6 ways to grow your garden without pesticides

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Ontario's new pesticide ban will take effect next spring, but you don't need pesticides to maintain a healthy garden.

Here are six helpful hints from Ontario's Ministry of the Environment on how to garden green.

1. Plants native to an area are the best choice for healthy growing. They're usually resistant to pests common to the area, and thrive in their natural habitat.
2. Fertilizers should be applied at the recommended rates. Too much may damage your plants.
3. Too much, too little or infrequent watering can cause diseases or kill plants.
4. Incorporate a large variety of plants to create a balanced ecosystem. Annuals or perennials that produce pollen and nectar attract birds, butterflies and other beneficial organisms.
5. Remove dead vegetable and plant debris from your garden in the fall to eliminate food and habitat many pests use to survive winter. This reduces the potential for an infestation next season.
6. Pull weeds or use a hand tool. It gives you a chance to get to know your garden better. When you're familiar with your garden, you're more likely to notice pest problems early enough to manage them through chemical-free methods.

Further information is available online at www.ontario.ca/greenthumb
 

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