Organic lawns have the same needs as chemically regulated lawns. And, while the lawn care basics are similar, the specifics are quite different. Your choice will determine your plan of action.

Testing your soils pH is the first step in any lawn and soil care program. Test kits are available at specialty stores or in home centers and lawn and garden centers. This is a step you do not want to skip. If the soil pH is not addressed, the results of much of your effort may be wasted. Good soil makes for good lawns. You can have a professional test your soil if you would prefer.

After getting the pH right for the lawn you can move on to handling weeds and pests. The appropriate herbicide or pesticide can be applied per package directions. Again ask your retailer for the right stuff. Organic lawns are a bit more complicated.

Next is the application of fertilizer. This is usually done on a schedule that can be determined from the package. Expect to fertilize your lawn several times before the winter sets in. Adding a weed and feed mixture can help insure that plant pests do not survive over the coming winter. Of course there are additional things you can do, but the basics are pretty much taken care of.

Organic care follows the same general procedures but changes the products that are used. You may want an organic lawn to safeguard children or pets. Organic fertilizers and pest control products generally have little or no processing when they are manufactured.

The soil pH is still the first step just as in standard lawn care. You may even use the same brand of lime additive as non-organic procedures call for. Just read the label and make sure it is not lime derived from a manufacturing process that leaves chemical residues. You can use the same test kit to check pH. The kit has no organic or inorganic features.

Pests are something that you will deal with all season long. Organic methods differ greatly from the chemical means that are often applied. Live beneficial insects may replace insecticides or corn gluten can be applied to stop weeds from germinating. Compounds that are made from flowers and natural resins can be found almost everywhere these days. The local agricultural extension agent is a great resource too.

Fertilizers also differ greatly with organic lawns. Since organic methods are common now, you may easily find commercially organic fertilizers. But compost and manure teas are still excellent choices. Master gardeners can give you tips as well. Read the directions. These folks know what they are doing.

You can see that lawn care basics are similar in procedures but differ in the products used. Some other similarities exist. All lawns should have the grass clippings left in place. These will not create thatch but will help retain moisture. If your soil I dense, then aerate in the spring and again if it does not loosen. Some things transcend the organic non-organic barrier. Test, treat and feed are the basics for both.

Want to find out more about landscape ideas, then visit Richard McIntyre’s site to get the best backyard landscaping ideas plus many more articles, advice and tips on landscaping.

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