Articles: The Organic Option
When considering the lawn and landscape as far as nutrition is concerned, one should evenly weight the available options on the shelf. There are really two directions one can steer on this decision: chemical-based vs organic.
Most fertilizers in the garden center are a"chemical based" man made substance that are derived from petroleum and natural gas. Many of these products are cost effective and useful in the sense of applying elements to the soil. At the same time, they can be toxic in the hands of children or the mouth of pets. Not to mention the salt content in most of these products is dosed at a high rate that brings on the need for more watering and a stressed out soil. In addition, these products kill microorganisms and leach into the water source. So be careful, weigh your options before selecting a cheap fertilizer with a high nitrogen content.
Organic fertilizers on the other hand are derived from natural substances and focus on supplying the grass and plants with the environment they need to optimize growth. These products are children and pet safe and also actually help the soil conserve water which in the long run can save dollars. Organic products can in fact be slightly harder to find and will most likely be more expensive, yet in the long run, this investment in the yard and plants will create a healthy environment (ecosystem) that can effectively ward off pests and disease naturally.
Think of the two being compared like a triple cheeseburger with fries vs a baked chicken breast with a vegetable side. You know which is healthier and which will do your body the most harm. At the same time you also know which one is more convenient and quickly fulfilling. In the end the choice is always yours to decide, just consider the well being of yourself and of your landscape before making a quick decision.
