by Evan L Petee epetee@bw.edu April 1998

Lawns and Minerals Organic Lawn Care Organic Grass Seeds Books about Organic Lawns Organic Lawn Fertilizer If you need to look up a word or two, be sure to consult our glossary.

Organic lawn and garden care is a safe, effective and responsible alternative to the use of pesticides, herbicides and commercial fertilizers, all which may pose a threat to human and environmental well-being. Advanced organic products can be combined with traditional techniques to support truly healthy, vibrantly green, lawns. Organic lawn care isn't perfect, but can be very effective against weeds and pests. And really, do you want to have a chemicalized "golf-course" lawn, or a living, healthy and safe yard where you and your family or pets, and the neighborhood birds and squirrels, can safely play, lie or walk on?

1. Use a High Quality Organic Fertilizer: Slow-release organic fertilizers provide vital nutrients to grasses without risk of burning or harming the grasses. These natural products help support the health and vitality of the grass and soil, lengthening and strengthening grass roots, and helping the grass fight off pests and disease. Commercial fertilizers may harm grass and environmental health, leach soil nutrients, and foster persistent lawn diseases like brown spot and snow mold. Most lawns only require a spring and fall feeding, though stressed lawns can benefit from additional applications. Organic fertilizers are cost-effective in the long-run, since they promote better growing conditions, decrease need for pest controls, and require fewer applications.

2. Apply Seaweed: Bathing your lawn and gardens with a liquid seaweed is one of the best things you can do for them. Seaweed is loaded with trace elements like iron, magnesium and zinc which support plant health and root development, and help fight off fungal diseases. What's more, seaweed is dirt cheap! Monthly applications are recommended, but even fewer sprayings will provide strong benefits.

3. Water Deeply and Early in the Day: Lawns require about one inch of water once per week. Light, frequent sprinklings encourage shallow roots. The best time to water the lawn is early in the day. Watering late in the day may encourage fungal invasion due to insufficient evaporation, unless your expecting a scorcher or having excessively dry weather. then you might want to water in the evening to ensure the water gets a chance to soak into the soil.

4. Control Weeds Naturally: Improving lawn health will greatly reduce weeds as grass can better compete against aggressive weeds if the lawn itself is healthier overall. Weeds can be removed by hand, or there are quality organic products which can control crabgrass, dandelions, lambs quarters, purslane and other weeds, by way of preventing the spread of feeder roots.

Plantain An herb that helps reduce the pain and itching caused by Poison Ivy. This plant will often do well in poor soils and areas of high traffic along drive ways and walking areas where grass often struggles to hang on. Picking it out by hand can help reduce it's ability to reproduce and, then, improved soil fertility and lower traffic can help restore the grass. Otherwise, leave it there. It holds the soil in place and doesn't require any maintenance.

Crabgrass Although not prescribed for any ailment I know of, it often indicates problems with the soil, like, compaction, acidity, toxicity etc. You can almost eliminate this plant by using Weed-Ban on a regular basis, in Spring and Fall.

Alfalfa Fixes nitrogen in the soil and helps break up compacted soils by penetration of it's tap root deep into the earth, As much as two feet. Alfalfa often dies out after a few years, naturally so, it's not much of a problem, unless the seeds are coming in from a nearby lot or farm. Then, control can be established by good cultural practices, like mowing regularly and using good sharp blades when you do.

Clover Often called a "Broad Leaf Weed" it has similar soil enhancing properties as Alfalfa. It fixes nitrogen into the soil, keeps soil loose by deep rooting and brings up nutrients not available in the horizon where grass roots usually grow. The flowers from these plants attract bees too. An excess of clover in a lawn can be cause by many things. A farm nearby can spread seeds on the wind, in which case, it might be a good idea to enjoy the soft green color and pretty flowers, the stuff aint goin away! Another cause can be, an excess of soluble nitrogen in the soil, delivered by synthetic fertiliers like what you usually get at the local hardware store or garden supply. Use organic fertilizer, if you use fertilizer and use those which have more water insoluble nitrogen than water soluble nitrogen, like Nature's Turf or equivalent.

Dandelion Often maligned and misunderstood. Dandelions are one of the first flowers of spring that bees need for their survival when they emerge from the hives early in the year. Dandelions can process and detoxify contaminated soils where oil and gas and other chemicals have been spilled. The can reclaim land where nothing else will grow. An excess of dandelions can be an indicator of problems like soil (toxicity, acidity, alkaline, compaction, low nutirion, high nitrogen, drought, etc) Control in lawns can be established by cultural practices, without toxic sprays. cut off the heads before they go to seed and pick out the giant ones that spread there leaves and kill off the surrounding grass. Dandelions can be eaten like spinach and made into wine if you pick them at the proper time of the year and learn to use them correctly.

