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This is the first in a series of posts on how to make your backyard a greener, healthier place for the whole family--and the planet. Read the whole series here.
Secretly--or maybe not so secretly--we all want our lawn to be the greenest on the block. Having grass as thick and green as a golf course is a rite of passage for homeowners. But how "green" are your lawn-care practices? I've made a few changes myself since I have become more environmentally aware. For example I do not treat my lawn and garden with synthetic fertilizers or chemicals pesticides and herbicides. There are plenty of simple and eco-friendly gardening techniques you can do today to create a lawn fit for Tiger Woods or an English garden party. Here are a few ways to get started.
Switch to an organic fertilizer
Each year we dump excessive amounts of synthetic fertilizers onto our lawns, which travel to waterways and eventually the ocean, harming fish and the environment. So, why not go organic? Natural fertilizers are simple to use and are much kinder to soil, grass, humans, pets and the fish downstream. But before you shop for a fertilizer of any kind, you need to know a few basics: Both synthetic and organic lawn fertilizers contain three main minerals: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Most synthetic fertilizers are chemically processed to be quick releasing so your lawn greens up fast. In the long run this is stressful for the environment as fertilizer not used by your grass leaches nitrogen unnecessarily into the ground.
Organic fertilizers, on the other hand, work to create healthy soil. Found at any garden center, organic fertilizers are made from natural ingredients, including , compost, and leaf and grass clippings. Organic fertilizers are slow releasing and easier on the environment. If you go the organic route, remember that patience is key. Things will take a bit longer to work.
Go light on synthetic fertilizers
If you can't do without your chemical fertilizer, then try to use it sparingly. Remember, you only need to fertilize your lawn twice a year: in the spring and in the fall. Follow the age old adage "less is more!"
Find natural "weed and feed" alternatives
Conventional "weed and feed" products are a staple of lawn care, containing synthetic fertilizers and chemical herbicides with the purpose of preventing weeds and adding nutrients to your grass. Corn gluten is a great natural, pre-emergent alternative to traditional weed and feed. Not only does the corn gluten suppress weeds it also feeds your lawn.
Longer grass = fewer weeds
Another easy way to discourage weeds is to keep your grass around 3 inches high. This encourages longer root systems and blocks out sun so weeds don't grow. Aerating your lawn so air, water and fertilizer can get into the soil will also contribute to healthy grass.
Mulch your lawn!
Did you know that your lawn clippings could act as a fertilizer? It's easy. Simply select the mulching option on your mower. The clippings will decompose and work as a constant fertilizer, slowly adding nitrogen back into your lawn.
Check out natural herbicides and pesticides
We're all trigger-happy when it comes to weeds. We can't wait to squirt down the cracks of our driveways and underneath decks where they grow. Instead of using a traditional chemical product, consider natural herbicides made from citric acid, vinegar, clove oil and many other ingredients. The same goes for pesticides and fungicides. There are a multitude of natural alternatives.
Water wisely
Are you guilty of going overboard with water when it comes to your lawn and garden in the summer? One simple tip that will save time and precious resources is to water early in the morning before the heat of the day hits. Also make sure you water your lawn deep enough to encourage longer roots.
Caring for your lawn and garden is a nice way to relax and enjoy nature. But don't stress out making too many "eco" changes at once. Take it one simple green step at a time and have fun!
More on greening your yard from TreeHugger
Xeriscape, the Art of Water Conserving Landscaping
No-Mow Lawn Seed Mixes: A Grass Roots Transformational Biotechnology
Product Review:Enviromower (Solar Lawn Mowing)
SafeLawns: Urging Americans to Green Up their Lawns
How to Green Your Gardening
My Other Vehicle Is...A Solar Robot Mower
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