Susan's Lawn Gardens

 
Susan’s Lawn Gardens is pleased to feature this article from today’s guest author, Jeremy Bolton. He is an expert gardener, so we feel very comfortable recommending his work to our visitors.

Advantages of Using Organic Fertilizers

by Jeremy Bolton

These days, there is so much hype about organic fertilizers and its benefits. Most of us who have gotten used to chemical fertilizers are still skeptical whether facts are stretched too much to make it more appealing. Let us take a quick look at some of the advantages of using organic fertilizers so that you can decide whether it is really necessary to switch to organic fertilizer and organic gardening.

Long before the existence of synthetic fertilizers, plants obtained nutrients from decomposed organic matter such as bone, blood, fish and other organic waste, however it was the growth of farming and crop production that brought about so called “need” for synthetic fertilizers. As more research and studies have been conducted, the detrimental effects of chemical fertilizers are being made aware and more people and environmental groups are beginning to tout the advantages of the organic fertilizers that are readily available now.

Probably the most noteworthy advantage of organic fertilizers is the fact that they are mostly insoluble and therefore are slower to release nutrients to the plant.  This reduces the leaching effect that results from most chemical fertilizers that causes so many problems.  Plants can only uptake so many nutrients at a time and in most cases the plants will not uptake all of the nutrients from a synthetic fertilizer application. Additionally, the likelihood of burning plants due to the overuses is almost non-existent as the overuse of chemical fertilizers can result in the burning and even killing of plants and turf.

Organic fertilizers also help to improve soil quality.  Poor soil can only be improved through the introduction of organic matter, which is what organic fertilizer is.  The consistent use of chemicals creates plant life dependent upon synthetic fertilization as these fertilizers only work at the plant level.  Consequently you may see fluctuations in the vibrance and quality of the plant in between fertilizations.  Through the introduction of organic matter and resulting improvement of the soil and stimulation of soil microbial activity, an environment can be created to better support plant life and provide a slow and consistent flow of nutrients to the plant thus creating a harmonious balance between soil and plant.

The other part about using organic fertilizers is selecting the right one as there are so many.  Typically organic fertilizers will only be high in one of the 3 key plant nutrients, Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium (NPK). For this reason it is important to understand the needs of your plant to help determine which organic fertilizer or combination of organic fertilizers you should choose to provide the necessary nutrients.  Or, you may simply want to add organic fertilizers to improve your soil quality, in which cases there are products better suited for that too.

No matter how you slice it, organic fertilizers are the only option for creating a long lasting and healthy plant/ soil environment that is ecologically responsible economically viable for the long run.

Jennifer Howerton is author of article written on organic fertilizer & natural soil conditioner. For more information, please visit :http://www.naturalenviro.com/Article.php?ArticleSKU=Organic-Fertilizer

Article Source: Article Directory | Free Articles

Do you remember learning how to braid dandelion flowers into a necklace or headband? Remember blowing the tufted seeds into the wind… with faerie warriors riding them into the Grouchie Giant’s Kingdom next door?

All too soon your magic world disappeared when dandelions morphed into weeds… they became a garden chore that earned you some allowance money.

Well, time hasn’t changed perceptions very much…

The first step to controlling weeds in your lawn is understanding exactly what you’re dealing with.

That saying, “A weed is just a plant out of place” is still true. If you flipped through a botany field guide, you may be surprised at the plants you would find classified as weeds!

Read the rest of What Is The First Step In Controlling Lawn Weeds…

Susan’s Lawn Gardens is pleased to feature this article from today’s guest author, HANS DEKKER. He is a lawn care expert, so we feel very comfortable recommending his work to our visitors.

Lawn Care Information
By Hans Dekker

Recent lawn care information reports that a lot of us might be guilty of over-kill when it comes to tending our family turf. What may be the most effective way to solve problems may not be the best way for the long-term health of our lawns and safety of our families.

For instance, most experts tell us we need to aerate our lawns each spring to control thatch. Thatch is a layer of dead stems and roots that build up under some grasses. The truth is that thatch is a natural part of a lawn and a shallow layer of it (up to ½ inch) even acts as a moisture holding mulch for your turf. That is not always good information, as everything in life it depends on several factor such as soil type and the like.

Read the rest of Lawn Care Information…

Do you have a “Saturday” morning lawn care and maintenance routine? Is it absolutely necessary… will your lawn die if you don’t? Certainly not… at least not right away.

Perhaps more so in Nature than in human experience, consistency is a life-factor. Even from a purely practical standpoint, a consistent lawn care and maintenance program saves money and helps build equity in your home.

An established, well maintained lawn garden adds considerable value to your home.

A typical “Saturday” lawn care schedule…

Of course, “Saturday” is optional… pick any day. Just be consistent.

Read the rest of Saturday Lawn Care Tips…

What’s the secret to having the perfect organic lawn? Just combine organic products with these 3 traditional gardening techniques:

1. Enrich the soil with organic compost…

Grass thrives in loamy (crumbly) soil. Here’s a simple way to check for loamy soil…

Squeeze a handful of moist soil. Does it hold its shape? Now, poke or touch it. Does it crumble? If the answer to both questions is yes, then you have loamy soil.

If, however, it sticks together and barely breaks apart (if at all) when touched, then it has too much clay. Or, if it doesn’t hold its shape when squeezed, then it has too much sand.

Read the rest of Organic Lawn Care Techniques…