Question
Hi. We live in Orlando, Fl and like most people here,have St Augustine grass. Our backyard is being taken over by weeds (especially clover). I would like to take care of the lawn and the weeds organically. How do I start? Massey used to come every other month but even they had a hard time with the weeds.I really do not like pesticides and they seem to make our dog sick, so I stopped the service in December '05. The front yard still looks ok, but the back looks terrible. I tried vinegar on a few weeds and it helped. Will it hurt the grass? Any advice is welcome.
Thanks.
Gigi

Answer
Vinegar can damage grass as well as weed due to the rapid lowering of pH value.

Normally, organic lawn care involves giving the grass best possible growing conditions at expense of the weeds and thereby the grass will excel. There is no "organic" weed control product for clover, etc.

If you have weeds growing better than the lawn, then I suspect that your watering, mowing and fertilizing practices need improving.

Fertilize the lawn monthly (use an organic lawn fertilizer if this is important), water infrequently but deeply (e.g. better to water twice per week for 1 hour each than 15 minutes daily), and mow frequently. If you follow above, then the grass will prevail.

I would probably consider going "non-organic" to eradicate the weeds and once under control switch to organic lawn care as above.

To eradicate weeds, use Scott's turfbuilder 2+2 (fertilizer w/broadleaf weed control). Apply to a WET lawn so the granulles stick to the lawn and then leave the product on the lawn for 48 hours before washing in. Do this while the weeds are growing actively (do not mow a few days before and after either).

You can also use liquid alternatives (Ortho's Weed-B-Gon). These come in spray bottles or in bottles which attach to your gardenhose. Then thoroughly spray the lawn w/weeds and allow to dry. Do not mow a few days before and after.

Do this while temperatures are modest (between 50-85F). Do not use these products when temperatures are above 85F.

If you can not do this due to the dog, consider applying the product before a trip away so the dog wont be there. I would wait 48 hours (and until after you have watered thoroughly) to let dogs and kids on the lawn.

Once you have eradicated the weeds, make sure you water correctly, mow frequently and fertilize monthly during the active growing season.

You can buy organic lawnfertilizers in garden centers.