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PesticideFree Dot CA OrganicLandscapeALlianceReference

The document provides 10 tips for organic lawn care including choosing drought tolerant grass seeds, mowing high, leaving grass clippings on the lawn, aerating the soil, watering deeply and infrequently, removing excess thatch, tolerating some weeds and insects, controlling pests by hand or with soapy water, and considering alternatives to grass like clover. It also lists some resources for organic lawn care and pest control.

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uncleadolph
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69 views2 pages

PesticideFree Dot CA OrganicLandscapeALlianceReference

The document provides 10 tips for organic lawn care including choosing drought tolerant grass seeds, mowing high, leaving grass clippings on the lawn, aerating the soil, watering deeply and infrequently, removing excess thatch, tolerating some weeds and insects, controlling pests by hand or with soapy water, and considering alternatives to grass like clover. It also lists some resources for organic lawn care and pest control.

Uploaded by

uncleadolph
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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alternatives

Organic Lawn-Care Information and Alternatives


Natural Insect Control

List of Organic Service Providers


1. Choose the right grass Choose drought-tolerant grass seeds and spread them on your lawn every fall (over-seed). A thick lawn will crowd out weeds. 2. Mow high To discourage weeds, keep your lawn mower blade at a height of 7 cm (3 inches). Never cut off more than one-third of the grass stem at a time. 3. Grasscycle Leave your grass clippings on the lawn to return nutrients to the soil. This will reduce your need for fertilizer by 30 percent. Clippings are mainly water so they add moisture to your lawn. 4. Top-dress and fertilize Once a year in the fall, use a slow-release granular fertilizer or apply a top layer of natural organic matter such as compost (top-dress). 5. Let your lawn breathe Once a year, remove small plugs of earth to allow air and water to get to the roots (aerate). A pesticide-free lawn will encourage earthworms, nature's aerators. 6. Water the roots Let your lawn soak up 2-3 cm (1 inch) of water, once a week, early in the morning, to promote deep root growth. If it has rained, adjust your watering. Use a rain gauge to measure water levels. 7. Remove thatch Thatch, a thick compacted layer of dead plants and grass, attracts harmful insects. Too much thatch stops water and nutrients from getting to the roots. Remove thatch by gently raking your lawn in late spring or early summer. Aerate. To prevent thatch, don't over water or over fertilize. 8. Develop a tolerance for a few dandelions weeds and insects Most insects are NOT harmful. Some are important to our environment. 9. Control weeds and insects Dig out weeds and their roots by hand. Pour boiling water on weeds that are growing between patio stones, etc. Use a stick or your hands to knock insects off plants into a dish of soapy water. 10. Consider alternative plants Alternatives to grass include trees, shrubs, perennials, ground covers, and wild

Go Pesticide Free 3-year lawn care plan! Entromologist Chinch Bugs Organic Landscape Alliance World Wildlife Fund Canada Lawn Tips City of Toronto: Healthy Lawn Consider Clover brochure PDF file

http://www.pesticidefree.ca/alternatives.htm[3/27/2013 6:43:44 PM]

alternatives

flowers (native species work best).

http://www.pesticidefree.ca/alternatives.htm[3/27/2013 6:43:44 PM]

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