The use of harmful pesticides is just as prevalent in cities as is on farms. Every year in the United States we spread 50 million pounds of chemical fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides and insecticides to manage our urban and rural landscapes. These chemicals pollute the soil, poison underground aquifers and contaminate rivers, lakes and streams.

Every year high concentrations of soluble nitrates and phosphates from chemical fertilizers wash downstream to the Gulf of Mexico where they create a dead zone that covers 7000 square miles, an area equal to the size of New Jersey. Though farm crops and suburban lawns turn green from these chemicals, in the Gulf they severely reduce the level of oxygen in the water which suffocates the fish, shrimp and other marine animals such as dolphins. For this reason the state of Minnesota restricts the use of certain fertilizers.

Sixty percent of suburban lawns are overly-fertilized. A half pound of nitrogen or phosphorus is usually all that is required each year to keep lawns looking green, though the average usage is
much higher. Organic fertilizers are more stable, less soluble and, therefore, less likely to pollute waterways. Organic composts and other natural amendments also fertilize and structure the soil, as they promote the growth of beneficial microbes and earthworms.

As with people and animals, properly nourished plants are able to resist diseases that are caused by insect, bacterial or fungal pests. A safe organic herbicide to kill weeds can be made from a mixture of vinegar, water and liquid soap. Certain herbs and flowers like Mexican Marigolds repel insect pests, while others attract “beneficial” insects such as lady bugs or praying mantis that kill harmful insects. Some vegetables and herbs enhance each other’s growth when planted side by side in the garden. There are many such “companion plant” combinations, such as tomatoes and basil or cucumbers and dill.