On Saturday, April 9th the Northeast Organic Farming Association will offer “Organic Lawns for Homeowners” workshops in Arlington and Stoneham.
The three-hour workshop is recommended for homeowners and anyone who cares for lawns. It will cover all aspects of caring for one’s own lawn organically, including the organic approach to lawn care, soil testing and soil health, growing healthy grass, mowing, seeding, aerating and topdressing techniques and how-to-find organic supplies, compost and materials needed. The workshop will also include a hands-on component including a demonstration of organic lawn equipment and cultural practices on organically maintained properties.
The overall project goals are to reduce the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers in the management of residential lawns; to educate and demonstrate the benefits of eliminating toxics in lawns (less exposure to toxins, decreased groundwater pollution, increased air quality, cost savings over time, fewer inputs, healthier lawns); and to provide ongoing support to homeowners and groups requesting this information and education.
Growing public awareness of pesticide use hazards and new legislation mandating least toxic and non-toxic alternatives are fueling homeowners’ concern regarding applying synthetic chemicals. More homeowners are requesting organic products at garden centers and home stores and NOFA Accredited Organic Land Care Professionals care for more of their client’s properties organically year after year.
The workshop fee is $25 ($5 discount for NOFA/MOFGA members). For more information or to register for any of the workshops, please contact Kathy Litchfield at (413) 773-3830 or Kathy@nofamass.org. Online registration is available at www.nofamass.org.
This workshop will cover:
Why Organic? • What is an Organic Lawn? • How is Organic different from
Conventional? • The Relationship between a Healthy Soil and Healthy
Lawn • Soil Testing • Soil Health • The Science of Growing Grass
Cultural Practices • Mowing • Aerating • Compost Topdressing
Fertilizing • Seed Slicing • Equipment • Questions & Answers
Also featuring demonstrations of organic lawn maintenance methods, giving homeowners a chance to try them out on an organic lawn!
