A Gardening Accident Waiting to Happen
Ξ April 13th, 2008 | → | ∇ Organic |
Here’s my take on one of the hottest gardening “solutions” being offered up to unsuspecting gardeners this season. An accident waiting to happen.
One of the biggest “solutions” being offered up by chemical gardening fans is the “environmentally-friendly” water absorbing chemicals. The premise is that you mix this material into your soil and it absorbs moisture. It then slowly releases this moisture for your plants. You have a way to fight off drought and water stress.
But let’s look at it a little closer.
Is it organic? And is it environmentally friendly?
Let’s examine the nature of whether it is organic or not. The first thing to understand is that the material in question (one of them anyway) is something called “acrylamide”. The National Cancer Institute gives us this definition, “Acrylamide is a chemical compound that occurs as a solid crystal or in liquid solution. Its primary use is to make polyacrylamide and acrylamide copolymers. Trace amounts of the original (unreacted) acrylamide generally remain in these products. Polyacrylamide and acrylamide copolymers are used in many industrial processes, including production of paper, dyes, and plastics, and the treatment of drinking water, sewage and waste. “
This is a chemical process - a copolymer - and is so far removed from organic treatments as to be a non-contender.
I note that acrylamide is found in some cooked (mostly burned) foods (hence the thought that they might be “natural”) but is a recognized carcinogen. Is is not found in raw foods and it is heavily concentrated in cigarette smoke.
Here’s the link to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and what they have to say.
The Global Garden (Australia) interviewed Dr. Peter May about these horticultural products and this was his reaction to the question, Are wetting agents environmentally damaging? “For soil wetting agents to work effectively, they cannot be too readily bio-degradable or their effectiveness will be very transitory.”
So we have cancer causing products that are not readily biodegradable. Hmm, doesn’t sound very “organic” to me.
ACORN (The Atlantic Canadian Organic Regional Network) states pretty clearly, “Organic producers should always check the label before purchasing a commercial transplant mix. Many commercial products contain synthetic wetting agents which are prohibited under organic standards. If any of the ingredients on the commercial mix are questionable, producers should check with their certification body before making a purchase.”
Hmmm, “prohibited under organic standards”.
I think that takes care of the organic nature of this “solution” to dry soils. If you’re an organic gardener, you’re not going to be using this stuff. Not in containers, not in the ground. It just isn’t organic and can be dangerous if misused.
Now to the next question. Is it environmentally friendly? Well, it’s not organic. It is persistent and it will have a negative effect on the soil microorganisms. Is this friendly?
Not likely.
I believe we’re left with the marketing notion of “environmentally friendly”. In other words, we can’t call it “organic” because its not (and that’s a regulated word) so we’ll call it “environmentally friendly” - a great marketing word-combination that’s applied to darn near anything in today’s increasingly green-conscious world. The word combination isn’t regulated so you can call anything you want “environmentally friendly”.
Just a little
Let’s briefly look at the notion that you could use this “just a little” because it works and it would make your garden a little better in a drought.
Using non-organics is a statement. And that statement is, “My desire to grow this plant outweighs the possible consequences of polluting my environment, that of my family and that of my neighbours.” You can apply this kind of thinking to any agricultural chemical - from Roundup to Wetting Agents to Weed and Feed.
Is a little a bad thing? Well, I guess that’s for every gardener to judge and every gardener to make the decision. And you do. A few years ago now, researchers pointed out that urban and suburban gardeners used approximately 4 times the amounts of active chemicals per acre of ground than our farmers did. So a little bit extra here and a little bit extra there and pretty soon you have a polluted landscape. Nobody really “did it” but it’s there nevertheless. This figure may have altered somewhat but from the stacks of weed and feed at our local garden centers this past weekend, I suspect not a lot. Many of you or your neighbors chose to pollute in order to kill off a few yellow flowers.
So is a little wetting agent, a soil watering aid, a bad thing?
Is your need worth polluting your own garden? And your family’s? Neighbours?
Folks - this is where we all run into problems. Where’s the line between “normal” living and “green” living. Is it OK to use a teaspoon of detergent (essentially a wetting agent) in several gallons of water to aid in spraying an organic product? Is it OK to mix this chemical (doing a similar kind of thing) into your soil? Where’s the line here?
There are things we all do that are not completely organic. Heck, I get up in the morning and put on clothes that aren’t totally organic (as do we all). Where’s the line?
This is, quite frankly, something I struggle with constantly as a gardener and as a writer. When I put it “out there” in writing, I damn well better be sure I’m prepared to stand up in my own gardening practices as well.
So my line on this product is clear. I don’t use it. It’s not remotely organic nor even close.
There are gardening practices that accomplish the same thing so why go down this chemical route? (Heavy mulch in gardens and larger containers or more frequent watering in containers).
Bottom line: I don’t use - don’t recommend it as a tool for good gardeners.
And like all things, if you can prove that wetting agents are “organic” and certifiable, then I’ll welcome your research and links and to me learning something new.
photo credit: selva
on April 15th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
Thank you Doug. This blog really hit home! I’ve been thinking about it for days. Especially the part about using only “a little”.
