Transitioning to Organic Lawn Care – Tips Needed!

Hi everyone,

Over the years, I’ve used various chemical products in my garden, but I’ve developed a sensitivity to many of them. This has led me to begin transitioning to a fully organic approach to lawn care.

It hasn’t been easy, though. Many people are accustomed to the weed—and moss-free look of chemically treated lawns and the quick results of chemical fertilisers. Organic methods require more time, patience, and effort to achieve similar results.

I’d love to hear from anyone who has made this transition. What strategies have worked for you? Do you have any tips for managing weeds and moss organically, or for naturally enriching the soil? Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks so much!

 

Hi @James81 - I don't get too excited about having perfect grass, so it also depends on how fussy you are about it.
If you don't want to use any chemicals, it comes down to hand pulling/digging out weeds, and raking moss. There's lawn sand for killing moss of, but I don't know what else is in as I never use it. Moss is just a permanent sort of thing here, so I don't worry about it. Again - it would be a case of raking it out if there's anything dodgy in it.
For a feed, seaweed is ideal, and then it's a case of cutting appropriately, not taking too much off in long dry spells, and re seeding if needed in any bare sections.
The soil itself will be fine if the ground's already decent, but you can always add a thin layer of compost/soil every now and again, especially if you need to reseed.

 

@James81 The best thing you can do is raise the blades on your mower so there is a greater surface of grass leaf to feed the roots and make stronger plants that can resist weed invasion. Plantain, butercups and dandelions will make flat rosettes of leaves that avoid being mowed so you need to hoik those out individually with a sharp, narrow trowel to get the whole root.

If you have moss you have a problem with either shade or drainage or both. The answer is to aerate the soil - use a garden fork to pierce holes about 3 to 4 inches/8 to 10cm deep and wiggle back and forth to widen them. Work backwards so your weight doesn't squish the new holes. Then you simply make piles of sharp sand (not wet builder's sand) at intervals and brush it into the holes to keep them open and improve drainage.

If you want to feed, @fairygirl's suggestion of seaweed is good or you could scatter BFandB or pelleted chicken or cow manure on a cool, damp day in spring so it gets watered in quickly.

Other than that, be less precious about "weeds" like clover, daisies and speedwell as they are good for insect life and thus birds and are also pretty.

 

I see you actually have a company that specialises in organic lawn care @James81, so I'm wondering why you're asking for advice!

 

Wonder no more! I specialise in 'traditional' lawn care and chemical-based treatments, but I’m working on transitioning to organic methods. It’s a tough shift, especially as most customers prioritise weed- and moss-free lawns. Any and all advice on organic approaches would be greatly appreciated!