ARE YOUR LAWN AND GARDEN CHEMICAL FREE?
Things about Pesticides and Fertilizers that you should think about:
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Develop healthy soil
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Mulch or compost for weeds
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Identify pests and weeds
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Plant pest repellent herbs and flowers
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Add right amount of nitrogen
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Match nitrogen to plant needs
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Minimize the use of fertilizers and pesticides
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Use non-chemical options where possible
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Purchase only the amount of fertilizer and pesticides needed
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Use these products according to the directions
Add organic matter to your soil.
All soil is not created equal. Soil is essentially a bunch of mineral particles of different sizes. If most of the particles are large (sand), water drains through rapidly. If most of the particles are small (clay), the water will penetrate the soil much more slowly. The solution for either problem is the same: organic matter. Organic matter, in the form of compost, chopped up leaves or composted manure will improve the texture and water-holding capacity of your soil. Add at least an inch of compost each year.
Deliver water directly to the roots.
Drip irrigation ensures that up to 90 percent of the water you apply to your garden is actually available to your plants. Sprinklers can claim only a 40 to 50 percent efficiency. Drip irrigation minimizes evaporation loss and keeps the areas between plants dry, which also helps limit weed growth.
Use mulch to retain water and reduce
evaporation.
A six to eight-inch layer of organic mulch can cut water
needs in half by smothering weeds and reducing evaporation.
Organic mulches retain some water themselves and increase the
humidity level around the plants.
C
lick here for a Pesticide Free Fact Sheet.
For help with any weed or pest problems, please contact the OSU plant clinic at 548-6088.
