3 minute read
GARDENING
from Sunday Signal July 5, 2020
by Signal
GARDENING
Four easy steps to a chemical-free backyard
With people spending its mission beyond the fields where 2.Test your soil To achieve a lush lawn without more time in their cows graze to outdoor spaces where Most people apply lawn products chemicals, it helps to understand backyards, parents are wondering how to create healthier lawns for their families. You might be surprised to learn that exposure to many pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertiliz ers can be harmful, particularly for growing children. This is why flags are posted after a yard is treated — they are warnings to keep children kids play, starting with the #PlayFree campaign to remove toxic pesticides from parks and playing fields. Now Stonyfield is helping families do the same for their own backyards. Organically maintained lawns Having a chemical-free, healthy lawn is not difficult if you follow practical, proven organic lawn man agement techniques. Follow these steps from Stonyfield without first determining what the soil actually needs. Testing helps you discover the right balance, so your soil won’t be too acidic or too alka line. Many universities provide soil testing services at reasonable prices. Check your nearest university’s web site for details. Or turn soil testing into a fun family project. All you need is red cabbage, what grass needs to grow its best. Feed your soil nitrogen, phospho rus, potassium and micronutrients that will help your grass grow. But don’t feed without testing — the soil test will determine if your grass is getting what it needs from the soil. Mow high as short grass is consid ered stressed grass. Most grass grows best at around three inches. This al and pets away from dangerous chem Organic to transform your yard into distilled water and the directions at lows your grass to efficiently produce ical exposure. a healthier environment for every Stonyfield.com/playfree/change-yourits own food, develop deep roots and
Chemicals found in pesticides and body. own-backyard. withstand drought conditions. other lawn products have been linked to asthma, organ damage and cancer, as well as neurological diseases and behavioral problems, according to the National Institutes of Health. The safest approach for everyone, and the environment, is to go organic. Stonyfield Organic yogurt cares 1.Stop using pesticides Because of the harm that can be caused by pesticides, it’s best to sim ply stop using them. If you have nuisance insects in your yard, there are natural approaches to curbing them. Pesticides kill both harmful and beneficial bugs, so you miss out on 3.Switch to organic fertilizers Synthetic fertilizers are manufac tured with fossil fuels and are saltbased. They directly feed plants, and can harm your soil. Organic fertiliz ers feed the life in your soil, and the soil in turn will feed your grass or plants. Overseed by spreading a layer of grass seeds across your existing yard to help grow a green and lush lawn. Following these approaches can make your lawn beautiful as well as safer for your entire family. For more helpful organic backyard about where cows graze. In 2018, the benefits many “good” insects pro 4. Use effective organic lawn care gardening tips, visit Stonyfield.com/ Stonyfield Organic yogurt extended vide. tactics PlayFree. (BPT) \
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