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Environmentally Friendly Gardening

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Environmentally Friendly Gardening Chemicals For more information on gardening One way to reduce chemical use is to A small amount of damage will usu- build and maintain good quality soil. ally not harm the plant, and having please visit: Chemicals may also harm beneficial soil a few pests in the yard will help at- http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state/ organisms. Good soil will produce tract and maintain a population of horticulture/index.php Environmentally healthy vigorous plants that need less beneficial insects that will help con- or fertilizer and are more resistant to pests trol pests naturally. call University of Illinois Extension Friendly and diseases. Avoid broad spectrum insecticides if Knox County Office 309-342-5108 Start a compost pile for yard and gar- possible. These kill beneficial in- den waste, leaves, and fruit or vege- sects as well as pests. Gardening Other information brochures can be found table scraps from the kitchen. When necessary, select the least online at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/ Add compost and other organic toxic product that is effective, apply hkmw/hort.html amendments to soil, and use organic only to affected plants, and follow mulch. all label directions. Developed and Written by Minimize bare soil and prevent ero- Knox County Master Gardeners sion. Dispose of all chemicals properly. University of Illinois Extension November 2013 Avoid compacting soil. Tools & Equipment Many home gardeners over-fertilize. Too While sometimes necessary, gas pow- much fertilizer can lead to weak exces- ered equipment consumes fossil fuel, sive growth that is more prone to prob- pollutes the environment, and is noisy. lems. Fertilizer is important mainly for Use manual tools whenever possible. container plants. Fertilize beds of flowers For more efficient operation, keep and vegetables only if necessary (get a University of Illinois ~U.S. Department of mowers and other power equipment Agriculture ~ Local Extension Councils soil test first). Fertilization is rarely nec- well-maintained. Cooperating essary for established trees and shrubs. University of Illinois Extension provides To reduce use of herbicides for weeds: The purpose of this brochure is simply equal opportunities in programs and employment. Mulch to discourage weeds. to help you think about what you’re do- Garden Tips ing, and maybe do a few things a bit Keep weeds pulled and never let differently in the future. Enjoy your gar- UNIVERSITY OF ILLINO I S from them go to seed. EXTENSION HENDERSON, KNOX, den, and do what you can to help pro- MCDONOUGH AND WARREN Use weed killers with discretion. tect the environment that sustains it. COUNTIES Knox County Master Gardeners To reduce use of pesticides for insects More information on some of the topics Knox County Office and diseases: discussed here is available in bro- 180 S. Soangetaha Rd. Suite 108 chures such as Beneficial Insects, Galesburg, IL 61401 Choose resistant varieties and varie- Home Composting, Using Native Plants ties suited to local conditions. Phone: 309-342-5108 in the Garden, and many others, availa- Monitor garden to catch problems Fax: 309-342-1768 ble at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/ Email: [email protected] early when they can be dealt with hkmw/hort.html more easily. Many people are concerned today about Consider using native plants. They are care and fewer added resources. If grass up leaves in fall (as well as other yard doing more to protect natural resources adapted to the local environment and will not grow don’t try to force it - use waste) and take them to a municipal com- and reduce environmental pollution. Gar- may be more tolerant of native pests and ground cover or mulch instead. posting facility. Burning leaves is allowed in dening in a way that preserves resources diseases. The deep root systems of Consider letting your grass go dormant in some locations, but causes pollution and and contributes to the health of the eco- many prairie natives help the plants with- summer. If you must water, water deeply can cause or aggravate many health prob- system can be a part of this effort. This stand drought and also help hold soil to and less frequently. Frequent shallow lems. includes activities that build and protect reduce erosion and water runoff. watering promotes shallow roots, making Leaves can also be a valuable resource in soil quality, as well as reduced use of wa- Buy locally grown plants if possible. the plants less tolerant of drought. the garden. If you only have a few leaves, ter, chemicals, and fossil fuels. Chemi- Plants are better adapted to local condi- Instead of treating the whole lawn with a they can be left on the lawn or used for win- cals include fertilizers and pesticides tions and shorter shipping distances re- weed killer, spot treat or pull or dig ter protection of plants. Use a mulching (substances that protect plants from in- duce fuel use and pollution. Look for weeds. Don’t let weeds go to seed. mower or shred larger leaves. Shredded sects and disease organisms, as well as biodegradable pots, or reuse or recycle leaves can be added to the compost pile. herbicides or weed killers). In addition to To reduce mowing time and effort, mulch plastic pots. Rather than buying pots or around trees and design beds and lawn the environmental benefits, these ideas flats for starting seeds, use egg cartons can save the gardener money and effort, areas with sweeping curves. Don’t mow Water or recycle yogurt, sour cream, takeout, or more frequently than necessary. Mow and reduce home heating and cooling any other container (make sure to pro- There are many things you can do to re- bills. high - more grass blade surface helps duce water usage: vide drainage). Grow your own vegeta- promote deeper, healthier roots. Use a Reading about all the things you can do bles, or buy from local growers who use mulching mower and leave clippings on Water only when needed and only can often be overwhelming. You don’t environmentally friendly growing meth- the lawn to decompose. This will add nu- where needed. have to do everything, or make changes ods. trients and reduce the need for fertilizer. Water deeply and less frequently. This all at once. Even a few small changes Keep mower blade sharp to reduce dam- helps develop deeper roots that help can make a difference. A “Greener” Lawn age and stress on plants. plants withstand drought. It also helps to relax your idea of the per- Use soaker hoses, drip irrigation, or The lawn can be one of the biggest con- fect garden. Plants can often tolerate a spot watering instead of sprinklers. sumers of resources in the home land- small amount of damage from diseases or Trees & Shrubs scape. But you can drastically reduce Water early in the morning to reduce insects, and your gardens and lawn can the negative impact of your lawn by Trees improve air quality and provide evaporation loss. This also helps pre- still be attractive even if they aren’t 100% changing the way you care for it. The habitat for wildlife. Properly placed decid- vent diseases. weed-free. goal is to maximize health and growth uous trees will shade the house in sum- Mulch plants to preserve soil moisture with minimal input of water, fertilizers, mer and allow sunlight into the home dur- and reduce erosion and water runoff. Planning & Planting herbicides, and other pesticides. Excess ing winter, reducing home energy costs. Slowing down or reducing water runoff from Right Plant Right Place - you hear it often. fertilizer may promote rapid top growth at Choose and locate trees and shrubs so the expense of root growth and plant that they maintain their desired shape your property can reduce water loss and Choosing plants whose needs are soil erosion. Runoff containing chemical matched to the conditions your site pro- health. without excessive pruning. If it does be- come necessary, pruning using recom- residues can harm water quality and dam- vides will result in healthier plants with Lawns can become dependent on chem- age aquatic life. less need for extra water, fertilizer, and icals. There may be a transition period mended techniques and timing will result pesticides (and less work for the garden- after you reduce chemical use when the in a healthier plant. Collect rainwater in barrels. er!). Choose plants that perform well lawn looks worse, but the end result will The method you choose to deal with fall- Plant a rain garden. without constant maintenance and that be a healthier, more resilient lawn. en leaves will depend on the size of your For larger areas, build a retention pond. are less susceptible to pests and diseas- Choose a grass mixture suited to the yard and the amount and type of leaves. Reduce hard surfaces or use permeable es. Grouping plants with similar needs conditions of your site. There are new Whatever you do, don’t send them to the pavement. together will help minimize wasted re- varieties available that thrive with less landfill with your trash. Many towns pick Stabilize slopes with plantings or terrac- sources. ing. .
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