If the soil has lots of earthworms, then your lawn is healthy and vibrant.

If there are very few earthworms, it means one of two things… Either your soil is so nutrient poor that earthworms can’t survive, or pesticides have killed most of them.

Practicing natural, organic gardening lawn care can alleviate both of these problems. If you want a healthy green lawn that is earthworm-friendly, just follow these easy organic gardening lawn care basics:

Monitor the soil’s pH factor…

The whole focus of natural lawn care is soil health… starting with the soil’s pH. The perfect pH for lawn soil is between 6.5 and 7.0. This makes it slightly acidic. After conditioning the soil with natural, organic compost, check its pH. If the soil is not acidic enough, add sulfur. If it’s too acidic, add lime.

Soil testing is simple enough to do by yourself. All you need is one of the pH tester packs available at local nurseries or lawn care stores… costing about $40 to $60. Or, you could have the soil tested professionally.

Select a locally adapted grass variety…

Grasses vary in their climate preferences, drought tolerances, nutrient requirements, shade tolerances, and usage tolerances. Choose a grass variety that bests suits your locality and your individual needs from one of the following two types:

Cool season grass… These grasses were developed specifically for northern climates, and are usually planted in early fall, or in the spring when soil temperatures reach 50F.

Warm season grass… These grasses were developed for southern climates exclusively, and require soil temperatures of 70F. They are NOT winter hardy in the north.

Since the earthworms in your locality are already acclimated to local varieties, it only makes sense to select these grass varieties… or at least varieties developed to survive in your climate.

If you need help, ask your local garden center or county agricultural extension to recommend a grass variety that has adapted the best to your area.

Mow long…

Here’s a natural lawn care tip… most turf grass species are at their healthiest when kept between 2.5″ and 3.5″ tall. You may have to mow a bit more often (depending on the weather), but the result is a healthier (read that as less expensive) lawn.

If you cut any shorter than 2.5″, surface roots may be exposed, dry out, and die. Your lawn will not be able to retain moisture… you will have to water more often.

And, earthworms will not have the nutrients they need to benefit your lawn. So… mow long and save money!

Water deep…

Thorough, deep watering encourages deep root systems, which strengthen your lawn’s drought tolerance. Still, it is just as important to let it dry out between waterings.

If the grass color becomes dull or footprints stay compressed for more than 5 seconds, then it’s time to water. Better yet, follow a regular watering schedule of around 1″ per week… that’s watering 1″, once a week. Make sure to deduct any rainfall during the week from this 1″ requirement. (The weekly watering will be for the balance remaining after any rainfall.)

Here’s an easy way measure 1″ of watering…  Just put a rain gauge or empty tuna or cat food can on your lawn each time you water it. When the needed amount of water has accumulated in the gauge or the can, then you can be sure the lawn has received the required weekly one inch of water.

Practicing organic gardening lawn care and maintenance will reduce your dependence on earthworm-killing chemical fertilizers and pest controls.

Natural, organic gardening lawn care produces a healthy lawn that is naturally resistant to weeds, insects, and diseases… and full of those wonderfully wiggly earthworms!

Susan Nelson Hopkins is a reformed gardener and lawn lover. She is resigned to the inescapable fact that we all must conserve water and do our part to protect the environment. But she has learned that this doesn’t preclude lovely, healthy gardens… and lawns. Her tip… less is more! Check out the rest of Susan’s Lawn Gardens. She is also webmaster of Susan’s Bird Gardens and several more gardening sites and blogs.