Organic lawn care is a great way to get your grass looking its best while protecting the environment. It is a healthy alternative to synthetic lawn chemicals, which can pose health hazards to you and your family.


The transition to an organic lawn will take some time, but it's worth the effort. Your lawn will eventually be no chemical lawn-free.


Weed Control



Organic lawn care programs provide natural, chemical-free methods of eliminating the growth of weeds. These practices are designed to create a healthy, low-maintenance lawn that is able to outcompete weeds and avoid weed infestations in the beginning.


Organic weed control is often somewhat more difficult than conventional methods for controlling weeds however, with the right strategies and patience, you can maintain a healthy lawn without using any chemicals. There are many organic options for controlling weeds, but we will focus on four popular options:


A common method for controlling weeds is to use vinegar. As an organic weed-control agent, you can make use of both straight acetic acid (available in hardware stores) or white vinegar that is horticultural in nature. Spot treating weeds immediately after they appear is the most effective method. To aid the vinegar to stick to plants, you can use liquid dish soap or acetic acid. Repeated applications are essential because household vinegar is not strong enough for killing weeds by itself.


Fertilization



Fertilizer is an important element of an organic lawn program. It is a source of nutrients and improves the soil structure. Your organic lawn's success is contingent on the type of fertilizer that you choose to use.


Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for your lawn. Organic fertilizers provide nitrogen in a slow release form that reduces the chance of leaching into waterways.


Microbial activity in moist, warm soils releases nitrogen from organic fertilizers. This release is most effective in the latter part of spring and summer, when soil microbes are at their highest level of activity.


Compost can also be used as part of an organic lawn program. It can improve the structure of clay and sandy soils by capturing and reducing the loss of unused nutrients.


Additionally, it can help break down and remove pesticides that are applied to the lawn. It may also be beneficial to add some compost to the soil following applying chemical fertilizers.


Watering



It is essential to water your lawn as part of an organic plan. Early morning is the best time to water because the sun is low in the sky and the air temperature is cool.


As an added benefit that watering in the evening can promote composting which is beneficial for soil health and control of weeds. It's also a great method to reduce the amount of water that is pumped into our rivers and streams.


The transition from a conventional lawn to one that is organic will be more work and could take several years for your lawn to reach its maximum potential. It will require you to adhere to organic practices like improving the quality of your soil and mowing heights, and incorporating organic fertilizers in the landscape. It will require lots of knowledge and a deep understanding of weeds and pests and how to manage them naturally. The result will be a green, lush lawn that is safe and healthy for people and pets.


Mowing



Mowing your lawn is important to ensure that the grass is at the correct height, reducing the loss of water and assisting the soil to retain moisture. The longer the grass shaded the soil can help keep weed seeds from germinating.


Natural fertilizer can also be derived from grass clippings. Microbes in soil convert the nutrients in your clippings into plant-available forms.


A healthy population of soil microbes also enhances the capacity of the soil to hold water, thus increasing its permeability. This is particularly crucial in areas that are subject to dry seasons.


Begin by having your soil tested by a local extension agency that is usually affiliated with a state university or a commercial soil testing firm. This will allow you to identify the mineral and nutrient deficiencies in your soil and determine what organic amendments you'll need to beef up your soil and keep it fertile.