This surburban lawn got the ultimate organic lawn treatment and became an organic garden that will flourish with food within a season. Image: www.earthflow.com
A well manicured, sprawling lawn is the mark of a suburban home. It can also be an annoyance, a demanding maintenance project of- mowing, fertilizing, racking, more mowing. As knowledge of the detriments of synthetic chemical fertilizers expands, more people are turning to organic lawn fertilizers to keep their grass green. But, why stop there? Let’s delve into what could be considered the ultimate organic lawn treatment.
Before you buy yet another lawn treatment, think, is your lawn really serving you? Or are you, like many of us a slave to a green patch that we never actually use? The best organic treatment for a lawn is simply turning it into a front or backyard organic garden that can feed yourself and family and share the surplus to curious, perhaps envious neighbors who still pay for their tomatoes.
Consider taking your lawn and mulch out a portion to plant your favorite foods. You’ll be doing just slightly more work by planting than you would already, and the yields will be much higher. Fruit trees, are great additions to lawns, bearing fruit, providing shade and mulch to the edibles below.
Not all of the emerald green lawn be transformed into a garden. Keeping an area for children and pets to play may make sense. In which case, organic lawn treatments for you.
Paul Wheaton, a permaculturist, outlines two easy organic lawn tips, and they’re not what you think. First, set your mower blade to the highest level possible, about 3-4 inches. Secondly, water only when there are signs of needing water, and water very very well, at least 1 inch.
You want to mow high because the weeds will get “weeded” out if the grass flourishes. Mowing your lawn too short will give the weeds a greater opportunity in the race for sun and giving them a head start to take over. Mowing high will naturally keep the weeds at bay.
Watering infrequently will not only save your water bill, it will teach the grass to send its roots deeper into the ground. As the entire patch begins to dry out, the grasses will be collecting water at a lower level, while weeds tend to keep their roots higher, will begin to die out. Watering at least an inch will ensure the grass roots get the water and not the superficial weeds.
If you are looking for an organic fertilizer for your lawn, there are a few options out there. Check the labeling to make sure it is organic, preferably verified by an independent organization.
Consider making your organic lawn treatment more than an organic fertilizer and turn the effort into a greater extension of your home, where healthy food can grow, kids can plant and play and bees, other insects and birds can benefit too. Now that’s a beautiful view from your window.
Have you revamped your lawn into a more pleasurable and productive landscape? We’d love you to share your methods in the comments section or send us your pictures for us to show off.
