Super Eco

Photo credit: ms.lume from SuperEco group on flickr

Spring is the time to get your lawn care off on the right foot. “Well begun is half done!”

Cornell University’s Department of Horticulture believes that ”Well-managed lawns are an environmental asset. They can help protect—or even improve—water quality.” And “Poorly managed lawns—whether by neglect or through the overuse of fertilizers and pesticides—can be an environmental liability.”

Lawns can help filter air pollution and absorb seasonal windblown pollen. Grassy surfaces also help rain water soak into the ground, helping to prevent soil erosion and runoff. Here are some handy lawn tips:

1. Have your soil tested to check its overall condition. Healthy soil contains high organic content which supports the development of healthy grass that is naturally resistant to weeds and pests. It is important to evaluate your soil needs.
2. As soon as the ground has completely thawed, rake and clean up lawn areas, removing rocks and debris.
3. Aerate—poke little holes in—your lawn with spiked shoes or a lawn aerator.
4. Practice grass-cycling and do not trash your grass Instead, mow with a mulching blade and let the clippings fall where they may. Turf experts agree that clippings do not produce the dreaded lawn thatch, because they are composed of mostly water and decompose rather quickly. They also add much needed nutrition back into the soil.
5. Mow your grass to a length of about 2 to 3 inches, no shorter. Mowing your lawn too short will cause the soil to dry out and weaken your grass.
6. Use sharp blades and mow your lawn when the grass is dry. Wet mowing will gum up your mower and leave soggy clumps on the surface of your lawn which will then turn brown.
7. Water your lawn deeply and less frequently. Water in the early part of the day so that the water does not simply evaporate in the sun. Shallow watering encourages shallow root development. (More outdoor water-saving tips here.)

Dirt Works is a great source for organic grass seeds as well as buckets of information on lawns, organic fertilizers and weed control.

Think about decreasing the overall size of your lawn by planting alternative groundcovers. Try and manage your lawn organically: it is better for the environment, you, your family, pets and wildlife.

Happy Gardening and I’ll see you over the fence!