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       It is Springtime, and our thoughts turn from winter chores to summer chores.  What can I do to improve my lawn and gardens this year?  I dont want the weeds to get a foothold, like last year.

       We all want a great lawn.  But we also know that everything we put on our lawns washes into the ground water, onto the street, into the storm sewers, and into the local storage ponds.  And our children and pets play on these lawns.  And, of course, birds feed from our lawns, local squirrels, rabbits, skunks, and even deer sometimes use our lawns. 

       Many of us wont use pesticides on our lawns, or in our homes........ever!  We all have our own reasons.  And, over time, more municipalities have been banning their residential use. But what are the alternatives?  Last year, I used organic fertilizer, top dressing (that brought in more weed seeds, and weeds, than I have ever had before), and a weed stick to cut out weeds.  I did not have an award-winning lawn!  Is there a better way?

       Many lawn care companies are now offering Organic lawn care programs, and at least pesticide-free packages.  Green Lawn, Nutri-Lawn, and Weed Man are just three that have contacted me to discuss their services.  All three offer pesticide-free service plans.  If that is your preferred route, there are good choices.  The different companies each offer basic plans, and more elaborate ones. 

But for me, this year I have decided to try a top dressing of sand, to add to the triple mix from last year, and hopefully work into the clay that lies under everything.  I'll be using a Corn Gluten Meal topping, that is supposed to prevent broad-leafed weeds from germinating, as well as provide some food for the lawn.  Plus, the old standby Fiskars Weed-Stick and, hopefully, some luck.

It is a perpetual work-in-progress!