Whether commercial or small scale, urban agriculture is the production of food or farm goods in urban areas. The fresh produce or other goods are usually supplied to the surrounding community. Rooftop and community gardens, small-scale poultry and livestock, and beekeeping are some examples of urban agriculture.

Consider these tips to reduce pesticide risks as you help your garden thrive:

• Think about how you will build the garden. If you choose to use treated wood to build garden boxes, check that your treated wood is appropriate for garden use. Consider using gloves while handling wood and lining the garden before adding soil.
• Consider what and where you will be planting. Select appropriate plants for the weather conditions they will experience. Happy and healthy plants resist pests better.
• Have a pest that's invading the garden? Identify the pest so you can make sure it's not a helpful (beneficial) insect. You may not need to control anything after all.
• Let a Master Gardener help! Ask your County Extension office about identifying and managing pests. Knowing what pest you are dealing with can help you come up with an effective solution to keep them out.
• Check plants regularly for potential issues, such as pests or disease.
• Practice Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which uses least toxic control methods first. Use IPM to minimize risk to yourself and others while managing the pest.
• Keep poultry and livestock litter dry to prevent flies.
• Store animal feed indoors or in metal containers that are resistant to rodent chewing.
• You may find yourself using pesticides in your urban garden. If you choose to use a pesticide, always follow the label. Try a lower toxicity product first.
• Follow the "Environmental Hazards" section of your label to protect pollinators. Do not apply pesticides while they are active.

• Urban Agriculture Resources - USDA Alternative Farming Systems Information Center
• Urban Agriculture - University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources
• Soils in Urban Agriculture - University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
• Toolkits and Handbooks - U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
• Urban Agriculture - USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
• Agricultural Crops: Urban Agriculture - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Beekeeping - University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources
• Poultry - University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources
• Livestock - University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources

If you have questions about this, or any pesticide-related topic, please call NPIC at 800-858-7378 (8:00am - 12:00pm PST), or email at npic@ace.orst.edu.