Environmentally Friendly Gardening
Is Dharmic Gardening
“Love all God’s Creation, the whole and every grain of sand in it. Love every leaf, every ray of
God’s Light. Love the animals, love the plants. Love everything. If you love everything, you will
perceive the divine mystery in things. Once you perceive it, you will begin to comprehend it better
everyday, and you will come at least to love the whole world with an all embracing love.” –
Sathya Sai Baba, Discourse 1-4-1995 (in In His Image by Madeleine Guillemin, p. 159)
The Problem
The chemical revolution has convinced many people that proper gardens have to look
perfect. To those who followed this revolution, this meant that their gardens had to be
immaculate, without a weed or bug in sight. The concept of a "perfect garden"
encourages people to see the natural world as something to be overcome. Domination
of nature through poisons like pesticides and herbicides is cruelly easy. Heaven forbid
that a bug or weed should mar the perfection of our acres of lawn or billowing borders!AL
Conventional lawn and garden care contributes to pollution of our air and water and uses
up non-renewable resources such as fuel and water. Many typical landscapes receive
high inputs of chemicals, fertilizers, water and time, and require a lot of energy (human
as well as gas-powered) to maintain. The effects of lawn and landscaping on the
environment can be reduced if properties are properly managed by using organic
alternatives applied correctly, decreasing the area requiring gas-powered tools, using
native species that can be sustained with little watering and care, and using a different
approach to maintenance practices.2
Americans manage approximately 30 million acres of lawn. We spend $750 million per
year on grass seed. In managing our yards and gardens, we tend to over-apply
products, using 100 million tons of fertilizer and more than 80 million pounds of
pesticides annually. The average homeowner spends 40 hours per year behind a power
mower, using a quart of gas per hour. Grass clippings consume 25 to 40% of landfill
space during a growing season. Per hour of operation, small gas-powered engines used
for yard care emit more hydrocarbons than a typical auto (mowers 10 times as much,
string trimmers 21 times, blowers 34 times). A yard with 10,000 square feet of turf
requires 10,000 gallons of water per summer to stay green; 30% of water consumed on
the East Coast goes to watering lawns.2
Invasive non-native plants are destroying the native plants and ecosystems around
them.
The Solution
“In controlling the forces of Nature, the balance should not be upset. In dealing with
Nature, there are three requirements. The first is knowledge of the laws of Nature. The
second is the skill to utilize the powers of Nature for human needs. The third is to
maintain the balance among natural forces. It is the disturbance of the balance that has
led to such consequences as soil erosion, pollution of the atmosphere, etc.” Sathya Sai
Baba (in In His Image by Madeleine Guillemin, p. 58-9)
Environmentally friendly gardening, also called “low impact gardening” and “conservation
landscaping:”
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Significantly reduces pollution of lakes, wetlands, groundwater, and entire
watersheds such as the Chesapeake Bay
Eliminates poisonous pesticides from fruits and vegetables grown in your garden
Keeps your children, pets, and our animal friends free from the harm done by
dangerous and poisonous pesticides
Saves money and reduces the amount of time you have to spend taking care of
your lawn and garden.
Results in better tasting and more nutritious fruits and vegetables from your
garden
Looks really good
Improves the local environment and provides habitat for local and migratory birds
and other animals
Native plants have a greater survivability than non-native plants.
Native Plants
“In controlling the forces of Nature, the balance should not be upset. In dealing with
Nature, there are three requirements. The first is knowledge of the laws of Nature. The
second is the skill to utilize the powers of Nature for human needs. The third is to
maintain the balance among natural forces. It is the disturbance of the balance that has
led to such consequences as soil erosion, pollution of the atmosphere, etc.” Sathya Sai
Baba (in In His Image by Madeleine Guillemin, p. 58-9)
Note: The excellent publication Native Plants for Wildlife Habitat and Conservation
Landscaping, Chesapeake Bay Watershed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service2 includes
beautiful pictures as well as user-friendly information on native species appropriate for
planting in the region from New York State to Virginia. A free PDF download is available
at: http://www.nps.gov/plants/pubs/chesapeake/pdf/chesapeakenatives.pdf
What are native plants?
Native plants are those that grew in a defined region prior to European settlement. They
have evolved over thousands of years to be adapted to each area and to the other living
creatures around them.
