http://www.care2.com/greenliving/eco-friendly-lawn-fertilizers.html
Eco-Friendly Lawn Fertilizers
posted by Annie B. Bond Feb 3, 1999 1:38 am
Excerpted from Grow Smart, Grow Safe, A Consumer Guide to Lawn and Garden Products, by Philip Dickey, Washington Toxics Coalition
Lawn and garden fertilizers provide nutrients that may not be
supplied by the soil. But excess nitrogen and phosphorus in
fertilizers can be a huge source of water pollution.
Here are some easy ways to add nutrients to your soil that are safe for the environment.
- Grow Smart, Grow Safe is an environmental rating system for commercial lawn and garden products. It rates 350 lawn and garden products, including 24 commercially available lawn fertilizers. Learn how slow-release fertilizers can help protect water quality. Grow Smart, Grow Safe lists the
percentage of slow-release nutrients in lawn and garden fertilizers. (See Shop for This Guide, below.) - Build good soil. Healthy soil, rich in organic matter, grows healthier plants and reduces the need for additional fertilizers. Add compost to your soil to improve soil quality and increase populations of beneficial organisms.
- Make your own organic fertilizer. Using ingredients found at most garden stores, this book offers an easy-to-make organic fertilizer.
Go to the Source
Robyn
Melissa
Deepak
Eric
Dave
Dr. Brent
Isha
Susan
Delia
Michelle
Wendy
Megan
Hilary
Ann
Judi
Ronnie
Kelly
Lily
Terri
Betsy
Cait
Andrew
Jana
Annie B.
Veronica
6 comments
add your comment »I heard putting beer and dish soap on your lawn greens it up. Does that really work?
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
I was so glad to see the information on healthy fertilizers. I have not used commercial fertilizer on my yard for years. I found a website that sells safe products for gardens, lawns, and more. "www.gardensalive.com. I purchased their fertilizer - derived from corn - and put it on our yard, and was amazed at how quickly it worked... and no chemicals, so my little dogs and I were not bothered by it at all. The best thing was our yard looked as green and weed free as neighbors who use a chemical company to treat their lawns. When I walk by and smell the chemicals on their yards, I have to quickly get my dogs and myself away from there as it affects them and I both. When I see their children playing on these newly treated yards, I fear for their future and the possible illnesses they may develop because of it. I plan on invitiing all my neighbors into my home this early spring and give them information on healthier options for their yards and homes. Good article and good timing!
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
I was so glad to see the information on healthy fertilizers. I have not used commercial fertilizer on my yard for years. I found a website that sells safe products for gardens, lawns, and more. "www.gardensalive.com. I purchased their fertilizer - derived from corn - and put it on our yard, and was amazed at how quickly it worked... and no chemicals, so my little dogs and I were not bothered by it at all. The best thing was our yard looked as green and weed free as neighbors who use a chemical company to treat their lawns. When I walk by and smell the chemicals on their yards, I have to quickly get my dogs and myself away from there as it affects them and I both. When I see their children playing on these newly treated yards, I fear for their future and the possible illnesses they may develop because of it. I plan on invitiing all my neighbors into my home this early spring and give them information on healthier options for their yards and homes. Good article and good timing!
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
I've got close to an acre. I don't call it a lawn, I call it my yard. I cut and trim, plant a little, and basically let the sun, rain and air take care of the rest. Mimi, you don't really suggest that I rip out all my grass? Is it not a living plant, eating CO2 and giving off oxygen? Feeding bugs and rabbits and such? I agree with no "perfect" lawns feed with chemicals. But a yard? YES and I'm keeping my grass as long as it wants to stay with me. pettpeeve
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
In Arizona, where water is a precious commodity, we have gravel and plant native plants that do not need fertilizer or artificial water, either. They yards are beautiful.
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
Better not to have a lawn! Mimi
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
Facebook account: