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

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Susan’s Lawn Gardens is pleased to feature this article from today’s guest author, LINDA J. BRUTON. She is an expert on lawns, so we feel very comfortable recommending her work to our visitors.

Fertilizers – What you Need to Feed Your Lawn
By Linda J Bruton

Just like humans need food, water and shelter to survive, lawns depend on certain elements to live, sixteen to be exact. Most of these elements are already found naturally in the environment, but several others need to be added to your lawn. Adding fertilizer with these three elements, nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, does the job.

Before you run out to the store to purchase a complete fertilizer, or, one that contains all three, it is important to understand why your lawn’s livelihood depends on it.

Nitrogen- This is possibly the most important element your lawn needs. It makes the grass grow and gives it its green color. It will also allow for more density, thick shoots, and sturdy growth, thus creating an environment that will naturally fight off pests and bugs.

Potassium- Since you can’t toss bananas in your yard, your best bet for this mineral is to use fertilizer! Potassium enhances your lawn’s ability to resist disease, drought, wear and cold weather.

Phosphorus- This is used to encourage strong grass root growth.

Most fertilizers you will find in your local home and garden stores will contain all three of these elements. However, there are different amounts of each. This is reflected in a three-digit number, such as 30-10-10, which tells the percentage of each in this order: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. These blends will serve different purposes. For instance, more potassium in blends are good for winterization. The factors you need to consider are grass type, climate, time of season and soil type. Once you know what your needs are, you will be able to determine the right combination of these elements. An additional way to scan your needs is determine the current levels of these nutrients in your soil. This can be done through a simple pH test.

In addition to variation in percentages of the key elements, there are also different types of fertilizers to consider. There are four major options that will greet you in the fertilizer aisle: Granular (slow and fast-release), Liquid, Synthetic and Organic.

Granular fertilizers are perhaps the most popular, probably due to their ease in use and duration. Since these are dry, they are much easier to spread. Granular fertilizers can come in a slow time-release formula, which provides fertilization over two to six months.

This is an efficient choice for homeowners, as it will not need another application for months to come. Granular is also available in fast-release, and although applied in the same manner, the nutrients are released quicker and work better in cold weather. This method also costs less. However, grass burn can occur and there will be a greater need for watering.

Liquid fertilizers are just as the name says- in liquid form. These are applied by attaching a hose and nozzle to a spray bottle. The contents of the bottle are usually in concentrated form, thus the need to mix with the water. If you can use a hose, this is an easy method, more so than spreading granular around the yard. Also, since this a liquid, nutrients are available immediately to the roots of your vegetation. Herbicides can also be added or applied during this treatment. But, since the results are immediate, applications will have to be repeated more often than granular, and since liquid is more expensive to begin with, it can be more costly.

Synthetic fertilizers are usually manufactured chemically, hence being called synthetic. These engineered fertilizers offer immediate release of nutrients, and make lawns green.They simply penetrate the soil quicker. However, they are not natural, and many argue that lawns should be treated naturally. Applications of synthetic fertilizer needs to be redone more often, as results don’t last as long. They can also burn your lawn if not applied in a proper manner.

Finally, organic fertilizers are made from once living organisms and their bi-products. These are applied to the lawn by spreaders, rakes and even by hand. Since this a totally natural fertilizer, the organics tend to break down slow when releasing nitrogen. They will improve the texture and density of your lawn, especially when added to soil or lakebed sand. There are some drawbacks however, including a foul smell in the case of manures. Also, these soils tend to have more nitrogen than other elements.

In summary, when choosing a fertilizer, you need to consider many things: The current nutrition of your lawn, how much money you want to spend, how much labor you want to invest in application- initial and repeats, as well as personal preference. But with the spurt in technology, choices keep growing as more combinations are being introduced.

For hundreds of other tips for creating your own perfect lawn, be sure to visit: http://www.YourPerfectLawn.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_J_Bruton
http://EzineArticles.com/?Fertilizers—-What-you-Need-to-Feed-Your-Lawn&id=7240

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

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.

Adding an organic compost to soil achieves the optimum soil texture, because it adds nutrients in a natural, easy-to-absorb state… with several bonuses:

• Increases the soil’s organic content, hence it’s water-holding capacity
• Improves the soil’s physical structure, allowing more air to get to the roots
• Increases bacterial and beneficial fungal activity, making nutrients more available to grass roots
• Organically derived plant nutrients are less likely to contribute to water pollution because they are very slow to leach from the soil

But here’s the “super” bonus… the response to this enriched soil is a deeper, stronger root structure that withstands drought and disease!

