The National Audubon Society has prepared a wonderful, concise list of “Ten Commandments for a Healthy Yard.” As we begin a new year, perhaps we can think, plan and plant around these ten commandments.
1. Go organic. Just say NO or limit exposure to toxic chemicals. Nourish with “brown gold” (compost), slow release organic rock fertilizers or limestone. For a list of great books for more information to help you "Go Organic " click here.
2. Make your turf tough. Use sharp blades to mow 3 to 4 inches high. Short clippings decompose fast to add nitrogen instead of thatch. Use grass varieties developed for our area.
3. Go native! Native plants mean less care, less time, less expense.
4. Know your enemies. Get a field guide to identify insects. Match control to pest.
5. Treat only when necessary. Use nontoxic methods first. Pick off and dispose of insects, prune out infestations, hose off plants.
6. Pick your pesticides. Do an inventory. Look for EPA toxicity ratings: caution (least toxic), warning, poison (most toxic). Avoid products containing acephate (Orthene); bendiocarb (Ficam); chlorpyrifos (Dursban); diazinon (Real-Kill); dimethoate (Cygon); glyphosate (Round-Up); and 2,4-D (Scotts Turf Builder Plus 2, Weed-B-Gone).
Be safe. Chemical pesticides create risks for you, your family, your neighbors, your garden helpers, your pets, beneficial insects, birds, wildlife. (Note: many cases of human pesticide exposure are not reported since symptoms mimic the flu.)
7. Use biological controls or biopesticides. If pests are an unbearable problem, use insecticidal soaps, superior oils, or yellow sticky traps for aphids, caterpillars, thrips; pyrethrum for flying insects; boric acid for fleas and cockroaches; ground level plates with beer or lettuce leaves picked up in the heat of the day for snails and slugs; bait bifenazate (Floramite) for spider mites; parasitic nematodes for grubs, beetles and grasshoppers; insecticidal soap for whiteflies and mealybugs.
8. Follow directions and protect yourself. Read labels before you buy or use a product. Always wear protective clothing while mixing and applying. Never use more than recommended. Remember, Less is best for survival of beneficial insects!
9. Respect your neighbors’ “right to know.” Notify your neighbors before using pesticides that could drift, remain active in lawn areas, or settle in water. Children and pets are easily exposed and can take residues into homes.
10. Teach tolerance and be tolerant. Create natural yards with a variety of pests, predators, weeds, wildlife and native plant species. Show by doing.
For more information see “The Audubon Guide to Home Pesticides” (www.audubon.org/bird/pesticides/index.html). See also “Citizen’s Guide to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety” (www.epa.gov/pesticides).
To dispose of pesticides and garden chemicals, deliver to the City of Houston’s Environmental Service Center, 11500 South Post Oak Road at South Main. The center is open every Wednesday, noon to 6 pm, and the second Saturday of every month, 9 am to 1 pm. You must have proof of residency in Houston, i.e., your water bill. (Other household hazardous waste accepted at this site: paints, paint thinners, oils, fuels, pool chemicals.)
Our best defense against pests and weeds is to choose native -- or at least non-invasive, well adapted -- trees, shrubs, and grasses. It is not necessary to sacrifice beauty for health and safety. Often it is just a matter of returning to the gardening practices of our mothers and grandmothers. Doing so enables us not only to safely enjoy the beauty of our gardens, but also to conserve our rich gardening heritage.