Eleven Steps to a Healthy PESTICIDE-FREE Lawn!!!!!

Taken from website: http://www.bloomcreative.ca/Columbia%20Valley%20Pesticide/elevensteps.html which was taken from the site http://pesticidefreeyards.org/

1. Healthy lawns need healthy soil
Proper soil preparation and lawn maintenance practices will help to build healthy soil and deep-rooted lawns.  To condition and enrich you soil, add natural organic matter like compost on a regular basis.  Healthy lawns are more resistant to disease and drought damage and will out-compete weeds.

2. Choose the Right Grass
Choose drought tolerant grass seeds and overseed your lawn in the spring or fall.  Use a grass seed mixture rather than one variety.  A thick lawn will crowd out weeds.

3. Mow high to discourage weeds
Keep your lawn mower lade at a height of 7 cm (3 inches).

4. Grass cycle
Leave your grass clippings on the lawn to return nutrients to the soil.  Less raking!  This can supply up to 30% of your lawn’s fertilizer needs and helps to retain moisture.

5. Accept some weeds
Using chemicals and pesticides is not worth the health risk.  Allow clover in your lawn for its nitrogen-fixing magic.

6. Consider alternative plants
Alternatives to grass include trees, shrubs, ground covers, and wild flowers (native species work best).

7. Aerate – let your lawn breathe
Once a year remove small plugs of earth to allow air and water to get to the roots.  A pesticide-free lawn will encourage earthworms, nature’s aerators.

8. Water to the roots
Let your lawn soak up 1 inch of water, once a week, early in the morning, to promote deep root growth.  To measure an inch, put an empty tuna can under your sprinkler and stop when it fills up.

9. Top-Dress and Fertilize
Once a year, in the spring or fall, use an organic fertilizer or apply a top layer of natural organic matter such as compost.

10.  Thatch
Most lawns don’t have a thatch problem.  Thatch is a thick compacted layer of dead plants and grass. Too much thatch stops water and nutrients from getting to the roots.  To prevent thatch, aerate rake briskly, water properly and don’t over-fertilize. 

11. Control Weeds and Insects Naturally
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 hand to knock insects off plants into a dish of soapy water.  Practicing natural lawn care will create a healthy lawn, which is unattractive to pests.