AOLCP Certified Staff
Eldredge Lumber boasts 12 Accredited Organic Land Care Professionals among the garden staff at its 3 locations.
All of our staff are knowledgeable and enthusiastic to share with you the benefits of organic gardening.
A Garden Center with a Mission for the 21st Century
“To MAXIMIZE our customers’ knowledge and appreciation of organic products and techniques, and to MINIMIZE the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.”
Since 2014, Eldredge Lumber & Hardware has been transitioning their Lawn and Garden Departments from chemicals to organics.
Today, the Lawn & Garden Departments in our 3 stores are virtually chemical-free:
- No synthetic pesticides
- No synthetic fertilizers
- No RoundUp, no neonicotinoids
This change was made because we believe that the continued use of these deadly chemicals threatens the health of our customers, their children, pets and our environment.
We have the products and the know-how to help you kick the checmical habit. Let this be the year you transform your landscape…Organically!
Organic Lawn Care
At Eldredge Lumber & Hardware, we are commited to helping our customers transition their lawns away from chemical dependency and towards organic management.
Organic Turf Management
Our approach to organic turf management involves a system that integrates four main concepts:
- Discontinuing the application of all synthetic pesticides and fertilizers
- Application of organic products dictated by a soil test
- An understanding of the living soil and its biomass
- The importance of sound cultural practices.
Principles of Organic Lawn Care
- Conventional chemical management of lawns is unsustainable
- The chemicals used represent a threat to human and environmental health
- Healthy, natural lawns are a result of healthy biologically active soils
- Chemical inputs weaken soil and require re-application at ever-increasing amounts
- Organic lawns can better withstand drought and pest infestation.
We have the products and the expertise to help you kick your chemical lawn habit!
Services: Soil Testing
When transitioning from a chemical-based product oriented landscape program to an organic, systems-based approach, it is impossible to over-emphasize the importance of comprehensive soil testing.
These tests can vary in price from $30 or $40 to hundreds of dollars depending on criteria.
Recommendation
We recommend a basic soil test plus a basic soil biology test from the University of Maine Soil Testing Service.
Applications
We have both of the soil test applications in the store and would be happy to help you fill them out.
Interpretation
Once you get your soil test results, we’ll be happy to review them with you and provide help interpreting the information.
Visit the Organic Garden Center at Eldredge Lumber and start on your path to a healthy and sustainable lawn and garden.