Non-native plants are those that were from foreign sources or other areas of the United
States and brought to the area by human activity; accidentally or purposefully.
Invasive non-native plants are those that have escaped into the wild and are destroying
the native plants and ecosystems around them. Japanese honeysuckle and garlic
mustard are examples of invasive non-native plants in our region.
Why use native plants?
Native plants naturally occur in the region in which they have evolved. Native plants
have many advantages over non-native plants. Native plants are:
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Beautiful, functional and environmentally smart additions to any type of garden.
Naturally adapted to local soils and climate conditions, with built-in resilience to
temperature and rainfall fluctuations.
Usually require less watering and fertilizing than non-natives.
Native plants have a greater survivability than non-native ornamentals. 4
Often more resistant to insects and disease and so are less likely to need
pesticides.
Wildlife evolved with the native plants. They use native plant communities for
food, habitat, and rearing young. They attract birds and butterflies. 4
Reduces the time and expense of mowing, watering, fertilizing and treating lawn
and garden areas which:
Improves water quality
Provide a greater visual interest than lawn and helps preserve the balance and
beauty of natural ecosystems.
Can be used to address areas with problems such as erosion, poor soils, steep
slopes, or poor drainage.2
The savings realized by using little or no chemicals, and less water and gas, can
more than make up for initial costs of installing the landscaping. BH
How do I use native plants?
One of the simplest ways to begin is by replacing lawn areas with locally native trees,
shrubs and perennial plants.
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Begin by choosing the right native plants for your area, buying healthy ones and
planting them properly (Use Native Plants for Wildlife Habitat and Conservation
Landscaping, Chesapeake Bay Watershed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service2).
New plants need watering and monitoring during the first season until they
become established.
Garden maintenance is reduced to only minimal seasonal cleanup and
occasional weeding.
Companion Planting
Plants That Repel Weeds and Pests But Attract Beneficial Organisms
A tree gives shade to others and takes nothing for itself. It gives fruits to others but does
not itself partake of them. A plant sprouts beautiful flowers and gives joy to others but
does not enjoy the beauty by itself. The sun is constantly at work, giving life, light and
energy to the world. Does it ask for anything in return? No it performs Kishkama Karma,
that is, action without the desire for reward. These are some of the examples of the
selflessness of man. If only man watches and studies Nature carefully, he can imbibe a lot
of philosophy from it which will help to make him a better person.
Sathya Sai's Amrita Varshini p 24
What is companion planting?
Companion planting is the gardening practice of planting one plant in proximity to
another, due to the benefits it bestows on this "companion plant." Organic
gardeners, for instance, often juxtapose plants because the one will have insectrepelling qualities that benefit the other, obviating the need to use chemical
pesticides. One plant can even serve as a "mulch" for another. Sometimes, the
benefits are shared in companion planting, making for a symbiotic relationship. DB
The Native Americans practiced companion planting. They planted corn, beans, and
squash together. The corn provided support for the bean plants to grow up. The beans
(nitrogen fixing legumes) provided soil nitrogen to the corn and the squash. The squash
provided protection to the corn and beans from raccoons, deer, and other animals that
don’t like to walk through the thick, tangled, thorny squash vines.
Why would I want to use companion planting?
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Makes your garden naturally pest resistant
Reduces reliance on pesticides
Saves time, money, and aggravation
Some plants can create natural fertilizer for themselves and the plants around
them
Some plants can serve as living mulches
What plants do I need and how do I use them?
The choice of what companion plants to use depends on where you live, what type of
pests need to be repelled (or beneficial birds and insects attracted), the type of plants
that need protection, etc. For more information see the websites listed in the links
section of this guide.
Some examples
For control of:
 Japanese beetles - Rue, Tansy, Four o’clocks, White geraniums, Delphiniums
 Moles - Castor bean plants, “Mole” plants, Marigolds
 Whitefly - French marigolds
 Nematodes - Chrysanthemums, Dahlias, Nasturtiums
To attract:
 Bees - Clover, Bergamot (bee balm), Lavender
 Butterflies - Ageratum, Aster, Bee-balm (Monarda), Black-eyed susan,
Coneflower, Coreopsis, Daisy, Daylily, Hollyhock, Milkweed, Phlox, Sage,
Yarrow, and many other annuals, shrubs, and trees. BFS See “Links”.
