Environment

Learn how to keep your grass green without chemicals

Landscapers and do-it-yourself homeowners interested in learning how to go green organically will have an opportunity to do just that during an upcoming informational seminar spearheaded by the Perfect Earth Project.

One of the newest environmental advocacy groups on the East End, it has teamed up with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County and the Peconic Land Trust to offer an all-day seminar on Feb. 13. 

“There will be some technical information that will help commercial landscapers and also some sessions geared toward the homeowner,” said Sean O’Neill, director of education and outreach for the Perfect Earth Project.

Mr. O’Neill said participants will learn the necessary skills to move away from using chemicals — everything from weeding, irrigation and experimenting with lawn height to creating compost tea. After adding water to compost, organic gardeners and landscapers then spray the mixture on lawns and shrubs to reintroduce healthy microbes into the soil.

More conventional fertilizers and pesticides actually strip soils of these healthy microbes, so they have to be re-established.

“It is basically learning to nurture your lawn so that your lawn is resilient,” he said.

Commercial applicators can also earn credits toward certifications required by the state Department of Environmental Conservation, Mr. O’Neill said.

The seminar is set for Friday, Feb. 13, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Riverhead Volunteer Fire Department.

A $25 registration fee is required. For more information and to register for the event, visit perfectearthproject.org or call 907-9040.

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