LAWN CARE WITHOUT CHEMICALS

Few things complement a flower garden better than a well-kept lawn. Many people are obsessed with having that "perfect" lawn, spending hundreds of dollars each year on expensive commercial fertilizers and weed killers.

pet-dog-cat-supply-store.com is proud to announce our recent addition of the Organic Gardening section of our website.

While these products do a wonderful job in most cases of producing a beautiful lawn that is virtually weed free they can have harmful effects as well.

Some fertilizers have been shown to cause cancer in pets like cats and dogs, while they may also cause skin irritations and allergic reactions in people. Additionally, the chemicals in these products leach into your soil and may contaminate ground water if they are used too extensively. Fortunately, there are a few simple and cost effective ways to keep your lawn healthy without using dangerous chemicals. Using Organic Lawn Fertilizers can be safe, economical and effective.

What you use and do in your yard can end up outside your yard -- in your neighbor's yard, in the storm drain or stream, in drinking water and the food chain. If you multiply what you do in your yard by the number of people in your block, in your town, in your county or state, the yard starts to look like everybody's business. Learn how to maintain healthy lawns without use of toxic chemicals for greater protection to all, especially children, pets and birds.

If you want to fertilize your lawn using organic ingredients, you can try the following recipe or try some of the organic products to the right of this article:

Organic Fertilizing
1-cup liquid lawn fertilizer (be sure to check for chemicals or ask your garden center associate for organic fertilizer)

1 can of beer
1 cup of ammonia
1 cup of liquid dish soap
1 cup of molasses or corn syrup

Mix these ingredients in a 20-gallon hose end sprayer. Spray the entire lawn in the morning or in the evening, followed by a thorough watering. Apply every two weeks during the growing season.

Lawn Care Without Toxic Chemicals Tips

Develop Healthy Soil
Leave grass clippings on your lawn to return nutrients. Aerate compacted soils.
Choose Appropriate Grasses for your general area.
Mow High, Set Blade at 3-4"
Taller grass helps to choke out weeds. Keep mower blades sharp. Consider alternatives to grass such as ferns, myrtle, pachysandra.
Water Deeply But Not Often
Water only when really necessary in order to reduce fungus and other diseases. Drought distressed dormant spots will green up with rain. If possible, water between midnight and 8 AM by timer device.
Remove Thatch
Dethatch your lawn to remove dead roots and stems. Choose grasses such as rye and fescues that are less likely to form thatch.
Use Fertilizers Wisely
Choose natural organic fertilizers and only use as much as you actually need. Late summer and late fall are the best times to fertilize. Avoid applying before expected heavy rain for less runoff into waterways. Sweep up any fertilizer from sidewalks and driveways.
If You Use A Lawn Service, Ask Them To:
1. Check your lawn for specific problems
2. Treat only when problems exist
3. Spot treat whenever possible
4. Use natural organic fertilizers
5. Let you know if they expect to apply pesticides Pesticides are Toxic and may:
  1. Cause skin rash and other physical problems
  2. Have been linked to childhood illnesses and birth defects
  3. Enter the body through the mouth, lungs or are absorbed through the skin
  4. Children and pets are especially vulnerable
  5. Fertilizers Degrade Water Quality
Improper lawn use of pesticides and fertilizers are a source of water pollution.
When it rains these products may wash off your lawn and into water sources if not properly applied.
Composting
Municipal leaf collection takes much time and expense. Residents can improve their gardens and keep their taxes down by composting. Composting is easy and produces an excellent conditioner for flower beds and shrubs.