Weed Control in an Organic Lawn

Posted by Jamie McIntosh Apr 27, 2009

People sometimes ask me how I achieve such excellent weed control in my organic lawn. Is there a special organic spray? Do I know of a virulent strain of grass seed that crowds out all weeds? These questions are analogous to asking the owner of a well trained dog what special biscuit he uses as a reward. Achieving a healthy organic lawn, or an obedient dog, is a process that requires daily intervention from the gardener or pet owner. Like a rivulet of water carving a rock over time, small actions add up. Ten minutes of daily reinforcement with a dog mean more than one week with an obedience class. Similarly, 10 minutes a day yanking dandelions and clover are more valuable than an annual chemical dump.

If you think your lawn is too far-gone for hand pulling, try this strategy for two weeks: focus on pulling the weeds in the quadrant of your yard that is the most displeasing to you. Carry a bucket for the weeds in one hand, and in the other hand, carry a bucket of compost mixed with grass seed. Sprinkle your compost-seed mixture in your wake, as nature abhors a vacuum, and will fill up your bare spots with more opportunistic weeds. This activity is especially beneficial in early spring, when rains help the new grass germinate. At the end of this trial period, compare this area of your lawn with the rest of the yard. With continued vigilance, at the end of the season, don’t be surprised if your neighbors ask you what weed killer you’ve been using in your lawn.