Gardening in Kentucky is a project of the University of Kentucky Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. The immediate goal of this project is to increase access and knowledge of IPM strategies to homeowners looking for ways to control pests in their landscapes. The long-term goal is the reduction of the quantity of pesticides used in maintaining lawns, woody landscape plants, and ornamental gardens and homeowner contribution to nonpoint pollution of waters.
By addressing landscape practices that neglect plant health and ignore integrated options with the use of gardening gifts, we hope to create change in home landscape management. Did you know the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A.) reports that 100 million pounds of active ingredient from herbicides, insecticides, miticides, and fungicides are applied in homes and gardens yearly in the United States. If this number seems overwhelming, stop and think about how often we tackle the lawn weeds with broadleaf sprays or empty a can of knock-down spray on wasps and flies.
It is possible to have a great looking landscape with the use of a gardn spade which you may have received from gifts for gardeners without constant spraying for insects, diseases and weeds? We believe with the right tools, use of garden gifts and knowledge a sustainable landscape with limited pesticide useage is not only possible but the responsibility of every homeowner. Funding provided by University of Kentucky Integrated Pest Management Program. Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, or national origin.