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Digging In The Dirt

A true gardener knows that there are lots of pests that can destroy a garden. Or sometimes a plant just won't grow where you want it to grow. In these kinds of situations, gardeners often resort to using chemical preparations of pesticides or fertilizers to solve their problem. There are times when this is the only route to go and this action may achieve the results that you want. However, there are times when no matter what you try, the plants just don't thrive.

There is a growing concern about the overuse/misuse of pesticides. Before you run and dump a lot of chemicals onto your plants and into your soil, why not get a "garden diagnosis?" Many people do not know that the CT Agricultural Center, located in New Haven, provides comprehensive services that can help you "diagnose" your problem and offer you "treatment" (i.e. suggestions for solutions.) You can bring them soil samples, damaged plants or an insect that is eating your plants. Call 974-8600 for questions about plants and insects or 974-8521 for specific instructions on how to bring them a soil sample. These services are provided free-of-charge by the State of CT.

The UCONN Extension Service is also a god source of written information about gardening (and many other topics as well.) They are located at 305 Skiff Street in Hamden. Their phone number is 407-3161.

Several years ago, the Connecticut Fund for the Environment developed a brochure titled "10 Tips for Gardening without Pesticides." District residents can call for a free copy of this brochure. Some suggestions from the brochure are as follows:

• Learn more about companion and trap planting. For example, marigolds planted between rows of beans repel beetles.
• Keep your garden weeded to eliminate breeding grounds for pests.
• Use barriers such as collars made for stiff paper or heavy plastic around the base of plants. Collars can prevent insects from burrowing into soil. Netting over plants can protect seedlings.
• Pick your bugs off by hand. (What family fun!) vTry a good spraying of cold water every day for a week, to get rid of mealy bugs or spiders mites. If this doesn't work, try adding some soap.

When you must use chemicals, remember:

• Don't use them near your water supply.
• Be sure to wash your produce well before you eat it.
• Store chemicals in properly labeled containers and keep them out of the reach of children.
• Keep children and pets away from areas where you mix or apply pesticides.

The internet can also be useful for learning about companion gardening or alternatives to chemicals. However, be wary of sites pushing products, rather than information. University-based information if often quite reliable.

For written information on this topic, District residents (Hamden, North Haven and Woodbridge) can call QVHD, 203.248.4528. Or you can request information online or through email, dculligan@qvhd.org

Quinnipiack Valley Health District
1151 Hartford Turnpike
North Haven, CT 06473

Phone. (203)248-4528
Fax. (203)248-6671
E-Mail. info@qvhd.org