It is possible to have a healthy attractive lawn using only organic methods. The key is to provide the ideal conditions so that grass grows vigorously and crowds out any weeds, and is also healthy and resistant to diseases and pests.

Lawns should be mowed to a height of approximately 7cm (3”) - never shorter than 4cm (1.5”). This will result in a good growth which keeps the grass vigorous, shades out weed seedlings and helps conserve soil moisture. Cut your lawn regularly - never removing more than the top 1/3 of the total grass blade in one cutting. And after mowing, leave the grass clippings on the lawn. They will decompose, adding organic matter to the soil and recycling such nutrients as nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus found within them.

Lack of watering harms the grass and the micro-organisms in the soil, driving earthworms down to greater depths. It also gives an advantage to certain weeds that can withstand drought conditions better than grass. Your lawn only needs 2-3cm (1”) every three to seven days depending on slope drainage, soil types, root zone depth (length of roots) and weather conditions. Shallow watering only encourages small, shallow root systems, resulting in a dry layer of soil between the moist surface and the deeper levels. Water deeply, but don’t over-water your lawn. Practice water efficiency and water during off peak hours (11:00pm - 8:00am) to save stress on your area’s water supply system.

For a tonne more information on pesticide-free gardening and lawn care, click here. Thanks to the City of Toronto for their help with this post.