Monday's Myth #4

When it comes to garden chemicals, if a little bit is good, a lot is better.

This myth is not only false but dangerous. Doubling or tripling the dose of any garden input can have disastrous results. Weed killers used in this manner can injure plants you never intended to harm, not to mention leaving long-lived residues in soil. Over-use of insecticides may kill beneficial bugs, harm plants, and render vegetables unfit for consumption. Doubling the recommended rate of any pesticide increases the chances of poisoning people by inhalation, absorption through the skin, and by other routes.