Try to use simple methods to control pests

By John Warrington

I wrote a few words at the end of last week’s column about using chemicals, and the ever increasing risks of newer and newer chemicals and their dangers.  I always try and use the simplest methods to control these problems in my garden and would urge everyone who has a small private garden to try and avoid chemicals whenever possible. 
 
   Some gardeners will always use chemicals, however, either in liquid form or as dusts, but there are obvious disadvantages, not least of which is that dusts blow all over the place, and can get blown off or washed off plants very easily.  It is also a fact that many of the chemicals available in dust form are just as dangerous to use as are liquid preparations, and it is therefore vitally important to make sure that you are upwind when applying them so that they’re not blowing over you or your clothing.  This golden rule of course applies when you are spraying liquids as well.   However dusts do have their place, especially in protected parts of the garden.