Garden shelves shine with bottles labeled natural, organic, or plant-based, and it feels comforting to grab one when aphids start treating roses like an all-you-can-eat buffet. The problem begins when marketing language sounds gentler than biology actually behaves, because nature does not automatically mean harmless. Experts keep raising concerns that some popular “natural” pest sprays…
environmental science
Studies Find Dangerous Bacteria in DIY Compost — Experts Urge Caution
Composting is one of the most satisfying DIY projects out there — it reduces waste, enriches soil, and makes you feel like you’re doing something good for the planet. But studies have thrown a surprising twist into the mix: some DIY compost piles may be harboring dangerous bacteria, including strains that can cause illness if…
Soil Scientists Warn: This Common Amendment Is Spreading Heavy Metals Into Home Gardens
If you’ve ever lovingly sprinkled a soil amendment into your garden and thought, “Ah yes, this is the secret sauce,” you’re not alone. Gardeners adore a good shortcut—especially one that promises bigger tomatoes, lusher blooms, and soil so rich it practically hums. But what if one of the most common amendments on store shelves is…