When choosing and using lawn and garden products, there are natural alternatives. Organic options work with existing micro-organisms and do not leave residue in the soil or affect the water supply.
Responsible Non-Synthetic Fertilizers
Non-synthetic organic fertilizers, soil conditioners and soil additives are becoming more widely used. Because they lack some added ingredients to slow the nutrient release, these products may have to be applied more frequently. As with synthetic products, apply them properly and use caution. Some of the most commonly used are:
Green sand - from excavated sedimentary marine deposits. Contains potassium and iron.
Blood meal - a byproduct of the meat packing industry. Steamed and then dried, it is high in phosphorous.
Compost - one of the best all-around garden materials for soil improvement. You can make your own or buy it in a bag.
Cottonseed meal - a byproduct from cotton processing and a good source of nitrogen.
Feather meal - another byproduct, this one from the poultry processing industry. Used as a component of lawn food, it is safe, odorless and non-burning.
Fish emulsion - a fish-processing byproduct. Mild, nontoxic, and organic, fish emulsion is good for use with tender plants that may suffer fertilizer burn. Yes, it does smell like fish.
Super phosphate - rock phosphate combined with sulfuric acid to produce phosphorus in a form easy for plants to absorb.
Manure - excellent for soil conditioning. "Hot" manures such as horse, pig and poultry are high in nitrogen and need composting to prevent burning plants. "Cold" manures like cow, sheep or rabbit have less nitrogen and can be added directly to the soil.
Don't succumb to thinking "if it's organic, I can use more of it", or "a little bit worked well, a lot will work great." Over-application of any product, whether organic or synthetic, is not good for the plant or the environment. Always follow the safety and application instructions on the package.
Responsible Botanic and Organic Pesticides
Botanical and organic pesticide options are available for those who wish to reduce the use of chemical-based pest solutions.Always check to see if any organic compound will harm other plants or animals. Unlike chemicals, where the bugs fall away after spraying, some organics are slow acting, so don't always expect instant gratification.
Synthetic pesticides often include additives which allow the product to remain active for extended periods of time. Because of the absence of these additives in organic products, they may require more frequent applications.
Remember too that even though a pesticide is considered natural or organic in origin, it isn't automatically classified as safe for humans. Some organic compounds may be toxic and dangerous to mammals (including humans), fish, birds, bees and other beneficial insects.
Here's a brief list of some more common organic pesticides:
Bacillus Thuringiensis - Also called Bt, a bacteria that kills insects in their larval stage (such as caterpillars). The are several strains to choose from depending on the pest you wish to control. It must be ingested by the pest to work. Bt is harmless to virtually all other creatures.
Bordeaux Mix - A mixture or copper sulfate and hydrated lime, Bordeaux mix can be applied as a wettable powder or dust to control disease.
Botanical Extracts - Oils are extracted from spices and fruits, then combined to deal with pests. They pose no danger to people or pets.
Corn Gluten - Corn gluten is a by-product from the manufacturing of cornstarch. It is also a growth inhibitor that effectively controls weeds. Corn gluten kills the roots of newly sprouted seedlings, making it safe around established plants.
Diatomaceous Earth - The crushed exoskeletons of microscopic marine and freshwater organisms are harmless to almost all living creatures. The exceptions are soft-bodied pests when they crawl across an area treated with the product. The particles of earth are like microscopic bits of broken glass that scratch, tear and destroy the bodies of the pests.
Horticultural Oil Sprays - These are light, petroleum- based oils used to control fungus and pests. The target must be soaked for effective treatment. Toxicity is low, but these oils may irritate skin or eyes.
Insecticidal Soap - A virtually nontoxic mixture of soap, oil and water used to deal with soft-bodied insects. Plants must be thoroughly soaked in order for soaps to be effective. (Do not use household soaps containing detergent on plants.)
Milky Spore - A bacteria that attacks Japanese beetles in their larval stage, milky spore is nontoxic to other organisms. Once established in the soil, it lasts for years.
Neem - An oil extracted from the neem tree, a tropical plant. It has low toxicity. Mixed with water, neem is used as an insecticide, fungicide and miticide.
Pyrethins - Extracted from a variety of chrysanthemums, this compound can be used on a large variety of insects. Don't confuse these with pyrethoids, which are powerful synthetic versions used by licensed professionals.
Sulfur and Lime-Sulfur - Inorganic, non-chemical elements that are used to control mites and some foliar diseases.
Just because the label indicates the product is safe or organic does not mean they are not toxic to humans and/or pets. These products are reviewed and regulated in the same manner as synthetic products. Some organic products are quite potent. Follow the manufacturer's application and safety instructions carefully.
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