 |  | | | | Go GREEN with Low-Water, Easy-care Lawns
Learn why so many people have decided to switch from thirsty
Kentucky bluegrass to water-saving native lawns. -- by David Salman
One of the primary objectives of a well planned xeriscape (waterwise) landscape is to limit the amount of high-water turf grass. Given that Kentucky bluegrass requires over 48 inches or more of water(!) during a typical growing season, substituting xeric dwarf fescue and native grasses like Buffalo and Blue Grama will result in substantial water savings.When irrigating native grasses, water infrequently but deeply; put down 1/2” or more of water per irrigation.
Native grasses can be kept cut and groomed just like traditional lawns, or, used to create a low-maintenance short-grass prairie. A large assortment of colorful, xeric wildflowers can be planted to grow in harmony with the Blue Grama grass.
Choosing the right grass lawns for your area
Easy Care Lawns
Native grass lawns save time and gas with less frequent mowing. During the summer months, additional water need only be applied during hot, dry spells. Typically in the western US, a deep soaking every two weeks keeps the grass lush and green. Native grass lawns require 75% less mowing (just once a month) than turf grass. Use our natural organic fertilizers, root inoculants, and composts to keep your lawn healthy and green. When grown as meadow, a late-fall mowing will let you see your spring-blooming wildflower tulips and crocus.Fertilize Blue Grama and native grass meadows once in the fall to encourage strong root growth and fortify the wildflowers and bulbs. ‘Legacy’ Buffalo grass likes more nitrogen and should be fertilized in the late spring and again in fall.
Keep your native meadow and native turf grass healthy and vigorous with Soil Mender 'Turf-Mate' Native Grass Food
Best Ways to Plant Native Grasses
Plugs are the most economical way to go when planting Buffalo grass. Buffalo grass seed is very difficult to germinate evenly, and the sod is very expensive.To establish Blue Grama grass, sow seed. It typically germinates quickly and evenly. Blue Grama plugs are best used to mix in with buffalo grass plugs when ‘plugging’ an area.
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Using Organic Fertilizers
by Patrice LeBovit
Why use organic fertilizers instead of synthetic, chemically-based fertilizers that are cheaper and often easier to use?Simply, healthy soil means happy gardens and lawns.The addition of organic matter is essential to maintaining the living organisms in the soil, which in turn produce the nutrients absorbed by plants, as well as maintaining and improving the structure of the soil itself.
Chemically based fertilizers are nutrient-carrying salts that don't contain organic matter, and when used consistently and without including organic materials in regular garden maintenance candeplete the soil, which kills the microbes, worms, and other residents that keep the soil in optimum shape. Salts can build up and actually draw moisture out of plant roots if adequate watering is not provided.Residues from applications of synthetics also pose health and environmental pollution risks.
What is Organic Matter?
Organic matter in soil is the decomposing remains of plants and animals.Compost, manure, grass clippings, sawdust, leaves and straw are examples.In cold climates, soil tends to have more organic matter, and in warm, dry climates, less.
Fertilizing Native Grasses
Native grass cover, over time, actually has high organic content as the dead grass from years past is naturally recycled into the soil system.Because native grasses don't require heavy fertilization, HCG recommends fertilizing native grass lawns and grasses only once in the late fall, rather than the two fall applications recommended for the synthetic fertilizers.We recommend the Organica 4 Step Natural Lawn Care Program that has been developed to cover all the organic fertilizer needs of your lawn, no matter what the type.By choosing to use organic fertilizing, the rewards will be obviously worth it! |
Planting a Buffalo Grass Lawn
How to plant and maintain buffalo grass. A highly practical andattractive native grass for your lawn, Buffalo Grass is less thirstythan Kentucky Blue Grass.
Planting A Blue Grama Grass Lawn from Plugs
How to plant, nourish, and maintain a blue grama grass lawn from plugs.
Planting A Grama Grass Lawn From Seed
Learn how to plant and maintain a blue grama grass lawn, plus ideas for how to make your grama grass lawn look even more fabulous.
Planting and Maintaining a Thyme Lawn
Thyme ground cover plants can be used to create colorful low-maintenance lawns where once there was only turf grass. |
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