Looking for a good organic lawn program

[sunnyside]

Anyone willing to share a good organic lawn program? Also do I have to be certified to use organic products? The answer I got from my extension office was "they don't have any organic products on the market that really work." What kind of answer is that? Every time I ask a question I get an answer like this. I may be wrong but I feel everyone will be forced to use some kind of organic products in the future so why not start now. Thank you for your help. Ryan

[sunnyside]

Can anyone help me out? I used the search but didn't find a single program. My biggest question is if I would have to be certified using organic only?

[powerreel]

http://waltsorganic.com/ or http://www.rootsinc.com/ or http://www.humic.com/ or http://thehawkseye.com/pcyan/pcyan.html try 'em all!

[jkinchla]

I doubt you have to be certified to go organic, but probably the best route would be to get certified in case you need to use chemicals in an emergency situation. Plus, without certification you can't use products such as Roundup which is excellent for a wide variety of applications in landscaping. And being certified provides credibility with your customers because many 'mow and blow' landscapers lack the proper licensing. I'd say go for it this winter if you can.

[sunnyside]

Thank you for the e-mails and posts, but I still havn't gotten anyone to tell me a good organic program to use. Surely some of you are using organics with good results? I called the extension office in my area agian and 1 person said I have to be certified for organics and 1 didn't didn't think that would be needed, but they said I could put fert. only without any licenses at all.

[kutnkru]

The main thing to keep in mind is that Organic Programs mean customers accept weeds in their lawns in an effort to help the eco system.

Healthy turf thru Organics is accomplished by establishing HEALTHIER turf thru AERATING, POWER RAKING, and OVERSEEDING annually. ALL OF WHICH HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO BE HUGE MONEY MAKERS!!!

We order our products thru a Lesco competitor here in NY for Organics but they can assist you where you are to help your effort.

The HOMEDEPOT also carries a program called Milogranite.

to the best of my knowledge you DO NOT have to be licensed in NY to apply straight fertilizers (ie. Organics) because there are no pesticides or herbicides used.

Hope this helps. and Good Luck!!!

[Ocutter]

The best youre going to get in the commercial market is 50% synthetic organic (50% man made) The milorganite mentioned has very little N-P-K levels to produce a lush lawn. I just got some info from LESCO today and their organic ferts. are 50% as well. The best you can do is look thru mail order catalogs and see what they have. Total weed control is not going to happen within the 1st yr. It will actually take 5 or so yrs to acheive this. The first yr will be 98% weeds, yr 2 88% weeds and so on. Im assuming these #s. I did one application for one cust. yrs ago. and from what I remember, thats what the label said. Expensive as hell too.

[Old Guy]

I get a catalog from Garden Alive which seems to be all organic things. They might recommend a program. And yes, they seem to be very expensive. The web site is http://www.gardensalive.com.

rhd

[powerreel]

Here's what to do with weeds in organic lawns: http://doityourself.com/tools/weedcontrolflamers.htm
On the more serious side these work well and are cost effective: http://www.bernzomatic.com/spclima.htm
Just don't set yourself on fire!

[dylan]

Sunnyside
Did you get my email?
If you did, you can post the info here for everyone to see.
If you didn't let me know.

[sunnyside]

Dylan, Thank you for the info. I'm still gathering information on an organic program for next year. I have found several companies that make these products, some are animal waste products and some are feed grade products which have no odor. A company called Greener Pastures (greenerpast.com) makes feed grade products that I am looking into now as well as a company called Harmony Products. Most of the information I have found on organic lawn care say to aerate 2 times per year, but I thought if I aerated in the spring with putting down a pre-emergent that I might increase the amount of weeds. I will post the program I'm going to use when I have everything put together. Ryan

[moonarrow]

sunnyside, in most states you do have to be certified. and there are products that are 100% organic that is what I use. the fert I use is called sustain a very good fert. provides green plush, and very thick lawns which help choke out weeds and there are products to combat weed such as corn glutten meal a natural pre-emergent and a natural nitrogen called greensand to provide a quicker greening process. to find out more about these product and when to use them you can order Howard Garrett's ( the dirt doctor) book " Organic Gardening" from his web site http://www.dirtdoctor.com or by going to http://www.wbap.com and clicking on howard garrett and also listen to his talk show where he answers questions from callers live on the radio, I listen to this on my puter every weekend it is very interesting. I believe organics will become more popular as time goes, and as far as cost it is a little more expensive at first but not in the long run my fert. runs about $12 for a 50lb bagbut as time goes you use less as the soil builds. Good luck

[Yard]

Sunnyside, Try North Country Organics http://www.norganics.com , I've been using their products for a few years with good results. They have a lot of info available on organic lawn care.
Good luck!