Explains how to make a lawn safe and environmentally friendly using organic methods, and how to pick the best grass for each climate and sunlight situation.

Create a gorgeous lawn that is free of harsh chemicals. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to grow and maintain a thriving lawn using organic gardening methods. With expert advice on planting the best grass varieties, nourishing the soil, watering, fighting weeds, and sustainable maintenance, Paul Tukey helps you create a luscious and inviting lawn that is pesticide-free and safe for your children and pets.

More than just a concentrated area of grass, a lawn is defined as a space planted with grass or other spreading plants that is kept trimmed to provide a natural carpet of foliage. If a grassy field is not cut and left to grow wild, it should not be considered a lawn but more likely a meadow.Most times a lawn is planted with grass to make an outdoor space that's usable and comfortable. It is aesthetically pleasing and easy to care for. It's also an economical way to prevent erosion and keep the soil moist and healthy.Many outdoor sports use a lawn as a playing surface. They often call that area by another name and might require exact specifications to be met regarding the care and maintenance of that lawn. In golf for instance, there is a big difference between the rough, fairway and the green. Each of these areas might even be planted with different grass varieties.Other terms used for a lawn are field (as in soccer), turf and pitch. In reference to your home, a lawn is also commonly called a yard.Although it is a matter of preference, there is a minimal level of maintenance required for a grassy area to be called a lawn. It should be trimmed close to the ground, although recently a trend towards wilder, les manicured lawns has taken off. Lawns are often invaded by common weeds such as dandelions and clover and can also become food for rodents and other animals.

For dog owners and garden lovers alike, Dogscaping presents a plan for the family dog to live in perfect harmony with a green, beautiful backyard. Whether the family dog is a demon digger like a terrier or a shade-seeking greyhound, Dogscaping offers solutions for all dog owners to create the perfect backyard and garden for all members of the human and canine family. Tom Barthel, a certified master gardener and devoted dog owner, approaches the topic of landscaping for dogs organically—figuratively and literally, whenever possible. Encouraging the reader to pursue organic methods, the author includes a terrific chapter on organic lawns and offers tips for maintaining an earth-friendly (and dog-friendly) green-as-can-be lawn. Between the chapters of this book are profiles called “Organic Gardener: Organic Dog,” in which he tells entertaining success stories of dog-owning organic gardeners and hobby farmers. In the chapter “Site Planning and Plant Selection,” Barthel advises on how to plan the backyard space taking the dog’s habits and proclivities in mind and then makes recommendations for various kinds of vines, groundcovers, shrubs, and urine-resistant plants. In its chapter about maintaining the garden and backyard, Dogscaping presents various organic pest and weed control options, which are safe for the dog and practical for the gardener. The author also offers a list of pest-discouraging plants and methods to deter unwanted weeds and visitors (gophers, deer, squirrels, etc.). In the greenest chapter in the book, “Recycling Home, Garden, and Yard Waste,” Barthel makes a compelling case for composting, cataloging both the advantages and savings and offering an easy five-step method of composting. Other additions to the dog-friendly backyard include planting fruits and vegetables, adding a water feature, and incorporating decks, gazebos, pathways, and lighting, all of which are covered in individual chapters in this beautifully photographed book. The final chapter of the book “Creating Doggy Nirvana” provides fun ideas for owners to include dog-specific features into their backyard designs, including a pooch pergola, doggy sandbox, and disappearing fountain. The appendix provides US and North American zone maps. Index included.

A renowned landscape gardener’s guide to less expensive, less water-intensive lawns, whether it’s a front yard or a fairway. A lush green lawn is one of the great pleasures of the natural world, whether it’s outside your front door or on a majestic fairway at a legendary golf course. But anyone who’s tried to grow the perfect lawn the conventional way knows it requires an endless cycle of watering and applying synthetic fertilizers and toxic chemical pesticides that costs a lot of money and kills all the life in the soil, on the surface, and on the grass. Fortunately, there’s a better way. Organic lawn care is not only healthier for the environment, it’s actually cheaper and less water-intensive, whether you’re managing a small yard or acres of turf. In this book, Howard Garrett, the renowned “Dirt Doctor,” takes you step-by-step through creating and maintaining turf organically. He begins with the soil, showing you how to establish a healthy habitat for grass. Then he discusses a variety of turfgrasses, including Bermudagrass, bluegrass, buffalo grass, fescue, ryegrass, St. Augustine, and zoysia. He explains in detail planting, mowing, watering, fertilizing, composting, and managing weeds and pests. And he offers alternatives to lawn grasses and turf, describing the situations in which they might be your best choice.

