Improving Yard and Garden Care

 Homeowners use 10 times more chemicals and pesticides than farmers use.  If applied improperly, these chemicals may pollute drinking water wells, lakes and streams.  Soil erosion from bare areas harms wildlife habitat and chokes waterways.  Excessive watering of lawns and gardens wastes large amounts of water. Yard and Lawn Care Concerns

Soil Tests  Soil tests let you know if your lawn needs fertilizer.  A soil test will help determine how much lime, phosphate and potash your lawn needs.  Test your soil every three to four years.

Fertilizer  Fertilizer does the most good when applied at the right time and in the right amount.  Apply fertilizer at recommended rates.  Time applications to meet plant needs.  Do not apply fertilizer before a predicted rainstorm.

Pesticides  Plant problems can be caused by many things besides insects or disease.  Apply pesticides only where pests occur.  Use the least toxic chemicals or ones that break down quickly.  Read labels carefully and follow directions.  Don’t apply pesticides within 24 hours of a predicted rainstorm.

Soil Erosion  Gardens, lawns and building sites with bare soil are prone to soil erosion.  To prevent soil erosion, do the following: Plant ground cover vegetation. Use mulch or landscape fabric. Build terraces or retaining walls on steep slopes. Choose resistant plants for your garden.

Composting  Composting creates organic fertilizer and soil- enhancing materials.  To compost, put yard wastes in a pile or use homemade or store-bought bins.  Add vegetable trimmings and fruit waste.  Turn and aerate the pile frequently.  Locate compost pile at least 50 feet from wells or bodies of water.

Watering Plants  Water slowly and deeply to develop deep roots.  Water in the morning or evening and only as needed.  Use low water-use devices such as soaker hoses or drip irrigation.  Don’t over water. Consider letting cool season lawn grasses go dormant during dry periods.

Plant Choice  Choose plants adapted to your area and climate.  Consider drought tolerant native plants.  Plant perennial flowers because they require little or no watering once established.  Mulch bare areas with wood or bark chips to reduce water runoff and evaporation.