2. Apply liquid seaweed…

Seaweed is loaded with trace elements like iron, magnesium, and zinc which maintain root development and plant health. They also enhance the lawn’s ability to fight off fungal diseases.

Applying liquid seaweed to your lawn is a basic, necessary step to ensuring an organically healthy lawn. Fortunately, it is not expensive. So, apply it at least once a month, or as recommended by the product.

Actually, even less frequent applications still have very strong benefits.

3. Water deeply and early…

Organic lawn care advocates about one inch of water applied once per week. This deep watering encourages deep roots… enabling your lawn to withstand droughts and diseases.

The question is, how can you gauge that one inch? First, take into account the total rainfall during the week. The weekly watering is just to make up the difference between the total week’s rainfall and the 1″ requirement. If you still need to water, here’s a really simple tip to determine when to turn off the water:

Place a rain gauge or empty tuna or cat food can on your lawn when you water it. Keep an eye on the gauge or the can.. it’s really easy to see when to turn off the water. No more guessing, no more thirsty lawns.

The best time to water lawns is early in the day, providing plenty of time for grass roots to breathe. Fungal invasion due to insufficient evaporation can result from watering in the evening.

These are just three essential organic lawn care techniques, but they add up to a potent combination for that perfect lawn!

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.

It’s never too early to start Spring lawn care and maintenance. So what if it’s raining cats and dogs or there’s a howling blizzard outside.

Tools need sharpening and equipment needs… something. Besides, you have high hopes that Spring is right around the corner. Ah, beautiful spring bulbs, plum blossoms, and flowering dogwood. You can already see it… by heaven, you can smell it!

Well, almost.

But right now, it’s time to revive your trusty old Spring lawn maintenance tips clipboard. Don’t forget the new seed company calendar, and your old-fashioned number 2 pencil… well sharpened (or are you a whittler). Anyway, pull a stool up to the work bench, and let’s get started.

Tip #1 – Fertilize your lawn…

The general rule of thumb (make that “green” thumb) for a lawn care fertilizing schedule is:

Apply fertilizer 4 times per season
First application should be 30 days before the growing season starts
Space the remaining 3 applications 60 days apart

This will span Spring, Summer, and early Fall. Remember to use a formula suited to the time of year. For example, Spring lawns require fast above-ground growth, but Fall lawns require strong root growth to survive the Winter.

Tip #2 – Aerate the soil under your lawn…

Before this can be done, northern lawns need to achieve a ground temperature of 50F, while southern lawn ground temperatures can be 70F. Remember, grass varieties developed specifically for your location wake up when Nature does its thing… so be patient.Watch the weather channel, or another source for this vital information, and mark your calendar for this first major Spring lawn care chore. Referring to the previous 1-3 years’ calendars is often helpful for “guess-time-ating”.

Tip #3 – Revive trouble spots in your lawn…

There may be worn areas from the previous year, or patches that didn’t survive the winter.Decide whether to seed or sod these spots, and give them special attention until they’re well on their way. It’s worth the extra lawn care and maintenance because healthy lawns discourage weeds and other pests.

Tip #4 – Water your lawn and save money…

wateringYes, you read that right. Proper lawn care watering promotes a healthy lawn and ecosystem. From your wallet’s point of view, the lawn you don’t have to remove and replace means money in the bank. As does the effect of a cool lawn on air conditioning bills.

Keep in mind also that aerating your lawn early in the Spring guarantees improved drainage.

Root growth is encouraged by this deep watering… which translates into your lawn being able to survive on 1 inch of water per week, even in drought conditions.

Another neat benefit is water no longer runs off your lawn and into the street. Of course your streets won’t be as clean, but your wallet will certainly be happier!

Tip #5 – Mow your lawn the RIGHT way…

Interestingly, mowing is the most misunderstood and probably the most incorrectly performed part of lawn care and maintenance.

The ideal lawn height is 2.5″ to 3.5″… any shorter and you risk sun scald and a solid growth spurt of weeds!

Taller grass looks and feels better, is healthier, develops strong roots, and combats weeds quite effectively.

Well, your new lawn maintenance calendar should be pretty well filled up by now… fertilizing, aerating, reviving, watering, and mowing are all scheduled.

Meanwhile, since you’re waiting for the snow to melt or the rain to stop, there’s always tools and equipment to work on…

Somehow, right now lawn care and maintenance doesn’t seem like a chore. Those flowering dogwood blossoms falling onto a newly mowed, green lawn will be worth it!

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.