The most effective lawn care programs begin with a clear understanding of what grass really needs to grow. Here are the most important things you can do for your lawn:

FEED THE SOIL
One of the best things you can do for your soil is to rake an inch or so of compost into your lawn each spring and fall. If you don't make your own, look for organic brands. If your lawn has been on a chemical diet, you may want to speed up the healing process by the addition of microbial innoculants. These "good" bacteria and fungi support beneficial microbes and earthworms. A soil test may identify the need for soil amendments, such as rock dust, kelp extract or lime.

FEED THE GRASS
Leave grass clippings on the lawn. They provide nitrogen and reduce the amount of fertilizer needed by about one half. (By the way, this does not contribute to thatch build-up. Thatch is an accumulation of dead, partially decomposed grass caused by excessive watering and fertilizing). If you want to give your lawn an extra boost in the spring, choose an organic fertilizer with a NPK (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium) ratio of approximately 3-1-2. Never use more than one pound per 1,000 square feet.

RE-SEED ANNUALLY
A thick turf is one of the best ways to control weeds. Seed in late summer or early fall with a mixture of indigenous grasses, paying special attention to thin patches. Aeration of the the soil will improve germination, but is not absolutely necessary unless you have compacted soil.

MOW HIGH
Set your lawn mower to the highest setting and leave it there. Grass should be between 3-4 inches high, allowing it to shade its roots, conserve moisture and keep out weeds. High mowing is a better method for controlling crabgrass than herbicides. Keep blades sharp so they do not tear the grass, making it vulnerable to disease.

WATER LESS, BUT LONGER
Once-a-week watering in the early morning for several hours is the best method. Overwatering can create an ideal environment for pathogens to thrive. Take into consideration the rainfall and type of soil you have. Sandy soil needs more water than clay-based soil.

CONTROL THOSE WEEDS
If you really don't like dandelions, dig them out! But you can also use an organic corn-gluten product that kills weed seeds (including crabgrass) and seedlings. It must be applied to established lawns early in the spring for several years to control problem areas. Corn gluten will also prevent grass seed from germinating, so be careful not to seed for at least two months after an application. If you hand weed larger areas, fill with compost and grass seed and keep moist until grass sprouts.

DEAL WITH PESTS NATURALLY
The most common pests (grubs, sod webworms, chinch bugs) can be controlled with applications of beneficial nematodes. Be careful to follow directions carefully, as they are fragile and must be kept cool and moist. Milky spore powder is an effective control for Japanese beetle grubs and just one application can last for many years. Fungal diseases can be successfully treated with several light applications of compost or liquid compost "tea".