It’s easier than you might think to have a naturally beautiful lawn. Simple practices such as proper mowing, weeding and watering techniques will let you create a lawn that is green, healthy and vibrant.
8 Simple Steps to a Healthy, Green Lawn
- Rake - If you have thatch, break it up by raking early in the spring. Throughout the summer, leave the thatch alone because it actually helps to conserve water.
- Aerate - In the spring you should have your lawn aerated to improve water and nutrient circulation among the grass roots.
- Natural Fertilizer - Once your lawn is aerated, spread organic topsoil over your lawn. Organic fertilizer works the best because it is high in nitrogen, which grass loves, and will not kill any beneficial insects or earthworms.
- Re-seed - Remember that grass is a living plant and it does not live forever. Re-seeding will allow the grass to out-compete the weeds. Use a drought tolerant seed mixture such as ryegrass and fescues -- check out Eco Lawn, available at Sage Garden Herbs
- Mow - Your grass longer; to a depth of 5 to 10 cm long. Leave your grass clippings on your lawn to retain moisture and recycle the nutrients back into your yard. Sharpen dull mower blades once a year; dull blades may tear the grass increasing the potential for disease.
- Watch & Weed - Look for weeds, insects and disease. Bear in mind that many insects such as ladybugs, dragonflies and bees are beneficial, and that many common weeds such as clover are high in nitrogen and are good for your lawn. When you do weed, remember to weed before the plants go to seed. Pulling weeds out by hand is great exercise!
- Plant for Biodiversity - By planting a variety of plants in your garden, you will be attracting beneficial insects.
- Relax - Remember to enjoy your lawn. And know that it is okay if there are a few weeds -- it is only natural. Remember that you are encouraging earthworms, micro-organisms, birds and beneficial insects into your yard to reveal your backyard biodiversity.
Did You Know?
Chemical fertilizers release nitrogen at a high rate and can make their way into Manitoba’s waterways -- this is one of the things responsible for the toxic algae blooms in Lake Winnipeg.
Seasonal Tips
Early Spring (Late April/early May)
- Gently brush off snow mold
- Using a mulching mower is recommended
- Sharpen mower blade (here are some tips)
- Raise mower height to 7.5 cm (3”)
- Remove thatch by raking lawn
Spring (May/June)
- Aerate lawn
- Top-dress by spreading a mixture of either compost, aged manure, or weed free soil
- Scatter grass seed over lawn as needed
- Lightly water (0.5 cm) grass seeds every day until grass plants are firmly rooted
- Hand weed when necessary
- Pull flower heads off dandelions
- Mow lawn before weeds go to seed
Summer (July/August)
- Mow grass to a height of 7.5 cm
- Leave mulched grass clippings on lawn
- Hand weed if necessary
Fall (September/October)
- Leave mulched lawn and leaves after final cut
- Extra grass mulch can be put in the compost
- Clean lawn mower before putting away
There you have it! An easy, go-to routine to get your lawn looking great, while taking care of the planet.
Looking for another great (and green) addition to your backyard? Check out our FortWhyte Alive rain barrels. Available now in the Nature Shop.