 Birds - Many types of plants, shrubs, and trees attract birds. Its best to plant a
variety of plants so fruit is available year round. The following is a partial list:BBC
o Conifers such as pines, spruces, firs, arborvitae, junipers, cedars, and
yews. These plants are important as escape cover, winter shelter, and
summer nesting sites. Some also provide sap, buds, and seeds.
o Grasses and legumes
o The same plants that attract butterflies also attract hummingbirds
o Summer fruiting plants such as cherry, chokecherry, honeysuckle,
raspberry, serviceberry, blackberry, blueberry, grape, mulberry, plum, and
elderberry.
o Fall fruiting plants such as dogwoods, mountain ash, winter-berries,
cottoneasters, and buffalo-berries.
o Winter fruiting plants such as black chokecherry, crabapple, snowberry,
bittersweet, sumacs, American highbush cranberry, wahoo, Virginia
creeper, and Chinaberry.
o Nut and acorn plants such as oaks, hickories, buckeyes, chestnuts,
butternuts, walnuts, and hazels. The meats of broken nuts and acorns are
eaten by a variety of birds. These plants also provide good nesting habitat.
Soil Preparation
The key to a successful garden is proper soil preparation.
The ideal soil for a vegetable garden is deep, friable, and well-drained with a high
organic matter content. Proper soil preparation provides the basis for good seed
germination and the subsequent growth of garden crops. Careful use of various soil
amendments can improve garden soil and provide the best possible starting ground for
your garden and landscape. VCE
Soil preparation
Check soil pH and fertility by having your soil analyzed at least once every three years.
Your local Extension agent will have directions for properly collecting a soil sample. A
soil test report will include the relative level of phosphorus, potassium, and
micronutrients in the soil. The report also will give you recommendations for the amount
of lime and fertilizer to add so that your soil pH and nutrient levels are suitable for lawn,
landscape plants, and garden vegetables. VCE
To make a new flower or vegetable garden bed by digging: FGE
1. Remove grass or other existing vegetation with a flat spade.
2. Spread two or three inches of organic matter, well-rotted manure, leaf mold
(composted leaves) or compost, over the bed.
3. With a garden spade, fork or roto-tiller, turn soil over to a depth of eight inches,
breaking up heavy clods. Rake level.
Create an easy no-dig flower bed: FGE
Try this method if you are not in a rush to plant, and you don't mind waiting for a season.
(This isn't really a problem if the season in question is winter.) You can start this project
in early spring or in the fall - in either case, you'll be ready to plant by the following
spring.
1. Cut existing grass at your mower's lowest setting.
2. To smother roots, spread a layer of newspaper about 12 sheets thick.
3. Over this, spread eight to 12 inches of organic matter (well-rotted manure,
compost or a mix of compost and shredded leaves). Or use triple mix — a mixture of
loam, manure and peat — available at garden centers. Rake level.
4. If doing this job in fall, let mound settle until spring; if doing this in spring, give
it a season. Worms and soil micro-organisms will do the mixing and enriching — then
plant right into the area without doing any digging. The settling action will give you a bed
that's just slightly raised. FGE
Just prior to planting, break up large clods of soil and rake the bed level. Small-seeded
vegetables germinate best in smooth, fine-surfaced soil. Do not pulverize the seedbed
soil. This destroys the structure and promotes crusting and erosion problems. VCE
Soil Amendments
Amendments to change pH and nutrient levels
Lime and sulfur are common amendments to change soil pH. The correct soil pH is
essential for optimum plant growth. Your garden may need other amendments added
specifically to improve its soil nutrient levels. Greensand and granite meal are sources of
potassium. Other nutritional amendments you can purchase for garden use include
cottonseed meal, kelp meal, and worm castings, as well as an array of synthetic
(inorganic) fertilizers. The organic amendments are particularly useful. The need for any
of the previously mentioned amendments will be determined by your soil-test results.
Amendments to improve soil qualities
Organic matter is a great improver for both clay and sandy soils. Compost, manures, leaf
mold, and organic amendments improve soil structure and thereby increase its waterholding capacity, aeration, and water infiltration. These materials are decomposed in the
soil by soil organisms and their byproducts release plant nutrients and provide sites for
nutrient retention. A gardener usually makes compost from plant and/or animal wastes.
