Gardening Tip ~ Pesticides & Herbicides: What are the rules?

1 min to read

Article by Sally Hossain, Master Gardener with copy editing by Doreen Coyne. Both are members of the Richmond Hill Garden & Horticultural Society.

Health Canada has information, regulations, and guidelines for pesticide use. They also have helpful information on the risks of using Herbicides. This list regarding pesticides was compiled by Sally Hossain, a Master Gardener in our Society, of Canadian sites that discuss alternatives to the chemicals our parents had access to when we were kids.  Those product brands are still available but without the “harsher” chemicals that did the job. But of course, those chemicals caused environment issues and the newer formulas do not.


Below is a list of links and topics to effectively handle pests and weeds without creating more environmental concerns.

           * Canada’s Plant Hardiness SiteThis site explores the relationship between plants and climate across Canada. One portion of the site is dedicated to zone maps showing plant hardiness.

          * Environment Canada  This site is a comprehensive source of information related to the environment and the weather.

          * Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) - This government ministry is responsible for the food, agriculture, and rural sectors of Ontario.  Within the OMAFRA site, there is also some good information.

                       - Type “Weed Killers” in the search window of the OMAFRA site and you’ll find some interesting articles on weeds including their ability to be resistant to herbicides as well as help to identify the type of weed you have.

                         - The Online Gardener's Handbook 2010, Chapter 2: Integrated Pest Management. Pesticides in an Integrated Pest Management Approach.  BTW: Chapter 7 talks about lawns. http://omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/gardbk/gh-ch2-3pest.htm