’Roid Rage

Over-fertilizing your lawn or garden can cause problems. Excess nutrients can harm the waterways that they are washed into and the life that ecosystem supports. Help keep your waters clean — and critters normal — with these simple steps: mow high and return clippings so your lawn may not need fertilizer; if you do fertilize, once a year is enough for established lawns; use ‘slow-release’ fertilizers; more is not better; and sweep fertilizer that spills onto your driveway or other paved surfaces back onto the lawn, according to Rhode Island Stormwater Solutions. Click on cartoon for more information. (Cartoon courtesy of South Kingstown resident Don Bousquet)