An expert look at alternatives to the “chemical stew” to keep your lawn and garden healthy, and the entire planet happy, and safe.More than two generations of gardeners have practiced their craft with the arsenal of chemical pesticides and herbicides developed since WWII. The “folk knowledge” used for generations prior to that, much of which does indeed have a “scientific” basis, is largely unused and even forgotten today. Much of the more recent scientifically based research into alternatives has had limited distribution.As the “green movement” grows stronger in Canada, and pressure increases to limit the use of cosmetic pesticides and herbicides within urban and even rural municipalities, there is a growing need for information about effective alternate tools. The desire to go “chemical free” is there. Here are the tools to make it possible, with comprehensive, understandable, workable practices.