Laidback Gardener Tip of the Day Pesticides

Always (Re)read the Pesticide Label

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No matter if you’ve used a pesticide before, always reread the label before using it. hghource: npic.orst.edu

Today, an extra simple “tip of the day,” but also extra important one for your plants, for the environment and for your health and that of your family:

Before applying any pesticide, read or reread the label, even if you think you know it by heart.

It only takes a few minutes and can prevent a lot of damage.

The rule “if a little is good, then most must be better” certainly doesn’t apply to pesticides. Pesticides applied at a greater concentration than recommended can damage the very plants they’re supposed to protect. And overly diluting a pesticide will make it inefficient. Plus there may be restrictions (don’t apply in full sun, in hot weather, when rain is announced within the next 24 hours, on such and such a plant, etc.) that you’ve forgotten. Look too for the expiry date. If you’ve kept the product much beyond it, it may no longer be effective.

And remember: this rule applies to both organic pesticides and chemical ones: it’s not because Mother Nature created a product that it’s not hazardous when misused!

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Garden writer and blogger, author of 65 gardening books, lecturer and communicator, the Laidback Gardener, Larry Hodgson, passed away in October 2022. Known for his great generosity, his thoroughness and his sense of humor, he reached several generations of amateur and professional gardeners over his 40-year career. Thanks to his son, Mathieu Hodgson, and a team of contributors, laidbackgardener.blog will continue its mission of demystifying gardening and making it more accessible to all.

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