As a recent convert to organic gardening I'm making an effort to convert my lawn as well. Other than cutting the grass higher (to shade weeds,) lime, and using that fish by-product fertilizer, are there any other products r techniques I can use to keep my lawn healthy and happy?

I have occasional dandelions (these can be hand-pulled)and clover.

You might want to look into earth worm castings! We have used ewc's for 2 years now on 3+ acres of lawn (not all in the same spot) and we swear by it!

Simple to apply by broadcast spreader.
Completely neutral and organic.
Feeds the soil (micro organisms)
Helps retain moisture

Turfgrass becomes so lush that competition from weeds is minimal. Great stuff!

John

Hi, Bonetown. Two quickie recommendations: Water infrequently and deep (depth of at least 1") to promote good grass root growth and water in early morning (not during heat/high evaportion mid-day), and not at night (which could promote fungus).

Also, I'm sure (if you do a search on these forums you'll find a gang of info on corn gluten meal: to PREVENT weed seed germination.

gardenz

In our last house our neighbors always asked why our lawn was SO beautiful: "What do you do?" they would ask. "Absolutley nothing" would be my answer. We mowed less frequently then our neighbors, used no weed control, never raked leaves, just mowed them, and it was a nice lawn. --- Now here, I used GardensAlive WOW (WithOut Weeds), but I think I used it too late (spring seems to sneak up on us in early Feb here). Also clover to everyone else I know is a problem? But it is actually good for your lawn (am I wrong?), and helps affix nitrogen into the soil. Plus, the buds are high in protien and quite tasty (so my two little girls tell me).

We also get frequent comments on our lush lawn from just about anyone who walks on it. They always want to know what we do and we pretty much have to answer the same thing--nothing. We avoid fertilizing in the spring as this can promote weak growth. We mow on a high setting to encourage deep roots. We don't rake in spring to avoid damaging newly emerging baby grass plants.

We do put down fertilizer in the fall and rent a core aerator then also. And use corn gluten meal to prevent dandelions. We let the clover grow. You're right, it's beneficial and provides food for the bees.