Can We Garden Without Pesticides? How Plant Protection Products Work (Part 2)

Following our introduction to plant protection products, let's examine how they function in the garden.

A Key Observation:

• 23% of gardeners view phyto products as dangerous to humans (with 77% holding the opposite view).
• 59% consider them harmful to animals, and 39% to the environment.

And while we're discussing practices:

• Only 16% of home gardeners wear appropriate gloves when preparing treatments.
• 8% admit to not washing their hands afterward.
• 8% dose products randomly.
• 12% report drinking, eating, smoking, or using their phone during application.
• Nearly all skip waterproof clothing.

Source: FREDON N-PdC 2009

The limited awareness of phytoproduct risks often leads to overlooked safety basics. As experienced gardeners, we can address this with clear guidance.

How Do Plant Protection Products Work?

They operate via four main modes: contact, inhalation, ingestion, or systemically—absorbed by the plant through leaves or roots and transported via sap.

Each has a residual effectiveness period, known as carry-over, lasting from hours to months.

Most amateur products are sprayed, dusted, or watered. Even under ideal conditions, spraying delivers just 50% to the target—the rest disperses into air, soil (surface and deeper), or onto the applicator via splashes and vapors.

You might assume over-the-counter availability means low risk to humans or the environment, like cigarettes, medications, or alcohol. Safety hinges on dosage. Non-agricultural areas (ZNA)—urban green spaces, railways, airports, highways, golf courses, forests, hospitals, and private gardens—account for 10% of pesticide use (85% from home gardens, 10% municipal). In 2010, France consumed over 70,000 tonnes (down from 100,000 in 2000), over half for weed control. We can and must reduce this for everyone's health.

Ladybug larva

To be continued…