5 Tips for A Pesticide-Free Lawn and Natural, Homemade Bug Spray!

In honor of Earth Day, I wanted to talk about something that is near and dear to my heart. When my husband and I along with our son Connor moved from New Jersey to Orlando Florida last May, I had no idea there was such a problem with having a healthy lawn and garden. I assumed that Connor would be able to play and run and really enjoy feeling the earth under his feet. To my surprise the company that the builder had contracted to care for our lawn while our house was being built, used herbicides and pesticides to treat the lawn, shrubs and trees. I was so disappointed to find out that this type of service was pretty common in Florida and the more I talked to people, the more I was shocked that there were people who just didn’t get it. I made it my mission to talk to as many people as I could about the health issues relating to herbicides (weed killers) and pesticides used to treat lawn care.

Contrary to what lawn “care” companies would like people to believe, herbicides and other pesticides are not “magic bullets”. They are broad spectrum biocides, and by their very nature can harm organisms other than targeted species. This includes homeowners and their families, neighbors, pets, and all other forms of life. The pesticide industry downplays this by claiming their chemicals are heavily diluted, but doesn’t mention the toxins are still extremely dangerous in small amounts. They also are unwilling to mention all of what is in their mixtures. Many components are classified as “inert”, which allows them to be kept hidden from the public and not listed on product labels. These are more than just fillers or solvents “Inert” does not mean “inactive” – some, such as benzene and xylene, are more toxic than chemicals listed.

Pesticides are poisons by definition, designed to affect vital biological processes that in most cases are not unique to the intended target pests. They harm beneficial insects like ladybugs and praying mantises that are part for your lawn’s natural defenses. As well as plants, and microorganisms like the tiny creatures that break down organic matter and make it available to nourish your lawn.

Children have a special vulnerability to pesticides, they breathe the air closer to the ground level where pesticides are applied and are more likely to put their hands in their mouths or rub their eyes without washing their hands. Plus, their bodies and their defenses against toxins are still developing. If you have ever had your lawn treated and the company had warning signs saying “Don’t allow children or pets to walk on the lawn for 1 to 3 hours”, this is a sign that the products they are using are harmful to our children, pets and the environment.

Not only are children in danger when pesticides are sprayed on our lawn, but our pets are also in danger of pesticide contamination. Outdoor pets are highly exposed to lawn chemicals due to their behavior (licking contaminated paws and coat, breathing close to the ground, eating contaminated grass, soil and toys) and are highly vulnerable due to their small size.
Here are a few tips for a pesticide free lawn that will bring your family endless amounts of joy:

• Water Correctly – Water deeply and infrequently, ideally you want one inch of water delivered once a week. Daily and brief watering discourages deep root growth, one of the essentials of healthy turf grass. Pest fungus can thrive in the damp grass, so give your lawn a chance to dry before nightfall. Water in the early morning to minimize evaporation and safeguard against fungus problems.
• Mow Correctly – Tell your lawn care provider that you want to keep your lawn at least three inches high if you do your own mowing, this makes your task easier. Correct mowing will increase the strength of the root system and naturally shade out some weeds. Don’t mow your lawn every week out of habit. Mow with sharp blades. Sharp mower blades make a clean cut, while dull ones will rip the grass, weakening your lawn’s defenses.
• Fertilize Organically – Switch to an organic fertilizer. Most commercial fertilizer shave too much nitrogen for your lawn. Since the grass can’t use it fast enough, most gets washed away – polluting nearby water bodies. Organic fertilizer will allow the grass to take what it needs when it needs it. If you can’t find it at your local nursery, please ask the manager to stock it. The products are there if the customers show a demand, so you need to make your voice heard. In the meantime, organic fertilizers are available via mail order. If you live near a feed store, you’re in luck since they often carry a wide selection of useful products such as alfalfa meal and corn gluten.
• Reseed and Top Dress Annually – Fifty years ago, most lawn mix had clover in it but broadleaf weed herbicides were introduced and destroyed the clover in lawns. Clover is a great addition to any lawn. Reintroduce it because it is drought tolerant, immune to diseases, and greens up all summer. Bunnies love it, and hopefully will eat the clover instead of your other perennials. Reseed at least once a year with a mix of grass seed and compost. Water slightly each day for two weeks so the seed can get established. This will naturally replenish your lawn and keep your soil healthy.
• Banish Weeds Naturally – Consider using corn gluten an organic corn by-product that is a natural pre-emergent weed control to reduce weeds. Apply it early in the season before the soil reaches 55 degrees (usually when the forsythia bloom), and it will, over the course of a few growing seasons, make a big difference invest in a sturdy weeding tool and go after weeds for short periods on a regular basis, rather than all at once. Don’t be so focused on a perfect green lawn – instead realize that a healthy lawn can naturally resist disease and drought. Once you learn the basics of organic lawn care, it is really simple and will save you both time and money.

I am happy to say, now that we have contracted an organic lawn company, I can relax and know that when Connor plays in the yard, his body won’t be compromised by harmful chemicals.

In honor of Earth Day, let’s all make one small change in our lives that will honor Planet Earth for future generations to come.

Here is a recipe for an all natural bug repellant to use while working in your yard

Bug Repellant Recipe

4 drops eucalyptus essential oil
4 drops rosemary essential oil
4 drops tea tree essential oil
2 teaspoons witch hazel
8 teaspoons distilled water

Combine all essential oils and distilled water in a dark colored spray bottle and shake well. Spray mixture directly on exposed skin. Be careful to not spray near the eyes or mouth.

HAPPY EARTH DAY!