The Use of Compost Tea in the Organic Lawn Care Movement
February 15, 2011 by Jonathan Cawley
Filed under Garden
Organic lawn care is revolutionizing the lawn care industry. Concern for the safety of their children and pets, as well as environmental concern, is increasingly causing people to use organic lawn care practices. Municipal mandates banning the use of toxic chemicals on soccer and baseball fields are forcing municipal managers to use non-toxic, natural fertilizers and soil conditioners on municipal property.
One of the most popular up and coming practices is the use of Compost Tea on lawns, instead of toxic chemical pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. In fact, Harvard University has been using Compost Tea on Harvard Yard (as featured on “This Old House”) instead of chemical fertilizers, and as a result has seen a stupendous increase in the health and quality of their turf.
These soil cores were taken from Harvard’s lawns. Chemically fertilized turf on left; Compost Tea treated on right. Shallow root system on left, deep root system on right: Photo courtesy Harvard University.
Compost Tea – What is it?
Compost Tea is a liquid containing the micro biology that your lawn needs to thrive. That micro biology is extracted from suspended compost in large water drums, while adding oxygen and nutrients to grow huge numbers of beneficial bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. The addition of Compost Tea to your soil improves tillage and soil structure. Compost Tea adds the necessary biology to build soil structure.
Beneficial microorganisms in the ecosystem are negatively impacted by chemical based pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Plant nutrition is increased by Compost Tea making nutrients more available to the root system. Those nutrients are available through microbial interactions at exactly the correct amount, time, and place.
Properly conditioned, your lawn will develop a stronger, deeper root system. As a result, your turf will be more drought and heat resistant, and better able to pull nutrients and oxygen from the soil. This stimulates lateral growth, creating a thicker lawn that is better able to crowd out weeds, and needs less frequent mowing.
Organically maintained lawns:
*Need less water
* Need fewer mowings
* Crowd out weeds
*Have fewer pests
Healthy, organically maintained lawns add up to savings for you, and are safe for your children and pets!
Learn more about Compost Tea. Stop by Carolina Organic Lawns, where you can learn all about Organic Lawn Care and what it can do for your lawn.
Tilling And Cleaning The Soil
November 18, 2008 by Alison Addy
Filed under Garden
You are starting a lawn or reseeding the one you already have. Planting new seed needs some reliable information to guide you in this task and have a successful outcome.
When you plant grass in an area which has a hostile climate to the new grass, all the advice and tips received are welcomed. Learn here valuable advice.
You are starting a lawn or reseeding the one you already have. Planting new seed needs some reliable information to guide you in this task and have a successful outcome.
When you plant grass in an area which has a hostile climate to the new grass, all the advice and tips received are welcomed. Learn here valuable advice..
Tilling And Cleaning The Soil
Clean the soil of any debris, organic matter, stones and other objects that can obstruct the growing of your seeds. Seeds need the best available conditions to grow and you are supposed to give them in an efficient way. Clean and till the soil as the first step to make it more hospitable for the seeds, they need to find a comfortable and rich environment and it begins with a clean soil that cover their requirements. Condition the soil before seeding. You can find many commercial soil conditioners, there are organic varieties, too. Engaged in the organic lawn care program, you can choose an organic soil conditioner. The objection made to organic product is cost, but the benefits are greater, they help to balance environment actors, like bacteria classified as good and avoid the destruction of beneficial forms of life. Beneficial bacteria and insects are respected by organic products. Organic care given to the seed will boast improved results when the bouncing, green turf will be spreading over your lawn. Strong, healthy and lively, the grass will endure any climatic adversity.
Soften the soil to provide a suitable bed for seeds. If you wonder how to soften it, the reply is : by tilling. This condition will produce a quick development of the seed. After that, apply the soil conditioner you have selected
Watering Your Lawn
Watering is a crucial point in growing any type of grass. Many people excess in watering using a daily watering routine for mature grass that can damage grass and roots by drowning. Water with moderation making sure your seed won’t be hurt by losing too much of the soil.
Water enough to maintain moisture when the grass is growing and still small. Once a day you can wet the soil with water without exceeding. If your area supports heavy rainfall, reduce watering to the minimal. Don’t water after a rain.
Weed Control
Use organic weed control products and pull out weeds by hand. Avoid the chemical herbicides, that can be dangerous to your new grass
Organic Solution : New Lawn Care Tips
Organic solution will ease the management of lawn care problems. Adopt the organic solution and reduce the problem before they start.

