An organic lawn is much simpler and cheaper to be grown than the conventional methods. The fact is organic gardening strengthens the lawn and plants to withstand weed or insect invasion. Except for probably the tough to kill weeds, nothing can stand against a strong, thick, deep-rooted lawn.
Ideally it is advisable to get the soil tested before laying out the lawns. Lawns may be quite picky when it comes to the soil’s pH level and nutrients. Depending on the results, add or avoid lime. Layer a dressing of organic compost every spring and fall to get a lush green lawn. This is irrespective of the soil test result. Unlike chemical fertilizers, organic compost even if in excess does not cause any harm. In fact it will add trace minerals and essential nutrition, which any day will be beneficial.
Also only organic compost can introduce beneficial microbes to the soil leading to a healthy soil with better water retention power. The quintessential farmer’s friend, the earthworms, love compost. They tunnel through the organic lawns to aerate them, add fertility and thereby increase healthy worm population and a better lawn.
While adding extra compost will not hurt, it is useful to know how much to add. To have a healthy, green living, organic lawn a one and a quarter inch of layered compost evenly raked should be sufficient. The best way to calculate is for every 100 sq ft of lawn area, layer one cubic foot or 5 cubic yards of compost.
Unlike a chemical ridden lawn, organic lawns and organic gardens require less watering as the soil capacity to retain water is substantially increased. Water for about one inch of thickness of the soil, once every week when the grass is growing. Let the soil dry out before you water again. This is to allow the roots to go deep into the soil. Frequent watering will make the roots stay within top one or two inches of the soil. Such grass is easily susceptible to drought, weeds and insects. As the grass grows taller, mow then to a height of 2.5 – 3 inches. Leaving the mowed grass on the lawn itself is a natural way of recycling and an easy and cheap way of converting it into compost.
With a slight change in attitude (and in fact lesser work), healthy organic lawns and organic gardening can be indulged in by every person who prefers green living.