Composting can result in a valuable nutrient and humus source for any garden. The
basis of the process is based on the microbial decomposition of mixed, raw, organic
materials to a dark, fluffy product resembling rich soil, which is then spread and worked
into the garden soil. Animal manures are commonly used as a garden soil amendment.
The value of manure in terms of the nutrients it contains varies. They are best applied in
the fall and tilled under. Manure usually has fewer total nutrients than synthetic fertilizers
in terms of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), but it is a valuable soil
builder. The regular addition of manure, compost, cover crops, and other organic
materials can raise the soil nutrient levels and improve physical characteristics to a point
at which the need for adding synthetic (inorganic) fertilizers is greatly reduced. This
comes about not only through the intrinsic fertilizing value of the amendment, but also
through the increased action of microorganisms on the soil and humus. Soil is the base
for plant growth, and you should pay much attention to getting and keeping it in the best
condition.VCE
Mulch
“Do not waste the elements, nor misuse them.”
Baba
What is mulch?
Mulch is a protective covering, usually of organic matter, placed around plants to prevent
the evaporation of moisture, the freezing of roots, and the growth of weeds
Why should I use mulch?
Mulching can be one of the most beneficial things you can do for your soil and your
plants. NRCS The use of mulches in gardening should be standard practice. Researchers
from many agricultural experiment stations, private industry, and the U.S. Department of
Agriculture have shown striking benefits from mulch applications. Some of these benefits
are listed below. UIUC
 Mulches conserve moisture by reducing the amount of soil water lost through
evaporation.
 Mulches help maintain a uniform soil temperature. They act as insulators,
keeping the soil warmer during cool weather and cooler during the warm months
of the year.
 Mulches minimize soil erosion and compaction from heavy rains and aid in water
penetration.
 Mulches help with weed problems. If the mulch material is weed-free to begin
with, and if it is applied correctly, weed seeds in the soil won't germinate. Or if the
mulch layer is deep, seedlings that do germinate can't push up through it.
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Mulches often give a neater and more finished appearance to a flower bed,
evergreen or shrub plantings, or the vegetable garden. UIUC
Labor saving - reduces the need for cultivation or the use of herbicides
Keep plants clean by reducing the splash of soil onto leaves during rainstorms
Organic mulches such as wood chips, grass clippings, or other locally available
materials help improve the soil by adding organic matter as they decompose.
They also may encourage the growth of worms and other beneficial soil
organisms that can help improve soil structure and the availability of nutrients for
plants. NRCS
What types of mulch should I use and how do I use them?
What is your primary objective in using mulch? If you are most interested in weed control
in a vegetable garden, a layer of newspaper covered with grass clippings or just grass
clippings will work well. However, if you are finishing off a beautiful perennial garden in
the front of your house, you probably will want to use something more attractive such as
bark mulch.
How long do you want the mulch to stay in place? If you are mulching around shrubs
that will remain in place for years, you may want to use inorganic mulches such as brick
chips, marble chips, or stone. While these will not provide organic matter to the soil, they
will be permanent. Note that they are difficult to remove if you change your mind or want
to add bulbs or perennials.
How much money do you want to spend? Mulching does not need to be expensive.
Some communities offer chipped wood or compost to residents. Leaves, newspaper,
and grass clippings are inexpensive mulches.
How much will you need? To be effective, most organic mulches need to be between 2
and 4 inches thick. Therefore, a 10 feet by 10 feet garden mulched 3 inches (0.25 feet)
deep will require 25 cubic feet of mulch. NRCS
Types of Mulch:
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Bark (Hardwood) - Shredded hardwood bark is a popular mulch used in
landscape plantings. It is a byproduct of the paper and lumber industries
Bark (Softwood) - Chunk pine, fir, and redwood barks are the most popular
types. Softwood barks are more resistant to decay than hardwood bark.
Compost - An excellent mulch and soil conditioner that you can make at home
by composting various types of yard wastes such as grass clippings, leaves, and
plant tops from vegetables and flowers. This partially decomposed material rates
as one of the best organic mulches.
