To many people, a beautiful green lawn is a symbol of pride: Keep your grass looking lush, and you will be the envy of the neighborhood. However, maintaining your lawn to keep it at its prime can be not only costly, but it can be very harmful to the environment as well. U.S. residents spend an absurd amount of money on lawn products like chemical fertilizer and turf, convinced that a green lawn is equivalent to a green pocketbook. But what if you want to maintain a gorgeous lawn without releasing chemicals in your dirt? You will be happy to know that you have options.
There are a variety of different types of organic fertilizer you can use, including all natural fertilizer and processed organic fertilizer. These fertilizers fall into three categories: animal based, mineral based, and plant based. Each offers different nutrients and benefits, depending on what your soil is in need of.
Plant-based Fertilizers
Plant-based fertilizers tend to be higher in nitrogen and potassium and can either be made specifically for the purpose of fertilizer or by products of something else. Alternatively, animal-based fertilizer can include anything from by-products of meat and dairy processing to animal manures from a large variety of species. There is no general nutrient for these products, as it depends on the animal, method of storage, and other factors. With all this in mind, it’d be useful to do a little research and asking around to see which animal products offer the nutrients your ground needs. For instance, you may want to consider the kinds of plants you’ll be cultivating in your yard or garden, as well as what other purposes you’d like your landscape to fulfill.
Compost
Compost is another option for organically fertilizer that many gardeners and lawn care enthusiasts turn to for putting nutrients back into the soil. Although it generally isn’t particularly strong in any one area, it tends to have a nice balance that adds to any lawn. If compost is the way you want to go, you can either purchase it or make your own. It can often be the cheapest and easiest option if made on your own, as it just requires piling manure and lawn and garden waste into a pile until it is ready. This gets rid of your garden waste and creates compost, killing two birds with one stone.
Organic Fertilizer
Organic fertilizer tends to require a little extra time to work its magic, so it’s a good idea to plan to apply it a few months before planting season. If you decide mineral-based fertilizer is the best option for your yard’s needs, then it would be worth your while to ensure that the minerals have completely and thoroughly been mixed throughout the soil. While the environmental benefits of organic foods aren’t tried and true, organic fertilizers are a great choice for your lawn and environment. With a little extra attention and care, you can have that luscious lawn without potentially compromising the health of the world!
Written by Mike West, owner of WestCo Grounds Maintenance. WestCo provides the best solutions for lawn care Jefferson City MO has to offer. They also specialize in irrigation and lawn sprinkler service.