10 Tips for a Greener Lawn & Garden

Posted on June 18, 2016

Common pesticides and fertilizers are often toxic, exotic plants require more water and we tend to interfere in nature’s ability to take care of itself with conventional lawn & yard care. Thankfully, it can be easier and healthier to have a naturally green lawn and garden! Here are 10 tips to get you started:

1.    Sharpen your mower blades - believe it or not, sharper blades develop a healthier and greener lawn.

2.    Don’t mow too short – Ensuring that your lawn doesn’t get too low protects any exposed soil from over drying.

3.    Aerate your lawn once a year – punching small holes into the ground promotes air and nutrient flow, which creates a thicker lawn that wards off weeds.

4.    Water only 1 inch per week – Your lawn just needs one inch of water per week to develop deep roots and increase resilience.

5.    Water in the early morning (and don't water the pavement!) - Much of the water from daytime watering is lost to evaporation.

6.    Leave grass clippings on the lawn (it's called grass-cycling) – Leaving your clippings on the lawn is actually a form of compost that will create a natural fertilizer.

7.    Go organic – It’s possible to have all natural fertilizers in your yard. We have a sustainable turf management system that builds the health of your soil organically (from EnviroPerfect). Or check out these 8 tips to going organic or you can hire help with organic yard companies, such as Living Soil Solutions

8.    Avoid pesticides – Sometimes you don’t have to turn to harsh pesticides to get rid of common weeds. If you have dandelions you most likely need to lower the pH of your soil, and can do so with sulphur. Clover is a sign that your lawn may be nitrogen poor, and needs compost, such as those grass clippings or compost tea.

9.    Natural Pesticides: You can spot treat the weeds on your lawn with 5 parts white vinegar, 2 parts water and 1 part natural dish soap.

10.  Take advantage of the rain: Use a rain barrel to water your trees, shrubs and flowers! You can pick up a barrel at one of our remaining community sales (We’re in the NE this Sat, June 18th!). Water Harvesting Canada has installation services if you need some help!

If you’re still in planning phases of your yard, try to plant a more resilient native grass along with trees and shrubs natural to Alberta. Badger Ridge Farm and Greenhouse and Blue Grass Garden Centre & Nursery are excellent resources in Calgary for native plants that will be easy to maintain in our climate. And for more information on eco-friendly lawn design check out The City of Calgary’s YardSmart tips.