Lawn clippings - Grass clippings are best used when dry. If applied fresh, it
should be spread loosely; otherwise, it mats down, produces heat during
decomposition, and gives off an offensive odor. Do not use grass clippings from
the first mowing after the lawn has been treated with pesticides.
Leafmold - This mulch can be obtained by home composting of leaves or from a
municipal composting facility. Leaves composted in the fall of the year will be
ready for use by spring. This is a good mulch that provides some nutritional value
to landscape plantings.
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Manure (strawy) - Makes an excellent mulch for use in gardens if partially
decomposed. Aerate this mulch before using to reduce the heat of
decomposition.
Wood chips - This material is available from garden centers, arborists, power
companies, and municipal yard waste facilities. It is very durable and makes an
excellent material for covering paths and walkways. If used on landscape beds,
nitrogen deficiencies will develop if fertilizer is not periodically applied.
An excellent web site for information and use of many types of mulch is:
Cooperative Extension Service, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
ORGANIC MULCH, David J. Williams, Department of Natural Resources and
Environmental Sciences, NRES-19-97
http://www.ag.uiuc.edu/~vista/html_pubs/mulch/MULCH.html
Compost & Organic Fertilizers
“Unfortunately today, as a consequence of scientific and technological progress,
humanness has declined and man considers the world as only intended for his enjoyment.
As a result, the powers of Nature are being used in a manner which poses a great threat
to the world. The world has not been created for mere enjoyment. Abusing the resources
of Nature and forgetting his own basic human nature, man is going against the purpose
of Creation. Many natural catastrophes are entirely due to man’s behavior.”
Sathya Sai Baba, Benedictory Discourse to the XI Convocation, Vidhyagiri Stadium,
November 22, 1992
What’s the problem?
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Toxic chemicals are contaminating groundwater on every inhabited continent,
endangering the world's most valuable supplies of freshwater
Several water utilities in Germany now pay farmers to switch to organic
operations because this conversion costs less than removing farm chemicals
from water supplies.WI
Populations of honeybees, essential for pollinating crops, have shrunk
precipitously
Many frogs with extra legs and missing eyes have been found
Pesticides are a leading suspect behind these aberrations.
We're eating foods that are laden with chemicals but lack nutritional value.
Synthetic fertilizers replace the nitrogen and phosphorous and potassium which
are the three primary mineral requirements of the plants, but they don't replace
the boron, the molybdenum, the great plethora of micro nutrients and trace
minerals. It looks good, it's big, but it's not nutritionally balanced. JR
What can I do about it?
Compared to synthetic fertilizer formulations, organic fertilizers contain relatively low
concentrations of actual nutrients, but they perform important functions which the
synthetic formulations do not. They increase the organic content and consequently the
water-holding capacity of the soil. They improve the physical structure of the soil which
allows more air to get to plant roots. Organically derived plant nutrients are slow to leach
from the soil making them less likely to contribute to water pollution than synthetic
fertilizers. VGH
What is compost?
Composting is the biological decomposition of organic material into a humus-like
substance called compost. Compost is an excellent mulch and soil conditioner that you
can make at home by composting various types of yard wastes such as grass clippings,
leaves, and plant tops from vegetables and flowers. This partially decomposed material
rates as one of the best organic mulches. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson,
James Madison, and George Washington Carver all used and promoted the use of
compost. For excellent instructions on how to make compost, refer to A Homeowners
Guide to Composting at http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/homecompost/
Compost is easy to make and highly beneficial to your plants and garden. Compost:
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Adds organic matter and humus to the soil
Enhances a soil’s capacity to hold the proper balance of water, air, and nutrients
that are required for plants.
Its spongy consistency promotes deeper root growth, which leads to more
vigorous top growth and greater drought resistance.
Can be used as an excellent mulch
There are many excellent websites devoted to making and using compost. Please see
the links section at the end of this guide.
What are organic fertilizers?
Natural organic plant foods generally refer to any material derived from plant, animal or
mineral origin that offers nutritional value to plants. Esp
Why should I use them?
The nutrients found in compost and organic plant foods are in a complex form that must
be digested by microbes found in the soil in order to be released in a form for plants to
absorb through their roots. This process offers several benefits to both plants and soil:
• Improves Soil Structure. When microbes digest the nutrients found in organic plant
foods, a by-product known as humus is created. Humus enhances a soil’s capacity to
hold the proper balance of water, air, and nutrients that are required for plants. Its
spongy consistency promotes deeper root growth, which leads to more vigorous top
growth and greater drought resistance.
