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When it comes to maintaining a lush, healthy lawn, Australian gardeners, homeowners and landscapers often face the challenge of finding the right balance between achieving a vibrant garden and protecting the environment.
Traditional chemical fertilisers can have harmful effects on soil health and local ecosystems, but the good news is that natural fertilisers provide a sustainable, eco-friendly solution for a thriving lawn. In this blog post, we'll explore how natural fertilisers benefit your lawn care routine and help you create a beautiful, healthy outdoor space.
Autumn presents an opportunity to rejuvenate your lawn after the summer heat, so for all of you lawn-lovers out there, we hope you find this helpful.
Why choose natural fertilisers for your lawn?
Natural fertilisers, such as organic compost, biofertilisers, and seaweed-based products, are made from naturally occurring materials like food waste, plant matter, and minerals. These products work by replenishing essential nutrients in the soil, building microbial life in soil, promoting healthy root growth, and improving soil structure.
Here’s why switching to a natural approach is a great idea for your lawn.
Eco-friendly and sustainable
Natural fertilisers help reduce the carbon footprint of your lawn care routine. By using products like fermented food waste or organic compost, you're supporting sustainable farming practices and reducing the need for harmful synthetic chemicals that can leach into waterways.
Healthier soil long-term
Synthetic fertilisers can degrade soil health over time by killing beneficial microbes and disrupting the delicate balance of nutrients. In contrast, natural fertilisers promote a rich, diverse soil ecosystem, ensuring that your lawn stays strong and healthy in the long run.
Safe for pets, wildlife and children
Because natural fertilisers are non-toxic and free from harsh chemicals, they’re a safer option for families with pets, young children and surrounding wildlife. You don’t need to worry about harmful residues or chemical burns when using organic products.
Types of natural fertilisers for lawn care
Not all natural fertilisers are created equal. Here are some popular options for nourishing your lawn:
Compost
Compost is a fantastic natural fertiliser that can improve soil structure, retain moisture, and provide a steady release of nutrients. You can easily make your own compost at home using food scraps, grass clippings, leaves, and other organic materials, or purchase ready-made compost from your local garden centre.
Biofertilisers
Biofertilisers like Food2Soil are an excellent choice for Australian lawns. Our products are made from fermented food waste and packed with billions of beneficial microbes.
Biofertilisers enhance soil health by enhancing the biological life in soil, promoting nutrient cycling, improving root development, and boosting the growth of your grass in the long term. These microbial-rich products break down organic matter, releasing key nutrients for your lawn and improving the soil's overall health.
Biofertilisers provide a slow, steady release of nutrients and are perfect for creating deep, resilient roots that can withstand tough conditions. Autumn is a great time of the year to replenish those roots from the summer heat and prepare the soil for the cooler months ahead.
Check out Josie's lawn, Food2Soil co-founder, after a spray of Food2Soil late January.
Seaweed extract
Seaweed-based fertilisers are rich in trace minerals, vitamins, and growth hormones that support plant health. They are particularly beneficial during periods of stress, like drought or extreme temperatures, helping your lawn recover and stay strong.
At Food2Soil we've combined the best of both worlds, and created a seaweed alternative to our All-Purpose Biofertiliser, for those seaweed lovers. We get it.
Blood and bone meal
A traditional organic fertiliser. Blood and bone meals are high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and calcium. It’s especially useful for stimulating vigorous growth in lawns, promoting lush, green grass.
Fish emulsion
Made from fish byproducts, fish emulsion is a nutrient-rich, fast-acting fertiliser that’s perfect for lawns needing an immediate nutrient boost. It's also great for encouraging robust growth and increasing soil microorganisms.
How to apply natural fertiliser to your lawn
Proper application of natural fertilisers is key to ensuring optimal results for your lawn. Whilst every product has its own usage guidelines, these are some simple steps you can follow to make the most out of your natural fertiliser.
1. Prepare your lawn
Before applying any fertiliser, ensure your lawn is at an appropriate height (you may need to mow it) and remove any debris, like leaves or twigs. If you’re using compost, consider aerating the soil to allow better penetration of nutrients.
2. Apply fertiliser
For biofertilisers, apply an even layer across your lawn using a broadcast spreader. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the recommended quantity. If you're using compost or other organic fertilisers, distribute them evenly across your lawn to ensure consistent nourishment. After applying the fertiliser, keep the lawn well hydrated (without drowning it!) for the next few days to ensure that nutrients reach the roots and microorganisms' flourish.
3. Reapply as needed
Depending on the type of fertiliser, you may need to reapply every few months or seasonally. Keep an eye on your lawn's health and adjust your fertilization schedule accordingly.
Lawn care tips for a healthier, greener lawn
In addition to using natural fertilisers, consider these lawn care tips to maintain a healthy, vibrant lawn.
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Mow regularly: Regular mowing encourages dense growth and helps prevent weeds from taking root.
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Water deeply, not often: Watering deeply and infrequently encourages roots to grow deeper, making your lawn more drought resistant.
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Aerate the soil: Aerating your lawn once or twice a year helps improve nutrient and water absorption, especially if you have clay soil. Autumn is a great time to do so, after the summer sun and before the cooler months.
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Mulch grass clippings: You can leave some grass clippings on the lawn as mulch. They break down over time and return valuable nutrients to the soil.
Final thoughts: The benefits of natural lawn care
Using natural fertilisers like Food2Soil's biofertilisers for lawn care is a simple yet powerful way to create a greener, healthier lawn while promoting sustainability. By choosing organic products, you’re not only investing in the long-term health of your lawn but also contributing to a healthier environment.
If you're looking to make the switch to natural fertilisers, consider incorporating biofertilisers into your lawn care routine for optimal results. Their microbial benefits and nutrient-rich content make it the best way to ensure your lawn remains lush, resilient, and eco-friendly.