Keep your lawn looking good without the use of harsh chemicals. Your natural lawn care can be aided by this tool list and sample lawn schedule.
Green, lush lawns are a passion for many homeowners. We like watching our kids and pets playing on the grass or having a barbeque with our nearest and dearest. What a pleasure to have coffee in the morning and enjoy seeing that beauty! But it demands proper and regular care.
When you enrich your grass plot with chemicals, it’s like trying to build good health while eating candy — it gives energy but harms the health. With time, your lawn may become more susceptible to diseases, stress, and pests when treated with chemicals.
Tools for Natural Lawn Care
To care for your yard properly, you’ll need some tools. We have prepared a checklist for beginners. However, experienced gardeners may find it useful too. Consider using electric tools when possible to further your green lawn initiative.
Lawnmower
Aerator
Thatching rake
Raker
Wheelbarrow
Leaf blower
Water sprayer
Trimmer
Lime for garden
Organic plant food
Organic grass seed
Corn gluten to prevent weeds
Scarifier
Lawn Care Techniques
Our experts have gathered the top tips, which will show you the right direction for maintaining lush grass-plots in an au-naturel way. We tested these methods in our gardens so that you can rely on our experience!
Compost. Compost is a natural fertilizer. It contains useful microorganisms, supplies nitrogen and phosphorus (nutrients needed for a healthy lawn), and neutralizes soil pH. It’s a “black gold” for your garden! Good ingredients for compost are wood chips, ash, paper (not glossy and without color inks), hay or straw, weeds, plants, leaves, grass clippings, fruit and vegetable peels, eggshells, coffee grounds and tea leaves, and chicken manure. You should avoid using fish scraps, bones, and meat, diseased plants, black walnut leaves, and any food or stuff that may contain pesticides or other toxic residues.
Natural fertilizers. The market can overwhelm you with choices, so look for product labels that say “Organic,” “Low Analysis,” and “Slow Release.” Many gardeners recommend staying away from products that have a ratio of NPK (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium) higher than 15.
Native grass seed. Look for native grass varieties, which will be better-suited to your soil and weather conditions, and they can require less water. Look for companies offering organic turf-grass seeds grown without synthetic fertilizers or herbicides. Some manufacturers offer mixes for sunny or shady areas.
Weeds and pests. Some gardeners swear by vinegar, citrus oil, and corn gluten meal against weeds. Weeds and pests can be considered messengers of particular problems with the soil. For example, crabgrass points to soil compaction, chinch bugs show that your grass plot is too dry, etc. So, before you struggle with weeds and pests, it’s wise to determine the cause of their appearance with a soil test and research.
Care and maintenance. Follow these simple lawn care tips and your grass plot will please you with its emerald-green beauty.
Do not water your lawn too often; set up an irrigation system.
Enrich with organic plant-food, but do not over-fertilize.
Do not forget about compost; add it several times a year.
Aerate the soil.
Avoid cutting wet grass.
Do not cut with dull blades.
Cut in different directions.
Do not cut the grass short.
Lawn Schedule
March (early spring).Test the soil, rake leaves and branches, aerate the soil, and add compost.
April, July, October. Get rid of weeds and add organic fertilizers.
September. Get rid of weeds, aerate, and add grass seed to bare patches.
Weekly. Mow and water as needed.
Archie Adamsis a lifelong builder and tools expert who is spending his retirement closer to nature in Alaska and writing for a blog HomeMaker Guide to keep himself occupied. Read all of his MOTHER EARTH NEWS posts here.
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