Natural Gardener's Organic Lawn Care Guide

An organic lawn care program works with nature, not against it. This gives the lawn just what it needs to be green and healthy, and more resistant to diseases and pests. This program is also safer for children, pets, and our aquifers and therefore, our drinking water. It also saves money in the long run, since it takes less fertilizer, pesticides, and fungicides overall.

FERTILIZING
When starting an organic program, fertilize your lawn two times a year: April and Late September/early October. (A third fertilization, in June, could be added, if necessary). This program works best when clippings are left on the lawn, and other organic practices are followed that protect the microbial activity in the soil. (You will not see the hyper-fast green-up that occurs with soluble chemical fertilizers. However, you will achieve a healthier, sustainable green - with patience. In other words, there may be a transition period when going from chemical to organic lawn care programs). Lady Bug Brand 8-2-4 Lawn and Garden Fertilizer is a great choice, available in a 35-pound bag, which covers 5,800, square feet. If you have been on an Organic Lawn Care program you may use the Lady Bug Brand 8-2-4 at a 4-1-2 ratio which then covers 11,600 square feet.

TOPDRESSING
Early in the spring, and/or in the fall, spread compost on your lawn, one-half inch or less, and water in. This practice amends the soil, improves drainage, boosts beneficial organisms, helps decrease thatch, and helps hold in moisture. According to some sources, topdressing can reduce water requirements by 50%! We recommend Lady Bug Brand Revitalizer Compost, Turkey Manure Compost, or Manure Compost. Here's the formula to help you figure out how much you need:

Length (in feet) x Width (in ft.) x Depth (in inches, e.g. 0.5") / 324 = # Cubic Yards

AERATION
Where your soil is compacted or contains heavy clay, aeration is the most successful solution, especially when preceded by topdressing. Manual aerators are great to help those foot-worn paths, but for an entire lawn, renting a gas-powered aerator is easiest.

WATERING and MOWING
It is better to water deeply and less often than shallowly and more often. Deep watering means deeper roots! Mow no more than 1/3 of the grass blades' height at a time. This avoids stress and also encourages a deeper root system. Deeper roots mean less watering! Keep mower blades sharp; ragged cuts invite more disease. Leave clippings on the lawn‹they are fertilizer and organic matter!

THE WHOLE NINE YARDS
If you are trying to bring life back to a stressed, diseased, or tired lawn, or just want to do the most to pamper your lawn, here are a few more steps to take. Spray lawn with our Aerobically-brewed Compost Tea several times a year. The Aerobic Compost Tea supplies beneficial microorganisms and soil enzymes for disease suppression and greater nutrient utilization. The combination of Aerobic Compost Tea with Lady Bug Terra Tonic is one of the best alternatives to applying truckloads of compost. This should be applied to lawn at least three times a year. These products provide trace minerals and plant hormones that strengthen overall health and vigor of the lawn or any plant. For controlling weeds, use corn gluten as a pre-emergent herbicide in February and September.

ENJOY YOUR YARD WITH LADY BUG ORGANICS!