Organic landcare is a systems approach that seeks to mimic nature. It depends first and foremost on the principle: Feed the soil, not the plant.
The soil is alive with billions of microorganisms that need to be fed organic matter to be healthy. Healthy soil will grow healthy plants that will be better able to resist stresses such as insects, disease, weeds, drought and flooding without the addition of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, which can deplete soils.
Healthy soils also store carbon thus helping to fight climate change.
This article will discuss how to grow a healthy organic lawn in compliance with South Portland’s Landcare Management Ordinance. Under the ordinance, only organic pesticides and fertilizers (if recommended by a soil test) may be used on established residential lawns. This should not pose a problem as most established lawns do not need any additional fertilizer (Note: under this ordinance compost is considered organic matter, not a fertilizer and is therefore not restricted) or pesticides to thrive, but rather organic practices.
A second important organic principle is therefore: Plant the right plant in the right place at the right
time.
Timing is keyed to nature’s way. Going against nature is usually the cause of problems. What to plant, where, depends first on another organic principle: observation. It is important to first observe your entire yard to determine if there is a right place for grass. If the following conditions are not available, grass should not be planted or should be replanted with a plant suitable to the available conditions.
For healthy grass you need six or more hours of direct sunlight, adequate drainage, healthy soil with 5 percent
organic matter and adequate air circulation.
Courtesy photo
Organic lawn care involves using the following key practices to prevent problems, promote ecological
balance, and encourage biodiversity:
• Take a soil test in early spring or fall to find out what, if any, organic fertilizer and/or nutrients
are needed.
• Choose a disease resistant grass seed variety formulated for our Maine climate such as
Yardscaping Mix.
• Leave the following organic matter such as grass clippings and mowed leaves (preferably cut by
an electric mulching lawn mower) on the lawn to naturally fertilize from 25-40 percent. If needed, add
1/4-inch compost as top dressing.
• Plant 10 percent of grass with drought resistant Dutch white clover or mini clover which will naturally
fertilize, aerate the soil, crowd out weeds, and attract pollinators and beneficial insects.
• Overseed all bare spots and thin areas with compost at any time to crowd out weeds and to
prevent erosion.
• Mow high. Set a sharpened mower blade to cut 3 to 4 inches high to create long roots to withstand
summer drought.
• Mow short, 2 inches, at the last cut of the season to avoid snow mold.
• Water 1 to 2 inches total weekly, including rainfall, if at all. Healthy lawns can survive a short drought.
• Water, if necessary, in the morning to avoid disease.
• Aerate the soil in the fall to allow nutrients to feed the soil (rent an aerator or hire a lawn care
company).
• After aeration, spread 1/4 inch compost to feed the soil.
• Fertilize and overseed any larger areas in September when grass is able to outgrow weeds.
Although this may at first appear overwhelming, keep in mind that there are many benefits to creating a healthy, organic lawn. Many of these practices such as planting clover, and leaving clippings and leaves to fertilize the lawn save time, energy, resources and money.
A soil test only has to be done every few years on an established lawn. While organic fertilizer and pesticides are allowed under our ordinance, it is important to carefully follow the directions and to use only what is absolutely necessary.
An organic lawn is also a safe lawn for our children and our pets. It is free of the health risks created by synthetic pesticides. It is important to always remember to feed the soil first, to let nature take its course. A healthier soil creates a healthier ecosystem which in turn feeds the larger web of life worldwide. Each small action that helps to create a healthy lawn in turn will help in our fight against climate change.
Cathy Chapman is a master gardener and member of the South Portland Landcare Management Advisory Committee. Our Sustainable City is a recurring column in the Sentry intended to provide residents with news and information about sustainability initiatives in South Portland. Follow the Sustainability Office onInstagram and Facebook @soposustainability.
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