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The Organic Method of Lawn Care

Almost Forgotten Truth:

The birthright of living things is most likely health.

This is true for the soil, the plants, the animals and man; in fact the health of all is
connected.

All health begins with the soil.

The return of organic wastes to the soil, in order to build a humus reserve in the soil, is
the basis of soil health.

Lawn makers reliance on routine applications of nitrogen-phosphorous-potassium


fertilizers may help green and thicken the lawn for a while but can eventually degrade the
lawn soil health. Poor soil health is caused by depleting dozens of other soil components
which lead to an unsustainable lawn maintenance practice.

Relying on purely chemical nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium lawn fertilizers ignores and


condemns the beneficial biology of lawn soil life. The soil bacteria, fungi and numerous
other micro-critters, are all members of the web of life. Petro-chemical based N-P-K
lawn fertilizers produce acidic toxins against this natural chain of life in the soil.

Following up this probably unintended assault on the soil life a host of insecticides,
fungicides and herbicides exerts further damage to the lawn soil rhizophere.

There are “softer” alternatives to many of these practices.

While N-P-K fertilizers help to provide macronutrients for improved lawn grass growth,
they do not provide the micronutrients so essential for the health of the lawn.

I think before we go any further we should define what soil is. Any soil has basically
five components.

1. Finely divided rock which comes from the mountains and hills and also from
sedimentary rock, which was laid down through the action of water.
2. Another very important component of soil is living organisms, mostly
microscopic. In fact healthy humus rich soil can contain over one billion
microorganisms per square inch. As infinite as the universe is when we look out
from this planet, it is equally as infinite when we consider the microscopic world
of living beings under our feet.

3. Healthy soil also contains humus: the decayed and decaying remains of animal
and vegetable life.

4. Soil also contains water. The essential processes of life occur in the water held by
the humus of the soil and the water films on the soil particles.

5. The final component of soil is air. It is from the atmosphere that green plants
obtain the carbon needed to manufacture carbohydrates, the building block of life
on this earth. Grass plant roots will penetrate the soil no deeper than the air.

How A Healthy Soil Works

In the soil humus is constantly being decomposed and being reduced to its basic elements
by the microscopic soil life. The elements that are released then move into the soil
solution and are eventually absorbed by green plants through osmosis. Organic acids that
are produced during this process etch away at the mineral portion of the soil releasing
elements into the soil solution, also to be absorbed by grass plants. Microscopic root
hairs, on the roots of green plants, are the means by which this nutrition is absorbed.

However, there is another mechanism at work here. A mechanism by which living fungal
threads (mycelium) invade the cells of plant roots, acting as a conduit, that carries
nutrient rich soil solution into the green plant. This process greatly enhances the plants
ability to gather nutrients.

The Role of Earthworms

The role of earthworms in the formation of deep-organic topsoil cannot be over


estimated. Charles Darwin made the observation that the humus content of the soil has
passed many times through the intestinal canals of worms. They are nature’s cultivators.
Year after year they deposit castings on the surface of the ground. The result is a rich
humus that is very beneficial for green plants.

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Earthworms also create an extensive network of tubes or canals in the soil to a very
considerable depth. Rainwater and air follow this network bringing life to the soil. The
roots of plants will also follow this immense network of tubes. It is estimated that

earthworms turn 35 tons of soil per acre per year. No rototiller can work as well in
making passageways for the easy penetration of roots.

Healthy soil can contain 1 to 2 million earthworms per acre. Earthworms can produce 20
to 40 tons of nutrient rich castings per acre, per year, improving and enriching the soil.
Beneath our feet our organic soils are in motion and continually being enriched.

Even in death the earthworm continues to enrich the soil. At least 1,000 pounds of
earthworm bodies are decaying in an acre of organic soil throughout the year, with this
protein-rich matter releasing an estimated 40 pounds of available nitrogen all through the
year, as well as contributing to other life cycles in the soil.

We need to invest in the long-term health of our soils. A better balance of soil life wards
off attacks by pathogens in the soil by out competing them for space in a healthy soil
environment. Plant cells walls grow stronger and thicker enabling them to better ward
off foliar attacks by pests. Plants that are used for food production contain higher
nutritional levels when grown in a healthy, organic rich soil. Good soil health leads to
our foods having more ascorbic acid (vitamin C), more anti-oxidants (important in cancer
and heart disease), more flavinoids (better taste), and more resveratrol (anti-aging).

Thinking About the Home Lawn

What is the most important first step in growing a superior home lawn?

It is the grass seed that is planted, whether it is a new lawn or the maintenance of an
existing lawn. Remember the lawn can be no better than the grass seed that is used. All
the fertilizer and control products that are used will not change this fact. So start with
superior, competitive grass plants and the rest will fall into place.

