Overcoming Weeds in Your Lawn

When using Organic Lawn Fertilizer and avoiding weed killers, how do you keep weeds out of your lawn?

Weed killers are dangerous, and are linked to cancer in pets and humans.  One of the best ways to create a thick lush carpet of grass is by over-seeding.  When your grass is thick, it will naturally choke out weeds. 

Weed control through proper soil nutrition

In 1999 we moved into our home in Georgia.  The front lawn was totally weeds.  In 2004 I began using Grass Recycling, Calcium and Humic Acid.  The first year, grass appeared out of nowhere, and we had a 6’ x 12’ patch of Bermuda grass.  The second year I added Sea Minerals to the mix, and the grass spread to about a 20’ x 25’ area.  By the third year, grass had choked out most of the weeds and filled in the whole area in front of the house.  Grass thrives in good soil, weeds thrive in sick soil.  Weeds are there for the purpose of restoring sick, out of balance soil.  Feed your lawn with a good organic lawn fertilizer program, and watch your grass thrive!  

The following four items may be all your lawn needs

·         Grass recycling is a great way to return nutrients to your lawn.  Just mow regularly, preferably with a mulching blade on your mower, and grass clippings will quickly decompose and release nutrients to fertilize the lawn.  Studies done by the University of Florida show that grass clippings contain around 3% nitrogen.  One hundred pounds of dry grass clippings contain about the same amount of nitrogen as a 50-pound bag of 6-6-6.  Grass clippings also return phosphorus, potassium, iron and manganese to the soil.  Not only do grass clippings not contribute to thatch buildup, but they contain sugars which stimulate microbes to decompose thatch.

·         Calcium is the single most important mineral needed for plant and soil nutrition.  When calcium is flowing in your soil, everything is flowing.  If your soil pH is low (as found in the Southeast USA), then apply Calcium Carbonate.  Good sources are egg shells (dry, then pulverize in a blender), oyster shell powder, or limestone (also known as “lime”). Hard clay soils are generally that way because of too much magnesium.  If your soil is low in pH and is clay, you will want to request "High Cal. Lime", as it is lower in magnesium, and will help to loosen up your soil. For low pH soils, it is important to stay away from any Calcium that contains Magnesium.

           If your soil pH is high (as found in the Midwest), apply calcium sulfate, also known as Gypsum.  Calcium Carbonate and Calcium Sulfate are both natural products and considered safe for pets.  A typical application of calcium is three to six 50 lb. bags per 2,400 sq. ft. each spring and fall.  A soil test will give you an idea of how much Calcium your soil needs.  Once you spread Calcium on your lawn it is best to water it in (or apply it before a rain).  This will begin to dissolve it and make the nutrients available to your grass.

An even better solution is simply to utilize the calcium that is already in your soil. Most soils have a load of calcium, but it is tied up. GroPal Balance helps to release calcium and make it available to the plant.

·         Humic Acid contains Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium, plus an array of micro-nutrients.  They help to stimulate bacterial activity in the soil, and break down toxins.  Not only is it great for rejuvenating the soil, but it is completely natural and safe for your pet.

Our product GroPal Balance contains humic acids, and does a great job of stimulating aerobic bacteria and enabling them to take over the soil.

·         Concentrated Sea Minerals contain potassium, chloride, magnesium, sulfur and sodium, plus are an incredible source of trace minerals.  One of the main ingredients in GroPal Balance is Ocean Trace concentrated sea minerals (also called GroPal).

To apply GroPal Balance, use a conventional sprayer, a hand sprayer, a watering can, a back pack sprayer, a hose end sprayer, or run it through an irrigation or fertigation system.  If you use a hose end sprayer, set the dial to 2 ounces per gallon of water. 

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