by Glennon Kraemer
Lawn/Turf Spceialist
G.R. Robinson Seed & Service Co
314-432-0300
gmmseed@sbcglobal.net
The simple answer to the question is “yes”! The real question is: What is your definition of successful or organic? The beauty of horticulture is that everyone has their own definition of success. I have had customers tell me that dandelions are “Gods flowers”. My point is, success comes in many forms, so a few “weeds” here or there are no big deal. For others, they just aren’t acceptable.
When I teach my turf grass classes, I always get asked about organic options. I have tried many organic products and have come to some conclusions. For weed control, fungus control and insect control, organic products are generally ineffective and or expensive. Organic fertilizers, on the other hand, should be used more! It is my opinion, that it is almost impossible to have what I would call a “perfect” lawn, using nothing but an organic approach.
As with the definition of “successful”, the term “organic” is up to interpretation. True organic fertilizers (bio-solids, poultry, fish meals, etc) are being blended with synthetic fertilizers and pre-emergences to make what I would call “hybrid” fertilizers. The companies can promote the products to be “organic”, but at the same time offer a higher percentage of nitrogen (which decreases bag usage) and conventional crabgrass controls sprayed on organic based fertilizers. Corn glutton is recognized as the leading organic crabgrass preventer. The cost of this product has skyrocketed and in my usage, was very ineffective. To be honest, I only used it once. A fairer assessment should have been done over 2-3 years.
My definition or plan for an organic program would be this:
*Use true organic fertilizers or their “hybred’ cousins
*Mow your grass at 3”-3 ½” if it’s a cool season turf or 2”-2 ½” if it’s a warm season turf
*Do a soil test every other year to be sure nutrient levels and pH are in balance
*Aerate and over seed every year for cool season lawns
*Learn to live with what weeds, insects or fungus activity you get
You can play with this plan to reach a happy medium with say your neighbors or spouse. I have to remind my clients that I am a horticulturist, not a marriage counselor. I am looking forward to using more products from an organic fertilizer company called “Nutrients Plus” this year. They were introduced to them last year and I will be trying them on a much larger scale this year. I’ll let you know how they work later this year. The key to organic fertilizer applications is timing. I recommend you apply organic fertilizers 5-6 times a year.(April-October) This will help build up the organic matter in your soil which should make the turf health and more resistant to weeds, insects and diseases. Cultural practices are more responsible for successful turf then any applications of products. When you combine proper cultural practices (mowing, watering, aerating) along with a sound fertilizer program, you will have a more successful lawn.
There will be a warm season turf grass at the Missouri Botanical Garden
