Thayer Nursery Hosts Event on Using Organic Compost

On Saturday, June 5, Thayer Nursery and the Northeast Organic Gardening Farming Association hosted the event "Peter Talks S@%T!" at the nursery at 2 p.m. At this time, a small group gathered to listen to what NOFA accredited Peter DiZinno of Thayer Nursery had to share with them about how to create a lush, thick, healthy lawn with organic compost. 

Throughout the demonstration, DiZinno provided his audience with a wealth of information that would make for an optimal lawn. Before the demonstration part of the event, DiZinno began by explaining the process of top dressing. "This is a process that can be used on a conventionally or organically cared for lawn, but is optimal when used on organic lawns," said DiZinno.

After briefly explaining the process, DiZinno led the group to the lawn for a demonstration. He began the demonstration by aerating the lawn, which provides more room for roots to grow. Once this was finished, DiZinno spread approximately 1/4 inch of compost over the aerated lawn, and then used a rake to comb it into the lawn.

The next step was to spread the fertilizer, lime, and seed. "The good thing about working with organic products is that you can never really use too much," said DiZinno. Then, DiZinno once again dragged his rake across the lawn to till it. With the process almost complete, he sprinkled a little more compost adding peat moss to cover and retain moisture.

Having completed the demonstration, DiZinno answered questions from his interested audience and ended by explaining that you should water in and keep the seed moist for three weeks, while watering approximately two times per day.

"Watering a little more infrequently and deeply creates a deep root system" said DiZinno on a final note.