What You Need To Know About Pesticides

 There are a lot of opinions about

Powdery Mildew on Zucchini

pesticides out there. There is also a lot of information about a lot of different kinds of pesticides. Just walking into the pesticide aisle at a hardware store can be daunting. If you have a problem with a pest and don't know what to do, here is some basic information you need to know. 

First, the best thing you can do to fight any problem is grow happy healthy plants. A tomato growing in full sun with good soil and consistent moisture is going to do much better at fighting off any problems then the same plant in partial shade and bad dirt. So be sure you know how to make your plants desirable. 

Second, be sure you accurately diagnose the problem. You can dump all the insecticide in the world on your plant but if the problem is fungal, then it's not going to solve your problem. In the meanwhile, you've wasted your time, money and energy and probably killed a lot of nice pollinators. Identifying a problem can be tricky. You can do some research on line or contact your county extension office for help. 

Third, use the least toxic solution possible to solve your problem. All pesticides have a trade off. Organic and narrow spectrum treatments will have a lot less side issues than more toxic options. For instance, you can use BT, an organic bacteria, to kill caterpillars and it won't hurt pollinators like a more conventional pesticide might. Assuming, of course, that caterpillars are your problem. 

Tomato Horn Worm - Yuck!

Fourth, if you buy pesticide, you must read and follow the instructions!!! I know it's not fun but absolutely necessary. If you put too much on, it can be toxic and damage plants. If it's too weak, it might not work. So be sure to read the instructions and follow them carefully. 

Fifth, 95% off all pesticide injury (to people) is from skin damage on hands and arms. So, if you wear safely gloves and a long sleeve shirt, your in pretty good shape. However, wear eye protection if the chemical in use recommends it. Don't skimp on safety. 

Finally, be a good observer. Is the pesticide working well? Are there bad side effects? Keep an eye on your plants and always be learning. 

Do you have experience with pesticides? Feel free to share your stories and questions below. 

Safety First!

It's ironic that tonight finds me writing about gardening safely. Earlier today found me doing several hours of hard work at church and I am sore. Over doing it isn't the only way to hurt yourself while gardening. All of the numerous health benefits of gardening, and there are many, might not be so beneficial if you're sick, sore, itching, or even in the hospital. So here are some of my best safety tips for enjoying your garden pain - free.

First, learn from my mistake and learn to pace yourself. I'll admit to being 38 years old and while that's not old, it's not 18 either. I've had to learn to do what I can handle without pulling muscles or exhausting myself. Projects don't need to all get done in one day.

Second, protect yourself from the sun. If you're pale like me, then you really should have a good sun hat and sunblock. No one likes sunburn.

Third, keep bug spray handy. Once last summer I forgot to bring bug spray with me to a job and I got so bit up by mosquitoes that I felt sick. Here in Pennsylvania, tick's carry a variety of diseases so bug spray is important.

Fourth, protect your back. Gardening inevitably requires some lifting and it's just too easy to put your back out. This past January I sprained my back bad enough that I can still remember the pain. No matter what your age, treat your back well and use good posture.

Fifth, respect your garden tools. Naturally, most people know to read instructions and wear eye protection while using power tools. However, even a sharp hoe or pitch fork can cause injury. I have an irrational fear of stabbing myself in the foot with my pitchfork while turning my compost pile. Be sure too, to have small children at a safe distance while using any sharp garden tools.

Finally, keep a water bottle handy. It's just too easy to loose track of time and get dehydrated while working outside. Having water handy is a big step toward staying healthy.

What about you? Do you have any suggestions or stories involving safety in the garden? Please post in the comments below.