(above) President of The Rahway Garden Club, James Keane has been researching and answering garden questions since 1995. Visit ‘Keane Gardener’ blog at: keanegardener.blogspot.com
Take a ride around your neighborhood on a hot summer’s day and it won’t take long to see someone spraying weed control on their lawn wearing short pants and sandals. I have seen this happen while the children were playing just a few feet away.
Chemicals are so readily available and abundant in America we take them for granted. This is as true for the sellers as it is for us, the consumers. We are encouraged by the manufacturers to use their chemicals as often as possible.
Chemical labels have 3 degrees of warning, CAUTION, HAZARD and DANGER. No chemical label ever says “SAFE”.
Sadly many people use these chemicals without taking the time to read the label. If they did read the label they would know that these weed control chemicals become less effective as the temperatures get higher. The grass and weeds undergo stress and stop absorbing the chemicals.
The toxins slowly evaporate creating a mist over your lawn where your children are playing. By the time the temperature reaches 90 you might as well throw your money away.
These chemicals work by attaching themselves to the weeds and then become absorbed into the cell tissues, working their way into the plant and finally the root system. When you apply them in short pants you are exposing your leg’s cell tissue to the same chemicals.
Removing weeds from your garden beds has multiple benefits. Weeds compete with garden plants and vegetables for space, nutrients, sunlight and water. Worst of all for many gardeners’ weeds make your beds look messy and untended. Basically weeds are plants growing where you don’t want them.
This can apply to wildflowers, shrubs and even trees, such as the Norway maple. Whenever possible use safer weed control practices such as hand weeding and mulching in the spring.
USE AND STORAGE OF GARDEN CHEMICALS
• Read and follow the directions on the label.
• Store all chemicals properly as directed on the label.
• Don’t let liquids freeze or get too hot and don’t allow dried chemicals to get moist.
• If you go to a store and their chemicals are sitting in the sun or are not properly stored, go to another store.
• Keep children and pet safely away from treated area until dry off after a rainfall.
• Always wear gloves when mixing any chemical.
• Cover your nose and eyes, arms and legs, especially when spraying.
• Even though your mix may be 100% organic don’t breathe it in. Most organics contain microorganisms you want in your soil, but not in your lungs. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
Safe & Happy Gardening,
James
(above) Members of Rahway Garden Club giving spring bean plants to children at Health and Wellness Fair in April.