How does Jonathan Green get superior, competitive grass plants? We have our own
turfgrass breeding program. By means of this program we have developed lawn grasses
that are truly superior. These perennial turfgrasses produce a beautiful lawn, even under
tough growing conditions. The Jonathan Green Grass Seed Mixtures have been designed
for organic lawn care programs, so they require less water and fertilizer and possess more
drought, heat tolerant and insect resistant varieties. The Black Beauty Turf-Type Tall
Fescue, the Blue Panther Kentucky Bluegrass the New Frontier Perennial Ryegrass and
the Flying Eagle Fine Fescue elite turfgrass varieties are the end result of this program.

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With the Black Beauty Fescue we have developed plants that are genetically superior.
They root up to four feet deep to access available water much deeper than other lawn
grasses. They possess an invisible waxy, cuticle coating on their leaves, which lowers
their evapo-transpiration rate and conserves water during times of drought stress. This
coating also helps the green plants to ward off fungal disease spores. The Black Beauty
varieties are genetically dark-green, requiring less fertilizer to achieve an attractive
appearance. The Black Beauty varieties are erect growing, producing an attractive turf
that is difficult for the layman to distinguish from Bluegrass turf.

The New Frontier Perennial Ryegrasses are very dark-green in color and fast to
germinate, usually in only 5-7 days. These new perennial ryegrasses have been bred for
superior drought tolerance and disease resistance and all the grasses in this program
contain endophytes for natural insect resistance.

The Blue Panther Kentucky Bluegrasses have all been developed using the new
photochemical efficiency and anti oxidant testing evaluation and screening tools. The
photochemical efficiency test measure each grass plants ability to convert the suns solar
energy into chemical energy. The anti-oxidant test measures the level of anti oxidants
present in each grass plant. Anti oxidants are the shield, which protects the plant cells
from the free radical damage caused by the constant bombardment of ultraviolet light.
(Very similar processes are at work in the human body, which is why many people take
daily vitamins containing anti-oxidants. The Blue Panther Kentucky Bluegrasses knit
faster and recover form stress better than any of the Kentucky bluegrass varieties which
have previously been available. The Blue Panther Kentucky Bluegrasses are now being
grown by hundreds of sod farmers to produce elite Kentucky bluegrass sod.

The Flying Eagle Fine Fescues offer the largest advancement in shade tolerance for many
years. These elite fine fescues perform better in poor soils of lower pH, which receive
only limited fertilization and maintenance. The Flying Eagle Fine Fescues also mix
better with other turfgrasses than earlier fine fescues because they are darker green in
color, more uniform in texture and possess a wider leaf blade than earlier fine fescues
whose grass blades possessed a hair-like appearance.

Many Jonathan Green lawn grass seed mixtures contain endophytes and are therefore
naturally insect resistant. These endophytes are actually a beneficial fungus, which lives
synergistically off the grass plant host. Endophytes produce defensive compounds, called
alkaloids that are detrimental to above ground feeding insects. Endophytes are all natural
and do not diminish over time in the living grass plant. Endophytes reduce the need for
chemical pesticide treatments of the lawn.

Evaluating Your Own Lawn

If your lawn care program has become a vicious cycle of weed removal and return,
insect treatments followed by insect damage, and fungus control applications which

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temporarily eliminate the lawn fungus, only to have the lawn disease return during
the next time of stress; perhaps its time to try a new approach on your lawn, one
that is in sync with the natural organic cycles we call this – “The Wheel of Life.”

My Organic Lawn Care Programs Guide

My Organic Lawn Care Programs aid in the development of an infinitely complex


substance that we call soil. Healthy lawn soil is rich in organic matter and soil life.
Healthy lawn soil holds water, resists erosion, wards off disease and provides a favorable
environment for the growth of lawn grass. These programs are presented only as a guide.
You should assess your own lawn to determine the best course of action. Often the best
way to upgrade your lawn is to introduce superior lawn grasses. Along the idea that the
best defense is a good offense; the first step in controlling weed competition is to
introduce competitive turfgrasses into the lawn. You can fertilize with either my Organic
Lawn Fertilizer or my Natural Beauty Lawn Fertilizer before seeding. An application of
my MAG-I-CAL Fertilizer at this time would also be beneficial before seeding.
Remember, if you apply my Organic Weed Control plus Fertilizer, do not seed for 60-90
days. Time your lawn applications at 6 to 8 week intervals as you progress through the
seasons. If there are multiple products in a program step, you may apply them on the
same day in any order.

Tips For Your Organic Lawn

Before starting any lawn care program, a soil test should be performed to determine your
soil’s pH level. Apply MAG-I-CAL and/or soil amendments to reach a desirable pH
level. When soil is balanced, lawn growth thrives and the incidence of weeks is reduced.
Look for my Soil pH Test Kit.

One of the best ways to control weeds is to seed with superior turfgrass plants that
compete successfully in the lawn. Core or slice aeration of the soil before seeding will
improve germination and alleviate compaction. Aeration of the lawn helps the grass
roots and fertilizer enter the soil profile and increases bio-activity.

