4 ways to enhance your garden this spring while protecting our waterways

Published 2:00 pm Thursday, April 30, 2026

Simple solutions to prevent garden chemicals from impacting creeks, rivers and ocean

Greater Victoria is known for its beautiful gardens, but sometimes efforts to keep those spaces lush and pest-free can impact the local environment.

When it rains, water travels across lawns, driveways, sidewalks and roads, picking up chemicals along the way. This runoff, known as stormwater, can transport pesticides and fertilizers directly into nearby creeks, rivers and the ocean, where they can harm fish, wildlife and ecosystems.

The good news? Small changes at home can make a big difference. The Capital Regional District shares four steps you can take to have a beautiful garden while also protecting our environment.

1. Rethink pesticides. Pesticides are designed to kill unwanted pests – but they don’t always stop there. They can also harm beneficial insects, pets and even people, especially children.

Instead of reaching for chemical solutions, try natural alternatives:

Spray plants with water or use simple solutions like soap to remove pests
Use barriers like crushed eggshells or traps for slugs
Practice companion planting to naturally deter insects
Encourage helpful wildlife like ladybugs, birds and bats to keep pests in check

2. Choose safer lawn and garden care. Healthy soil and plants are your first line of defence. By improving soil quality and choosing native plants, you can reduce the need for chemicals altogether.

Using organic compost is a safer alternative to synthetic fertilizers and even better, it helps nourish your garden without polluting waterways.

3. Handle chemicals responsibly. Even small amounts of leftover pesticides or fertilizers can cause pollution if handled improperly, so never pour these products down storm drains or onto the ground.

Instead, follow disposal instructions on the label and take unused products to designated hazardous waste facilities.

4. Think ahead before the rain falls. Chemicals applied to your yard can linger long after use. When rain arrives, or during overwatering, those substances can be washed down storm drains and straight into natural waterways.

If you fertilize your lawn, do so sparingly, and after rainfall. Reducing or eliminating chemical use today helps protect water quality tomorrow.

Every yard matters

Individually, one lawn may seem insignificant – but collectively, our choices shape the health of our region’s waterways.

By choosing natural gardening methods and disposing of chemicals properly, you’re helping protect local ecosystems for everyone.

A greener garden doesn’t just look good – it keeps our waterways clean, too. Prevent pollution in your yard and garden to protect our waterways. Learn more at crd.ca/preventingpollution