Wholesome tips for a healthier you. Everyone knows that we should be doing more to be good to our body—but moving toward an organic lifestyle can be overwhelming. This guide provides step–by–step information on everything from food to cleaning products to how to detoxify our bodies. It includes choosing quality natural products, exploring holistic alternatives to conventional medicine, and determining what to eat—and what not to eat. • Global market for organic products reached $38.6 billion in 2006 • Practical, step-by-step advice for making the transition

"The secret to a perfect lawn is not in the products, but in the process." Discover the secrets to a lush, green lawn with "Lawn Care: The Complete Beginner's Guide to a Beautiful Green Yard"! This comprehensive guide is your ultimate resource for transforming your yard into a verdant paradise. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned gardener, this book covers everything you need to know about maintaining a healthy, attractive lawn. Learn how to choose the right type of grass for your climate and soil type, and master the essential lawn care tasks such as mowing, watering, and fertilizing. Our expert advice will help you create a sustainable, low-maintenance lawn that stays green all year round. Dive deep into essential lawn care topics like: Soil Preparation and Testing: Understand the importance of healthy soil and learn how to test and amend it for optimal lawn growth. Grass Selection: Choose the perfect grass variety to suit your climate, lifestyle, and maintenance preferences. Lawn Care Basics: Master the art of mowing, watering, and fertilizing to keep your lawn looking its best. Weed Control and Prevention: Identify common lawn weeds and learn how to effectively manage and prevent them. Pest and Disease Management: Protect your lawn from harmful pests and diseases with our expert tips. Lawn Repair and Renovation: Revive a neglected lawn or tackle common lawn problems with our step-by-step guidance. Seasonal Lawn Care: Understand how to adapt your lawn care routine to suit the changing seasons. And much more! This comprehensive guide also covers advanced topics such as lawn care for slopes and hills, pet-friendly lawn care, and adapting your lawn care routine to extreme weather conditions. Plus, you'll find information on alternative lawns, irrigation system maintenance, and DIY lawn care projects to enhance your outdoor space. Get started on your journey to a beautiful green yard today with "Lawn Care: The Complete Beginner's Guide to a Beautiful Green Yard". Transform your outdoor space into a stunning oasis that you and your family can enjoy year after year. Don't wait – invest in your lawn's future and order your copy now! Table of Contents Lawn Care Basics Soil Types and Their Importance Grass Varieties and Selection Lawn Care Tools and Equipment Soil Preparation Testing Soil pH Soil Aeration Techniques Improving Drainage Adding Nutrients and Organic Matter Planting and Establishing a Lawn Seeding Methods Sod Installation Lawn Establishment Timeline Lawn Maintenance Mowing Techniques and Best Practices Watering and Irrigation Systems Fertilization and Nutrient Management Weed Control Identifying Common Weeds Pre-Emergent and Post-Emergent Herbicides Organic Weed Control Methods Pest and Disease Management Common Lawn Pests and Their Control Lawn Diseases and Their Prevention Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Strategies Lawn Renovation and Repair Dethatching and Aerating Overseeding and Reseeding Patch Repair and Sod Replacement Seasonal Lawn Care Spring Lawn Care Tasks Summer Lawn Care Tasks Fall Lawn Care Tasks Winter Lawn Care Tasks Environmentally Friendly Lawn Care Organic Lawn Care Practices Native Plants and Grasses Reducing Water Use and Conserving Resources Lawn Care for Different Regions Lawn Care in Cool-Season Climates Lawn Care in Warm-Season Climates Lawn Care in Transition Zones Creating a Lawn Care Schedule Assessing Lawn Needs and Priorities Developing a Seasonal Plan Adjusting and Adapting to Changing Conditions Advanced Lawn Care Techniques Lawn Striping and Patterns Topdressing and Soil Amendments Lawn Edging and Borders Mulching and Composting Benefits of Mulching Types of Mulch and Their Uses Creating and Using Compost in Lawn Care Lawn Alternatives and Ground Covers Low-Maintenance Lawn Alternatives Ground Covers for Shady Areas Drought-Tolerant Lawn Alternatives Lawn Care for Slopes and Hills Erosion Control Methods Plant Selection for Slopes and Hills Maintenance Tips for Sloped Lawns Lawn Care for Small Spaces Adapting Lawn Care Techniques for Small Lawns Grass Selection for Limited Space Maximizing Visual Impact in Small Spaces Irrigation System Maintenance and Upgrades Inspecting and Maintaining Irrigation Systems Water-Efficient Irrigation Upgrades Smart Irrigation Controllers and Technology Lawn Care for Pets Pet-Friendly Lawn Care Practices Repairing Pet Damage to Lawns Creating Pet-Friendly Outdoor Spaces Lawn Care in Extreme Weather Conditions Drought-Tolerant Lawn Care Practices Managing Lawns in Excessively Wet Conditions Protecting Lawns from Frost and Cold Damage Lawn Care Safety and Precautions Safe Use of Lawn Care Equipment Proper Storage and Handling of Lawn Care Products Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Lawn Care Hiring Lawn Care Professionals Assessing Your Lawn Care Needs Selecting and Hiring a Lawn Care Service Working with a Lawn Care Provider DIY Lawn Care Projects Building Raised Garden Beds Creating Pathways and Walkways Installing Landscape Lighting Have Questions / Comments? Get Another Book Free