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Chapter by Chapter
Chapter One: “Growing Your Business the Natural Way”
Across the country, consumers are seeking natural lawn care solutions, and professionals just like you are responding with natural lawn care programs. In this chapter, nationally recognized natural turf expert and primary instructor Chip Osborne leads you through the basic concepts of natural lawn care. You’ll hear from other professionals who have converted their businesses, and get a sense of what’s ahead.
In this chapter you’ll learn how to create the ideal growing conditions for healthy turf by developing natural soil biology, using only natural amendments, and modifying typical horticultural practices. Chip discusses why deep roots are essential to healthy turf, how putting the right plant in the right place can save you time and money, and why a natural lawn care program is more than just discontinuing the use of pesticides.
A successful natural lawn care program is built, literally, on healthy soil. In this chapter you’ll learn what constitutes healthy soil, how to develop it, and how to read some of nature’s signs to understand what’s going on beneath the surface. You’ll enjoy meeting natural turf pioneer and “green guerilla” Jeff Frank who offers his unique insights and sometimes irreverent take on organic lawn care.
Like a blood test at the doctor’s office, a soil test can reveal what’s happening under the surface where you can’t see. In this chapter you’ll learn exactly how to take soil samples, how to prepare them for the lab, what kind of tests are available, how much they cost, and how to interpret soil test results when you get them back.
Organic fertilizer provides your lawn with many of the nutrients it needs to grow strong and healthy. In this chapter you’ll learn what makes it different from synthetic fertilizer, how and when to apply it for maximum results and what to look for in a product. Chip also discuses the proper use of lime to raise pH and why this is so important in discouraging weeds.
Chapter Six: “Compost”
If you had to choose one single element as the most important in a natural lawn it would probably be compost. In this chapter you’ll learn why compost is essential, how it enriches the soil with microbes and organic matter, what to look for when buying compost, how to tell if it’s really done, how to apply it to turf and what it costs.
Spraying properties with a tea containing billions of microorganisms is one of the exciting new techniques in natural turf care, and in this chapter you’ll meet James Sottilo, one of the country’s leading experts. James will explain exactly what compost tea is, how to make it, how to alter the recipe for specific applications, application rates, what kinds of equipment to use, and problems to watch for.
To really understand how natural lawn care works, you need to understand the miraculous, interdependent system which nature has developed to protect plants and help them grow. Our instructors review the basic process of photosynthesis and explain how the symbiotic relationship between plants and microorganisms works.
Part Two of “How Plants Function” explores the role of bacteria, fungi, nematodes and protozoa in a natural turf system. You’ll learn which organisms are vital for holding nutrients in the soil and why others are necessary for building soil structure. We’ll explore nature’s predator-prey cycle and how it provides nutrients and organic matter for the soil.
In this chapter, you’ll learn why cutting grass blades shorter than three inches puts stress on plants, inhibits deep root growth and encourages weed seeds to germinate. Chip discusses why leaving clippings on the lawn helps save you time and money, why sharp mower blades are essential, and how you can adjust mowing schedules to accommodate garden parties or weddings.
Chip calls compaction “the number one enemy of turf grass” and in this chapter you’ll learn why it’s such a problem and what you can do about it. We’ll explore what kind of equipment does the best job, when is the best time to aerate, and what else should you plan to do at the same time. You’ll also learn about nature’s own aerators!
Chapter Twelve: “Irrigation"
Too much water can be as much of a problem as too little. In this chapter, you’ll learn exactly how much water a natural lawn needs, how to adjust watering schedules to encourage deep roots and strong plants, and what time of day is best for watering.
A bucket of grass seed is the natural landscaper’s best weapon in the battle against weeds. In this chapter we’ll discuss how a healthy, thick turf system actually chokes out weeds, and why a program of regular overseeding is essential for keeping the lawn vibrant and lush.
The buildup of dead grass and roots around the crown area of grass plants is known as thatch. Thatch can be a problem because it acts as a barrier to prevent moisture and nutrients from reaching the turf roots. In this chapter, you’ll learn how to deal with thatch naturally and why natural lawns are less likely to have thatch problems than chemically-treated lawns.
Even though chemical pesticides aren’t used in a natural lawn care program, it doesn’t mean we’re without tools. In this chapter you’ll learn about a natural pre-emergent weed control that can be extremely effective when used correctly, as well as specific horticultural techniques that can help control many common weeds.
There are times when complete reconstruction is your only solution to a problem lawn. In this chapter, you’ll learn the best time to construct a new lawn, what type of seed to use and how to prepare the bed. There are also times when sod may be the best option, and you’ll learn what to watch for and how to get the best results.
The basic principles of natural turf management also apply to sports turf, but there are a few differences. In this chapter, Chip discusses how he maintains the fields in Marblehead, how to deal with heavy sports schedules and preparing fields for interscholastic sports. Chip also dispels the myths which have developed about natural sports fields.
One of the most frequently asked questions about natural lawn care is “How long will it take to convert my property to a natural program?” The answer is “It depends,” and in this chapter you’ll learn exactly what to do in a transition process and how long it may take.
Understanding where you fit in the natural marketplace is key to building a successful natural lawn care business. In this chapter you’ll learn how to promote and market your business, how to deal with customers and how to charge for your services.