Organic ween "n" feed

[Rhodes Family]

Hi there,

I was wondering if anyone knows a thing or two about “Weeds and Feeds”. We are trying to keep our garden as organic as possible, with minimal or no use of chemicals at all, but the time has come when a few members of the family want to rid the lawn of its “unsightly” yellowy patches and dispel the weeds =(

Of course, I have put up an objection, but I thought I could do some research and come up with an alternative. Does anybody know about/use any organic lawn feeds and weed killers (possible 2 in 1) that would do minimal damage to the surrounding wildlife and pets?

I have heard of some seaweed alternatives, but again I know there are a few incidences were seaweed harvesting can have a detrimental marine bio-diversity impact if not done with great care. So again, I pose the question, is this a good idea and are there any “eco-friendly” alternatives?

You comments are much appreciated, as always!
Alex

[Hedera]

You can make your own organic feed by steeping the leaves of comfrey and stinging nettles in a barrel of rainwater. The liquid can be diluted for grass feeding. Or invest in a wormery.
An organic way of weeding is an old table knife sharpened to a point with which you can dig out daisies and dandelions if you wish!
I leave mine for the insects and deadhead the seedheads.

[Cotham Marble]

Originally Posted by Rhodes Family

We are trying to keep our garden as organic as possible, with minimal or no use of chemicals at all, but the time has come when a few members of the family want to rid the lawn of its “unsightly” yellowy patches and dispel the weeds

Yellow patches are likely the result of problems unrelated fertiliser issues - over close cutting in dry weather, soil compaction, over growth of moss because of acidification of the top ellements of the soil, poor drainage or animal urine burns are all possible and can be dealt with without using chemicals - although an application of lime may help. Othewise adjust cut height of mower, rake out any build up of thatch and aerate wet or compacted areas using a fork. Top dress with garden compost. If there are problem perenniels, hand digging out gets away from the need for a general spray - I find an old chisel the best tool.

CM