Today, when I was in the garden putting only a little systemic fertilizer on the roses, it finally hit me. What would happen if I stopped using only a little fertilizer here and there? Probably some of my precious plants and shrubs wouldn’t survive. But, they can be replaced by something that will live in the composted and mulched soil that I have.
I’m also rethinking water requirements of the plants. I have soaker hoses throughout the garden. Some plants may be in the wrong place for my Eastern PA hot summer Zone 6 garden. So, some plants may be moved. I’ll have to see how the summer goes and make decisions one at a time. Plants can be replaced. If I replace plants. I understand that the new plants will need to be watered until established but planting at the right time of the year will help lessen water requirement.
My main source of fertilizer has changed over the years to compost, compost tea and fish emulsion. But I can do better by eliminating the “little” bit.
Thank you again for this blog. Everyone who gardens should read it. We can all do better.
on April 15th, 2008 at 11:48 pm
Marie - my best guess is that when you stop using that “little” bit that nothing is going to really happen. Or that nothing bad is going to happen in any case as a result of not using the fertilizer. I’ve grown roses with only compost and fish emulsion for years (and wrote 2 rose books in the process)
And yes, watering is on my mind too right now. My partner and I are building a brand new garden and even though we live on the water, we’re likely going to install drip irrigation - it’s a philosophical thing rather than a practical thing for us in our situation.
You lead from the front.
But finding the line is indeed tricky and it blurs on me regularly; I wish it were always so clear in other parts of my life as it can be in gardening.
But thanks for the kind words - made my day.
on April 24th, 2008 at 10:44 am
Good morning Doug! I, too, am a not-so-perfect organic or green living being. I really need this disclaimer before I start my rampage here.
I have been spying on several gardening sites lately, davesgarden and yours are the 2 best ones Ive seen. I would like to be a paying subscriber on yours like I am on daves, and now that I’m becoming involved in the discussions here and you’re really listening to and responding to me, I think I definetely will do so.
Getting to the subject matter, these polymere crystals horrify me. They seem so insignificant being so small, look clean being white, and claim to save your plants when you can’t be there to do so. These companies market these polyester “crystals’ as time saving helpers to the busy gardener. What are these gardeners thinking when they purchace and use these styrofoam balls? Are’nt these the same people who tell us all not to use styrofoam plates and cups?
I don’t think I’ll say much more at this time because I’m far from perfect myself. But I have never bought a bag of these to add to my soil. I never will! If you need a replacement, there are other avenues. To say any more, I would need Doug’s permission, as I may reference another gardening website.
on April 24th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Doug you are my hero!!
Your constant reminders to your readers of the evils of chemicals and how easy organic gardening is gives me great pleasure and restores my faith in humans!
I have converted to organic gardening over the last several years ad feel so much better about it. My gardens thrive and I have lots of birds and frogs and bugs that I know I’m not poisoning.
Reading your newsletter reinforces the good I am doing and helps me to find organic alternatives to the chemical “solutions” that abound in our society.The forum you have set up is now my latest addiction and is a wealth of info as well.
I also feel emboldened to tell retailers that I want organic solutions and products available and at reasonable prices.
I have the pleasure of going to hear Elizabeth May speak tonight in the city of Owen Sound and would love to go to one of your seminars too! I have signed up for your on line seminars and am looking forward to them getting underway.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
A big fan,
Jennifer
on April 24th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Doug, thank you for the information on wetting agents. I had no idea they were out there & would have probably thought they were a good thing.
It never ceases to amaze me how opportunists jump at the chance to use a bad situation to make a buck & at the same time worsen the situation.
Such is the case of these wetting agents designed to hold water in the soil. We have a critical problem in the world with global warming & yet, every minute something is being invented to destroy the environment even more, just to please the many who choose to prioritize their own pleasure over the welfare of the earth. And how many trusting souls would use this product only to be horrified when they find out exactly what they are putting into their soil?
Does it ever occur to these companies to carefully research the implications of their new products before they rush them into the marketplace? Or do they even care?
on April 24th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
I totally agree with what you say , wouldnt coir in the garden do the same thing in holdiing water?
I am all for compost and mulching myself.
on April 26th, 2008 at 1:05 am
Doug,
I totally agree with you on adding not anything to the soil that will cause more harm than good. Yes, my lawn in Spring is a beautiful tapestry of yellow dandelions, purple violets, and lilac ground ivy flowers. I detest the ground ivy at any other time of the year because it is so invasive, but in Spring it adds color to the lawn. I only use corn gluten and mulch as a weed control. By encouraging birds to my property through water, brushpiles and snags, they keep the insect population under control. My resident toad cleans up the earwigs by the porch. We used to have a nice bat population until a greedy developer bulldozed 6 acres of wetlands across the road. Now I get excited when I see dragonflies visiting my yard, as they are mosquitos deadliest enemy. A feral cat that nobody can get near keeps the mice, moles and chipmunks under control. My only problem is groundhogs. We’ve had to trap quite a few of them and release them in a wooded area by the lake. Otherwise, all is well here on my little piece of the planet.
on April 26th, 2008 at 10:47 am
Thanks for the kind words folks
Pee-ed down their holes on 7th innning stretches. Works like a charm.
