http://www.lesstoxicguide.ca/index.asp?fetch=household

Our good friends in the North have given us this website with explanations on why household cleaners from Air Fresheners to Window Cleaners deserve a closer look and it also gives alternatives

http://www.co.sanmateo.ca.us/vgn/images/portal/cit_609/13/36/157018148Less Toxic Cleaners.pdf

http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/compost/452-129/452-129.html

Virginia Extension Office gives you a step by step explanation of how to test your soil. Call them at 899-4020 for the Soil Sample Information Sheet and a Soil Sample Box. The test costs $7.

http://www.psat.wa.gov/Programs/Pie_Ed/Water_ed/LAWNPSTR.pdf

This poster and fact sheet gives us some tips on keeping fertilizer out of our rivers and streams.

http://www.ext.vt.edu/departments/envirohort/factsheets2/fertilizer/jan89pr6.html

Virginia Extension Office provides this fact sheet on organic fertilizers. Keep in mind that used improperly organic fertilizers will contribute to water pollution just as much as chemical fertilizers. If you decide to fertilize at all, consider using organic compost or worm compost instead. We will look at composting in the "Let it Rot" section.

http://www.ext.vt.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/Docs.woa/wa/getcat?cat=ir-ln-fr

Virginia Extension Office provides this list of topics on fertilizers. In general, get your soil tested and if you decide to fertilize- once in fall, that’s all.

http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/envirohort/426-613/426-613.html

Virginia Extension Office provides this calendar describing what you can do for your garden each month.

http://www.audubon.org/bird/at_home/ReducePesticideUse.html

The Audubon Society wants us to reduce all pesticides but eliminate those used on lawns. This website also has links to 10 steps for responsible pesticide use.

http://www.vnps.org/nurslist.htm

Virginia Native Plant Society provides a list of nurseries who sell native plants. Native plants are naturally pest resistant and adapted to our climate.

http://www.ext.vt.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/Docs.woa/wa/getcat?cat=ir-ln-ip

Pesticides are a last resort. Virginia Extension Office provides these fact sheets on common pests

http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/deptmpl.asp?url=/content/dep/Grasscycling/guide.asp

Montgomery County provides this grasscycling guide

http://www.compostguide.com/

This is a comprehensive composting how to guide with tons of information and links

http://composting.suite101.com/article.cfm/alternative_ways_to_make_compost

This site has a couple ideas for those with limited space or neighborhood restrictions against composting

http://www.compostguide.com/composting_worms.html

If you have some space in the garage or an outdoor shed, consider worm composting. My sister has a bin in her garage and my niece calls it the worm hotel. We have worms to get you started, just ask.

http://www.psat.wa.gov/Programs/Pie_Ed/Water_ed/PET_PSTR.pdf

This poster and fact sheet provide tips on keeping pet waste out of our rivers and streams.

http://www.agnr.umd.edu/CES/Pubs/PDF/FS703.pdf

University of Maryland cooperative extension provides a fact sheet on pet waste and the Chesapeake Bay