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Our weekly news column bringing the most current, non-biased health
information to the consumer. |
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April 28, 2009 |
A Publication of QVHD |
Digging In The Dirt
By: V. Deborah Culligan, RN, MPH,
Deputy Director QVHD
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.
There are several gardening actions that can help to keep your garden
healthy. Companion Planting can help to repel bugs. There are certain
plants that bugs do not like. Planting those with other plants may help
keep harmful insects away. Plants that repel bugs include: nasturtium,
tansy, euphoria, rue, dahlias, marigolds, cosmos, coreopsis, garlic,
chive, rosemary, petunias and thyme. Vary the plants in your garden.
Single species of plants can become targets for specific pests. Import
good insects . Did you know you can buy ladybugs and preying mantis eggs
at garden centers and from some seed catalogs? The reason is these bugs,
along with green lacewings, dragonflies, bees and some others, eat
harmful bugs in your garden. The larval stage of the ladybug looks like
a bug you would want to eliminate, but don't. They are even more
valuable to your garden than their parents. Use trap planting . Find out
what plants certain bugs like and plant them near the crop you are
trying to grow. For example, tomato worms like dill over tomatoes.
Maggots like radishes over corn. Use barriers such as collars made of
stiff paper or heavy plastic around the base of the plant. And here's an
old-fashioned idea: pick the bugs off by hand! Or try a good spraying of
cold water every day for a week, to get rid of mealy bugs or spider
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; Use the minimum needed to get the job done.
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 is often
quite reliable. For written information on this topic, District
residents can call QVHD, 248-4528 or request on line,
www.qvhd.org.
| An Ounce of Prevention is a
publication of the Quinnipiack Valley Health District, located at
1151 Hartford Turnpike, North Haven, CT 06473. Telephone:
248-4528. An Ounce of Prevention is
written by V. Deborah Culligan. The articles are published in the following local newspapers, The Advisor &
Beth-Wood News.
The content is provided as health education and
information to help you make health decisions. It is not intended to
be legal or medical advice, or substitute for recommendations made
by your health care provider. Address all comments to the district
office. |
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