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16 - The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday September 13, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com FALL HOME AND GARDEN Ten ways to a greener lawn ­ without pesticides When Ontario's new pesticide ban takes effect next spring, these ten green steps, courtesy of Pesticide Free Ontario, will get your lawn in shape ­ and pesticidefree! 1. Choose drought-tolerant grass seed and spread it on your lawn every fall (over-seed). A thick lawn crowds out weeds. 2. Discourage weeds by keeping your lawn mower blade at a height of 7 cm (3 inches). Never cut off more than one-third of the grass stem at a time. 3. Leave your grass clippings on the lawn to return nutrients to the soil. This will reduce your need for fertilizer by 30%. Clippings are mainly water, so they add moisture to your lawn. 4. Once a year in the fall, use a slow-release granular fertilizer or apply a top layer of natural organic matter such as compost. 5. Once a year, remove small plugs of earth to allow air and water to get to the roots. A pesticide-free lawn will encourage earthworms, nature's aerators. 6. Let your lawn soak up 2-3 cm (1 inch) of water, once a week, early in the morning, to promote deep root growth. If it has rained, adjust your watering. Use a rain gauge to measure water levels. 7. Thatch, a thick compacted layer of dead plants and grass, attracts harmful insects. Too much thatch stops water and nutrients from getting to the roots. Remove thatch by gently raking your lawn in late spring or early summer. Aerate. To prevent thatch, don't over water or over fertilize. 8. Develop a tolerance for a few weeds and insects. Most insects are NOT harmful. Some are important to our environment. 9. Dig out weeds and their roots by hand. Pour boiling water on weeds that are growing between patio stones. Use a stick or your hands to knock unwanted insects off plants into a dish of soapy water. 10. Consider alternatives to grass, such as trees, shrubs, perennials, ground covers, and wild flowers (native species work best). Further information is available online at www.ontario.ca/greenthumb - News Canada Think Green. Breathe Easy. HUGE CENTRAL AIR & FURNACE $ Up to SALE BEST PRICES EVER! 2950* MANUFACTURERS CASH BACK Cash Back AND NO PAYMENT! NO INTEREST! FOR 6 MONTHS *OAC HYDRO CASH BACK UP TO UP TO UP TO $1400 + $1000 + $550 GOV. CASH BACK *Call for details. Financing Available 8 Locations To Serve You Better! 905-849-4998 www.aireone.com 1-888-827-2665 WINNER BEST INTERIOR DESIGNER '97, '98, '99, '02, '03, '04 , '05 , '06, '07 &'08 Great tips for fall lawns and garden care The cool, wet months of the fall are ideal conditions to prepare your lawn and garden for the cold months ahead. · WINNER BEST INTERIOR DESIGNER '97, '98, '99, '02, '03,'04, '05, '06, '07 & `08 SYLVIA CAMILLERI Interior Decorating & Design Here are a few tips to help your garden survive the winter and thrive in the spring: · Remove any debris, leaves and diseased foliage from your lawn and sylviacamilleri@sympatico.ca Oakville Ontario T 905.847.6977 WINNER BEST INTERIOR DESIGNER '97, '98, '99, '02, '03, '04 , '05 , '06, '07 & `08 SPACE AGE SHELVING The Storage Specialists 2OO9 M e t r o T o r o n t o C o n v e n t i o n C e n t r e February 27 - March 1 In Home Consultation Apa tme ts Apartment m Home f es Home Offices ome Pan ry Pa try Gara Ga age a ag Lau dr La ndry a dr C osets Mirro Closets & Mir or Doors se Mr o 3350 Fairview Street between Walkers & Guelph Line 905-333-1322 2555 Erin Centre Mississauga 905-542-0353 for exhibitor information call 905-337-5560 www.torontogolfshow.com www.spaceageshelvingburlington.com www.spaceageshelving.ca garden. · Continue to mow your lawn at a height of around 2.5 inches as long as it is actively growing. · Overseed and aerate your lawn. The cool and wet conditions of fall make it the perfect time to overseed your lawn with a pure premium grass seed for a thicker lawn that will crowd out weeds in spring. · Repair any damaged spots now, while temperatures are cool and there's more rainfall and heavier dew. Try a product like Scotts Patch Master lawn repair mix for an all-inone solution. · Apply a winter care fertilizer approximately four weeks before you expect frost. The fall is the most important application of fertilizer because it helps your lawn emerge healthier in spring after a long winter. · Plant any flower bulbs in the fall to provide welcome blooms at the first sign of spring. Feed bulbs with an organic choice bone meal. · Add a layer of mulch to new plants and rake leaves onto flowerbeds and around shrubs to create a warm blanket to protect against the cold. · Be sure to clean out all your gardening tools and spreaders and lubricate any pivot points or axles. Clean all tools using a wire brush and spray bare metal parts with a penetrating oil to prevent rust. · Tightly seal all packages and store all fertilizers and chemicals in a cool dry place. · Drain water from all hoses and coil and hang them properly so they won't split, sag or kink. - News Canada · WINNER BEST INTERIOR DESIGNER '97, '98, '99, '02, '03,'04, '05, '06 , '07 & `08·