Have you ever read the list of chemicals used to make the fertilizers you use on your lawn? If you did, you probably wouldn’t have pulled your lawn through.
Decades ago, nobody used chemical fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides, but lawns still looked good.
The secret is none other than an organic approach to achieving a naturally healthy lawn.
Whether you want pest resistance or a deep root system, there are many healthy alternatives to the harmful chemical fertilizers you use on your lawn.
Below we’ve discussed the easiest ways you can implement and achieve a naturally healthy lawn without stressing your lawn.
Why Should You Get a Healthy Lawn Organically?
Having a healthy lawn is a dream for many people, but it doesn’t come with a lot of chemical-laden foods to feed your lawn.
In the US, approximately 70 million pounds of chemical fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides are applied to lawns each year despite their profound effects.
Not only do these chemicals affect the health of your lawn, but they also pollute the environment by entering and contaminating clean water bodies.
1. Correct the pH of the soil
Getting the soil pH right is an essential step in ensuring healthy lawn growth naturally. You need soil with a balanced pH, neither too acidic nor too alkaline, so you need a minimum of chemicals to improve soil health.
The first step is to test the pH of the soil with a pH meter and if the soil doesn’t, measure 6.5-7.5 which is the ideal pH for healthy soil.
Different soil mixes can also affect PH, so it’s better to know the soil type when testing PH.
The easiest way to improve soil pH is to sprinkle alkaline mixes, such as lime juice or powdered limestone, on the lawn.
However, a hydrated lawn works faster, better and more effectively than any other form, improving the pH of your soil in no time.
2. Choose low-maintenance grass
Growing low-maintenance grass can beautify your lawn without too much effort. Grass species such as zoysia grass, perennial rye, Kentucky bluegrass, buffalo, and Bermudagrass can adapt to a wide range of temperatures.
Before deciding on a type of grass, you should consider factors such as the climate, the amount of sunlight, its resistance to outdoor conditions, and the amount of time you can devote to your lawn.
It is best to choose low-maintenance grasses that require little fertilization to break seed dormancy and thrive.
3. Deep water
Thoroughly watering the lawn is one of the basics of lawn care, but it’s a very healthy way to get the roots healthy without the use of chemicals.
By providing your lawn with the required amount of water using sprinklers, you can easily eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers.
Experts recommend watering to a depth of at least 6 to 8 inches during the dry season and less during the wet season.
With regular watering, the grass will grow on its own and become more drought-tolerant.
As a result, you do not have to fertilize your lawn regularly, but only when necessary. Watering the lawn can also help prevent compacted soil and prevent the arrival of weeds, allowing you to enjoy a healthy lawn organically.
If you don’t know how to water a lawn, we’ve got you covered with this guide detailing everything you need to know about watering a lawn.
4. Switch to organic fertilizer
Organic fertilizers can work wonders to give you a biologically healthy lawn. Once you’ve fixed minor problems on your lawn naturally, you no longer need chemical fertilizers to make up the deficit and improve soil quality.
Although chemicals can promote grass growth, they can leave inherent hazards on the soil surface.
Unlike chemical fertilizers, organic fertilisers contain mostly natural compost and other organic matter that promotes healthy grass growth without causing harm.
However, they work a little slower to have an effect but provide long-term benefits, healthy nutrition and nutrients that lawns need.
5. Mowing
Mowing the lawn not only helps keep the lawn in good condition but also removes unnecessary maggots and weeds from your lawn.
Mowing the lawn regularly with a sharp mower blade can reduce the use of chemicals because the soil dries out faster.
For healthy growth, mow high and do not go below 2 ½-3 inches high and keep the mower blade sharp when mowing.
Regular mowing can contribute to a better and deeper root system, eliminating the need for chemicals to beautify the lawn.
The more often you mow your lawn, the longer it will grow with more robust drought tolerance and better soil quality. In addition, after mowing the lawn, mulching can return nutrients to the soil that are needed for new grass growth.
6. Control weeds
More than half of homeowners use chemicals to control weeds in their lawns, but it can also be done biologically.
Whether the weeds have invaded your lawn or are a few miles away, it’s best to find out the exact reason that is inviting the locusts onto the lawn.
Frequent mowing of the lawn and mulching of the grass can prevent weed invasion by covering the soil with a layer of organic matter.
Dousing the soil with a solution of boiling water or rubbing alcohol can also limit the arrival of weeds without using chemicals. For plants, you can spray a diluted solution of vinegar and baking soda or salt mixed with water to kill weeds naturally.
Get the pests out of your lawn!!
Also, be on the lookout for pests and behaviours that have created holes and cavities in the grass to get in, perch, and damage the lawn. Instead of using chemical-based insect repellents, you can experiment with your own home remedies and heal damaged areas.
Conclusion
Organic lawn care isn’t rocket science when you can devote a few hours to the health and beauty of your lawn.
Once you can see the difference with organic methods, never wear your lawn with chemicals again.
It is best to start organic lawn care in the summer and give the soil time to absorb the organic nutrients and grow throughout the growing season.
First, switch to low-nitrogen fertilizers and then reduce chemical use to make the transition to a healthier lawn.
During this time, keep a close eye on what your lawn needs and look for noticeable differences to correct things just before the situation worsens.
FAQs
Q: What are some natural ways to fertilise my lawn?
A: Some natural ways to fertilize your lawn include using compost, mulch, and grass clippings. You can also try using organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion, seaweed, or bone meal.
Q: How can I prevent weeds from growing in my lawn naturally?
A: One natural way to prevent weeds from growing in your lawn is to maintain healthy soil by regularly adding compost and other organic matter. You can also mow your lawn regularly and at the right height, which can help to prevent weed growth.
Q: What are some natural ways to control pests on my lawn?
A: You can control pests on your lawn naturally by using beneficial insects, such as ladybugs or praying mantises, that feed on harmful insects. You can also use natural pesticides, such as neem oil or garlic spray, to repel pests.
Q: How can I conserve water while maintaining a healthy lawn?
A: You can conserve water while maintaining a healthy lawn by watering your lawn early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler, which reduces water loss through evaporation. You can also use a drip irrigation system or install a rain barrel to collect and reuse rainwater.
Q: How can I aerate my lawn naturally?
A: You can aerate your lawn naturally by using a garden fork to poke holes in the soil, or by using a lawn aerator tool that removes small plugs of soil. This helps to improve soil drainage and reduce soil compaction, which can improve the health of your lawn.