CHEMICALS
Pesticides and fertilisers can move from our garden to the natural
environment. Sprays can drift in the wind and powders can wash into
.waterways. Strong chemicals can kill our native insects, plants and
animals. Too much fertiliser can put extra nutrients in our waterways
and result in blue-green algae growing out of control and harming
animals and sometimes people.
Tips on Using Chemicals
- Many insects in the garden such as ladybirds are "good guys"
that will hunt and eat pests such as aphids. If you - spray lots of
chemicals in your garden you will also kill these beneficial insects
and make your pest problem harder to, control. Multi sprays in
particular kill anything they touch.
- Use natural alternatives such as pyrethrum and garlic spray to
control pests.
- Too much fertiliser makes plants produce a lot of leafy growth
that often becomes a target for pests.
- Organic fertilisers such as compost, manures, seaweed and fish
emulsion break down more slowly than synthetic (chemical)
fertilisers and generally match the rate at which plants need the
nutrients. Synthetic fertilisers break down quickly and can 'burn'
plant roots.
- Organic fertilisers improve the soil structure meaning the soil
is better able to hold water and make it available to plants.
Synthetic fertilisers add nothing to the soil structure and tend to
move easily from the soil after heavy rain or watering.
- When a plant looks sick the worst thing you can do is feed it!
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