From The Harvester, Summer 1971

Conservation begins at home

First, don’t use too much fertilizer. A soil sample analyzed by your nearest USDA field station will serve as a guide to proper fertilization and will oft-times save you money. Make sure that you don’t spread fertilizer on walks and driveways where rain and irrigation run-off will wash the material into storm sewers and eventually into lakes and streams.

Speaking of run-off, water your lawn and garden areas with care. These areas will absorb water at a specific rate depending upon soil type and the cover crop. Any greater amount of water applied will only run off and be wasted.

Your watering chores (not to mention weeding chores) can be greatly reduced by using mulches. Two to four inches of leaves, pine straw, peat moss, pine bark or the like, conserves moisture, serves as an effective weed control and prevents erosion from heavy rains.

Recycle plant residues. Residues, such as grass clippings, prunings and dead plant material make effective mulches. Composting these materials for a year or more makes a rich hummus for your garden.

It goes without saying that pesticides and herbicides should be used only according to the directions on the container label. Don’t use more of these products than is necessary to do the job. Plant and animal life can be seriously threatened through the misuse of pesticides. It is better to purchase small quantities of pesticides and herbicides in packages with directions for home gardens. Using chemicals designed for use with commercially grown crops is not a good idea. Parathion is definitely not for home gardening.

For years, members of Florida’s agri-industry have been front runners in the field of conservation and environment protection. No one knows better than the farmer, the importance of our natural resources. His livelihood is dependent upon their preservation. Join with Florida’s farmers in the struggle to maintain and improve our environment.