Organic And Natural Lawn Care Advice
Now that temperatures are finally warming up across the Northern half of the US and Canada, it is time for organic lawn care lovers to get out and get started for the season. We’ve all had to wait just a little longer than our friends who like to use quick releasing synthetic products, but it is well worth it in the long run!
Naturally fertilized lawns do develop and show results slower. But that’s just fine by me! The reason is because organic fertilizers release their nutrients when temps are hotter, whereas synthetic fertilizers release nitrogen into the soil from water. The good news is that organics feed the lawn slowly over time, thus giving it long term strength.
You should not get discouraged, however, because the slow release nature of natural fertilizers will pay off in much longer terms. Picture a child who eats sugar for a moment. That child will explode with energy for a short time and crash to sleep. This is how fast releasing synthetic fertilizers work too. They feed the lawn fast and hard, and then leave nothing in their wake. Slow releasing naturals are much better for long term turf health.
With that in mind, here are some of the best natural fertilizers you should consider for your organically treated lawn care program.
Milorganite: this organic lawn fertilizer is known as a bio-solid because it comes directly from sewage treatment plants in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. While that may turn you off, the fertilizer itself turns up the vigor of grass plants. Milorganite contains slow release nitrogen and also iron. Iron is what makes the lawn that deep blue that sets it apart. Milorganite is available for around $15 for a 36 lb bag that will treat 2,500 square feet. It requires just a couple applications; one in early summer, and another in later fall.
Corn Gluten Meal: Once touted as the perfect lawn fertilizer for organically minded consumers, corn gluten offers many benefits. First off, it delivers the nitrogen we want to turn the lawn greener, slowly. In addition, build up of the gluten in the soil will work as a natural insect deterrent too. That is a nice bonus in areas of the country that have problems with grub worms. Corn gluten can be used all year long when temps are above 60 degrees.
Earth Worm Castings: Finally, for my friends who are very conscious about utilizing animal products for anything, there are earth worm castings which are very high in nitrogen and potassium. These guys love garbage and make the best compost for your lawn. You should expect to pay a little more for warm castings, but the results are really unmatched.
Once you pick out which natural fertilizer you want to use, you just need to get into the proper irrigation and mowing practice, and your lawn is bound to look good in short order.
