Today we started our first treatment, an Early Spring application of 6-0-6 soy based organic fertilizer. It contains nitrogen and other nutrients that are broken down by the soil biology. It is a tremendous food for bacteria and protozoa at the time of year when they are most active. It is safe for all living things, including pets and children. Early spring fertilizer encourages vigorous turf growth and helps prevent crab grass.

The bacteria are getting a lot of respect lately. We know that 90% of the cells in our bodies are bacteria and most snowflakes are wrapped around bacteria, but now scientists are discovering extremeophiles. They used to think that life could not exist above the boiling point, but now they have discovered bacteria that flourish at 230 degrees and live miles below the surface.

A New York Times headline says it all, "Strange New Microbes Hint at a Vast Subterranean World". The total mass may exceed that of all surface life. The most effective way to kill crab grass may be with an herbicide, but the best way to control it is with a healthy lawn. Crab grass likes compaction, heat and lots of sunlight. It is an opportunistic summer annual that doesn’t get a chance in a vigorous, dense turf. To reduce crab grass, water only when necessary and then, provide a thorough and deep soaking. Frequent, light watering can promote crab grass germination. Mow high and leave the clippings.

Read additional tips on maintaining a great organic lawn here.

Interested in a Free Lawn Care
Consultation? Contact us today.

As we rebuild our house after a fire, the choices to be "green" are overwhelming. Windows, siding and floors all have varying degrees of "green". I like to substitute the word "sensible" for "green".  You can live in a windowless cave that uses no heat or a bright, airy space that takes a more energy. I hope you find our organic lawn care services a "sensible" way to care for your lawn. Chemical fertilizers or pesticides are counter productive in an organic lawn care program. A sensible lawn is good looking, but not perfect, safe to chew on and 3” long.

Good soil, good seed and good people make for a great organic lawn. 

Good soil is the key to life. I’ve been reading about all the civilizations that collapsed because people didn’t take care of their soil. Don’t let this happen to you. A soil with the right pH and plenty of room for air, water and roots allows your lawn to flourish. Our fertilizers and compost feed the soil. The soil feeds the plant.

Good seed thickens the lawn and crowds out weeds. A lawn is not a natural environment and our over seeding helps the grass compete with weeds that produce millions of seeds. We usually mow our lawns before they go to seed. Our tillering tall fescues, mixed with other varieties for biodiversity, provide a thick, green lawn that is safe and healthy. They produce deeper roots and survive Summer stress.
 
Good people make it happen. Organic lawn care is not based on a "throw & go" mentality where a worker tosses down a chemical to resolve a problem. It takes a lot of effort to improve the soil and plant the seed properly. The Organic Soil Solutions team is dedicated, hardworking and pleasant. They care about the work they do and it shows. Happy people make for happy grass. Our crew is inspired when your lawn looks good.

Although Winter has begun and you're probably not thinking about your lawn, if you sign up for our all-organic lawn care service now, you can take advantage of our 10% prepayment discount. If you, your friends, or your relatives are interested in our services, please contact us today. We'll provide you with a individual proposal and you can take advantage of the 10% discount. Don't want to prepay? Not a problem. We also offer a "pay after each service" model. Sign up today and be on your way to good soil and a happy & healthy lawn in 2010.

As always, we welcome your questions and comments.
 
Best wishes and Happy New Year,
Michael Murray