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Organic options
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Natural pesticides are an alternative to chemicals that harm land and water resources
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Neem leaves and chilli powder can keep pests at bay.
THE INVISIBLE Gardener is an association of organic gardeners. [`Invisible' refers to the impact of organic practices on the environment.] This international association has 6,000-odd members, provides information on organic pest control and natural ways of pest care, thus promoting a healthier, cleaner lifestyle. It also acts as a seal of organic approval. If a pesticide, marketed as organic is not really so, the association finds out and informs users. The members receive a resource directory, a quarterly newsletter giving advice on tree care the natural way, compost production, free time online, a bulletin board service, an infobank and a self help resource directory. The Invisible Gardener functions at P.P. Box 4311, Malibu, CA 90265, U.S.A.
Natural solutions
Andy Lopez, who started the association, is motivated by the philosophy: "Help Nature heal itself." He uses vinegar, flour, garlic, cloves, peppermint soap and Tabasco sauce as pesticide. More and more chemical pesticides are being outlawed in the U.S. In such a situation, organic alternatives are the best way to tackle pests.
Peppermint soap is toxic to insects and ants, confusing their senses and driving them away. One tablespoon in a gallon of water is the recommended proportion. Vinegar acts as a nutritional supplement and is quickly absorbed. A bowl of vinegar with lettuce leaves, placed in a garden, attracts all natural predators. If we get the same type of pests, it is an indication of an infestation problem. If the bowl captures a wide variety of pests the population is well balanced and this is usually a good sign.
Flour is another alternative. When poured around the base of plants, it creates a temporary barrier. Flour can be mixed with cayenne pepper. Flour mixed with compost heals scarred trees.
A mixture of water, garlic and cayenne pepper is effective against various pests. The mixture can be directly sprayed on plants.
Tabasco sauce, a food condiment, has been around since 1868 in the U.S. Its new-found use as a herbicide/pesticide is not promoted by the manufacturer! Its success as a pesticide fighter is due to the cayenne pepper (red chillies) that it contains.
Why `invisible'
Most pesticide-herbicide chemicals are hazardous and have extreme effects on the soil. Healthy soil is the key to organic pest control and gardening.
Lopez has been involved in organic growing methods all his life. To support his studies at the University of Colorado, Boulder, Lopez ran an organic gardening business at night. His clients would wake up to see a fine garden, but without a gardener! This earned Lopez the nickname "Invisible Gardener." The name stuck - it became the name of his business at Malibu, California and of the association. He has authored two books on organic methods of gardening titled "How to heal the Earth in your spare time and natural pest control" and "Alternatives to chemical pest control for home garden, farmers and professionals."
Indian alternatives
There are invisible gardeners in our country too, who work in different areas. There are Indian answers to Tabasco sauce too - Vasambu acorus calamus and azadiractin [found in neem leaves, neem oil, oilcake and powdered seeds], apart from chilli powder. What's more, gardeners in our country have to be careful as pesticides outlawed in developed countries are sold here.
Lawns and gardens do not need to be doused in toxic chemicals to be healthy. Natural pesticides can help do away with the use of chemicals on land and water resources.
J. MANGALARAJ JOHNSON
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