FERTILIZING:
Most homeowners over-fertilize. Too much fertilizer makes your grass
grow too fast, which makes more mowing work for you. It also makes
your grass more likely to get diseases or develop thatch. Organic
lawn management leaves the clippings on your lawn, which provides
50% to 80% of the nitrogen fertilizer the grass needs in a natural
slow release form.
To
supply the rest, spread 100 pounds of screened compost or bagged
1-1-1 organic fertilizer per 1,000 square feet over your lawn in
early spring and again in fall just after you aerate.
WATERING:
Healthy organic lawns need less water then chemically treated lawns.
They have deep roots and the soil they grow in is rich in organic
matter, which absorbs and holds moisture longer. High mowing also
helps reduce watering since the ground is cool and well shaded.
Traditional
lawns are notorious water-guzzlers. In very dry regions of the country,
you may not be legally able to water your lawn. Many homeowners
may just want to reduce their watering bills or spend less time
hauling sprinklers around. Whatever your motivation, here are some
great ways to cut back your watering:
- Replace
your thirsty bluegrass with one of the newly-domesticated native
grasses-such as buffalo grass-that need much less water to stay
green and lush.
- Reduce
the size of your lawn by replacing some of it with mulch, groundcovers,
or paving.
- Let
your lawn turn its natural yellow color in the driest parts of
the year to complement the native landscape around you.
When
the weather is dry and you do decide to water, water wisely. Experts
agree that one slow, deep watering every 7 to 10 days is the best
for the grass and uses the least water. Don't run your sprinklers
when it is windy or extremely hot you'll only be wasting water.
If
you want to see where and how much water your sprinkler puts out,
set empty tin cans or paper cups around the lawn under the spray.
You'll know how and when to move the sprinkler around to water your
lawn evenly.
