Although the Canadian government has put restrictions on commercial pesticides, they are still used, but at a lower rate than our American neighbours. In the US, the use of Roundup is high. According to a recent survey, about 1 billion pounds of pesticide is used each year.
Not to mention, many Canadians cross the border each year to bring home Roundup for their lawns and gardens. The actual amount of pesticide used in Canada may not be truly known.
Here’s how to treat your lawn and gardens at home, safely, and without harmful chemicals while protecting the birds, bees, bunnies, butterflies, and other wildlife that feed by using these safety tips:
Dish Soap – a simple spray for your plants to keep the aphids, mites, beetles, and spiders away uses 1 tsp of dish soap with 1 quart of water. Fill a spray bottle and disperse liberally onto your plants. Safe for indoor and outdoor use. For outdoor use, spray in the morning or evening, and whenever the full sun is away.
Essential oils – these oils are effective in ridding pests from the garden. Use a spray bottle and add a few drops of essential oils to a quart of water. Insects hate, eucalyptus, lavender, thyme, and rosemary. You can also spray your porch and doorways to keep ants away.
Plant marigolds – Some plants have an offensive scent and keep critters away, marigold is one of them. Plant them in your veggie garden and protect your plants without chemicals. Other plants that keep bugs and critters away are lavender, lemongrass, basil, and mint.
Simple Weed Killer – Create your own, natural weed killing solution. Spray on weeds, cement cracks, dandelions etc. Use a gallon of white vinegar, add 1 cup of table salt, and 1 TBSP of dish soap. You can store this for the summer and use as needed.
Save your coffee grounds – That’s right, don’t throw them away. Instead sprinkle on the soil of your indoor and outdoor plants that get chewed up. Coffee grounds deter mosquitoes, beetles and fruit flies as well.
Do you have an organic gardening tip you’d like to share? Please leave a comment.
Happy organic gardening!
