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Beautiful Pesticide Free Yard

How do we make these changes?

As more and more people switch to using alternatives to pesticides, it is becoming increasingly obvious that it is possible to have a great looking yard and lawn without the use of these poisons.  A return to cultural practices, to caring for the soil, is behind the success.  Healthy soil means healthy plants, and healthy plants are naturally more resistant to disease and weeds.  The city of Waterloo has a very successful program using Plant Health Care, which has eliminated the need for pesticides in that city's parks and green spaces.

The ideal, in our dry climate, it to get rid of your water guzzling Kentucky blue grass lawn and move to native species plants.  Many of these plants are beautiful and much more interesting than an expanse of high maintenance green lawn.  These plants are hardy and do very well in our dry, sometimes harsh climate, requiring very little of our most precious resource: water.  For the more creative, eliminating a little lawn each year and creating a lovely water wise garden, can give a sense of fulfillment and environmental stewardship.

Remember, weeds or insects are a symptom of a problem.  A few weeds or insects in your yard does not mean that you have a problem or that a pesticide is needed.

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11 Steps to a Healthy Lawn

  1. Healthy lawns need healthy soil
  2. Choose the right grass
  3. Mow high to discourage weeds
  4. Grass cycle - mulch your grass clippings
  5. Accept some weeds
  6. Consider alternative plants in areas of your yard- ground covers, shrubs, wild flowers
  7. Aerate - let your lawn breathe
  8. Water to the roots - water less often and deeply
  9. Top-dress and fertilize
  10. Remove thatch if necessary
  11. Control weeds and insects naturally - corn gluten meal is a researched product, used to control dandelions.

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More Information

For more in-depth information go to Pesticide Free Yards website or pick up the Sierra Club's brochure.

You can also download a few of the following files that will help you advertise your new lifestyle change.

bulletPesticide Free Lawn Sign ( )
bulletPesticide Information Bookmark ( )

Unfortunately we have become a society of weed neurotic people.  We have bought into the myth that the only beautiful lawn is the one that looks like a golf course green and we have created a monoculture environment, forgetting the beauty of biodiversity.  We cannot continue to poison everything we don't like in the name of this myth.

Choose the proactive path and educate yourself on the alternatives to pesticides.  You will be working to protect the health of your children, your pets and yourself, as well as the health of the environment.

Join the growing movement and "spread the word" about the many benefits of a Pesticide Free Yard.

Take Action

bulletContact your alderman to ask for a Pesticide Free Calgary. Let them know that you would especially like to see schoolyards, playgrounds, and playing fields Pesticide Free.
 
bulletThe city of Toronto is presently in the process of implementing a by-law, driven by the Board of Health, because of the many health concerns. Let your alderman know you would like to see the same thing happen in Calgary. Our elected representatives don't know what we want unless we tell them. They assume people are happy with the way things are if they don't hear otherwise. If you are concerned, it is important to let your voice be heard.
 
bulletGo to Take Action! for more information of how to communicate effectively with elected officials.