First
Steps for Do-It-Yourself
Organic
Lawn Care
Also
see our list of Organic Landscapers
Mow
high -- Set mower blades high 3"-3.5". Avoid cutting
off more than 1/3 of the grass blade at one time. When grass is
growing rapidly in the spring, this may mean occasionally mowing
more than once a week. Leave clippings on the lawn.
Water
infrequently but deeply -- About every 7 to 10 days if there
has not been a good rain. More frequently only if weather is very
hot and dry. Wet the whole root zone. In sandy soil this usually
takes about an inch of water. Depending on your sprinkler, this
could take 2 to 4 hours or more. Light watering encourages shallow
root growth. Shallow roots dry out in dry, hot weather. Do not water in the middle
of the day, evaporation loss is greater. Do not over-water. Too
much water can suffocate turf. Overly wet conditions encourage
disease. Organic lawns have better soil structure and more organic
material, they hold more water and can withstand dry weather better.
Test Your Soil
-- Check the pH balance of your soil. Soil test kits
and pH meters are available commercially at garden supply stores.
Keep your soil pH as close to 6.5 as possible. Long Island soil
is likely to be more acidic, and will require lime to raise the
pH. You can also test your soil for mineral, nutrient, and organic
matter content. Private testing labs can do this, as well as the
Cornell
Cooperative Extension (Nassau 454-0900, Suffolk 727-7850).
Seed
with a tall fescue blend -- Thick turf is the best way to
prevent weeds. Bare patches are an invitation to weeds. The best
time for seeding is when the weather starts to cool down, late
August through September. If you don't use a pre-emergent weed
control, such as corn gluten, seed bare and thin patches in late
April or May. If you use corn gluten, don't seed for at least
six weeks. Using a blend of different grass strains can prevent
a single pest or disease from wiping out your lawn.
Compost
-- Compost contains beneficial microorganisms, and organic material.
These are especially important for the first two years of transition
to an organic program. Spread 1/4 inch thick on turf then rake
in.
Fertilizer
-- Low-maintenance fescues, where clippings are left on the lawn
will need very little added nitrogen. Kentucky blue grass may
need as much as 2 lbs./1,000 square feet per year. Apply half
the year’s fertilizer around Memorial Day and the other half
around Labor Day. If you only fertilize once a year, Labor Day
is the better time. Do not fertilize in late fall (after October).
If your turf needs nitrogen, use organic fertilizer with low water
soluble nitrogen, 5% or less is good.
More
Tips
Download
a pdf of our Organic Lawn Care flyer
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