Gardeners: Have a Green Thumb

Friday, 29 February 2008

Conserving water is one of the most effective ways that you can reduce stormwater pollution. Excess water that is wasted from over watering your lawn can become contaminated with fertilizers, pesticides, dirt, and debris before it reaches the storm drain. Be more efficient by watering during cooler times of the day, such as the morning and evening, and adjust sprinklers if water is running into the driveway, sidewalks, or the street. Also, consider landscaping with native plants that do not require as much watering, or try using mulch to help retain moisture.

You don't need to apply chemical fertilizers in order to achieve a healthy lawn or garden. Many natural alternatives exist that provide the same nutrients, such as blood or bone meal, fish emulsion, manure, or seaweed. Improve soil condition by adding peat moss or organic matter from your compost pile. If you don't have a compost pile, try starting one with leaves, grass cuttings, other yard trimmings, and some types of food waste. Composting will significantly reduce the amount of trash you produce as well. For more information on composting, please go to City of San Diego's website on composting.

Try using nontoxic alternatives to pesticides and herbicides. The effects of these deadly chemicals are not limited to your yard; they can be washed into storm drains that discharge into the bays and ocean where they endanger swimmers, birds, and aquatic animals alike. Chemical use can be minimized by employing methods of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), such as biological controls. For more information on IPM, inquire at your local garden center or look at our IPM page. If you choose to use chemicals, use them sparingly, only buy amounts that you will use, know your target, and try spot treatment rather than mass broadcast. Identify exactly which pests you need to eliminate, and ask a nursery specialist how to treat the area for that specific pest.

Watch the weather report for indications of rain. Applying pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers before a storm will not benefit your lawn. Instead, these chemicals will simply be washed into storm drains, and eventually the ocean, where they can harm marine life.