5. Thatch or Rake and Aerate: Use a thatcher or iron rake to remove thatch, which is compacted dead grass and grass clippings which interfere with water reaching the roots. Ideally, this should be done in the spring or early summer. Aeration, which removes plugs of dirt, helps increase water retention and supports air circulation to grass roots. Once a year aeration in the spring or very early summer or the fall is sufficient. Aerators can be rented at rental stores and some garden centers, or alternatively hand aerifiers are available. Walking in the yard while wearing golf shoes may provide some mild benefits.

6. Mow High: This is one of the most crucial steps you can take to improve the health of your lawn, as a lawn mowed high supports grass health, through shading the roots and preventing the drying out of soil, and leads to lengthening of grass roots, strengthening the lawn. Perhaps most importantly, longer grass blades discourage invasion by weeds and insects. Set mower cutting height at 2.5 to 3 inches. Also, keep mower blade sharp and avoid mowing wet grass. Leave clippings on lawn, unless they are very long, to reduce fertilizer needs.

7. Control Bugs Naturally: There are many safe ways to control lawn and garden pests. Simply mixing dishwasher soap (try Vermont Soap, or other "natural" brands) with water and spraying on plants will take care of many bugs. Grubs, fungus larvae, weevils and borers and other pests can be eliminated with nematodes, a natural, biological control (See sources, below). Put in a birdfeeder and birdbath as birds also eat up bugs. Vinegar (3 tbsp. per gallon of water) can help control fungus.

8. Overseed: Sprinkle grass seed throughout your lawn in the spring and fall. This will help fill in bare spots and help choke out weeds. If filling in bare areas, first loosen soil and spread peat moss, compost or top soil. Walk over lawn to help push seeds into soil, then water.

9. Check Soil pH and Add Lime (if needed): Soil pH may be contributing to weed problems or poor grass health. Checking soil pH (once every four years)--inexpensive testing by the county extension office is available--may be worthwhile. Many Ohio soils (about 70%) could benefit by adding lime to counter excess acidity. (Note: Elsewhere, if soil is too alkaline, sulphur is usually recommended). Your county extension service wll usually make suggestions based on testing. Having at least 10 earthworms per square foot of soil is an indicator of soil health.

10. Topdress: Adding compost to your lawn will greatly supports its health. If you dont have your own compost, buy cow, sheep or chicken manure and spread at a rate of about 100 pounds per 1,000 square feet. Should be done once or twice a year, June through August.

11. Keep those mower blades sharp and balanced. A dull blade will shred the grass and will promote lawn diseases, which are more likely to occur with moist, humid weather.

12. Occasional applications of Humates and Mycorrhizae will help the roots pick up nutrients more easily and keep the crumb structure of the soil in good shape.

