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GARDENING BASICS

FRUIT, VEGETABLES & HERBS

TREES, SHRUBS & VINES

LAWN & TURF

HERBACEOUS ORNAMENTALS

INSECTS, DISEASES & WEEDS

WILDLIFE IN THE GARDEN

PLANT YOUR LANDSCAPE

HOME:    GARDEN BASICS:   USE OF PESTICIDES

Introduction Gardening Equipment: Tools for getting started Soil Preparation Composting Fertilization Use of Pesticides in the home landscape Organic Gardening Irrigation

Pesticides are an effective tool in combating numerous problems we encounter in the home landscape and garden. When used properly they can save a great amount of time and labor. When used improperly however, they can cause damage to plants, people, and the environment. It is very important to read and understand the label on any pesticide. In fact the label is the law. Keep in mind that all pesticides are potentially poisonous and that improper application or use can be dangerous. There are several categories of pesticides, and numerous products, available for use in the home garden. Herbicides can be used to control weeds. Some products will kill all vegetation and should be used only where no desirable plants reside. There are a small number of these products that sterilize the soil and prevent growth of any plants for several years. They may also damage nearby trees and shrubs if roots invade the sterilized area. Be sure you understand the nature and limitations of any compound applied. Some herbicides can kill seeds as they germinate but do not affect growing plants. These can be used to control weeds around shrubs, trees or emerged garden plants. Other herbicides kill only certain types of plants, such as grasses. These can be used to control grass weeds in broadleaf garden plots, or their opposite counterparts can be used to control broadleaf weeds in lawns. In the garden, herbicides can make weed management easier, but cannot completely replace hand weeding. Insecticides are used to kill destructive insects and are often very important for managing garden pests. But because these compounds are designed to kill animal pests, they are often the most toxic and damaging to the environment of all classes of pesticides. They can also kill beneficial insects so it is again important to read the label to avoid killing insects that help you out in the war against damaging bugs. Insecticides should be used only when needed and then only when using all appropriate precautions. Fungicides and bactericides are used to control plant diseases and can save your lawn, garden, and landscape plants from disease when applied in a timely manner. For many diseases, fungicides must be present before the disease appears. Consequently, they are often used in a preventative fashion. For further information on pesticides, please refer to the following links: For detailed general information on controlling pests in gardens, see chapters 8-13 in the Idaho Master Gardener's Handbook, at: www.ag.uidaho.edu/mg/handbook.htm. For general instruction on reading labels and using pesticides in the home garden, see the following informative University of Idaho publication: info.ag.uidaho.edu/Resources/PDFs/CIS1019.pdf For a comprehensive treatment of pesticide selection, management, and safety, follow this link to an EPA document: http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/urbanmm/pdf/urban_ch09.pdf. To view a comprehensive database of pesticide products for home use, visit the Household Products site and follow the link for Pesticides, at: householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/products.htm. Purdue University has published a document outlining non-pesticide strategies for pest control, at: www.btny.purdue.edu/Pubs/PPP/PPP34.html#gardens. For more information on types and formulations of home use pesticides, see the University of California, Davis Master Gardener article, at: ucce.ucdavis.edu/freeform/slomg/documents/Pests_&_Diseases3866.htm For information on storing and disposing of pesticides, follow this link to an informative University of Idaho publication: info.ag.uidaho.edu/pdf/CIS/CIS1030.pdf top