1. Choose the right type of grass seed and over-seed all areas where the grass is thinning to promote thick, dense turf which forces out weeds.

2. Remove unwanted weeds - simply pour boiling water directly onto the weeds and remove the weeds and their roots by hand.

3. Grasscycle! Leave grass clippings on the lawn as they are a natural fertilizer and return nutrients back to the soil (do not bag your clippings).

4. Aerate your lawn in the spring or the fall to help oxygen, water and nutrients reach the roots.

5. Remove unwanted insects - chop up or grind one garlic bulb, one small onion, and mix with one tablespoon of cayenne pepper and one litre of water. Let it stand for one hour and strain, then add one tablespoon of liquid hand soap. This mix can be refrigerated in a covered jar for up to one week and used as a spray on plants.

For more information, see the Niagara Region's websites below:

12-Step Organic Lawn Care Program:
www.niagararegion.ca/government/initiatives/smartgardening/o-12step.aspx

Organic Lawn Care Calendar:
www.niagararegion.ca/government/initiatives/smartgardening/o-calendar.aspx

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