Drought Prevention

If you haven’t already read my last blog post on drought, check that out before you read this!

Since drought tends to affect Nevada more than some other states, we need to preserve as much water as we can. Here are some ways we can lessen the effects of drought:

Indoors Prior to a Drought:

• Not pouring water down the drain when you could use it for another purpose. For example, watering your indoor plants with leftover water.
• Choose appliances that are more water efficient
• Check all plumbing and appliances for leaks. Dripping faucets waste 2,700 gallons of water per year.

Outdoors Prior to a Drought:

• Position sprinklers so they only hit grass and plants and not pavement
• Create a watering schedule
• Check and fix sprinklers periodically

During a Drought:

• Avoid taking baths and take shorter showers
• Avoid letting the water run while brushing your teeth
• Don’t overwater plants or grass
• 
  In extreme drought, let grass die in order to save water for larger plants and trees

Written By: Baylee Hale

Pesticides

Pesticides and The Health Hazards Associated with them

First and foremost, a pesticide is a chemical substance used to kill harmful insects, small animals, wild plants and other unwanted organisms. Meaning its soul purpose is to kill, so can a healthier, risk free version be made? The answer is no, because a pesticide can never be completely risk free, but lower risk versions are being made. Moreover, pesticides certainly have a positive aspect, they are helpful, readily available, and cheaper than other methods. Although pesticides have positives they also have a list of negative side effects to both the environment and humans. A quote from the PMC  says “Pesticides can contaminate soil, water, turf, and other vegetation. In addition to killing insects or weeds, pesticides can be toxic to a host of other organisms including birds, fish, beneficial insects, and non-target plants”. This quote highlights a multitude of concerns the american public has. So another option many people to turn are natural alternatives, when at home gardening or treating their lawns. Many people turn to this option because they worry about the effects on their pets as well as their own health. Although, when used properly most pesticides don't have a negative effect upon contact with the previously treated area. Many all natural options include salt, neem oil, onion spray. If alternatives aren't your thing then following the instructions extremely carefully should be sufficient.

1. Read all hazards and warning carefully
2. Never eat or drink while spraying pesticides and have the proper equipment on at all times per the kind you're spraying
3. Mix pesticides in a well ventilated area
4. Only mix enough for your current applications, not future applications
5. Double check all spray equipment works and that its not windy
6. Make sure work area is clear then continue to spray
7. Afterwards don't water area and wash all clothing worn during this

These above precautions are all for a reason so please follow them.

Written By: Alexsandra Knowlton

Pesticides

How to Grow Tomatoes

Growing tomatoes is a popular activity for the at home gardener and can very worthwhile. It is quite easy with the right steps and preparation. Tips on such things as soil, growing season, and varieties can help immensely. Tomatoes are sub-tropical plants and require a position in full sun. Tomatoes also require a very fertile soil. A healthy plant may be up to 2 meters tall. One kind of tomato is the Beefsteak kind which is a large Mediterranean style tomato, excellent for sandwiches and salads. Then a Cherry tomato is a Small, round and usually has excellent flavor. Sowing seeds indoors in late February to mid March using a heated propagator or a warm, South facing windowsill is an awesome option. If you plan on using compost the temperature of the compost should be around 22 degrees Celsius or room temp for the seeds to germinate. Young plants will also need to be kept warm until early Summer when the soil temperature is above at least 10 degrees. All that's left is to transplant the tomato plants. Dig a hole for each plant 18in apart in the bed then make the hole 2in deeper than the pot. Add support by burying a length of twine under the root ball when planting and tying the other end to a support above the plant, this is easy. Outdoor planting allows for a wide range of tomato supports available. Then care for plants as one usually would.

Written By: Alexsandra Knowlton