Starting an Organic Lawn Program in Northwest Pennsylvania

Congratulations on going chemical-free! First: identify your grass type, sun exposure, soil condition, and current care history. Pledge: no Monsanto, Scotts, Peters, warning labels, or skull-and-crossbones products. Nothing on the grass you wouldn't eat (few exceptions). Espoma brand = generally trustworthy organic.

Build soil with sugar (4–5 lbs/1,000 sq ft), corn gluten meal at forsythia bloom, deep watering, compost tea, and organic nitrogen. Encourage toads, snakes, lizards. Use cedar mulch, citrus oils, herbs for pest control. Mow high, leave clippings. Soil test guides lime and nutrient needs. It's simpler, cheaper, and safer—and works.