• Long-Lasting, Slow Release. The process by which natural organics nutrients are
released can last up to several months. As soil temperature rises, so does the plant’s
need for nutrition. Microbial activity also rises with soil temperature and therefore plants
receive the proper amount of nutrition as they require it.
• Safe to Use. Natural organic plant foods are not considered hazardous or toxic and
therefore do not pose the dangers to children, pets and the environment that are
associated with pesticides and other products.
• Contain Secondary & Trace Nutrients. Unlike synthetic plant foods which only offer
the three major nutrients, natural organics are rich in many of the secondary and trace
nutrients that are critical for optimum growth and vitality.
• Won’t Burn. Organic plant foods have an extremely low salt index which greatly lowers
the risk of burning the plants during a drought or if fertilizer is accidentally over applied.
(Burning can be identified by plants wilting, turning brown and eventually dying.)
• Won’t Leach Out of Soil. Natural organic fertilizers do not leach out of the soil.
Therefore, the nutrients are consistently available when plants need them.Esp
How do I use them?
Simply follow the easy directions that are provided on the back of the bag.
Usually you should apply the recommended amount in early spring, in late spring/early
summer, and again in early fall. Sprinkle on top of the soil then rake or mix into the
upper inch or so of soil.
Beneficial Insects, Birds, and Animals
“Birds, beasts and trees display the spirit of sacrifice.” (20-2-1992)
“All creatures, like birds, fish, sheep and others are serving man in different ways”
(Sathya Sai Speaks, vol. 21)
In nature (Swami’s created world) all insects and creatures are important parts of a
natural balanced ecosystem. However, mankind perceives those insects and creatures
that aid in gardening and farming as beneficial and those that harm crops or hinder his
efforts as pests. Beneficial insects perform the valuable functions of plant pollination
and pest control. Insects such as ladybugs and praying mantises consume many of the
insects we consider to be pests and as such are welcome in our gardens. Birds
consume great quantities of insects. There is much we can do to encourage beneficial
insects and wildlife to populate our gardens.
What’s the problem?
The use of chemical pesticides kills off beneficial insects as well as the harmful ones.
The harmful insects rapidly repopulate areas that are now devoid of the beneficial
insects that had been keeping the pests in check. The resulting high populations of
harmful insects decimate gardens. More and higher potency pesticides are applied more
frequently to counter the damage to yard and garden. Thus, a vicious cycle is created
requiring the more frequent use of more potent pesticides in greater quantities as time
goes on.
What’s the solution?
The solution is to put away those chemical pesticides and:
 Plant native plants that are naturally resistant to pests
 Utilize companion plants that are natural repellents to pests
 Ensure that plants are healthy by using compost, mulch, and organic fertilizers
 Encourage beneficial insects, birds, and other animals live in your garden and
area
 As a last resort, use natural organic repellents and pesticides that quickly
degrade to non-toxic forms.
What benefit do some insects, birds, and other animals provide to my yard
and garden?
Beneficial insects consume harmful insects and pollinate plants, helping them grow and
propagate.
Birds consume a great quantity of insects and other small pests.
Bees are responsible for pollinating many of our crops.
What can I do to attract and keep them in my garden?
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Provide suitable living conditions for them
Plant nectar producing flowers to provide the nectar that many beneficial insects
need to survive such as angelica, bee balm, buckwheat, calendula, candytuft,
ceanothus, chervil, cilantro, clover, daisy, dill, erigeron, evening primrose, fennel,
goldenrod, gypsophila, lovage, parsley, Queen Anne's lace, rue, snowberry,
sunflower, sweet alyssum, sweet cicely, thyme, valerian, yarrow, etc.
Plan your garden to feed beneficial insects by choosing a variety of plants that
will bloom as many months of the year as possible
Don’t use pesticides
Put up birdfeeders and bird houses
Plant trees and shrubs with berries to encourage birds to visit your yard.
