The Organic Lawn Care Calendar

Achieve a naturally healthy, lower-maintenance, and chemical-free lawn that is better for you, your children, pets, and the environment. Here are some methods to help assist you throughout the year.

 

Spring

April –

• Sharpen mower blades (or over winter)
• Edge paths
• Overseed thin & bare lawn areas unless you are applying corn gluten
• When daffodils and forsythia bloom: Apply corn gluten (12 lbs/1000ft) for weed control and fertilizer  (Ground temps 50-55? F)

May –

• Core aerate as needed
• Start mowing as needed. Always mow 3-4” high – leave clippings on lawn (if less than 2” length)
• Make 1st fertilizer application by Memorial Day

Summer

June –

• Dig, rake, or use borax on creeping Charlie
• Dig dandelions, burdock, thistles, and other perennial weeds

July/August –

• Grass growth slowing. Driest time. Consider letting grass go dormant by not watering
• 2nd corn gluten application (if crabgrass persists)

Fall

September –

• Overseed (slit-seed August 15th – September 15th)
• Take soil samples and fertilize accordingly
• Core aerate and dethatch

October –

• Mulch-mow leaves or rake and compost them

Winter

• Use sand instead of salt for ice
• Prune trees and shrubs to increase light and air circulation and keep woodies healthy