Dear EarthTalk: What effects do fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides used on residential lawns or on farms have on nearby water bodies like rivers, streams-or even the ocean for those of us who live near the shore?
-- Linda Reddington, Manahawkin, NJ
While the average home gardener does not use as much fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides (weed killers) as a farm, it is very important for us home gardeners to use organic and natural products in our gardens. It is much safer for our families, our community, our water supplies, and our environment as a whole. Using more compost, compost tea, and worm compost-based products will help not only your vegetables, but will reduce any need for chemicals in your garden or lawn.
If you run into a pest or disease problem, try solving the issue with organic methods. There are many homemade remedies you can implement in your garden that are made from ordinary ingredients already available in your home.
If you want your lawn to look like a beautiful green carpet, that is fine. Try using compost on your lawn, or well-aged manures before you call the Chem-Lawn guy.
Your children and grandchildren will appreciate it!
-- Linda Reddington, Manahawkin, NJ
To read the full article, please visit How Fertilizers Harm Earth More Than Help Your Lawn - Scientific American.
While the average home gardener does not use as much fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides (weed killers) as a farm, it is very important for us home gardeners to use organic and natural products in our gardens. It is much safer for our families, our community, our water supplies, and our environment as a whole. Using more compost, compost tea, and worm compost-based products will help not only your vegetables, but will reduce any need for chemicals in your garden or lawn.
If you run into a pest or disease problem, try solving the issue with organic methods. There are many homemade remedies you can implement in your garden that are made from ordinary ingredients already available in your home.
If you want your lawn to look like a beautiful green carpet, that is fine. Try using compost on your lawn, or well-aged manures before you call the Chem-Lawn guy.
Your children and grandchildren will appreciate it!