12 Steps to a Chemical-Free Lawn in Green Lawns & Landscaping at Ecologue.com

Ecologue.com

12 Steps to a Chemical-Free Lawn

[ This article is from: Green Lawns & Landscaping ]

Photo by Kiel Latham / SXC

By Misty McNally

Organic home landscapes require water conservation, natural pest controls and composting, and the results are not immediate — a great lawn may take two or three years. However, the payoffs are huge. Get started today on your path to a lush, all natural lawn by following these steps:

1. Admit that your lawn is dependent: mowing and chemical use may be changed.

2. Consider amending your soil.

Test the soil. Your local county extension office can help. Visit the USDA Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service: www.CSREES.USDA.gov.
Amend soil with natural minerals, nutrients and/or compost. Visit the Natural Resources Conservation Service: www.NRCS.USDA.gov/feature/backyard/nutmgt.html.

3. Select plants instead of grass.

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center has a searchable database of native plants by region: http://Wildflower.UTexas.edu/plants.
Select plants that attract birds and bees.
Avoid noxious and invasive species. The U.S. Department of Agriculture lists them by state: http://Plants.USDA.gov/java/noxiousDriver#state .

4. Mow less frequently.

Let grass grow to an ideal height of 2.5 to 3.5 inches.
Keep mower blades sharp.
Use a push, electric, or rechargeable mower or manual tools to reduce gas-powered emissions.

5. Utilize natural weed controls.

Pull weeds by hand.
Use weed suppressants made with natural corn gluten meal.
Consider biodegradable versions of weed barriers.

6. Natural pest controls can be beneficial.

Raise chickens to devour bugs.
Purchase ladybugs, praying mantises and other insects through local garden centers.
Dish soap, diluted in water and sprayed on plants, will keep mites and small bugs away.
For information on alternative pest control methods, visit Audubon Guide to Home Pesticides at: www.Audubon.org/bird/pesticides .

7. Encourage natural predators.

Birds and bats are natural predators of unwanted bugs and mosquitoes. Provide a birdbath and housing for both.

8. Waste not.

Leave grass clippings on the lawn.
Compost clippings.
Capture water in a rain barrel.

9. Restore your lawn with compost.

Build a compost bin.
Fruit and vegetable scraps, grass clippings, wood ashes and shredded paper can become compost. For tips visit www.EPA.gov/compost.
Try vermiculture. Visit www.Earth911.org.

10. Save on water.

Mulch keeps moisture in.
Water in the early morning to avoid evaporation.
Water less frequently but deeply.
Use a soaker hose that waters plants at the roots to minimize runoff and evaporation.
Plant a rain garden to capture runoff water.
Xeriscape by selecting drought-tolerant plant species.

11. Be patient.

A few weeds and bugs are OK.
Change takes time—but the results will last.

12. Share the good news of earth-friendly, organic lawn care.

Let the kids play, the dogs run and the neighbors admire.

Green Lawns & Landscaping

Advertisement