Download Organic landscaping

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ORGANIC LANDSCAPING
What is organic landscaping?
Organic landscaping is the maintenance of grass, trees, and your landscape without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.
It creates good growing conditions for plants and manages pest or weed problems with non-toxic steps.
Why is organic landscaping important?
Lots of pesticides are applied to US lawns and gardens—more per acre than on farms! These chemicals are harmful.
Of the 30 most commonly used lawn pesticides, studies have linked 19 to cancer, 13 to birth defects, 21 to
reproductive effects, 15 to neurotoxicity, 26 to liver or kidney damage and 11 to endocrine disruption. Over half
of these pesticides are also toxic to birds, ¾ are toxic to fish, and 1/3 is deadly to bees1. It’s unhealthy for children
and others to be exposed to these chemicals, and their runoff pollutes streams, lakes and rivers. Organic landscaping
protects people and nature.
How do I create an organic landscape?
1.
Work with your landscaper. If you use a landscaper, ask if they can offer organic practices, or, at a
minimum, offer Integrated Pest Management practices. If you are seeking a new landscaper, consider one
certified by the Northeast Organic Farming Association: http://www.organiclandcare.net/aolcp-search.
2.
Know your soil needs. Do a soil test to identify nutrient needs, soil texture and pH, to help you create good
growing conditions for turf and plants. Kits are available through Rutgers Cooperative Extension or garden
supply stores.
3.
Use compost or compost tea to add nutrients and retain water. Incorporate 1 to 3 inches of compost into
6 to 12 inches of top soil when you’re making new beds or planting lawns. For existing lawns, apply ¼ to ½
inch of compost every spring or fall, and spray periodically with compost tea.
4.
Add mulch to retain water and prevent weeds. For flower beds and vegetable gardens, apply 1 to 3 inches
of shredded leaves, compost or pesticide-free grass clippings. For trees, shrubs and woody perennials, use 2 to
3 inches of woody mulch or shredded leaves. Keep mulch an inch away from plant stems and trunks.
5.
6.
Give your plants the right amount of water. Too much or too little water can lead to diseased plants.
Prevent weed and pest problems. Keep grass mowed at a height of 2-3 inches—taller grass chokes out
weeds. Leave grass clippings, and clean out weeds and diseased plants before they spread. Remove dead
plants. Select pest resistant plants and. Plant a wide variety of plants (diversity=resiliency), and plant native
species which are naturally more resistant to pests in your area.
7.
Know the problem before you act. Ailing plants or grass may be due to incorrect watering or maintenance,
and not a pest. Some insects are also beneficial—only 5-15% of insects on your landscape are pests.
Investigate before you spray.
8.
Take organic action first and foremost during a pest outbreak, such as a natural insecticide or beneficial
insects. Give organic steps time to work—often plants can rebound from pest damage, and natural predators
need time to control a pest outbreak.
1
http://www.beyondpesticides.org
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9.
Keep grass healthy. Aerate in the fall to help water retention and root development. Overseed thin areas
of lawn with grasses recommended for your region. Rake in compost when planting to cover the seed.
10.
Plant grass correctly. When planting in the spring or fall, choose cool season grasses such as bluegrasses,
fescues, orchard and ryegrasses. Most warm season grasses, which include many of NJ’s native species, are
not suitable for lawns. Keep grass on level, well-drained soil in full sun or part shade, where it grows best.
On steep slopes, in shady areas, or near water bodies, consider alternative plantings.
11.
Maintain grass correctly. Mow when grass is no deeper than 5-6 inches, and mow down to 2-3 inches.
Mow two to three times in the Fall and Spring, and once per week during mid-summer. Allow dormancy;
if grass turns brown in the summer it’s likely dormant, not dead. This saves water, and makes your lawn
more resilient.
12.
Fertilize with the environment in mind. Use compost and organic fertilizer. If you ever use synthetic
fertilizers, use slow release and follow application instructions. Follow the NJ Fertilizer law:
http://snyderfarm.rutgers.edu/fertilizerlawFAQ.html
Where can I find more information?
Rutgers Cooperative Extension soil testing lab: http://njaes.rutgers.edu/soiltestinglab/
Rutgers fact sheet on native planting: http://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/publication.asp?pid=FS1140
Native Plant Society of NJ: http://www.npsnj.org/
Watering and Water Efficient Landscaping fact sheets, in this guide
Beyond Pesticides’ Alternatives database: www.beyondpesticides.org
Details and recommendations on turfgrass seed selection for lawns:
http://njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/publication.asp?pid=FS684
Sources:
http://www.epa.gov/wastes/conserve/tools/greenscapes/owners.htm
http://www.anjec.org/pdfs/Spring2006ANJECReport.pdf
www.beyondpesticides.org
http://www.njaes.rutgers.edu/pubs/publication.asp?pid=E341
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