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Green, lush lawns bordered by neat and colorful flower beds with children playing in these well-manicured yards - a picture-perfect summer afternoon in the suburbs. To achieve this picture-perfect goal, we often resort to "quick and effective" solutions, trusting that what's good enough to be stocked on the shelf is safe enough for you and your family. But is this really true?

Health Considerations

Pesticides are a good example: why have bugs, slugs and spiders attack you garden or crawl on your young child when a quick spray will "kill on contact"? After all, all the pesticides in the stores are registered with the EPA, so they must be safe. Unfortunately, this just isn't true. Registration with the EPA is required for any pesticide to be used in the US but does not constitute or even imply that it is safe. Of the 36 most common lawn pesticides used and registered before 1984, only sulfur has been fully tested and evaluated: 14 of them are probable carcinogens, 15 are linked to birth defects, 24 with neurotoxicity, 22 with liver or kidney damage and 34 of them are sensitizers or irritants (1).

Chemical fertilizers may also be a source of health concern. Fertilizers can be made from compost, organic materials or waste (including sewage sludge). Most fertilizers contain three main plant nutrients: potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus. Other micro-nuturients like zinc and other metals can also be included. Sometimes, these micro-nutrients are derived from industrial waste. In fact, the EPA encourages the reuse and recycling of industrial waste, including hazardous waste, as substitutes for natural materials as long as it is safe and effective (2). The steel industry is a major contributor of fertilizer waste materials as its waste is rich in zinc but may also include lead, arsenic, cadmium, chromium and dioxin Although studies have shown that only a small percentage of chemical fertilizers (and soil amendments) use industrial or hazardous waste, the common backyard gardener has no way of telling due to lack of labeling requirements.

The fact that children are most susceptible to the threat of chemicals and metals should not come as a surprise. Children's developing organs, immune and nervous system are particularly vulnerable. In addition, children are more likely than adults to come into contact with garden pesticides through their play and finger-to-mouth habit. Since these chemicals and additives attach to dust and soil, they are easily brought into our indoor living and children's play space. Carpet and rugs can easily retain pesticide residuals for long periods of time.

Environmental Concerns

In addition to the health concerns, chemical fertilizers and pesticides have significant impact on the environment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), two-thirds of American households use over 70 million pounds of pesticides each year. Most pesticides are not species specific so wildlife like birds and beneficial insects like ladybugs, praying mantis and honey bees can also be killed when coming in contact. Also according to the EPA, the majority of bird poisonings are now due to domestic pesticides. In addition, many hardy pests have adapted to common, long-used pesticides; today, it may take several applications of the same chemicals versus the single application usage 20 years ago, perpetuating increased use. Garden chemicals also "drift" beyond our yards and can leak into the ground water and streams or evaporate into the air and land many miles away.

So how do you cultivate a beautiful garden or yard without using these harsh and potentially harmful chemicals? Here are some tips.

Soil Enrichment

One of the most important steps to healthy gardens (and natural pest control) is good soil preparation. Regular soil nutrient replenishment is necessary for good soil health and growing healthy plants. Prior year experience and a soil test from your local nursery can help you decide what your soil is lacking, whether it's poor drainage, lack of nutrients, etc. Once you've determined your need, there are actually several common and inexpensive materials to help enrich your soil condition.

• For example, clay soil is common in the Bay Area. Adding sand and sawdust can improve drainage of heavy clay soil.
• Organic materials like manure and peat moss can help retain moisture and add nutrients to the soil.
• Compost is a favorite among organic gardeners. Not only does it reduce waste, compost helps retain moisture and add multiple nutrients to the soil, depending on what went into the compost. It also has a dark, rich color that looks more brilliant than the standard bark mulch.
• Mulch your plants and flower beds with 3 inches of organic materials. The mulch will help conserve water, add nutrients and prevent weeds from sprouting.
• Most of the organic materials can be taken from your own yard. One of the simplest soil enrichment methods is to spread your mowed lawn clippings and work it into the soil; the clippings will enrich and even help aerate the soil for healthier roots.
• Given the popularity of organic gardening, there are also plenty of ready-to-use alternatives in your local nurseries or online specialty stores. These products are convenient to use, tailored for specific planting needs and use natural compounds rather than chemical synthetics. Here is a list of our users' favorites.

