Water-Wise Gardens

Info on the pesticide ban in Ontario

Introduction | Planning and Design | Planting a New Garden
Soil Conditioning | Watering Requirements
Limiting Grassy Areas | Fertilizers
Pesticides and Herbicides | Plant Selection
Gardening with Native Plants

Pesticides and Herbicides

Pesticides are chemicals used to eliminate or control unwanted insects, plants, or other organisms. Indiscriminate pesticide use can harm beneficial insects and plants. Remember, we need insects to pollinate our flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Pesticides can leach through the soil and end up in groundwater and drinking water.

If pests are a problem, take a "wait and see" attitude first. Often, a predator will move in to control the situation. For instance, ladybugs eat aphids. Try removing insects by hand or spraying jets of water at them. Insecticidal soap or pyrethrums are kinder to the environment than synthetic pesticides.

Make your own environmentally-friendly pesticide or fungicide. (PDF)

If your garden needs something stronger, make sure the problem has been correctly identified. Contact a reputable nursery and carefully follow directions. Many pests are becoming immune to commonly used pesticides, so it may be worthwhile to try alternative approaches first.

Weed control

Whether a landscape consists of grasses, vegetables gardens or flowerbeds, weeds are a nuisance and can be difficult to control.

Weeds in vegetable gardens and flowerbeds can be controlled with mulch. Use a hoe to remove the weeds. Then apply a generous amount of mulch to smother new weeds from the light. Remember that mulch adds organics to the soil and helps retain moisture.

Tips

Companion planting: Planting marigolds with tomatoes and potatoes will ward off Mexican bean beetles and nematode worms. Planting dill with tomatoes traps tomato hornworm. Planting garlic and onions throughout the garden will also reduce insect pests.

Bacterial pesticide: Biological pesticides that kill specific insects without harming others are available. For example, Bacillus thuringiensis diluted in water and sprayed on plants controls cabbage loopers and other leaf-eating pests.

Mechanical or manual maintenance: Remove caterpillars by hand. Control weeds by hoeing or mulching.

Seed and compost: Overseed the lawn and apply compost. Hand remove weeds before they get out of control.

Vinegar: Spray pure vinegar (10 per cent acidity) on weeds along pathways and driveways. Don't get the mixture on garden plants or grass, as it will burn them.

Herbicides: If you must use herbicides, follow directions carefully and use them sparingly.

Disposal

Never dispose of unwanted fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides down the drain or in your garbage or recycling containers. Bring these items to one of the Region's Community Recycling Centres for safe disposal.

For more information on pesticides, visit Peel Health's
Be Pesticides Aware.