Lawns, we love them and we hate them. They add beauty to the landscape and are a playground for our kids and pets. They also take a lot of time, money and toxic chemicals, especially if you want that golf course look. These chemicals seep into the soil, the water table and the air. Our children and pets play on those chemicals where they are tracked inside with no sun or wind to break them down.
Organic lawns are the safer way to go, but you have to be able to tolerate a few weeds as your lawn transitions to a chemical free lawn. Weeds are a symptom of poor soil. Crabgrass for instance grows where grass won’t, like near the driveway. Once the soil is corrected and a deeper root system develops to encourage thicker turf, weeds will eventually be crowded out.
If weeds really bother you, there are several non-toxic remedies for eliminating them like using cider vinegar. For recipes, click here. But for those of you who prefer to buy a ready made product, I just discovered an all natural organic weed control called Garden Weasel Crabgrass Killer. Its active ingredient is cinnamon bark and is effective in killing crabgrass, chickweed, clover and other similar weeds. Garden Weasel AG crabgrass control is safe around people, pets and the environment and is easy to use. Just wet the area you want to treat with water and then sprinkle the product. It will only kill the active crabgrass and weeds, not the grass or seeds. You can order it online from dirtdoctor.com.
So, make the change this year to an organic lawn. Everyone benefits from safer lawns.
Posted by pat sparkman on December 1, 2011 at 11:28 pm
this weed killer was just recommended to me, but nothing specifically states it is safe for plants and my banana trees in which there is this crab grass.
Posted by betsywild on December 3, 2011 at 1:53 pm
Hi Pat – Thanks for responding to my blog. What weed killer are you referring to? I’d be happy to try and answer your question. I just need a little more information. Thanks -
Betsy
Posted by Betsy on December 3, 2011 at 1:59 pm
Sorry Pat. I assume you are talking about the Garden Weasel Crabgrass Killer I refer to in my post. It should not affect your banana plant since it kills crabgrass and other small weeds. Here is the link to the FAQ about the product which should answer your specific questions. Good luck…
http://www.gardenweasel.com/weasel_products/garden_weasel_products/crabgrass_killer/garden_weasel_ag_crabgrass_control_faq.aspx