Friday, March 9, 2007

Gardening and the Healthy Home


As spring approaches, many people have already begun their gardening or are planning their spring and summer garden. As I have learned, the outside of you home is as important as the inside.

Many chemicals and treatments used on lawns and in the garden can also affect our health as well as the health of the planet. The fumes of pesticides and herbicides can seep into your home from the outside. More directly, people as well as pets running and sitting on chemically-treated lawns can also directly absorb the chemicals. The residues can also be tracked into the home from the bottom of shoes or paws. The chemicals also contaminate run-off water, that can end up in streams and other water bodies.

As a rule of thumb, if there is a garden task, I always look for the best natural or organic alternative. There are numerous books, organizations, and even lawn maintenance companies that focus on organic and non-chemical lawn care. Most of the time, I do find an alternative.

One good book that I have used is Common-Sense Pest Control: Least-Toxic Solutions for Your Home, Garden, Pets, and Community This is a very detailed book on almost any pest you will find around your home or garden.





More to come.....

No comments: