Organic lawn care is a fantastic method to keep your lawn looking its best while protecting the environment. It's a healthier alternative to synthetic lawn chemicals that can cause health problems for you and your family.


It can take some effort to switch to an organic lawn. Your lawn will soon be completely chemical-free.


Weed Control



Organic lawn care programs employ natural chemical-free methods for controlling weeds as part of the overall program. These practices are designed to create a healthy, low-maintenance lawn that is capable of battling in weeds and keep weeds out in the beginning.


Although organic weed control can be more challenging than traditional methods, it is possible to maintain a healthy lawn using the right strategies and patience. There are many organic options for controlling weeds, but we will focus on four popular options:


Vinegar is a common method of controlling weeds. As an organic weed-control agent, you can use straight acetic acids (available in hardware stores) or white vinegar for horticulture. Applying spot treatments to weeds as soon as they appear is the most effective method. To make the vinegar 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 on its own.


Fertilization



Fertilizer is one of the components of an organic lawn program that delivers nutrients and improves soil structure. Your organic lawn's success depends on the type of fertilizer you use.


Your lawn requires nitrogen. Organic fertilizers provide nitrogen in a slow-release form that reduces the risk of it being absorbed into waterways.


The activity of microbes in moist, warm soils releases nitrogen from natural organic fertilizers. This is when soil microbes are most active, and the latter part of spring and summer are the ideal times to release nitrogen.


You can also use compost as part of an organic lawn program. It can improve the structure and quality of soils that are clay- or sandy-based, trapping and slowing down the loss of nutrients.


Additionally, it can aid in breaking down and remove pesticides used on the lawn. It may also be beneficial to add some compost to the soil following applying a chemical fertilizer.


Watering



It is essential to water your lawn as part of a healthy program. Morning is the ideal time to water, as the sun is low in the sky and the air temperature is cool.


Additionally watering in the evening can promote composting which is beneficial to soil health and control of weeds. It also reduces the amount of water that flows into streams and rivers.


The transition from a conventional lawn to an organic one will require more effort and it may take several years for your lawn to reach its maximum potential. It will require you to commit to organic practices such as improving soil quality, increasing mowing height and incorporating organic fertilizers into the landscape. It will involve lots of knowledge that includes a comprehensive knowledge of pests and weeds and how to deal with them naturally. The result will be an attractive, green lawn that is safe for both pets and humans.


Mowing



Mowing your lawn is essential to ensure that the grass is at the correct height, reducing the loss of water and assisting the soil to retain moisture. Longer grass shade the soil, which can help prevent seeds of weeds germinating and reduces disease risks.


Natural fertilizer can also be obtained 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, thereby increasing its permeability. This is particularly important in areas that experience periodic drought.


Start by testing your soil with an extension service in your area that is usually associated with a state-run university, or an established commercial soil testing company. This will help you determine the mineral and nutrient deficiencies in your soil and determine what organic lawncare amendments you'll require to boost your soil and keep it fertile.