Cover bare dirt in your garden with a light mulch thick enough to shade the soil
surface. This provides shelter for small spiders, which are the number one
predator of insects. GB
What are some of the beneficial insects? UNH
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Ladybird Beetles or Ladybugs
Lacewings
Ground beetles
Wasps
Praying mantids
Dragonflies
Syrphid flies or flower flies
Ant lions
Lightning bugs
Natural Pesticides and Repellents
“I am the indweller of all the insects, all the birds, and animals. I am present in all the
living beings.”
“Non-violence means not causing harm to any living creature by thought, word and
deed.”
Pesticides of any kind, chemical or organic, should be avoided and used only as a last
resort. Use repellents if possible since they do not kill their targets.
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Plant native plants that are naturally resistant to pests
Utilize companion plants that are natural repellents to pests
Ensure that plants are healthy by using compost, mulch, and organic fertilizers
Encourage beneficial insects, birds, and other animals to live in your garden and
area
Use mulch to deter weeds
Use repellents such as those that contain garlic, hot pepper extract, and
essential oils of herbs and spices, like clove
Consider the use of biopesticides (not dharmic)
If you have tried the items listed above and nothing seems to work, you can turn your
garden over to nature or read on.
Organic pesticides are usually considered as those pesticides that come from natural
sources. These natural sources are usually plants, as is the case with pyrethrum
(pyrethins), rotenone or ryania (botanical insecticides), or minerals, such as boric acid,
cryolite, or diatomaceous earth. Organic pesticides are largely insecticides. CU
Even if a product is considered to be organic, it is still a pesticide. It is important to be
careful when using any pesticide, even organic or natural pesticides. Just because a
product is thought to be organic, or natural, does not mean that it is not toxic. Some
organic pesticides are as toxic, or even more toxic, than many synthetic chemical
pesticides. Organic pesticides have specific modes of action, just as do synthetic
pesticides. Be sure to check the label before use. CU
Some natural pesticides use a citrus-fruit peel base, such as from lemons and oranges.
Citrus oils kill many flying and crawling insects on contact by destroying the waxy
coating of the insect's respiratory system. CAG
While some organic pesticides may be nontoxic or are only slightly toxic to people, they
may be very toxic to other animals. For instance, the organic pesticide ryania is very
toxic to fish. Also, some organic pesticides may be toxic to beneficial insects, such as
honeybees, if they are combined with other materials, such as combining pyrethrins with
rotenone. CU
All pesticides, according to law, can only be used EXACTLY according to label
directions. Be sure to carefully read the label of ANY pesticide you use and follow the
instructions exactly as they are written. Be sure you use all pesticide products only when
and where the label says they can be used. CU
Biopesticides CU
Biopesticides are an important group of pesticides that can reduce pesticide risks. The
two types of biopesticides are biochemical and microbial. Biochemical pesticides may
have a similar structure to, and function like, naturally occurring chemicals, and have
nontoxic modes of action.
Insect pheromones, for example, are naturally-occurring chemicals that insects use to
locate mates. Man-made pheromones are used to disrupt insect mating by creating
confusion during the search for mates, or can be used to attract male insects to traps.
Pheromones are often used to detect or monitor insect populations, or in some cases, to
control them.
Microbial insecticides are another kind of biopesticide. They come from naturallyoccurring or genetically altered bacteria, fungi, algae, viruses or protozoans. They
suppress pests by:
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


Producing a toxin specific to the pest;
Causing a disease;
Preventing establishment of other microorganisms through competition; or
Other modes of action.
An example of a microbial pesticide is Bacillus thuringiensis, or "Bt." Bacillus
thuringiensis is a naturally occurring soil bacteria that is toxic to the larvae of several
species of insects but not toxic to nontarget organisms. Bacillus thuringiensis can be
applied to plant foliage or incorporated into the genetic material of crops. Bacillus
thuringiensis, as discovered, is toxic to the caterpillars (larvae) of moths and butterflies.
Several strains of Bt have been developed and now strains are available that control fly
larvae. These can be used in controlling mosquitoes and blackflies.
See the list of links at the end of this guide for more information.
In my experience, organic gardening is easier than control-oriented power gardening.
