New Jersey Organic Gardens



	A simple way to help the planet

	Earth-Friendly Horticulture
	Why should we care? Because toxic chemicals harm humans and animals. Broad-spectrum chemicals like Sevin and Dimilin kill birds and beneficial insects. Some of these beneficial creatures (lady bugs, praying mantis, earthworms, certain birds), are nature's pest control, consuming millions of damaging pests each season. Others, particularly honeybees, are vital to pollination for New Jersey's agricultural industry and gardening hobbyists. There is now a crisis in the honeybee population in NJ and most other states. The ingredients in pesticides and herbicides are carcinogenic and are endocrine disruptors. The latter are associated with hormone and reproductive problems, nervous disorders, and asthma. The residues of these products are present in our drinking water, rain water, lakes, and soil. Don't try to fool Mother Nature! We use toxic chemicals to compensate for inappropriate plant selection and overwatering. Many non-native species, though beautiful and sometimes introduced to solve certain problems, run rampant in their new habitats, destroying native species and attracting pests. Our insistence on installing certain lawn grasses leads to over-watering, compaction, and pests, requiring repetitive chemical applications. Runoff from toxic chemicals and even over-fertilizing with organic substances (manure, compost) is changing the character of the soil and water in fragile ecosystems in New Jersey. This is happening in the Pinelands and bays of NJ. Excessive nitrogen from fertilizers is changing the acidic character of Pinelands soils and endangering native plants. Bays are relatively shallow and runoff is polluting them. In particular, the Barnegat Bay is in crisis. Toxic Gardening Is Expensive! Inappropriate plant and grass selection requires frequent replacement (example: Azalea, a partial shade-loving plant that does not like bitter winter winds, seems to be a favorite for full-sun placement at malls and gas stations. Invariably, they burn up during New Jersey's hot, dry summers and frigid winds). Plants and lawns that require frequent watering drive up water bills and can't be maintained during water rationing. You, too, can learn to love a soft, multicolored moss lawn or groundcovers that like arid conditions. Do your research! Select the proper plants for their micro-climate and care for them properly. To reduce fungus on roses, for example, don't spray the leaves. Water at the roots! Instead of toxics to deal with pests, use alcohol, witch hazel, a weak detergent solution, or introduce beneficial insects. Learn to recognize and protect the chrysalis of the praying mantid(s) and other beneficials (not all caterpillars eat vegetable plants!). Learn to accept the slightly annoying secretions of ladybugs on your interior windows as they devour the aphids on your window sill houseplants! Please Visit The Greater Newark Conservancy *for an environmentally friendly landscape service* "Greater Newark Conservancy is a non-profit envrionmental educational organization. The money you spend on your landscape supports youth and adult envrionmental education and community greening programs." *design installation consultation fully insured - perennials - trees - shrubs - walls - patios - pavers - advice Contact: Mike - (973) 642-4646 ext. 15 FACTS ABOUT PESTICIDES** * Pesticides kill songbirds, worms and other helpful creatures. * Ten times more pesticides are used in growing lawns than in farming. * Pesticides are present in our drinking water. * Pesticides are present in our lakes. * Pesticides are detectable in rainwater and children’s urine. * Pesticides are associated with health problems such as, asthma, nervous system disorders and cancer. * Children are especially sensitive to pesticide use. * Many lawn pesticides are hormone disrupters. * There are natural, safe alternatives to pesticide use. * There are beautiful gardens and lawns that are pesticide-free. * Pesticide-free lawns are healthier to humans and animals. * Pesticide-free lawns and gardens leave a better legacy for our children. *SUBSTITUTIONS FOR TOXIC PESTICIDES* 1. CRAB GRASS AND BROAD LEAF-WEEDS: (i.e. dandelions, foxtail, bentgrass) Apply corn-gluten meal as an organic killer of weed seeds and seedlings. This can be purchased at Gardens Alive, 513-354-1483. This harmless organic material can replace products such as "Weed and Feed" which contains the toxin 2,4-D. 2. GRUBS, CUTWORMS, ARMYWORMS AND OTHER UNWANTED INSECTS Apply nematodes to your lawn. They’re a natural control and more effective than toxic insecticides. Local garden centers sell nematodes. 3. USE NON-GENETICALLY ENGINEERED GRASS SEED The planet is threatened by genetically engineered seeds that use cross-species breeding and cross-phyla breeding. NO ONE understands the long-term effects of this untested tampering with millions of years of evolution. Ask for real seeds at your garden center or order your seeds from "Gardens Alive". Research on health effects of pesticide use at ourstolenfuture.org Click below to see beautiful natural NJ areas which are pesticide-free!