Hello darlings!
If there is a phrase that has stirred a lot of buzz among lawn enthusiasts, it is organic lawn care. But just what is it and why should it be of so much concern? The following article shed more light on the practice and explains why it is the way to go.
What is organic lawn care?
Organic lawn care also referred to as organic garden management, is the practice of using beneficial farming methods to establish your turf. Here, you do not use any chemical-based inputs, such as fertilizers or pesticides. Neither do you not engage in any activity that will destroy the health of the soil, or is environmentally unfriendly.
Drivers of organic lawn maintenance
Two primary factors fuel the rapid adoption of organic lawn care practices among homeowners. These are; the benefits the exercise offers, as well as the desire to do away with the adverse effects associated with pesticides and chemical-based inputs. If you’re renting a home, this should be a question you ask your landlord. For starters, scientific researchers reveal that there is a significant connection between the use of pesticides, and the appearance of chronic illnesses, hormonal disruptions and congenital disabilities. Moreover, the chemicals cause considerable damage to the soil, ecological system and wildlife. However, by adopting the organic lawn maintenance approach, you not only shield yourself from related health concerns, but your garden and environment also remains safe and healthy.
What are these organic methods?
Just like normal property maintenance requires a checklist, so does organic lawn care. To establish a strong and healthy natural turf, you have to discard conventional farming techniques and embrace sustainable gardening routines. Some of those include using organic fertilizers, and employing gardening techniques like mowing, mulching, irrigating and much more.
i. Use Organic Fertilizers
A notable aspect of organic lawn care is the use of non-chemical based inputs like fertilizers. But since your grass still needs fertilizer for healthy growth, it is prudent to use organic fertilizers that come from native animal, plant and mineral sources. When these fertilizers get into the ground, they decompose to form nutrient that plants can utilize. Take note to not apply excessive amounts of organic fertilizer on your grass, as that will overfeed them.
ii. Add compost
If you do not wish to use organic based fertilizers on your turf, compost is an excellent alternative. Besides eliminating the need for fertilizer, compost manure increases your soil’s organic matter and also improves the soil’s water retention ability. Just apply the compost as top dressing by dropping small piles intermittently around the garden, or if your yard is extensive, you can use a spreader to apply the humus. You should then use a rake to spread out the compost to about a quarter or three-eighths of an inch into the ground.
iii. Thicken the Lawn
If you want to establish a good lush green strip that is devoid of weeds, try spreading a few grass seeds over an existing lawn. Overseeing your yard will result in the fresh thick grass that makes it impossible for weed seeds to germinate, let alone grow. The grass’s roots will also penetrate much deeper into the soil, making it easier for it to take up water and essential nutrients from the ground. When determining what seed you want to add, take the time to ascertain that it is suitable to your climate.
iv. Water Wisely
Part of organic lawn maintenance involves making the yard water efficient. Even though the amount of water that you use will depend on the size of your garden, you can still control the volume of water wastage. For starters, ensure that you have the right type of plant that thrives in your kind of climate. Such a grass variety will not require much watering. Secondly, practice water saving techniques such as watering the plants early in the morning when the atmosphere is still cool. It will reduce unnecessary loss of water through evaporation, and also prevent fungal diseases. Additionally, apply compost or mulch on the plants to reduce the evaporation rate.
v. Mow tactically
Mowing your lawn gives it a visually inviting and healthy look. It explains why many homeowners take their time to trim the grass. It is also an effective organic lawn care strategy, but only if you do it right. For starters, set the mower blade to the highest level possible and ensure it is sharp to guarantee a perfect cut. Blunt blades, often damage the grass leaves by creating ragged edges that promote rapid evaporation. The severed edges also make the grass prone to infections. Finally, after cutting the grass, do not bag or remove the clippings. Leave them instead on the lawn so that they can decompose and add essential organic matter to your garden.
Lot's of love
