Start with a soil test before you fertilize. Knowing present condition of your soil helps you develop a solid organic lawn fertilizer plan that addresses your soil’s long term needs by providing a balance of needed nutrients with organic lawn fertilizer and soil amendments.

A good organic lawn fertilizer of fine ground compost allows particles to fall between blades of grass and reach crowns or stolons of your grass and its roots. Apply sifted compost with a drop spreader and to an established lawn as a tonic. Top dressing with compost both improves soil and nourishes your turf.

Remember, a truly healthy lawn takes time to develop. Grass that is growing well doesn’t need fertilizer. Fertilize to supply missing nutrients to soil using a slow-release or water in-soluble organic lawn fertilizer that releases nutrients at rate your turf needs them. When looking for a specific type or brand of organic lawn fertilizer, a good place to check is extensive list maintained by attra,(http://attra.org/attra-pub/orgfert.html.)

In spring, aerate your lawn. This will work some of left over compost deeper and in addition give your lawn and critters that live in soil a breath of fresh air. Aeration also makes new channels for water to pass through and helps break up clumps of earth that impede drainage.

When mowing, mow high. Mowing high gives your grass takes weeds out of competition for sunlight. In addition, longer grass is more apt to propagate through rhizome growth. More grass means less weeds and less weeds mean more healthy grass! Healthy grass means less lawn care and more time to enjoy your lawn!