No Mow May
In my corner of the world trees are budding and flowers are blooming. But leaf blowers are also blowing, and it’s nearly time for that first grass cutting. Enter No Mow May.
Lawns that aren’t exactly pristine may indeed get your neighbors’ side-eyes, as intentionally not mowing your lawn here in the US is a quietly revolutionary act. But environmental advocates argue that there are many benefits to stepping away from overzealous lawn maintenance, at least for one month.
On today’s short and sweet episode we’re covering pollinators, No Mow May, and lawn pesticides, oh my!
Here’s a preview:
[1:30] A pollinator and pollination recap from elementary school science
[3:00 No Mow May: What it is and why you should consider participating
[8:30] What you need to know about lawn pesticides before laying them on your lawn
Resources mentioned:
- Episode #138: 10 Eco-Friendly Lawn Care Rules
- In Wisconsin: Stowing Mowers, Pleasing Bees (via NYTimes)
- Every Flower Counts extension activity for children
- Find a certified organic landscaper near you
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One thought on “No Mow May”
An interesting idea I hadn’t considered but also not necessarily an option for those of us down south. Living an an area with 6 native species of venomous snakes, mowing your lawn is one of the best ways to keep snakes away from your house and make sure they’re visible so you don’t step on them if they do slither into your yard. Even in the middle of the city people find plenty of rattlesnakes and copperheads. Mowing isn’t always aesthetic down here! I noticed this movement started in the UK where they do not have an native venomous snakes so it makes sense as a practice. Would planting flowers beds with pollinator friendly flowers be a decent enough solution for those of us who don’t have the option to safely skip mowing? I’ve thought about putting some clover in our beds or some other flowers that bees prefer….
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