dry. Finally, pay attention to no action ozone days and avoid mowing during the middle of the day; mowing in the morning is best for your lawn.