By Melinda Frey, Raindrop Garden Design owner and designerHakenchloa Aureola

Spring is here! Let’s take advantage of those sporadic dry and sunny days and spend some time in our back yards with our best friends. It’s an opportunity to soak up a dose of vitamin D take in some fresh air and spend some quality time tossing the Frisbee in the back yard for the pooch. As spring progresses, your garden will require more attention to its needs with fertilizing, mulching and weed control. It’s important to make sure that the products you use are not toxic to your pets. Read labels carefully before applying. Feet and paws alike can pick up toxic pesticides and herbicides from the garden can be tracked into the house and can be ingested by simply licking their paws.

Organic garden products are readily available in garden centers. Sustainable practices will improve soil conditions, produce healthier plants, attract urban wildlife and create a safe and harmonious environment for you and your pooches.

Here are 5 simple ways to make your yard a healthier place.

1. Good old fashioned weed pulling, the earlier in the growing season the better. The tender weed seedlings pull up easily since their root system isn’t established. This method requires perseverance and repeated treatment.

2. For weeds growing in gravel paths or driveways look into Red Dragon’s propane vapor torch, most effective when weeds first emerge. This can be found online. Don’t use near flammable materials such as wooden garden beds. Protect surrounding plants with a non flammable barrier. A 2’x3’ piece of sheetrock works like a charm.

3. Be sure to keep all garden products in covered containers that aren’t accessible to your four-legged friends. Some natural fertilizers smell irresistible and too much of anything can make one sick. Better to be safe than sorry.

4. SLUGGO is a pet safe, environmentally friendly slug and snail bait. Start using this early in the season as slugs love munching on tender new growth.

5. Use organic fertilizers making sure they are pet safe; you’ll find an assortment at your favorite garden center. If you want to dive in head first into organic gardening I recommend visiting Naomi’s 2500 SE Tacoma St. in Southeast Portland, www.naomisorganic.com . It’s great to support local businesses and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable.

 

Making a few simple changes in your gardening practices can give you a good start towards becoming a part of the sustainable solution and making your outdoor environment a safer haven for all members of your family.

 

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