The way to greener greenery
Is it possible to have a lush, verdant lawn that's environmentally green, too?
Jennifer Sparling, for one, says yes -- and the organic lawn-care educator is hosting dozens of free workshops this summer through the Manitoba Eco-Network to get Winnipeggers on board.
Shoppers who pick up organic veggies at the supermarket might not have considered applying the principles in their yards, but Sparling said it has a big environmental payoff.
"You start thinking about (your lawn) as a whole ecosystem, and it's sort of a smaller metaphor for a larger global situation," said the environmental science student. "You take care of your yard like that, and you might start thinking about how you impact the rest of the world."
Promoters of organic lawn care, which focuses in part on healthy plant roots and soil, say following the right regimen can mean fewer pests, lusher plants and less work.
They also cite the potential environmental and health problems of non-organic lawn care. Synthetic fertilizer, for example, eventually makes its way into rivers and lakes, where the nutrients contribute to algae blooms and otherwise alter marine ecosystems.
Organic advocates also point to studies that suggest pesticides could have negative health effects, with possible links to cancers and reproductive disorders.
Ian Greaves spreads corn gluten meal on his organic lawn in Charleswood.
The movement has its converts, like Ian Greaves, who used to load his lawn with synthetics and now chairs the Campaign for Pesticide Reduction.
Greaves said he was concerned about the health and environmental consequences of chemical lawn care on his family, and had three big reasons for going organic.
"Their names are Evan, Moira and Owen," he said of his children, aged 12, 10 and six.
Want to try organic lawn care? Here are 10 ways to make your lawn greener -- in more ways than one.
1) Choose natural fertilizer
Natural fertilizers include grass clippings, compost or well-aged manure, which can be used throughout the season, or slow-release organic fertilizers, best used later in the season or first thing in spring. Corn gluten meal is another natural fertilizer and pesticide. If used around mid-April, it prevents root development of weeds, but doesn't harm existing plants.
2) Recycle and topdress
Instead of collecting lawn clippings, leave them on the lawn. This increases fertility and keeps the soil moist and shaded. You can also topdress, or sprinkle finished compost on your lawn, raking it in for added nutrients.
3) Give your lawn some air
Is your grass overrun by dandelions? The soil might be too densely packed, said Sparling. To loosen things up, aerate the ground in spring or fall.
4) Mow smart
Try raising the blade on your lawn mower. Three inches is ideal for shading out weeds, keeping in moisture and encouraging strong roots, said Sparling. You should also sharpen the blade once a year. And of course, self-powered push mowers are a greener alternative to gas-powered mowers.
5) Trim lightly
Aim to cut no more than 1/3 of the grass blades. Chopping more causes plant stress, making your lawn more susceptible to weeds, said Sparling.
6) Go heavy on the seeds...
To keep your lawn vibrant, overseed annually. Pick grasses that are suited to your yard conditions -- and don't be afraid to try a new, hardier variety.
7) ...and easy on the water
Most lawns need just an inch of water weekly. If rain's not enough, water deeply once a week. Mornings are best.
8) Keep an eye on pests
If your lawn is infested or diseased, look for natural treatments at informed garden centres. You can also check with the Manitoba Eco-Network, or look online.
9) Ditch the lawn
To cut down on maintenance, consider replacing part or all of your lawn with a garden, or converting a patch to native tall grass prairie.
10) Hire the pros
Don't have time to baby your lawn? Winnipeg has a number of lawn-care companies that advertise organic programs, including Nutri-Lawn, Eco Green for Lawns and Trees, and Enviro Masters Lawn Care.
Even more...
* The Manitoba Eco-Network is hosting free organic lawn-care workshops this June and July around the city. To find one in your area, check out the full list at www.winnipegfreepress.com
* Call 925-3777 for more compost information or visit http://www.
resourceconservation.
mb.ca
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