Why Not To use Pesticides

Pesticides contaminate surface water and groundwater. They threaten the health of our children and plants. Chemical pesticides and fertilizers reduce the activity of beneficial organisms that help to control pest insects and the spread of disease.

Over the long term, chemical lawn care actually may create a chemical-dependent landscape. As pests become resistant to the chemical, you may need to use more concentrated doses and more frenquent applications.

The Natural Way to a Great Lawn

1. Choose drought tolerant grass seed that is low maintenance and pest resistant. Overseed every fall. A thick lawn crowds out weeds.

2. Mow often and mow high. Set mowing heights to 7 cm (3") to develop deeper roots and deter weeds.

3. Leave grass clippings on the lawn to return nutrients to the soil. Grass cycling provides free fertliizer and adds moisture to the lawn.

4. In the fall, use a slow-release granular fertilizer and/or top dress with compost.

5. Aerate the lawn once a year to allow air and water to get to the roots.

6. Water about one inch per week during the summer. water slowly and deeply so that the water penetrates the soil.

7. Water early in the morning.

8. Don't worry if the the lawn goes brown during rainless periods. Water deeply and slowly once a month during the rainless months and the lawn wil recover in the fall.

9. Develop a tolerance for a few weeds. Avoid the use of quick-release fertilizers and weed and feed. Remove weeds by hand or by pouring boiling water on the weeds that are growing between patio stones. Consider spot spraying serious problem areas.
10. Consider alternatives to grass, such as hardy grond covers. Reducing the size of your lawn can save money on water bills and mowing time.

Get to Know Your Bugs

Insects are a natural part of your garden.

Know the good bugs from the pests. For information on identifying bugs, consult a gardening book, ask a Master Gardener, or take a sample to a local nursery. Keep in mind that most plants survive happily after losing 25% of their leaf surface. Many plants wil outgrow a disease that affects them.

Common Pests; Safe Solutions

Grubs
Minimize root damage by keeping turf vigorous and healthy. Follow a natural lawn care program. Water slowly and deeply during drought conditions. Aerate, top dress and overseed with drought tolerant species.

Earwigs
Try making home-made traps with a 50/50 mixture of molasses and water. Place 1/2 cup of the mix in a plastic container and sink the container into the ground with iuts rim close to the affected plants. Refresh the traps every week or two. You can also try setting out damp, rolled up newspapers. Earwigs will hide inside them during the day and can be shaken out into a bucket of water to drown.

Slugs
Saucers of beer are effective here. Encourage toads and buirds in your garden as they like to eat slugs. Try putting a ring of finely crushed eggshells around the base of plants. This scratchy barrier will deter the slugs.

This document is provided by Cambridge City Green. For more information on pesticides, visit www.regionwaterloo,on.ca/public health/pesticides or call 863-2006

For more information about City Green, contact P.O. Box 669, 73 Water Street N. Cambridge, ON N1R 5W8

Telephone: 519-74-4650, Fax 519-622-6184