With increasing use of pesticides in farming and gardening, one direct impact is the contamination of ground water with undesirable chemicals. According to the U.S. Geological Survey's 1999 report on the quality of water found in United States, it was found that at least one pesticide was found in almost every water and fish sample collected. The report also estimated that American households use 80 million pounds of pesticide. This is reason enough for us to be more aware of pesticide use.

There are easy Earth friendly methods which can be applied to home landscaping, wherein minimal amounts of pesticides, fertilizers, water, and time are required. These methods reduce lawn maintenance and naturally add fertility to the soil. They also reduce air and water pollution and provide a happy habitat for birds and other wildlife. The following are some simple pointers for Earth-friendly lawn care.

• At the outset, plan your garden in a way that you use more native plants and grasses. They are hardier and more resistant to disease than invasive species. They also need minimal maintenance and watering.

• Substitute chemical fertilizers with compost. Use of compost has a dual advantage. Homeowners can use their garden waste to make compost, instead of dumping it in landfills. When the compost is ready, the organic composition provides natural soil additives. In addition, compost increases water absorption in the soil and prevents water run-off. The result is healthier plants in your garden.

• Avoid lawn chemicals during rainy days, as the runoff will contaminate water bodies nearby.

• Substitute chemical herbicides with corn gluten - a by-product of wet milling process to make cornstarch. It has potential as a natural pre-emergence herbicide and can be used in established turf grass.

• Remove thatch (dead grass roots), by raking the lawn, as they are breeding grounds for disease

This is also another great article about fertilizing you lawn & garden.

If you like lawn care....These pages might also interest you:

All About Weeds, Common Lawn Problems, Controlling Lawn Diseases, Four Steps to a Great Lawn, How to Water Your Lawn, Inexpensive Lawn Fertilizer, Lawns in Shady Areas, Thatching, Turf Secrets, Types of Lawn Recreation, Care Free Lawns, Creating a Perfect Lawn, Earth Friendly Golf Courses, Feeding Your Lawn, Fertilizing Basics, Mowers and Pollution, Natural Ways to Fertilize, The Right Time To Fertilize, Types of Lawn Fertilizers