Planting Choices

Planting choices depend on your preference and garden style. However, while planning and choosing your garden selection, it is good to keep some things in mind:

• If you are planning a vegetable garden, companion planting, based on belief of mutual benefit between plants growing in close proximity, can aid in healthy growth and pest defense. Some common companions are: carrots with tomatoes, cucumber with peas or radishes, beans with most other vegetables, squash with corn, spinach with strawberries. Marigold is a good companion for most garden crops as it naturally releases a nematode repellant.
• Plant some trees to give shade to your garden and house; it'll help reduce watering needs and cool your house in the summer. Do think about the planned location of the trees in relation to your walls, roof and other structural elements to prevent later removals or hazards.
• Consider drought resistant plants to conserve water and cut down on maintenance. Many of the plants take on a silvery color, grow smaller leaves and deeper roots. Some examples are sage, lavender and succulents. Many drought resistant plants have the added benefit of being deer and pest resistant.
• Use plants that are native to your local area or imported from other areas with similar conditions. They will be easier to grow and often require less water and care than exotic plants. Not sure what grows well in your area? Take a stroll and note what's thriving around your neighborhood. Below is a list of some Bay Area native plants (in common names) or you can contact the local chapter of the California Native Plant Society for more information.
  • Perennials: ferns, rose snapdragons, columbines, wild ginger, California aster, fuschia, and poppy, bleeding heart, purple stonecrop, golden rod
  • Grasses: pacific reed grass, thin grass, sedge, horsetail, California fescue, June grass, deer grass
  • Trees and shrubs: California buckeye, red and white alder, oak, desert olive, coffee berry, manzanita, coastal sage, brewer, hazel
• If you have young children or curious pets, consider staying away from some known poisonous plants like poinsettias, clematis, oleander and lantanas.

Pest and Weed Control

Good soil conditioning and planting choices will go a long way in promoting healthy plants and preventing weeds and pests. However, these unwanted intruders are hardy so some will likely find their way into your garden; when they do, consider using some physical solutions, natural remedies or less-toxic products rather than chemical pesticides.

Weeds

• The most effective way to get rid of weeds is to dig them out at the root.
• Layer mulch about 3 inches thick around your plantings to prevent weeds from sprouting.
• Many gardening stores sell weed barriers that can be laid under stepping or terrace stones to prevent weed growth.
• Spot spray full strength vinegar directly onto the weeds in sunlight. The acid and heat is effective against many common weeds.

Pests

• Get rid of weak plants as they are more susceptible to pest infestation and clean your tools after working with an infested plant.
• Drape row covers (light opaque material that keeps out birds and insects but lets in sun and water) over seedlings and plants. Row covers usually come in sheets and you can find them in nurseries or online from Gardens Alive!
• Introduce some beneficial insects into your garden. Lady bugs and fireflies are a favorite among gardeners and families. You can now purchase these beneficial insects at many home improvement or local gardening stores.
• For aphids, mealy bugs and other soft-bodied insects, dilute some liquid soap and a spoonful of vegetable oil with water and spray on the infested plant. The oil will coat the insects and smother them. Many of the natural insecticides use a variation of this mixture.

If you are looking for ready made solutions, try some of these natural garden pest control products

Your local nursery will be able to answer many of your questions or provide referrals to local specialists. Browse our list of nurseries and stores that support natural and organic gardening.

For additional information, here are some helpful resources for natural gardening: www.grassroots.org, www.beyondpesticides.org, and www.birc.org,

Sources

1. Beyond Pesticides Fact Sheet at http://www.beyondpesticides.org/lawn/factsheets/faq.htm
2. EPA Environmental Fact Sheet at http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/recycle/fertiliz/fertiliz.pdf

 

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