By: The Team at www.ApplyResponsibly.com

It’s Earth Day! 

Today is a good time to remind everyone about the need to be responsible stewards of the environment – even in your own backyard or garden. 

While the vast majority of us may not be able to make water run uphill or raise 700-pound tomatoes, you can still be a Gardening Hero.

True heroes in the garden know how to grow healthy lawns and care for their flowers and vegetables, while conserving water and employing responsible and creative gardening practices in their yards.

Gardeners and homeowners who choose to use pesticides should do so in an environmentally responsible way. This means handling, storing, and disposing of pesticides to keep them from harming the environment, especially our water. 

Pesticides represent one of several ways to control household and garden pests. Many insecticides – used to control insects – contain pyrethroids. As is the case with any product, pesticides must be used properly and judiciously to minimize their impact on the environment.

Homeowners and gardeners who choose to use pesticides to control insects in their yards should remember to always follow these guidelines: 

• Always read the entire label first and follow the directions.

• Reduce pest infestations by eliminating what often attracts them or creating ideal breeding conditions – standing water, pet droppings, tree prunings, or fallen fruit.

• Remove thatch buildup in lawns to ensure water soaks deeply into the lawn and prevents runoff.

• Mix and use only the amount you need.

• Avoid applying a spray or dust on a windy day.

• Rinse all pesticide application equipment only over the treated area.

• Always use dry sawdust or kitty litter to soak up a liquid spill and then sweep it into a plastic garbage bag for disposal; don’t use water to rinse or clean up a liquid spill.

• Sweep or blow granules that fall on porches, driveways, and sidewalks back onto the treated area.

• When watering treated areas, don’t overwater and don’t allow water to runoff into gutters, in-lawn drains, or storm drain.

For more tips on how you can become a responsible Gardening Hero, please visit https://applyresponsibly.org