Chelle - you don’t have to pay to play at my sites. Yes, I love it when you guys buy ebooks but I also give some of those away to subscribers, not to mention the free gardening forums and over 3000 articles (at the time of writing). So play away and welcome.
Anne - coir would indeed act as organic matter in the garden. Good alternative according to what I’ve read. I’ve never used it - straw and leaves being available and not very expensive around me.
Barbara - do a search on groundhogs on simplegiftsfarm.com I got rid of them using a very simple technique.
Jennifer - I rarely travel now to do seminar talks but I had so much fun at the last webinar that I’m working on plans to do a lot more of them. Other folks that don’t know about these can find them at http://www.online-gardening-courses.com (way too much fun)
Elaine - most folks don’t research everything they use - no. We trust “environmentally safe” labelling - there’s only so much we can do as consumers and it’s why guys like me try to look behind the labelling.
on April 26th, 2008 at 11:06 am
Good information on the crystals Doug. Thank you.
I have a comment and question for you. I’ve heard that cypress forests are now being cut down (versus using by-products or fallen trees) to provide the ever-growing demand for cypress mulch. Last fall instead of blowing the leaves out of my garden, I left them on the beds considering it mother nature’s original mulch. It’s not as pretty as mulch and is taking some adjustment, but I know it has to be better for the environment. A friend was concerned that the leaves may be harboring diseases. What’s your take on leaves as a nature mulch? Thanks.
on April 27th, 2008 at 11:39 am
Janell- I’ve written two posts about cypress mulch here on my blog - you can check out both sides of the equation. Leaves on beds are a great idea, upwards of 4 inches is fine and the plants will grow through them. On the lawns, simply mow them and blow them onto the flower beds. All leaves are better chopped up but they are not going to be a disease haven - quite the contrary.
on April 27th, 2008 at 8:26 pm
Hmmmmm . . . just read your article on the polymer crystals on the market that are sold as a solution to drought conditions — and I admit to using them in my containers a few years back. After trying to research the chemical compounds in this product and unable to find anything in print that even relatively sounded “organic”, I chose to stop using and wait to see what happened when the organic “geeks” had a chance to respond. I didn’t have to wait long and your article summarized my sentiments perfectly. You see, I’m one of those organic “geeks”. About 12 years ago my dog came down with a liver ailment that sent him to the hospital for 6 days and had the vet asking us all kinds of questions about what we were using on our lawn, etc. Bottom line: We were systematically, although unknowingly at the time, poisoning our dog over the course of his lifetime. More importantly, my own 3 young kids were also on that lawn daily. I went organic cold turkey and over the course of approx. 4 years turned my soil into the best looking landscape in the neighborhood — and I do stress “soil” — because without a strong sustainable soil you will never have a strong solid lawn. If would welcome helping anyone needing the support and guidance to establish an organic lawn and garden — I’m so happy and proud of what we’ve accomplished and have helped many family, friends, and co-workers to re-think using synthetic chemicals on their lawns and gardens. By the way, my 1 1/2 year old granddaughter runs and rolls on our lawn all the time — and I don’t worry at all! Deb Faria, Mansfield, Massachusetts
on April 29th, 2008 at 3:06 am
I agree with Doug. If it isn’t a “natural” substance, it isn’t in my garden. I plan to eat what I grow, and I would prefer not to have carcinogens in or on my produce.
on May 1st, 2008 at 11:48 pm
Thanks so much for this information, Doug. I once tried out some of that crap for a client, in some hanging containers that would invariably dry out too much before I could get back to them for watering chores, and was very reluctant to do so even then. I thought they were disgusting to deal with, and I didn’t (and still don’t) believe that they actually release water in any practical amounts as they claim they do. (I don’t know; I suppose the water has to enter the soil as the polymers dry out, but I think they just stay gooey, insulated by the potting soil.) But the biggest problem I have with them is exactly what you lay out clearly in your comments here. I never researched it enough to know the specific chemicals used and their manufacturing process; I just assumed it was not organic, and never used it again.
As to the “just a little bit” school of thought adhered to by some people, I always put it this way to clients who can’t imagine their garden can do without toxic pesticides and frankenfertilizers: even if you use only one cupful, in order for that cupful to be available to you, there’s a factory somewhere making the stuff, polluting the surrounding environment, poisoning the wild- and not-so-wild- life around, and there are people who will work in the plant, breathing or being in contact with it, and carrying it home to their children on their clothes or in their hair or whatever. There’s just no good way to have this stuff existing anywhere on Earth without it hurting someone somewhere.
Thanks again. You do good work.
Nori
on May 5th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
I’m glad to read your no nonsense comments on this (and all other things). I try to be as ‘green’ as possible and sometimes these things tempt me and I’m too lazy to do the research to look behind the hype. Thanks for the straight scoop.