It is no secret, I use organic lawn fertilizers on my lawn and have for several years now. I’ve used many types and brands of organics, and I can tell you straight and with great confidence that the results are astounding!

My lawn is thicker and healthier than anyone in my neighborhood and probably in my entire county for that matter! I, of course am biased, but the thickness can’t be denied! So what is the secret then? Here are the three best reasons why I like organic lawn fertilizers.

Slow Release

Organic lawn fertilizers are naturally slow releasing. This means that the nutrient goodness you get from them is trickled into the soil on a slow pace, just like nature intended. You see, if you use some of the more popular synthetic blend fertilizers out there (like the ones that are numbered with 25-0-5 for example) you are surely pushing too much growth too fast in your turf. Sure, you’ll get some fast green from them, but it is not a long term, sustainable strategy. Stick to slow release and you’ll see why I am all about it.

Better Soil

Organics will increase soil biotic activity that is good for everything that resides there including grass roots, earthworm and microbes. All of these things working in tandem creates a super stable structure for the grass to “dig” into and stay healthy for the long haul.

Stress Resistance

A healthy lawn root structure is created from the first two points I just mentioned. That leads us to the final point, and that being your lawn’s ability to resist problems, pressures and stress! These “stressors” can come in the form of drought and heat, disease or insects. A lawn that has been rooted well and given well balanced nutrient support can survive these attacks and come out on the other side with minimal issue. I find that organically treated lawns do best under adverse conditions.

With this in mind, I encourage you to start an organic lawn program this upcoming season. It’s easier than you think and the rewards are well worth the work it takes to get there!

Many gardeners struggle with knowing when and how much to cut back their garden plants. Pruning and trimming plants is not difficult, but you should be aware of a few basics before you go hacking away like Edward Scissorhands!

You will need to assess your situation regarding plant growth and your climate. However, as a general rule, most plants should be cut back in the fall to prepare the garden for winter. Let’s look at some common plant types and when to cut them back.

Trimming, Pruning Bulbs

When your bulb flowers have finished blooming, it is a good time to remove the flower. Keep the greenery on however until it starts to yellow and die. Typically this will be in the fall. Make sure you cut back all of your bulbs come fall and that you split them and replant if necessary.

Trimming, Pruning Perennials

Fall is the best time to prune back perennials. You should use clean scissors to cut everything back to about 3 inches above the ground. Of course, bushes and large plants may not need such aggressive pruning. Take care of all of your pruning before the first freezing come fall.

Once you have pruned and cleaned out the other unnecessary plant matter from your garden, it is a good idea to apply a thick layer or mulch or compost. This will help protect plants from the freezing weather that is about to hit. Delicate plants may also need to be sheltered using burlap or other techniques once they have been trimmed back for the fall.

Fall is a busy time for gardeners. Although your plants are no longer growing rapidly like in the summer months, you have to take the time to prepare for winter. Trimming back plants is one of those important preparations that you need to remember each fall.