A gardening guru has shared his tips for achieving a bug-free yard without the hard work.
His transformative tricks will also help give you the lush lawn of your dreams.
HOUSE MADE
There’s no need to introduce exotic varieties when native plants are the easiest option to elevate your outdoor space.
“One of the most effective ways to have a greener lawn is to incorporate native plants into your landscape,” said Chase Gregory of JSJ Unlimited, LLC.
“Native plants are adapted to the local climate, soil and wildlife, making them more resilient and requiring less maintenance than non-native species,” he added.
He explained that these plants are ideal for attracting native pollinators and wildlife, “contributing to a healthier ecosystem.”
Incorporating native grasses and wildflowers also means you won’t need to use chemical fertilizers or toxic pesticides.
FLY AWAY
“Native plants are naturally adapted to the local environment, so they are less susceptible to pests and diseases, resulting in a healthier lawn,” he said.
Planting native species will also “attract beneficial insects,” which will create a balanced ecosystem in your garden.
Some of these useful insects include ladybugs, lacewings, and pollinators.
“These insects help control harmful pests and promote a healthier lawn,” he said.
“You can build or buy insect houses, such as bee hotels and butterfly houses, to provide shelter for these valuable creatures,” he said.
KEEP ACCURATE
To get a more “wow” looking lawn, you’ll also want to practice “precise watering.”
While water is crucial to keeping a lawn green, overwatering can cause everything from fungus to mold and even excessive weed growth.
For best results, Gregory recommends installing a programmable irrigation system with rain sensors.
“This technology can adjust your irrigation schedule based on weather conditions and soil moisture level,” he said.
“It is important to water your lawn deeply and infrequently, rather than watering shallowly and frequently. This encourages deeper root growth, making the grass more drought resistant,” he added.
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Retail giant Home Depot sells a drip irrigation kit for $29.97.
The irrigation system is described as covering up to 150 square feet and can even be “extended.”
The kit includes everything needed for a complete installation, including drippers, which are “pressure compensators,” for consistent flow.
An anti-backflow device ensures that water does not re-enter the main water supply via siphon.
To have the most flowery garden in the neighborhood, you may need to become an early riser.
He explained how watering the lawn early in the morning allows the grass to “dry out before dark.”
Most importantly, this tip also reduces the risk of disease.
MAKE IT GREENER WITH MULCH
Whatever you do, don’t make the mistake of skipping the mulch.
“Mulching your lawn helps retain soil moisture, regulate temperature and suppress weed growth,” he said.
“Organic mulch, such as wood chips or shredded leaves, also breaks down over time, enriching the soil with valuable nutrients,” he added.
Simply spread a layer of mulch around trees, flower beds and shrubs.
Just be careful not to apply too much mulch near tree trunks or directly on the grass, as this can “suffocate the grass and tree roots.”
Easy Gardening Tips to Save Money, Maximize Space, and Repel Pests
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- Banana peels, vinegar and coffee grounds are often recommended as natural fertilizers.
- Dollar Tree sells four packets of seeds for $1.25.
- Try a vertical planter like the one from Amazon Mr. Stacky 5-Tier Stackable Planter$35 to make the most of a small space.
- Use networks like Garden Netting Pest Barrier$8, from Amazon to ward off bugs eating your vegetables.
- Try sacrificial planting to reduce pesticide use and keep pests out of your garden. Deliberately growing certain plants to attract agricultural pests can keep them away from the plants you want to protect. Examples include marigolds, lavender, catnip and chives.
- For pesky weeds in your garden, the Grampa’s Weeder – The Original Weed Puller Tool with Long Handles$45, from Amazon it’s a handy tool you can use without having to bend over.
COMPOSTATION COMMANDMENT
His next commandment for a healthy lawn involves composting a pile, the “most environmentally friendly way to naturally enrich your lawn’s soil.”
Soil is rich in organic matter and nutrients that can do wonders for your grass.
Perhaps the best part is that you can find most compost materials right around your home, including kitchen scraps, yard waste, and other organic materials.
You also reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill – and this translates into better soil quality.
He recommends spreading compost on your lawn in the spring and fall months to “increase its fertility and structure.”
“It helps the soil retain moisture, provides essential nutrients and encourages beneficial microorganisms that contribute to a greener lawn,” he said.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
