Pensacola News Journal

For:  Saturday, Oct. 11, 2003

By:   Daniel E. Mullins

        Extension Horticulture Agent

Santa Rosa County

Handling Left Over Gardening Chemicals

With winter coming, its time to start thinking about what to do with fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides and other chemicals left over from the growing season.  Following are some tips for use when storing these products.

■ Buy only the amount that you need for a specific job or for the current growing season.  Smaller volume containers, even if more expensive per ounce, might actually be the best buy in the long run, when considering storage requirements and possible waste.

■ Consult the label for the storage requirements of each product.  Some must be protected from freezing, while others are sensitive to light or moisture.

■ Keep chemicals in original containers with lids tightly closed and labels intact.  Never transfer excess pesticide or fertilizer to an empty food container.  A child or non-reader may be poisoned.  One of every four pesticide related deaths involve children who are accidentally poisoned.

■ Store all pesticides together in one area or on one shelf and store all fertilizers in a different area or shelf.  Keep herbicides separate from insecticides and insecticides separate from fungicides.  This can help prevent you from picking up the wrong chemical when in a hurry.  Also, some herbicides are highly volatile substances and can contaminate other products when confined in close quarters.

■ Do not store pesticides near flammable materials, food, medicine, seed or animal feed.

 ■ Liquid chemicals should be stored separately from dry chemicals.  Opened containers can be placed in sealable clear plastic bags or see-through plastic ware.  This allows for easy identification while containing leaks and helping to avoid accidental spills. 

■ Mark all containers with the date of purchase and keep a written inventory of materials on hand and use older chemicals first. The inventory also helps in planning purchases next season.  Useful records include product name, active ingredient, date of purchase, record of use and volume stored.

            There are several things to consider when designing a storage area.  It should be easy to lock, well ventilated and properly lighted when in use.  It should remain dry and protected from flooding, high humidity, extreme heat and freezing.

            Allow enough space when designing the storage area for the separation of different types of materials.  It should also be enclosed in such a manner that leaks or spills can be contained and cleaned without the risk of contaminating soil and water in the area. 

            Even under good storage conditions, there will be times that the proper disposal of outdated or spoiled fertilizers and pesticides is necessary.  These products are considered hazardous wastes and should be handled appropriately.  Most counties are set up to help with proper disposal.  In Santa Rosa County the Public Works Department offers Amnesty Days, with pick up points.  Watch for announcements in your local newspaper.  In Escambia County, contact the landfill for specific information.

Question of the Week:  I am growing confederate jasmine plants in the landscape and would like to know if they go dormant in the winter and how to fertilize them.

Answer:  Confederate jasmine is grown as either a ground cover or a vine.  It has interesting foliage and highly fragrant blossoms that occur during the spring and early summer.  In North Florida it is considered a broadleaved evergreen plant.  The foliage takes on a bronze appearance when exposed to cold weather, but this color change is desirable to many gardeners.

            The recommended fertilization practice varies with the age of the plants, fertility of the soil and the amount of organic matter supplies.  For general fertilization, an application rate of one pound of 12-4-8 or an equivalent amount of fertilizer per 100 square feet of area is adequate. 

            Healthy, vigorous plants are maintained by a regular fertilization program consisting of two to three applications each year.  In north Florida the first application can be made in March and another in September.  An additional application, if necessary can be made during the summer.