Sugar Program FAQ: Ants, Corn Meal, Thatch, Mulching Mowers, and Insects

Sugar & Ants

• Water in sugar → dissolves → no ant attraction
• Healthy organic yard attracts lizards, toads, snakes
• These predators eat ants as preferred food
• Result: FEWER ants, not more

Corn Meal Types

• Agricultural corn meal: Fungicide (10-15 lbs/1,000 sq ft)
• Corn gluten meal: Fertilizer + pre-emergent
• Alfalfa meal & lava sand: Preferred fertilizers (nutrient-dense)

Chemical + Organic = Disaster

Any chemical fertilizer/weed killer/pesticide KILLS beneficial microbes/nematodes/critters → cancels organic benefits → gives pests clear field. Choose ONE system.

Mulching Mowers

• Godsend for organic lawns
• Non-mulching? Double-cut when clippings long
• ALWAYS leave clippings = free compost + nutrients
• Fall leaves: rake for compost or mulch-mow into lawn

Thatch Identification

• Roots too shallow → die → form waterproof mat
• Test: pour water → if pools/runs off = thatch (or hard clay)
• Hard clay = no grass either (roots can't penetrate)
• Deep watering (6+ inches) PREVENTS thatch

Insect Pressure by Region

• Warmer climates = more insects, more types
• Organic program = predators eat pests = not a problem
• Home Depot plants/advice: avoid (poor quality, wrong advice)

Grass Selection for Northern California

• Fescues = cool-season (dormant/die in summer heat)
• St. Augustine: if it grows there, crowning out Bermuda
• Bermuda: multiple varieties, grows almost anywhere
• Grub test: shovel soil → 6+ grubs = treat with hot pepper/garlic tea spray

Hot Pepper Spray Recipe

3-4 hot peppers (jalapeño, ancho, dried chilies) + 2 whole garlic bulbs → blend in 1 quart water → strain through cheesecloth → 1 cup concentrate per gallon water → spray heavily.