Alternatives to Chemicals

Image: One brand product for vinegar used as a weed control solution.

Disclaimer: I have not used this brand and I'm not advocating it's use, purchase, or vouching for it's safety. Sorry, needed to be said.

"Ontario introduced very strict controls on pesticides this past April. In essence, gardeners in this province can no longer use any pesticide product for cosmetic purposes i.e. controlling or killing insects, diseases, fungi or weeds in an ornamental garden setting. This is reflected at the garden centres and hardware stores, where shelves once brimming with chemical control products now contain a mere shadow of what they once did. The Ontario bans also extend to the use of these products by municipalities, botanical gardens, golf courses and everything other than farm, nursery or greenhouse use." (Taken from newsletter@perennials.com)

The Ontario controls are sure to inspire comments on both sides of the issue. Since the controls are already in place in Ontario, residents are trying to figure out how to destroy weeds & insects and still stay within the law. It appears some who administer this new law are coming down on a very strict interpretation that even prohibits "anything" that kills weeds, including natural and homemade concoctions. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out.

Vinegar is a natural weed killer with some effectiveness. The Perennials company ran a contest for ideas on how to use vinegar and how effective it was at killing weeds. Check out the site for those results. But, one idea is worth restating here: Natural and homemade remedies can have negative personal and environmental health consequences, also.

It only takes some slight investigation to realize the consequences of the homemade remedies (for garden, health, foods, and beauty products) must be investigated and understood before they are used. It is primarily an unregulated industry.

Those that dislike government control (IE: regulated), often prefer the alternative products. Those that want to positively influence the environment, may be led to try alternative products. Gardeners with allergies and especially respiratory problems may try these. The reasons are numerous and mostly with good intentions.

According to what I've read, strong (20% solution) vinegar vapors can cause nose bleeds when used without a mask. Most of us are aware the vapors from bleach can be dangerous but what about something as simple as salt. Yes, salt may kill weeds but may also soak into the soil and then root systems of nearby trees.

Another warning: natural products in different forms may have different levels of toxicity. The portion of the plant that is used may determine if it is poison or not. The process used to cook, distill, or administer may also affect strength. Even where a plant comes from or the soil it's grown in may be a factor in toxicity. Not all old home remedies are safe to use.

I have several very old herbal and home remedy books. Lots of fun to read. As an example, one concoction is used to treat a certain disease. What it actually does is paralyze the nerves. Used too strong, on youngsters, or weak systems, and it will kill. You have to be very careful.

Lest you think I'm writing this because I'm not an advocate of alternatives to chemicals, no that's not the point. Sometimes people tend to jump into alternative anything with both feet without realizing most alternatives also have good and bad. Plus, marketing/advertisements seldom tell the risks or if they do, they're in fine print.

If you are searching for solutions, investigate ALL the information first and then make intelligent decisions BEFORE using - for your health and for the health of your garden and the environment. Another warning: Information about " health and environmentally friendly" products found on the web are not necessarily factual. Use research from reputable sources along with reading other claims to come to your own conclusions. It could be a matter of life or death.