Organic lawn

[bridgemagoo]

Trying to get a decent lawn but stay organic. Any suggestions for how I can improve it. I've already scarified but fairly mossy in damp places (we're on clay mostly) and lots of clover. All advice appreciated.

[sft42]

Loads of sand............if you have the spare cash and size of lawn hire a hollow core machine and then top dress the lawn with a high sand mix.....this will improve the soil structure and drainage and get rid of the moss....Do this NOW before the frosts set in and any grasses can get a hold before winter.

[Newt]

Hi Bridgemagoo, With no disrespect to sft42, if you mix sand with clay you get a concrete like structure. The best way to improve clay soil is lots of organic matter. I would apply 1/2" of compost for the winter. You can even seed if the weather is warm enough where you are. Take a look at these sites. Soil info: http://www.rbgkew.org.uk/ksheets/peat.html#help http://soils.usda.gov/sqi/soil_quality/soil_biology/soil_bio logy_primer.html http://soilfoodweb.com/ Organic Lawn care: http://www.theorganicreport.com/pages/160_healthy_grass.cfm? redirect=yes?contentindexID=9&menucontentID=436 http://www.organicgardening.com/library/lawn.html http://216.109.89.116/backyardwildlifehabitat/organiclawn.cf m http://www.members.tripod.com/~Gardeningguru/index-11.html Lawn renovation: http://www.freeplants.com/lawnrenov.htm http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/knowhow/yardandgarden/articl e/0,16417,482229,00.html http://www.savvygardener.com/Features/lawn_overseeding.html Newt

[bridgemagoo]

Thanks to you both.

bridgemagoo

[rekstout]

You can make your own organic liquid fertliser by putting as much horse manure as you can find in a hessian sack and suspending that in a water butt - the nutrients should leach out of the bag much like a teabag and you are left with a butt full of liquid manure - no pun intended ;-)

I have done this myself as it really works - I live next door to a livery stable and get it for free - they also sell it by the bag to gardeners.

[Newt]

Bridgemagoo you are very welcome!