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DROPPING THE BOMB

This spring, learn how to avoid using synthetic chemicals in your yard (and community), and why it’s important.

*This article below is rewritten.

Read the full article here:

http://www.ediblerenotahoe.com/editorial/143-spring-2018/1967-spring2018-edible-garden-landscaping

WRITTEN BY NATASHA BOURLIN
ILLUSTRATION BY LILY THERENS

Creating a Chemical-Free Yard: Why It’s Crucial to Start Now

The Hidden Costs of Chemical Landscaping

As spring approaches, many individuals and companies resort to using synthetic chemicals to maintain their yards and gardens. Fertilizers for greener lawns, pesticides for pests, and herbicides for weeds are commonly used without considering their long-term effects. These chemicals disrupt the natural balance of the soil, creating an addiction-like dependence, and can leach into the water supply or drift into areas where they pose risks to humans and pets.

The History of Synthetic Chemicals

The widespread use of synthetic agricultural products began after World War II, with the repurposing of chemicals previously used for explosives into fertilizers. By 2014, the use of chemical fertilizers in the U.S. had surged to over 20 million tons annually. This practice not only harms the soil’s natural ecosystem but also introduces long-lasting pollutants into the environment.

Health and Environmental Impacts

Using synthetic chemicals in gardening can be compared to overusing antibiotics in humans; both destroy beneficial organisms along with the harmful ones, leading to long-term dependency and health issues. These chemicals can remain in the environment for years, affecting soil and water quality and posing risks to human health.

Organic Alternatives

Switching to organic methods is not only environmentally friendly but also beneficial in the long run. Communities like Somersett in West Reno are starting to integrate organic products into their landscaping, while institutions like the University of Nevada, Reno, have seen immediate benefits from using compost and organic treatments. These methods improve soil health and reduce the need for frequent maintenance.

Practical Steps to Go Organic

1. Avoid Synthetic Chemicals: Reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides in your yard.
2. Manual Weed Control: Pull weeds by hand or use natural herbicides.
3. Homemade Pesticides: Create natural pesticides using essential oils, organic dish soap, and mineral oil.
4. Composting: Create your own compost to enrich the soil naturally.
5. Plant Health Monitoring: Monitor plant health and address issues by improving soil quality rather than using chemicals.

Why Act Now?

With the increasing awareness of the adverse effects of synthetic chemicals, it’s crucial to adopt organic gardening practices. Improving soil health and reducing pollution will lead to healthier environments and communities. By starting now, we can make significant strides toward sustainability and environmental preservation.

For more information on organic landscaping and practical tips, visit [Guerrilla Gardening](https://www.guerrillagardening.org/).

Looking for Organic Landscape Designers in Reno? Read the full article [here](http://www.ediblerenotahoe.com/editorial/143-spring-2018/1967-spring2018-edible-garden-landscaping).

“When we see a bug, we tend to want to kill it,” Clark says. “But about 98 percent of insects are beneficial.”

Read the full article here:

http://www.ediblerenotahoe.com/editorial/143-spring-2018/1967-spring2018-edible-garden-landscaping

Looking for Organic Landscape Designers in Reno?