Growing and maintaining healthy and beautiful lawn is a hard task that needs quires constant efforts to fight the pests and preserve its emerald green colour. Pesticides and synthetic fertilizers are a quick way to deal with the occurring gardening problems, presenting immediate results. The truth is that these ingredients bring more harms than benefits. Organic care is an alternative answer to the volatile pesticides that only detriment the soil condition.
The transition from synthetic to organic requires an initial investment of money, effort and time, especially if your previous garden maintenance included synthetic products. The results will be rewarding, as you see your soil restored, while you spend less on fighting the pests and the weeds.
Make Your Lawn Thicker
Experts advise to start by spreading grass seeds over, before treating the soil. This will eliminate the weeds. If you are experienced in gardening, you know that weeds are less likely to evolve in areas where the grass is thick. Pick grass seeds that are specific for your place. Your lawn maybe situated in a shady place or it is exposed to sunlight. Also purchase a mixture of fast growing greenery that will also help prohibit the development of weeds. Lawn mowing should take place before the actual seeding. Cut the grass about 2 inches and then speared a couple of pounds of seed.
Composting
You can increase the soil’s organic content by adding compost. This will also improve the water retention. Your primary aim is to ensure enough air, water and nutrients for the bacteria in the compost. When applying the compost, create enough space for the air to penetrate. For instance, a flat and dense pile of grass clippings will not do the job. You can occasionally turn the pile material to improve the air flow.
Don’t overwater your compost or it might start smelling. Too little water will slow down the decomposing process. Ideally the pile should look like a moisturized sponge. Carbon and nitrogen are major energy sources for the compost microbes. In order for the compost pile to function efficiently, the ratio of these two ingredients should be 30:1 C/N. It is better to test your soil before buying any nutrients.
Fertilize
You can create your own fertilizer by using leftovers from the kitchen. Eggshells and other organic matter will enrich the soil with vital nutrients. On the other hand, your lawn can get most of its food by the grass clippings that can be turned into mulch. It’s important to use slow – release fertilizers that will supply your grass for longer time. By the way, did you know that white clover is a natural fertilizer?
Once the nutrients get into the soil, the microorganisms will break down the nutrients. Even the best chemical soil fertilizers can kill those useful microbes. With the organic nutrients you will keep the soil healthy without harming its microenvironment.
Treat the Bare Spots
These spots can be result of improper gardening practices. Often lawn mowing might be one of the reasons. When you see such spot, just spread seeds over it and then cover it with thin layer of compost.
Switching to organic garden maintenance will be beneficial for your lawn by saving you money and preserving the environment. For more tips: http://www.gardeningserviceslondon.com/pimlico-garden-plants-SW1/pimlico-planting-services.html