The City of Vancouver is launching its "get your yard off drugs" campaign to help residents understand a new pesticides bylaw, which came into effect Jan. 1. The bylaw restricts the types of pesticides, insecticides and fungicides that can be used on private and public property.

According to the Vancouver "yard off drugs" website:

• With proper mowing, watering and fertilization you can produce healthier lawns that crowd out weeds and reduce pest damage.
• Choose more pest-resistant kinds of plants. Replace problem plants with heartier varieties, and clean up diseased or dead plants to cut down on areas where pests can breed.
• Use pesticides as a last resort. Try alternatives such as removing problem weeds by hand. If you must use chemicals, instead of spraying a large area, use a spot-spray herbicide. Always follow the directions for the use of pesticides carefully.
• Accept nature. Learn to live with a few weeds or imperfect plants.

Addional Tips for a quality, chemical-free lawn include:

- Mowing Tips
- Watering Tips
- Healthy and Nutural Soil Tips

Other internet resources found with a simple search include:

- King County, Seattle WA - Get your yard off drugs
- Earth Easy - Natural Lawn Care
- Organic Lawn Care for the Cheap and Lazy (Bob, this is for you..)
- Organic Gardening
- Organic Garden Tips - 300 natural gardening tips

As the upcoming gardening season is approaching, you should probably book-mark this page.