Organic Lawn fertilizers
Organica's 4 Step Program is a back to basics
Approach to plant management designed to revitalize soil biology and provide a foundation for healthy turf growth. The establishment of beneficial microbial populations is the key to creating a healthy soil environment. Over the last 500 million years plants and beneficial soil microorganisms have developed a symbiotic relationship. When a plant photosynthesizes it releases a carbon exudate into the soil, which microorganisms utilize as a food source.
The microbes then surround the root to feed on the carbon and in return protect the plant roots, recycle nutrients, improve nutrient availability, improve nutrient absorption, minimize nutrient leaching and improve the soil structure over time. As you can see this truly is a "symbiotic relationship".
Unfortunately today many soils are grossly out of balance and are virtually devoid of beneficial microbial populations. This is due primarily to an over reliance on "quick fix" cultural practices, which rely on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides to manage turf. Studies have shown that most insect and disease infestation is actually brought on by pushing excessive plant growth with water - soluble inorganic fertilizers! This unnatural growth weakens the plant and makes it an opportunistic target for insects and disease. Pesticides are then applied to control these self- inflicted manifestations and they exacerbate the problem by killing non - target beneficial soil microorganisms. Once you start killing off the beneficial microbial populations the vicious cycle begins. When the microbes are no longer there to protect the roots you are forced to apply more pesticides and the vicious cycle is perpetuated!!!!!
Organica's "Natural Lawn Program" is designed to reestablish these beneficial microbial populations and provide the soil with the necessary components to promote healthy controlled growth and reduce plant stress. Each component is synergistic further increasing the efficacy & overall performance of the program!!
The success achieved with growing and maintaining a healthy lawn is directly related to the quality of the grass seed and it’s genetic capability of providing (1) a desirable blade of grass; (2) sturdy root structure; (3) the ability to be drought tolerant and disease & insect resistant. Choose only “named” variety seeds containing at least a portion of “turf-type” tall fescue. Successful seed germination is achieved by conducting moisture and warmth to the seed. When re-seeding an existing lawn, vigorously rake the lawn and clean out all dead debris. This will allow the seed to fall to the bottom of the crevices formed by the other blades of grass, providing the seed with a moist & warm environment. When seeding bare soil, rake soil to loosen and leave grooves for seed to fall into. Tamp soil to make contact between seed & soil; or cover seed with 1/8” of soil. When the soil temperature is warm, germination will take place. Short, frequent watering is only used for seed germination. For an established lawn, follow the watering guidelines on watering page.
A healthy lawn results from a root system that is cool & moist and blades of grass that are dry.
Frequent moisture on blades of grass at the wrong time make them susceptible to fungus.
Length of watering Spring and Fall: Each time the lawn is watered, 1” of water should be applied. To determine how long your watering system takes to apply 1” of water, strategically place measuring devices [tuna fish can, coffee can] and time how long it takes to fill those measuring devices to the 1” mark.
Each time a zone is watered, it should be watered for that length of time, uninterrupted
Length of watering Summer: If very hot and dry; short, frequent watering, 2-3 times a day before 3 pm may be necessary to cool down soil temperature while hydrating grass blades and roots. Otherwise, follow spring and fall watering schedule.
Frequency of watering:
Spring and Fall - water twice per week
Summer- water 2-3 times per week or as needed
Add an additional watering per week for sandy soils.
To prevent fungus, water early in the day, allowing the blades of grass to dry before dark.
It is not necessary to manually water if nature is providing sufficient rain.
