The James River Steward’s Almanac

Lawn and Garden

Feeding Our Plants, Not Our River

Be a Friend of the River…hold off on the fertilizer this spring.

The James River needs to go on a nutrient diet. Let’s make sure we’re not causing it to be overfed. If you are planning to fertilize your lawn, spring is NOT the time to do so. Heavy spring rains means that lots of fertilizer ends up in our streams, rivers, and bays, instead of on your lawn.  You lose money while our waterways get polluted by artificial nutrients, putting them at risk of algae blooms and “dead zones” with too little dissolved oxygen to support life. This year find out what nutrients your soil needs, use the natural nutrients in your grass clippings, and apply fertilizer in the summer or fall depending on your grass type.

Learn More:

1. Get Your Soil Tested:  Virginia Cooperative Extension Soil Testing Service >>
2. Using Your Grass Clippings as a Natural Fertilizer >>
3. How and When to Apply Fertilizer: >>

Be a Guardian of the River….start composting this spring.

Our landfills and our wastewater certainly don’t need any more nutrients, but our gardens do! Organic waste leads to methane gas pollution coming from landfills and can overload our waterways with nutrients. You can reduce the amount of trash you create, eliminate your in-sink disposal, and create a new source of rich soil for your plants. How? By composting! Composting doesn’t have to be complicated and time consuming. It can save you money, enrich your garden, and connect your family to nature’s essential cycles.   

Follow these links to learn how:

2. Compost Made Easy >>
3. 2. A Simple, Inexpensive Wire-Fence Bin >>
4. 3. Composting Yard Waste >>

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