The Organic Lawn Care Manual: A Natural, Low-Maintenance System for a Beautiful, Safe Lawn
by Paul Tukey
|
List Price: Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
(Click here)
Book Reviews of The Organic Lawn Care Manual: A Natural, Low-Maintenance System for a Beautiful, Safe Lawn
Book Review: Marvelous
Summary: 5 Stars
I have to admit, I first looked into organic lawn care for not-so-noble reasons. I have a pool in my backyard, which means that using any nitrogen-rich fertilizer back there risks getting nitrates in the pool water, which is a big no-no for pool owners. I hoped that organic lawn care could provide me with a way to care for my backyard without endangering the pool water. That's not to say that I didn't care about the environment; it just wasn't my first priority.
However, in reading this book, I've become downright enthusiastic about, not just helping the environment, but having a great yard *while* helping the environment. As other reviewers noted, the author does not ask us to settle for inferior lawns in order to help the environment. He is passionate about having a great lawn -- and doing it the right way.
There are essentially two ways to get great looking lawns: treat it with chemicals, or follow the organic route described in this book. They can both produce great looking lawns, but there is a difference. I liken the comparison to making a person look better through either plastic surgery or exercise. Plastic surgery is fast and can have some incredible results, though it does nothing to improve the actual health of the person. Whereas exercising can probably get to the same end, though with a bit more effort, especially at the beginning. However, even though the results may look similar, underneath the person who has been exercising is stronger, fitter, and more able to cope with the physical stresses of life. Similarly, with a bit more effort (at least, at the beginning), an organically cared-for lawn can look great and be healthier and stronger than a chemically cared-for lawn.
I'm ditching the remainder of my Scott's Four-step weed-and-feed lawn care process and embarking on *really* caring for my lawn. Thank you Paul Tukey for opening my eyes!
PS - as an added bonus, I *can* care for my lawn organically without endangering my pool water.
Book Review: This is an incredible book! Have a beautiful lawn & less maintenance/cost.
Summary: 5 Stars
The book is easy and enjoyable to read. The instructions are easy to put into practice. I now have the best lawn I've ever had (in over 30 years of maintaining lawns). I'm spending less money than I did on my old "chemical lawns" and maintaining this beautiful lawn takes less maintenance.
When I began following this book, I was REALLY skeptical. It just seemed like all of this was "too good to be true" but I tried it anyway. My lawn had been maintained chemically for many years and had deteriorated as described in the book. It had a weak root system, had been susceptible to some disease problems, and insect issues.....it had simply atrophied over the "chemical years" of pouring on the toxins. I was working harder and spending more money, while getting diminishing returns on my efforts. It was EXACTLY as described in the book.
Now I am VERY proud of the beautiful lawn that I have. It is low maintenance (certainly MUCH less maintenance than when I was using chemicals to artificially keep my lawn going). The children can play on the lawn without cancer causing chemicals endangering them.
I suspect that some day, all lawns will be organic and we'll all wonder why in the heck we ever used the chemicals. The chemical lawns were never needed in the first place.......a waste of time, money and resulted in a lawn that is not as beautiful as an organic one. I think of it as artificially trying to support something that is MUCH better in it's own natural ecosystem.
The book is fantastic. It's methods work. Period.
Book Review: Great for people new to lawns or to organic care
Summary: 5 Stars
When we bought a house, we had to decide: lawn service or DIY? We opted for the latter (partially because my husband likes his Honda mower so much :) ), but we hadn't the first idea how to go about taking care of our lawn. We just knew we didn't want to spray it with chemicals all the time, what with all the dogs, cats and kids in the neighborhood.
Though this book is chock full of good information, the author doesn't assume any previous experience with lawn care, which I really appreciate. He takes you step-by-step along the process, whether you're starting from scratch or gradually transitioning to organic, and gives easy to understand instructions about how to test the soil (an essential first step), what kind of grass to plant, and what time of year to do all the recommended maintenance.
I enjoyed it enough that I just sat down to read. He's got lots of little side-bars and quick stories throughout, which actually helps me focus better. Others mentioned that there aren't a lot of specific "My lawn has this problem, what do I do?" answers, and that's probably true. His answer is generally going to be, okay, find out why that is. If you have moss, is your lawn too acidic? That's helpful but not quick. However, a trip to your local home store can answer a lot of those specific questions. (The Home Depot near us is filled with friendly, helpful employees, so I hope you find the same.)
Book Review: Want a great natural lawn? Get the book
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this book elsewhere and just got it today, and I must say its great. It breaks down everything you need to know, from soil prep, pesticides, weeds (included diagrams of weeds and pests), irrigation, fertilizers, etc. The information overall is detailed and easy to read. As another reviewer stated, it does follow a logical course. In the back is a list of organic companies that sell a variety of products. It also has a basic timetable of what you need to do for the first 3 years.
The ONLY flaw I could see is that this book is an overall national one. By that I mean its not location specific. They discuss topics and how it affects different grasses in the north and south, but if you want a geographic specific, this book won't do, but its still great to get. I am in FL and the University of Florida puts out a FL lawncare book, only its organic section is 2 pages. I'd supplement this book on Organics to a more location specific if you want some detailed info.
Also, the organic fertilizers doesn't include Cornmeal, but does mention Corn Gluten Meal. It would have been nice to include CM too. However, consider CM the same as CGM only without the preemergence weed properties.
I highly recommend the book.
Book Review: Inspirational!
Summary: 5 Stars
My husband purchased "The Organic Lawn Care Manual" about 2 years ago. Out of curiousity, I thumbed through it and found it highly compelling. Paul Tukey's advice just makes good sense - for the earth and for ourselves. And it's easy to follow. We immediately adopted the all organic routine, tested our soil and amended it based on the results, applied corn gluten for weed control, and even started making compost. Our lawn looks great, not in a 1950's suburban perfect sort of way, but real and healthy. What's more though - the book inspired me to start advocating for natural lawn and garden care practices. I signed up as a member at [...], joined the Million Acre Challenge, and even did a speech on organic gardening at my local Toastmasters club. I'm not exaggerating by saying that this book inspired me to make many positive changes in my life and my community. If you care about the environment, it's a must read!