Organic Operator offering assistance

[G.L. In Ont]

Hey Everyone,

2009 will be an interesting year in Ontario Canada as the provincial pesticide ban kicks in in March.

I have been operating a 100% organic lawn care franchise for the last 5 years and have had some really good results. I have also learned a great deal about growing and maintaining healthy lawns without the use of chemicals.

If there are any operators in my area (north of Toronto - Richmond Hill, Newmarket, Aurora) that may be looking to sub-contract their fertilizing or even considering getting out of it all together I'd be interested in chatting with you. I have already worked with a few companies in the area and had success. Many owners are realizing that building their maintenance (cutting etc) business is a better alternative to trying to get up to speed on the organic process, products etc.

Thanks, Gavin

[Smallaxe]

So what does this pesticide ban involve? Can you use CGM as a pre-M?

[dishboy]

Sounds good to me , when can you start?

[G.L. In Ont]

The ban essentially includes pesticides, herbicides and insecticides and prohibits their use on residential properties.

If you google "toronto pesticide bylaw" you'll get a pretty good understanding of what it covers although as with most government documents it is pretty wordy.

CGM is still definitely fair game and we will be using lots of it this year, most likely in a liquid form.

[G.L. In Ont]

:canadaflag:

Are you up this way?

[turf hokie]

The ban essentially includes pesticides, herbicides and insecticides and prohibits their use on residential properties.

If you google "toronto pesticide bylaw" you'll get a pretty good understanding of what it covers although as with most government documents it is pretty wordy.

CGM is still definitely fair game and we will be using lots of it this year, most likely in a liquid form.

Is CGM not a herbicide anymore??

[G.L. In Ont]

Is CGM not a herbicide anymore??

A natural herbicide .. good point.

[Kiril]

There are many naturally occurring allelopathic substances that have inhibitory effects on other organisms .... not entirely sure this means they should be classified as an "herbicide". However isolation and use of these substances as an "herbicide" does give one reason to question where the line is drawn.

[turf hokie]

There are many naturally occurring allelopathic substances that have inhibitory effects on other organisms .... not entirely sure this means they should be classified as an "herbicide". However isolation and use of these substances as an "herbicide" does give one reason to question where the line is drawn.

That is exactly why I questioned. There are too many sets of rules that have too many exceptions to them.

[JDUtah]

"Round up" is for the cows and can be used as well, when a literal translation of its name is considered.

[turf hokie]

"Round up" is for the cows and can be used as well, when a literal translation of its name is considered.

Ah, that is typical. Take it to the next level of silliness.

He had originally said that ALL pesticides were banned, but then stated that CGM could be used. My question was if ALL pesticides were banned why was it still ok to use a organic one?

Last time I checked people were using a horse to "round up" a cow not a sprayer.

[JDUtah]

lol I couldn't resist. I agree with you though.

Too many rules, not enough understanding.

I prefer the 4 wheeler for round ups.

[Kiril]

One can only assume without reading up on the laws that the line is drawn at naturally occurring substances vs. those that are not.

[turf hokie]

lol I couldn't resist. I agree with you though.

Too many rules, not enough understanding.

I prefer the 4 wheeler for round ups.

Yeah, you got me a little worked up.

I think I have a mental road block with the way teh locals attack. I go in expecting to be bashed and accused etc..

And after the the openness and willingness to help on here I am slowly taking them down and realizing that I am probably dealing with some extremists, the problem is they are loud and opinionated and many times dont back things up but rely on the emotional aspect.

[Kiril]

realizing that I am probably dealing with some extremists

Extremist suck, no matter what side of the fence you are on. There is almost nothing I despise or distrust more than fanatical devotion to whatever ...........

[ICT Bill]

Is CGM not a herbicide anymore??

It is registered as a pesticide ( herbicide) but is exempt in the US and Canada because it is plant based. google "EPA section 25b exempt" you will find many "pesticides" that are considered safe because ..... well, they are
Rosemary oil
Corn Gluten Meal
Chitin
the list goes on and on

[DUSTYCEDAR]

Its all about how you skin a cat or something like that

[HayBay]

Well they just announced they will ban pesticides in ontario on APRIL 22,2009 Earth Day.

GL Ontario. Can you offer any advice to your organic approach
Are you using saritor?

What they are telling me at the LCO meetings is we need to educate our customers that there is no more pristine lawns, accept the weeds that are there.

Btw Jeffrey Lowes is supposed to be going after some key players in this ban. For misleading info and defamation type suits.