[sandim]

Have several clients who have requested all natural lawn care this year. I am familiar with Corn Gluten for pre-emergent, what is anyone else using for fert and/or weed control...particularly plantain?
Any advice appreciated!

[GLAN]

I've been attending pesticide credits at organic seminars for some 8 years..

Just last year we set off to change over a couple of our customers. Couple more this year......I gathered a reasonable amount of info........to formulate what I can be comfortable with and that would provide little if no difference in the transition and maintenance than the conventional methods we have done for years.

I am in the use and study phase at the momment......

Any time I had used an organic fert....the results was impressive. Corn Glutten..I am not impressed from the first years results. I don't think it had any affect. Weeds.....the main points are a thick, healthy turf......OK......The way I see it........to get that thick, healthy turf organicaly is to seed......and feed it. Problem I see is. If the grass is to compete with weeds.....the weeds need to be gone first. The void where the weeds were need to be seeded.

Myself and most all others that are doing organics recognize that weed control is a big issue with organics....With discussing this problem with others that are implementing organics they all freely admitted that they as well were treating weeds conventionaly with spot spraying.

[sandim]

Ok, that's very helpful GLAN, thanks. I agree, thick healthy lawn = no weeds. I've been looking at either the Espoma which I already use in the landscape side, or Cockadoodle doo. What's your take on either of these?

[GLAN]

I'm more familiar with Espoma......They've been making the Holly Tone, Plant Tone, etc......products for many decades. And it's a prefered brand I use for bedding plants.

[sandim]

Originally Posted by OLA

You may want to check out this site. Organic Lawns For America

It is a six step organic approach to treating your lawn safely. You get the expertise of a professional lawn care service, enjoy the satisfaction of doing the job yourself and enjoy the convenience of having the products delivered directly to your door.

It's pretty cool!

It sounds pretty cool, so much thanks for the link! I"ll check it out now!

[Fine Edge]

Here's one more: Organic Plant Healthcare

The owner is practically a genius when it comes to treating lawns, plants organically.

[LandArts]

Espoma Plantone is the the best I've used. Little to no odor, moderate price. Stay away from Espoma's Lawn Food-it used to be great then they upped the amount of urea and now it causes excessive growth just like some of the cheaper chemical ferts will. Milorganite is a good cheaper alternative.

I haven't had much luck with corn gluten. It used to be a cheap byproduct, now it's hard to justify the cost. I think you'd have to put down a LOT to see any reasonable benefit.

[sandim]

Hmmm, hearing that a lot about the corn gluten. Any alternative "natural" suggestions for pre-emergent?

Milorganite I've heard of before. How's the odor on that and where does one find a supplier?