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The Environmental Leadership Dinner

Audubon Achievements: Healthy Yard Tips

If you want to wean your lawn and garden from harsh toxins and provide your family with a healthier environment, here are a few simple steps you or your landscaper can take:

Soil Test: Your soil should be tested to determine its health and composition. The results will indicate what inputs/products are needed to amend the soil. Call the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station at 203-974-8521 for details.

Compost/Compost Tea: Top dress lawn with ¼ inch compost or apply compost tea in spring and fall. Compost is the key to successful organic land care; it replenishes the soil to maintain ample organic matter, nutrients, and beneficial organisms, essential components of a fertile nurturing soil.

Organic Fertilizers may be applied in spring and fall.

Weed Control: The best weed control is a strong, healthy turf to out-compete weeds. Overseeding or re-seeding (ask for endophytic varieties) in the early fall builds stronger turf. You may want to aerate before putting down seed. Weeds can be hand pulled or larger areas can be smothered under black plastic at the end of summer before putting down new grass seed.

Attract Butterflies & Hummingbirds: As you prepare your garden, don’t forget to plant late blooming nectar plants for migrating butterflies. Get hummingbird feeders to attract these beautiful creatures.

Introduce Natural Water Sources: Install a water drip or mist fountain to attract birds to your birdbath. Use a rain barrel as your water source to conserve water.

Consult these websites for information about organic lawn care and training opportunities:

www.livinglawn.org,
www.ghlp.org,
www.organiclandcare.net

For more information on how to make your home and garden healthy and vibrant, click here.