So, the Ontario Government has restricted the use of pesticides, what is the home owner supposed to do and use now?
Whether it is weeds in the garden, grubs in the lawn, aphids or scale on plants, there are still effective ways to control and eliminate these unsightly and damaging pests.
Here are some common problems that you may see in your garden and ingredients that should be in the product you choose to help in your battle, naturally.
- Weeds in your lawn or garden – Use: Corn Gluten Meal
- Weeds in your sidewalk, patio, stones, driveway – Use: Horticultural Vinegar or Herbicidal Soap
- Grubs in the lawn – Use: Nematodes (refer to our Blog on Nematodes vs. Grubs for more information)
- Aphids on Plants – Use: Ladybugs, Insecticidal Soap or Pyrethrum
- Black Spot or Powdery Mildew – Use: Sulphur
- Ants, Earwigs or Cockroach problems – Use: Diatomaceous Earth or Borax
- Scale on Plants – Use: Horticultural Oil
- Caterpillars – Use: Bacillus Thuringiensis
- Slugs in your Garden – Use: Diatomaceous Earth or Ferric Phosphate
(Always read the product label and carefully follow directions)
Here are some other “Tips” to help manage your lawn and prevent garden pests the Natural Way.
- Aerate your lawn –Plugs of dirt are removed from the lawn so that air, water and nutrients can reach the roots. Soil, over time, becomes hard and compacted. Aerate in the spring and fall to help loosen the soil and feed the roots.
- Overseed – In the Spring and Fall, add some grass seed to your lawn to help keep it thick and healthy.Add the seed to the top of the triple mix to add nutrients at the same time.
- Mow Smarter – Try to mow your lawn less often and keep the blade 2.5 – 3 inches high (6-8cm). The height and thickness of the grass will block out the light that weeds need to germinate.
- Grass Clippings – Want a free fertilizer? Leave your grass clippings on the lawn, they make the ideal fertilizer. As they break down they release nitrogen into the soil.
- Water Wisely – Lawns only need about 1 inch of water per week. Water your lawn in the early morning as more water will be absorbed then in the middle of the afternoon. Water your lawn deeply to help promote deep roots. Try to pay attention to when rain is coming as too much water can starve the lawn of oxygen and invites diseases.
- Plucking Weeds – Spring is such a good time to start pulling weeds, because of the moist soil and shallow roots. Use a weeding tool and the job is easy and fast.
- Mulching – Adding mulch to all of your garden beds and around plants help keep seeds from getting light and make any weeds that land on top easier to pull. Mulch also helps in keeping the soil moist. Mulches such as wood and compost slowly break down and feed the soil.
Nature has a way of working in our favour when we give it a chance. Many perennial plants attract bees and butterflies to pollinate your garden and make a healthy eco-system. Soil dwelling insects are vital for many aspects of a healthy soil.
Having a green and healthy lawn and garden now has a new meaning. It’s a new way of thinking that takes a bit more planning, but it’s worth the effort.