Buy Your Grass Seed Mixes	5 LBS	25 LBS	50 LBS
We sell Retail and Wholesale We sell retail and Wholesale Landscape Contractors Welcome. Quantity pricing available and delivery to your job site, local or nationwide. 1-802-385-1064 Custom mixes are available when ordering 5 bags or more Remember-Plant grass seed only after the danger of frost has passed! Otherwise it could germinate on a warm day and be killed off by the frost. If the frost doesn't kill it, the cold can delay the germination of the seed for a considerable time. More on this here.	Healthy Lawns start with quality seed	Need a lawn tip?	Looking for Organic Lawn Fertilizer Click Here
Bank Mix For fast germination on exposed slopes and late year applications to prevent erosion. This mix is well suited for cut and fill areas and sites with minimum preparation and hard to reach problem areas. It is not intended for a lawn grass. If left to grow the winter rye will produce grain and reseed itself if planted in the early fall or very early spring. Clover will add nitrogen to the soil and put down deep tap roots. Seed at 112 lbs per acre. Contains: 87% winter rye 5% Creeping Red Fescue 4% Perennial Rye (for quick cover) 4% Medium Red clover	.	$39.00	$69.00
Green Mt. Special This is a nice textured and deep green colored mixture, designed for the northeastern climate, or any climate where you have 4 months of winter and 4 months of real poor sleddin'. Hardy, durable, attractive lawn grass with no annual species. Slow starting but very good establishment and durability. Contains: 50% Creeping Red Fescue 30% Kentucky Bluegrass 20% Perennial Ryegrass Bare Ground Seeding Rate: 6 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft.	$19.00	$75.00	$119.00
Conservation Mix An inexpensive quick cover used to repair damaged slopes and excavated sites. In recent years it has become popular as a mix for lawns. It actually does make a pretty nice lawn and with 15% annual seed in it you will get your lawn sprouted in just a few days. The annual grass won't come back the next year though, unless you let it grow tall and make seeds. Contains: 35% Red Fescue 20% Kentucky Bluegrass 15% Cutter Per. Ryegrass 15% Annual Ryegrass 10% Tall Fescue 5% White Clover Bare Ground Seeding Rate: 8 lbs per 1,000 sq.ft.	$16.00	$75.00	$119.00
ECO-BLEND / out Clover Specially designed for lawns managed organically, without the use of synthetic chemical fertilizers or chemical pesticides. Eco-Blend is the product of 20 years’ research with various blends of grass seeds in an attempt to find the survivors that perform well with minimal input. Eco- Blend is made with seed cultivars selected for their improved stress tolerance and reduced fertility needs. Contains: 35% Penn 1901 Tall Fescue 15% Longfellow II Chewings Fescue 15% Applaud Perennial Ryegrass 15% Discovery Hard Fescue 9.5% (9.75% if no clover)Broadway Kentucky Bluegrass) 10% Navigator Red Fescue 0.25% Redtop AREA FOR USE: North of the Mason Dixon line. Bare Ground Seeding Rate: 5-7 lbs. per 1,000 ft.2 *WHEN TO PLANT: Apr 1 - Jun 10 or Aug 1 - Oct 1. NOTES: Overseeding (slit seeding 2 / #1000 sq ft) (top seeding 3 / # 1000 sq ft).	$29.00	$99.00	$175.00
ECO-BLEND with Clover for Nitrogen Fixing Clover adds nitrogen to the soil and improves drainage. I highly recommend seed mixtures with clover, unless the area already has an abundance of clover species in it.	$29.00	$99.00	$175.00
Grub-R Mix with Clover Designed for sandy or drought prone areas with a history of grub damage or heavy use areas requiring significant wear tolerance. Grub-R Mix contains high levels of tall fescue that has shown significant species related natural resistance to grub damage. Additionally, tall fescue is very heat and drought tolerant. Grub-R Mix will maintain its green color after drought has paled other cool season grasses and produces very strong roots that resist wear. Contains: 80% Penn 1901 Tall Fescue (13.5% if no clover) Applaud Perennial Ryegrass 6.5% Discovery Hard Fescue, 0.25% White Clover (optional) Buy The Works and get rid of those grubs for good! Neem Oil Crabshell Grass Seed Milky Spore Nematodes Organic Lawn Fertilizer AREA FOR USE: North of Atlanta, GA to Southern Maine, NH, and VT. Bare Ground Seeding Rate: 8-10 lbs. per 1,000 ft. 2 *WHEN TO PLANT: Apr 1 - Jun 15 or Aug 1 - Oct 1. NOTES: Tall fescue does not establish well during the cooler periods of the seeding season.	$25.00	$79.00	$129.00
GRUB-R MIX without Clover Designed for sandy or drought prone areas with a history of grub damage or heavy use areas requiring significant wear tolerance. Grub-R Mix contains high levels of tall fescue that has shown significant species related natural resistance to grub damage. Additionally, tall fescue is very heat and drought tolerant. Grub-R Mix will maintain its green color after drought has paled other cool season grasses and produces very strong roots that resist wear. Contains: 80% Penn 1901 Tall Fescue (13.5% if no clover) Applaud Perennial Ryegrass 6.5% Discovery Hard Fescue, 0.25% White Clover (optional) AREA FOR USE: North of Atlanta, GA to Southern Maine, NH, and VT. Bare Ground Seeding Rate: 8-10 lbs. per 1,000 ft. 2 WHEN TO PLANT: Apr 1 - Jun 15 or Aug 1 - Oct 1. NOTES: Tall fescue does not establish well during the cooler periods of the seeding season.	$25.00	$79.00	$129.00
Playground Mix Durable mix of medium bladed perennial turf grasses with good establishment and recuperative potential. For full sunlight or partial shade. 10% annual grass will get it off to a quick start, and the wear tolerance of the other grasses make it a good choice for high traffic areas like the back yard, play areas, and anywhere the lawn will take a pounding. 15% Kentucky Blue Grass adds color and texture. Suitable for any lawn. Contains: 35% Creeping red fescue 20% Chewings fescue 20% Perennial Ryegrass 15% Kentucky Blue grass 10% Annual Rye grass Bare Ground Seeding Rate: 8 lbs per 1,000 sq.ft	$16.00	$70.00	$109.00
PREMIER Sun and Shade Mix A mix of highly rated varieties from the NTEP trials. Great for sun and shade. Deep roots, drought tolerant, endophyte enhanced. Contains: 38% Bonnie Dunes GT Mix 13% Hard Fescue 33% Red Fescue 33% Slender Red Fescue 24.44% longfellow II Chewing Fescue 24.2% Applaud Perrennial Ryegrass 9.84% Annual Ryegrass - for quick starting Bare Ground Seeding Rate: 4-5 pounds per 1,000 square feet	$21.00	$69.00	$115.00
Sandy Soil Mix This mix is designed for problem sandy soils. It is designed with fine to medium textured grasses with deep root systems. White clover is added for prevention of soil erosion. Use of Crossfire II tall fescue helps to prevent clumping that can occur in sandy soil. Sandy soil leaches nutirents easily. Add fertilizer to lawns in spring and fall to keep them healthy Contains: 35% Navigator Creeping Red Fescue 30% fiesta III Perennial Ryegrass 20% Blade runner Tall Fescue 105 annual Ryegrass 5% White clover Bare Ground Seeding Rate: 4 to 5 lbs per 1,000 square feet	$21.00	$78.00	$116.00
Shorty Mix or Low Grow Reduced growth rates for less mowing! Burn less gas, save the environment, spend more time on the porch without lawn mower noise! Slow growing, slow germination, good drought and shade tolerance. Good wear and recuperative qualities too. Mow when height reaches 3" Contains: 40% Discovery Hard Fescue 30% Blazer IV Perennial Ryegrass 30% Moonshadow Kentucky Bluegrass Bare Ground Seeding Rate: 3- 4 pounds per 1,000sq. ft.	$35.00	$99.00	$159.00