The best defense against insect pests is seeding with one of my grass seed mixtures that
contain endophytes, which impart natural insect resistance. A deep, full root system can
withstand the presence of some grubs. Remember, if you need to treat for grubs, they are
only present in sunny areas.

A cutting height of 2 ½ to 3 inches helps to prevent disease and shades the soil to inhibit
weed seed germination. Also, lawns that are mowed higher require less watering.

Keep your mower blades sharp so they don’t shred the grass - making it vulnerable to
disease. Rotate your mowing patterns. Reduce your carbon footprint: use an electric
mower or hand push mower.

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Leave grass clippings on the lawn, as long as they are not in clumps, to decompose and
return nutrients and water back into the soil. Mulching mowers work very well and are
designed to finely shred clippings. Clippings do not promote thatch.

Water longer and less often to encourage deep root growth. Your grass needs about one
inch of water per week. The best time to water is early morning, avoid watering at night.

If you really can’t live with weeds – dig them out and reseed bare spots.

Be aware of local ordinance requirements concerning fertilizers. They may limit or


prohibit fertilizer applications from late fall to early spring.

Organic Lawn Care Products

Organic Weed Control plus Fertilizer


Provides superior pre-emergent weed control plus organic fertilizer.
Prevents over twenty grassy and broadleaf weeds – such as Crabgrass, Dandelions,
Bermudagrass, Orchardgrass, Barnyard grass, Purslane, Curly Dock, and Clover from
growing.
Easy to spread granules provide even weed control, plus feeding and superior greening.

For best results, apply in Spring and Fall. If weeds are excessive, we recommend
applying at the heavy rate of 20 lbs. per 1,000 square feet in Spring and Fall. Do not sow
grass seed for 60-90 days after using this product.

MAG-I-CAL
Pelletized Soluble Calcium Fertilizer
Contains 35% available calcium – essential for healthy lawns and humates for improved
root growth development.
Raises soil pH rapidly and releases trapped nutrients utilizing patented technology.
Rich in calcium – essential for healthy lawn.
Easy to spread pellets that improve soil structure and the effectiveness of other fertilizer
applications.
Contains Humates, decomposed organic substances that are millions of years old!
Enhances grass seed germination and grass plant root development.
Enhances overall plant health and stress resistance.

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Natural Beauty All Organic Lawn Fertilizer
Helps restore soil life!
An ALL ORGANIC, homogenous, lawn fertilizer that is rich in primal humates to help
restore soil life, resulting in a beautiful, healthy lawn. Contains Amino Acids, vitamins
and polysaccharides naturally derived from fruits and vegetables.
A complex, ALL ORGANIC lawn fertilizer that provides excellent turf nutrition for 8 to
10 weeks.
Eco-friendly formula – no phosphorus, great for lake and bay communities. Contains no
animal manures.
Provides carbon, which feeds beneficial soil microbes. Prevents thatch buildup and helps
stimulate the decomposition of existing thatch. Increases earthworm activity.
Apply at heavy rate when seeding lawns or to rejuvenate sick, tired lawns.

Organic Lawn Fertilizer


A complex, homogenous, ALL ORGANIC lawn fertilizer that provides excellent turf
nutrients for 8-10 weeks. Contains kelp, feather, bone and blood meals, amino acids and
humates. Contains no animal manures.
Provides a slow, gentle feeding, promoting a healthy, thick, dark-green lawn over time.
Provides carbon, which feeds beneficial soil microbes. Prevents thatch buildup and helps
stimulate the decomposition of existing thatch and increases earthworm activity.
Apply at heavy rate when seeding lawns or to rejuvenate sick, tired lawns.
Final Thoughts

The organic system of lawn fertility, based on the use of natural organic materials
as the source of all fertility, has merit. This is not a new approach to the subject of lawn
care and soil management; it is the oldest method of trying to make the soil more fruitful.
It is a method whereby natures own laws of maintaining fertility are applied. Healthy soil
is a living, breathing system. It contains essential minerals, air, water, a wide variety of
living organisms, and the decaying remains of dead ones.
The ultimate goal of my Organic Lawn Care Programs is to improve the soil,
making it more hospitable for lawn grass plants.

Why Care for Your Lawn Organically?

Synthetic chemical insecticides, fungicides and weed controls have the potential of
killing the “soil life”. My Organic Lawn Care Programs do the opposite. They
encourage “soil life”, including earthworms, in the work of recycling organic matter. The
maintenance of natural soil fertility and health is the fundamental basis for the
development of a healthy lawn that is better able to withstand drought, and resist insects
and disease.

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Sincerely,

Jonathan Green
Seedsman
Duxbury Farm

The World

I saw Eternity the other night,


Like a great ring of pure and endless light,
All calm, as it was bright;
And Round beneath it, Time in hours, days, years,
Driven by the spheres
Like a vast shadow moved; in which the world
And all her train were hurled.

Henry Vaughn 1621-1695

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