Clean Water Begins in your Garden

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Clean Water Begins in your Garden

• Smart LandscapingTips
• Go Native plants that are native to
  northwest Indiana will naturally thrive in our
  climate with minimal care this adds up to less
  money spent on fertilizers, pesticides and water.
  
• Learn as much as you can about plants before
  you buy them- read books, surf the web, ask your
  neighbors or at your local nursery. Contact the
  master gardeners at the Lake County Cooperative
  Extension office at 755-3240 for expert advice.
• If you do find that you need to use pest
  controls in your yard, try using the least toxic
  methods first.
• Mulching will help retain water as well as
  minimize weed and pest problems. Grind leaves
  with your mower in the fall for use as free
  mulch.
• Put up a couple of wren houses in your yard-
  these little birds love to eat those pesky
  insects that chomp on your flowers/veggies!
  
• Once youve followed these steps, be sure to
  take any unwanted lawn care products to your
  local hazardous waste collection site for proper
  disposal. Call 1-800-946-4449 for schedule.

Image courtesy of SEMCOG
Did you know that you can help protect your
kids, pets and the environment from the harmful
effects of herbicides and pesticides by
practicing earth-friendly gardening? The
products we commonly use to keep those pesky
weeds and insects under control often contain
chemicals that contribute to pollution of our
waterways. Minimizing or eliminating the need for
these products in our yards will help to keep the
water clean and healthy for everyone!
Fortunately there are many options available to
help lessen our dependence on chemical garden
care. It IS possible to have a beautiful garden
without all the chemicals!
Brought to you by the Municipal Stormwater
Community MS4 Partnership and Northwestern
Indiana Regional Planning Commission 6100
Southport Road Portage IN 46368 For more
information contact Mary Beth Wiseman,
Environmental Planner mwiseman_at_nirpc.org