Many households are going the organic route these days. Stores like Whole Foods and Trader Joes are more popular than ever. You can also go organic with your lawn. Below we’ll explain why it could be a good choice for your home.
What Does Organic Mean?
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, organic products must meet a series of rigorous standards, including the avoidance of certain chemicals, genetically modified ingredients, and other banned substances. Organic practices strive to “foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity.” Many people choose organic products to protect their health from the possibly harmful effects of synthetic chemicals.
Organic fertilizers refer to soil amendments that use natural sources of nutrients, minerals, animal products, plant compost, and certain approved synthetic materials. Organic fertilizers replicate natural cycles to produce outstanding results in your garden and lawn.
Reasons to Choose Organic
1. Organic fertilizers reduce exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
An increasing chemical load on the body has been linked to a growing number of diseases, including heart disease, asthma, allergies, diabetes, mental disorders, and attention deficit disorder. When you choose organic solutions for use around your home, you reduce your family’s exposure to harsh chemicals. Organic choices are also better for the family pet.
2. It’s good for the environment.
The chemicals you place on your lawn don’t just disappear. Bio-magnification is the gradual buildup of harmful chemicals in the bodies of plants and animals, resulting in illness. For example, colony collapse disorder among essential honeybees may have ties to the use of garden chemicals. Opting for organic fertilizers reduces the amount of these chemicals entering soil, groundwater, and waterways.
The production of synthetic fertilizers also results in the release of chemical toxins and airborne pollutants. On the other hand, organic fertilizers often utilize by-products that would otherwise go to waste. You reduce your own carbon footprint by going organic.
3. In some studies, organic fertilizer has outperformed synthetic fertilizers.
In one study, the Agricultural Research Service found that farm fields treated with a manure-based organic fertilizer produced 12 percent greater yields than similar fields treated with synthetic fertilizer. The same can be true in your own backyard. This may result in reduced costs over time.
4. Organic fertilizer applications can be customized to fit your needs.
The fertilizer type and application process can be adjusted during the growing season to optimize results. Some organic fertilizers even result in permanent soil improvements, such as better aeration or drainage.
Organic fertilizers are better for your family’s health and for the environment, and provide beautiful landscape results. Make the switch to organic today.