Fertilizers and Pesticides Be Gone! – How to Grow a Lawn the Healthy Way
You do not need to use fertilizers or pesticides to have a beautiful lawn. Decrease your use of these harmful substances or, better yet, do not use them at all by following these simple tips:
Use Organic Fertilizers
Grass requires the help of organisms in the soil, such as earthworms, to grow properly. These organisms recycle the plant material, and in turn this makes it possible for nutrients to be deposited where they are needed most. Encourage this natural process by using organic fertilizers.
Buy fertilizers that are deemed to be natural and therefore will not cause problems for the environment. The best options are those that are made of pasteurized manures and composts.
Aerate Your Lawn
Such a small word that can do so much good! Get rid of the cores of soil that have clumped together. A machine will accomplish this task, if you have a big lawn. If you have a small lawn, then you can simply put your hands to work.
Mow the Lawn Often and Mow it High
When your grass grows fast, get the mower out and get to work! Do not cut any more than 1/3 of the length of the blades of grass, however, or you could damage the grass and stunt its growth. Do not mow on extremely hot, humid summer days. This is bad for the grass and for your health as well!
In the same way, mow your grass high. When you mow your grass at a high level this helps support it in creating a deeper root system. This also helps it to cope better with such stressors as disease, heat, shade, drought and pests. The mowing heights recommended depend on the type of grass you are mowing.
Recommended lengths are as follows:
Tall fescue- 3 inches
Perennial ryegrass- 2 ½ inches
Bentgrass- 1 inch
Grasscycle is Good!
Grasscycling is when you leave the grass clippings you have mowed on the lawn and do not rake them up. Once thought of as lazy, it is now known that this is good for the health of your lawn. The clippings are left to decompose, thus sending nutrients back into the soil.
Water Your Lawn Deeply but Not Often
Rain often means we do not have to water our lawn often. Do not underdo or overdo watering. Strive for a good balance. Soak your lawn to the roots on an “as needed” basis but not until it is soggy and too drenched for words.
