Whether you refer to it as natural or organic, it really comes down to the
fact that so many of us just want to participate in healthy lawn care. In
order to get the desired results, it takes dedication, time and knowledge.
Much like when someone must change their diet to become healthier, not only
do they change what they eat, but there are other alterations within their
lifestyle that are made and it takes dedication and time for the change to
take place.
We know that we are going to make the change to healthy lawn care so where
do we start?
. Improve Your Soil-Healthy soil contains everything needed to grow
healthy grass and, as an added bonus, weed seeds don't germinate as well, so
less weeds. A soil test can give you a starting point. This can be arranged
through your local conservation district office or local ag extension
agent's office. The results of the test should give you needed amendments to
put your soil back into a neutral pH.
. Select The Proper Grass for Your Area-Once your soil has been
amended, you are ready to sow the seed. A visit to your local hardware store
is needed here and should be educational. Visit one of the locally owned
stores such as Ace Hardware or True Value Hardware or even your local
Farmer's Co-op as these stores typically have staff that is knowledgeable
about these things. If you have shaded areas, you need to let them know as
they will need to help you select a seed blend especially for that area.
After sowing the grass seed, covering the newly sown area with a light layer
of straw can prove beneficial as it will help to keep birds from eating the
grass seeds, protect the area from washing should there be heavy rainfall
before the seed can germinate, provide light shade and keep the soil moist.
All of these factors, including warm weather, will help to speed the
germination of the grass and it decomposes into the soil.
. Mow less with taller grass-Allow the grass to grow a bit more before
mowing. Set your mower blades for 3 inches and let the grass grow to 4 or 5
inches before mowing. Cutting grass down much lower can damage the roots and
dry out the soil.
Greenwood offers organic lawn care products that will naturally make your
plants grow, keep weeds down and assist in building up the soil. Our Coral
Calcium specifically helps to energize plants and reduce weeds. Green Tek
Soil Conditioner helps to percolate and aerate the soil. Green Tek Total is
a non-toxic fertilizer containing biological components. Our Green Tek ECO
does all of the above, as well as, helping to detoxify chemical applications
from fertilizers and other products and helps to keep flying insects at bay.
Now that you have healthy soil and grass is growing, how often do we water?
Well, that will vary, but the University of Missouri Extension will help
guide you through that process and give you tips on watering your lawn:
http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=G6720
Okay, let's recap: Healthy soil..check, grass growing..check, mowing at 3
inches..check, watering schedule set up..check! Now, besides our Green Tek
Products, here is another listing of organic fertilizers from the Virginia
Cooperative Extension at Virginia Tech. With this detailed listing you
should be able to encourage grass growth naturally. Most of these products
can be found at your local hardware store or farmer's co-op.
http://www.ext.vt.edu/departments/envirohort/factsheets2/fertilizer/jan89pr6
.html
I have read Mother Earth News Magazine for many, many years and sometimes I
find articles that are truly worth keeping on file. The article below is one
of them. Steve Solomon writes about his homemade organic fertilizer, how to
make it up, what to use it on (primarily for vegetable gardens, but can be
tested in other areas with caution), and how much to apply.
http://www.motherearthnews.com/print-article.aspx?id=74392
For brush ups on mulching, pruning roses, landscaping around decks, new home
landscaping, and drainage problems, xeriscaping, coloring woodland areas,
controlling rabbits, deer and moles, as well as learn how to be a gardener,
visit my blog for some of my articles from last season. When we changed our
web site last fall, my archive on the site didn't make the move over, so
now, you'll find them on my blog.
http://cherylsnotebook.blogspot.com/
Check out our Mother's Day Special!!! When you purchase plants to be shipped
to your mom for her special day, Greenwood will include a $10.00 Gift
Certificate that she can redeem on her next purchase this season. So, at no
additional charge, mom will also receive a $10.00 Gift Certificate in her
card which will be included with your gift for her. What a special way to
say "I love you, Mom"!!!!!
Be sure to check out our Monthly Member's Value Page, Member's Only Spring
Bonus Plants, and Landscaping Ideas Slideshow.
Check out our Facebook page for even more landscaping and gardening tips.
Until next time...Cheryl
