2 of 18

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

more money on organic fertilizer, but because of the decreased applications, you will actually save.

WEED KILLER: Stay away from chemical weed killers. They are bad for the environment, for our water supply and your health. The safest method is to get out there and get some exercise. Most weeds can easily be pulled out by hand, and once removed, will no longer spread. Generally weeds only grow in a lawn that has bare spots, so keeping a healthy lawn and seeding any bare spots will eliminate the weeds.

SOIL: Skip the peat moss and the top soil. Your best soil conditioner is compost.

Chances are your town has it for free, and it doesn't, start your own compost heap. Perhaps your wisest purchase at the garden center would be a compost bin. It is a onetime expense that will pay you back, year after year.

INSECTS: Perhaps the biggest lawn insect problem is the grub, the larval stage of the Japanese Beetle. The grubs feed on the roots of the grass, causing the grass to turn brown from an apparent lack of water. The dead giveaway that you have grubs is the ability to pull the grass right out of the ground. Stay away from the traditional grub killer. It is expensive and you will have to keep applying it every year. Instead, use biology. Buy Milky Spore powder, bacteria that you sprinkle on the lawn, and once established will control the grubs for as long as you live in your house.

So use your money wisely on your visit to the garden center, and you will be rewarded with a beautiful, environmentally friendly garden and lawn.

Learn more about this author, Chris Visco.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about Guide to buying smart at the garden center?
We want to hear your view. Write now!