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What is Organic Lawn Fertilizer?

S. Mithra
S. Mithra

Organic lawn fertilizer provides a natural way to seasonally fortify the nutrients of a lawn's soil. Not only does organic lawn fertilizer provide vitamins and minerals that the lawn uses to stay lush and green, it increases the ability of the soil to hold moisture and dissuades insects and weeds without using chemical insecticide or herbicide. This specialized variety of fertilizer might include potash, bloodmeal, seaweed, manure, or corn gluten meal.

When a lawn constantly comes in contact with children playing soccer, dogs fetching sticks, pecking birds, and scurrying squirrels, a homeowner may not want it filled with toxic chemicals. Organic lawn fertilizer applied just twice a year can take the place of many artificial treatments without endangering family or wildlife. It increases air circulation, decreases the need to water as frequently, prevents weeds and brown patches, and protects against fungal infections.

Potash, which is often included in fertilizer.
Potash, which is often included in fertilizer.

Different kinds of lawns require slightly different fertilizer ingredients. Most organic lawn fertilizer will include types of vegetable matter, animal protein, and minerals. Vegetable matter may be protein from kelp, a kind of seaweed, which keeps crabgrass and other weeds from taking root. Other seaweed provides the minerals iron and zinc. Whey and alfalfa add essential nutrients; corn gluten meal acts as an herbicide, keeping away dandelions and purslane.

A healthy lawn.
A healthy lawn.

Animal proteins are derived from processed animal products or waste, including bloodmeal, fishmeal, and shellfish meal. Grass uses this protein to grow thick and dense while maintaining a bright green color. Nitrogen from such ingredients is released more slowly than chemical treatments, so the grass doesn't burn. Potash is considered an organic fertilizer because it's derived from natural ore. Potash is a great source of slow-released potassium.

Organic lawn fertilizer does not have toxic chemicals that could harm children when playing.
Organic lawn fertilizer does not have toxic chemicals that could harm children when playing.

Even "thatch," the matting and knotting of dead grass and roots, can be kept down by applying organic lawn fertilizer. The best seasonal schedule dictates laying a thick layer of the soil during spring, right around the first burst of growth. During summer months, the grass will deplete many nutrients; therefore another application should be spread during autumn. If a lawn exhibits fresh weeds, brown patches, or thatch, more fertilizer can be applied between seasons.

Discussion Comments

sobeit

We stopped using the lawn maintenance group a couple of years ago because they wouldn't offer any kind of organic lawn care. Lately I heard about one of the national companies who has finally added organic lawn maintenance to their product line.

It's just as easy for me to buy it directly and add it myself. It's not rocket science as long as you read the directions.

Another "organic" and fun tip for families: When your kids are playing dress-up in high heels, let them prance in the yard and naturally aerate your lawn when the thatch is getting too thick.

uzumba2

I love the idea of using organic lawn food. With pets and kids who play in the grass all year long, it worries me to think of how we used to use grass fertilizer blended with weed killer. I would never do that knowingly today.

With rising cancer rates in pets, I can only respond that I will do what I can to keep them safe, including using organic grass fertilizers from here on out.

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    • Potash, which is often included in fertilizer.
      By: Nabok Volodymyr
      Potash, which is often included in fertilizer.
    • A healthy lawn.
      By: yellowj
      A healthy lawn.
    • Organic lawn fertilizer does not have toxic chemicals that could harm children when playing.
      By: Dusan Kostic
      Organic lawn fertilizer does not have toxic chemicals that could harm children when playing.
    • Alfalfa adds essential nutrients to a lawn, keeping away dandelions and purslane.
      By: Sunny Forest
      Alfalfa adds essential nutrients to a lawn, keeping away dandelions and purslane.