When you use planting patterns found in nature, you don't need to maintain combative
"chainsaw" relationships with your plants. I design beds and borders so a plant's natural
attribute (like a gentle weeping form) is an asset, not a detriment, to the surrounding
plants. I don't try to alter the essential nature of a plant or my soil; instead, I simply take
advantage of their strengths. I'm not an expert on pests and diseases because I rarely
deal with either of them. By leaving plenty of native plants along my property edges, I
provide habitat, cover, and fodder for wildlife. Those wild edges also support beneficial
insects that are natural predators of pesky ones.AL
What I like best about organic gardening is the result--an easygoing, healthy haven full
of birds, blossoms, and beauty. My garden is a place overflowing with ease and comfort,
not endless chores and problems. That feels great to me.AL
References
1. Swami Quote
2. Native Plants for Wildlife Habitat and Conservation Landscaping, Chesapeake
3.
4.
5.
Bay Watershed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
http://www.nps.gov/plants/pubs/chesapeake/pdf/chesapeakenatives.pdf
Swami Quote
Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve, P.O. Box 685, New Hope, PA, 18938-0685,
Phone: 215-862-2924, e-mail: http://www.bhwp.org
Sylva Native Nursery & Seed Company, 3815 Roser Road, Glen Rock, PA
17327, Phone: 717-227-0486, Fax: 717-227-0484, e-mail: sylvanat@aol.com
Swami Quote
The Virginia Gardener Handbook, Diane Relf, Editor
6.
7.
8. Worldwatch Institute (WI)
9. Espoma website: http://www.espoma.com
10. An Interview with John Robbins, educator, pioneer and best-selling author of Diet
for a New America. By Dennis Hughes, Share Guide Publisher (JR)
11. Ann Lovejoy, author of Ann Lovejoy's Organic Garden Design School,
by Rodale Press. For more information about Rodale Organic Gardening
magazine and books, visit www.organicgardening.com (AL)
12. Clean Air Gardening www.cleanairgardening.com/organicbuyers.html (CAG)
13. Companion Planting from David Beaulieu,
http://landscaping.about.com/cs/soilsfertilizers/a/companion_plant.htm (DB)
14. Cooperative Extension Service, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
ORGANIC MULCH, David J. Williams, Department of Natural Resources and
Environmental Sciences, NRES-19-97
http://www.ag.uiuc.edu/~vista/html_pubs/mulch/MULCH.html (UIUC)
15. Benefits of Mulch United States Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service, P.O. Box 2890
Washington, DC 20013
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/FEATURE/backyard/benmulch.html (NRCS)
16. http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/homecompost/
17. Make friends with your “good bugs”
http://www.govlink.org/hazwaste/house/yard/problems/goodbugs.cfm (GB)
18. The Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service
ORGANIC PESTICIDES http://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheets/HGIC2756.htm (CU)
19. The Butterfly Site, http://www.thebutterflysite.com/gardening.shtml (BFS)
20. The Baltimore Bird Club, http://baltimorebirdclub.org/by/attract.html (BBC)
21. Virginia Cooperative Extension http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/envirohort/426313/426-313.html (VCE)
22. Flower Gardening Made Easy, http://www.flower-gardening-madeeasy.com/soil.html (FGE)
Useful Website Links
Native Plants for Central Maryland Landscapes
Piedmont and Inner Coastal Plain
http://www.mdflora.org/publications/natplantsframe.html
Maryland Native Plant Society
http://www.mdflora.org/index.html
Delaware Native Plant Society
www.delawarenativeplants.org
Pennsylvania Native Plant Society
www.pawildflower.org
Native Plant Information
http://www.nativeplantinfo.org
New England Wild Flower Society Links Page
www.newfs.org/nps.htm
NatureServe
www.natureserve.org
Extremely Green website (Organic fertilizer and gardening supplies)
http://www.extremelygreen.com/fertilizerguide.cfm
The National Organic Program
http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/Consumers/Consumerhome.html
Sources of Organic Fertilizers and Amendments
http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/orgfert.php
National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service for details on companion planting
http://www.attra.org/attra-pub/complant.html.
Benefits of Mulching
http://www.gardenstew.com/blog/e3-15-mulching-benefits--organic-and-inorganic-mulchtypes.html
Earth Kind Gardening, http://organiclifestyles.tamu.edu/vegetables/soilpreparation.html
Maryland Cooperative Extension, http://extension.umd.edu/gardening/index.cfm