Search Results
Indiana Master Gardeners were surveyed to determine their perceptions of adequacy of training related to pesticide use in the home garden and landscape. Respondents were also asked to indicate their attitudes regarding “organic” gardening practices and education. Of the 1054 surveys mailed, 568 were returned with usable responses. Of these responses, 217 had received some advanced training. More than 75% of respondents felt that their MG training was at least adequate in the areas of problem diagnosis, pesticide selection & use, and pesticide safety. MG training in non-conventional pest control methods was deemed inadequate by 43%. Organic gardening information and techniques were described as at least somewhat important by 92% of the respondents. Organic gardening methods are always practiced by 10%, usually practiced by 49%. MG training in organic gardening was described as thorough by 10% of the respondents, adequate by 47%, inadequate by 30%. No training was received in this area by 12%. Responses often varied with age, gender, and educational and training background of the respondent.
Indiana Master Gardeners were surveyed to determine their attitudes and practices related to pesticide use in the home garden and landscape. The data are of interest for the purpose of preparing educational programs for Master Gardeners and the public. Of the 1054 surveys mailed, 53.8% were returned with usable responses. When questioned about protective clothing worn during spray application of pesticides, most respondents indicated that long sleeves were not worn (57%), that long pants were worn (71%), that protective shoes were worn (76%) and that breathing protection was not used (80%). A median response of 0% of pesticides were reported to be stored in a locked cabinet. However, of those pesticides that were not in a locked cabinet, 74% were stored at least 4 feet off the floor. Master Gardeners with children reported locked storage of pesticides more often than those without children. Responses concerning disposal of containers indicate an area for future education. Only 54% of Master Gardeners reported rinsing their pesticide containers prior to disposing of them, while 73% indicated that the containers were included in the regular trash collection. Responses often varied with age, gender, and other demographic characteristics of the respondents.