Organic, Heirloom Vegetable and Herb Seed Beans Beets Broccoli Carrots Cauliflower Corn/Sweet Cucumbers Eggplant Flowers Greens-Salad Stuff-Chard-Celery-Cabbage Herbs Kale Melons Onions + Leeks Peas Peppers Radish Squash Sweet Corn Tomatoes Turnip

DIRT WORKS Links for Organic and Non-GMO Seed Conventional Non-GMO Forage Seed Mixes Conventional - Non-GMO Cover Crops & Grain Organic seeds are listed in the column to your right. Lawn Seed Mixes Organic Grass Seed Single Species for Forage and Hay Plus Organic Hay and Pasture Mixes Not for lawns. Seed Growing Kits Regional Wildflower Seed Mixes Please include complete delivery address and phone number in your e-mail if you're writing for a shipping quote on large orders of forage and grain seed. If you don't see the variety you want, call. We have a long list of organic seed available that are too numerous to list. The varieties shown on the web site are those I believe will fit most any requirement but, I know there are nitch environments and *special needs out there. 1 Acre = 43,560sq ft, 4840sq yds or 160sq rods When ordering seed, plan as far ahead as possible and know as much about the seed you wish to buy before you order it. Each farm has different soil, climates and equipment constraints, and you know best what you need. If you don't, call us and we'll help you make a selection to to the best of our ability. Thanks, John A soil test is recommended before planting. Click here for resources for that. GMO crops are contaminating some farmer's lands and the corporations are tying them up in court preventing them from producing new seed. Download By Clicking Here. Save as much of the organic seed you have as you possibly can and replant it every year. *In addition to our general liability statement relating to uses of the products on this web site we also want to emphasize, when it comes to seed and it's application, we do not make recommendations about what to feed livestock. that is not our area of expertise. We do our best to provide accurate descriptions of the seeds we have available and those are provided to us by the seed houses that bag the product and when we fell it's necessary we post information provided by university extension services about planting rates, climates, growth habits etc but who eats what and how much is not something we get into. It is our expectation that the buyer understands those issues before they purchase the seed and plant it. Fortunately most sate universities have an extension service that will provide people with free or very low cost consultations about animal husbandry and agronomics for every region of the country. They are a great resource and we highly recommend people take advantage of it. http://www.dirtworks.net http://www.dirtworks.net/Seed.html

Organic Small Grain Seed+ Alfalfa Barley Buckwheat Clovers Corn - Field Flax/organic-Sold Out Flowers Forage-Field Peas & Mixes Grasses Herbs Oats Sweet Corn Soy Beans Vetch Wheat Winter Barley Winter Rye Click here to download a .pdf article from http://www.attra.org about cover cropping. Millions Against Monsanto