Readers know I'm always looking for new products that could help gardeners. I have found a few new ones that just might fill the bill.
Sarritor is described as a biological weed killer. The manufacturer calls it the first 100 per cent natural, selective weed killer to control dandelions, clover and plantain in turf without harming the lawn.
The active ingredient of Sarritor is a naturally occurring fungus that's coated onto a dry carrier and applied directly onto the weeds. Moisture then activates the fungus when the optimum temperature is 18 to 24 C. The fungus grows into the weeds and absorbs the plant tissues until the weeds are completely gone. The fungus then dies with no remaining residues.
"Now there is an environmentally safe alternative to chemical herbicides that have been banned," Sarritor president Jeff Watson says. "Sarritor is a natural and organic product based on the Sclerotina Minor technology that was developed by Dr. Alan Watson of McGill University. The 100 per cent natural and organic product is non-toxic, does not produce spores, is neutral in the environment and is indigenous to Canada."
Canadian gardening expert and TV personality Mark Cullen has tried it. "Sarritor is perfect for me because it is easy to apply, fast-acting and effective and is safe for children and pets," Cullen observes.
I really sat up and took notice when I first received the news release about this product. I haven't tried it yet, but intend to in the very near future. I'll keep you posted.
I made a couple of quick inquiries and Jim Hole tells me that Hole's Greenhouse in St. Albert will be carrying the product and expects it to arrive in the next few weeks. Hole agrees this product sounds very exciting.
Tina Burbank at Greenland Garden Centre east of the city tells me Greenland is also carrying Sarritor. It requires refrigeration, she notes, so look for it in a fridge right at the front of the store.
-- Canwest News Service
