Plant Gardens 101

Moles: they are pests that plague many gardeners and cause trouble by eating earthworms that are beneficial for plant growth and causing unsightly tunnels and dirt mounds in your lawn and garden. There are many methods that are offered as remedies for mole infestations. However, most of them are ineffective and/or dangerous for children and other animals.

Some of the most common products for getting rid of moles are mole traps. However, if you bury the trap in a mole tunnel, the mole will see that the tunnel has been disturbed and smell your scent and is unlikely to come back through that tunnel. If the trap is placed near the surface of a tunnel, you risk children or other animals getting caught in the trap.

Another common method of mole pest control is using poison. However, this is dangerous if you have pets or children. Not only will pets be attracted to the poison, they will also get sick if they find and eat a poisoned mole. (more…)

The thing to remember is that termites work really slowly so it may take many years to do any major damage to a home, so do not be concerned too much till the condition can be considered. As a mater of fact there are very few cases where termite infestation has led on to intensive damage to a home and even then it was repairable, replacing only infected parts. You may say we ( ‘we’ meaning developers ) brought this problem on ourselves when we tore down wooded areas to build our homes. There sole diet is cellulose, the prime ingredient of wood. Not all termites live in homes because they employ it as a food source and carry it to their colony underground layer. The crafty small devils can always find how into a place from there base of operations underground. All they need is 3rd second of an in. To squeeze past so it is always comparatively simple to uncover a way in. (more…)

I have been growing squash (zucchini variety) for 7 years in my home vegetable gardening. They are easy to grow and the few plants I do have produce a harvest that supplies my entire family as well as being able to give some away to neighbors, friends and family.

For the first 6 years of my garden I never had any problems with my squash. That is, up until last year. That is when a species of bug showed up out of nowhere and decided to set up shop on my squash and live in the area which is probably the equivalent of humans living in the middle of a supermarket.

My wife was the first to notice the insect on my squash and came into the house to tell me about it. I didn’t think much of it since I never had any issues in previous years. I went out the next day to take a look and low and behold these ugly gray and brown looking bugs were everywhere. Well everywhere on the squash. They had no interest in any of the other vegetation in my garden, only the zucchini. (more…)

The increasing concern for our environment and for human health has led commercial growers and farmers as well as gardeners to consider safer ways of dealing with the problems of insects, diseases and weeds. Although a number of the more toxic pesticides have been removed from general usage, there has been a search for other ways of controlling pests than by only spraying chemicals on crops and gardens.

A number of years ago a system was developed to consider preferable alternative ways to deal with pests. This system has been termed Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Although the use of pesticides has not been abandoned it has been relegated to the lesser of other choices.

IPM includes a number of steps to follow and evaluate before taking action to control the pest. These are as follows: (more…)

Spring time means April flowers, May showers and, you guessed it – termite season.

“Termites are the pest that people get the most emotional about,” said Chris Arne, PhD and Chief Entomologist at Ehrlich Pest Control. “When people hear they have termites, they’re understandably concerned. Termites threaten the structural integrity of their biggest investment – their home.”

Termite control and detection is made a bit trickier because of this pest’s secretive nature. “Termites damage homes from the inside out,” said Arne. “Typically, they live in wall voids, hollow doors and behind wood molding. Termite damage can occur for years without homeowners knowing they have a termite problem.”

While there are no guarantees (termites will do what termites will do), the termite control specialists at Ehrlich say there are simple things homeowners can and should do to keep termites at bay. Termites need wood and moisture, so: (more…)

If you are a serious gardener, you spend lots of time outdoors. And, for sure, you would rather be tending your plants than swatting mosquitoes.

While there are many things you can do to keep mosquitoes away, there are some plants that will beautify your yard and help repel mosquitoes.

As one more way to keep mosquitoes away from you and your yard, try planting these attractive plants.

HORSEMINT Horsemint has a scent similar to citronella. Horsemint grows wild in most of the Eastern United States, from Mexico, Texas up to Minnesota to Vermont. It is partial to sandy soils and will grow in USDA Zones 5-10. Native Americans used it as a treatment for colds and flu. It has natural fungicidal and bacterial retardant properties because it’s essential oils are high in thymol. (more…)

Using Organic Garden Pesticides makes our vegetables safer and also protects our environment. By using only Organic Garden Pesticides you are not putting dangerous toxic chemicals into your plants and are not putting these toxic chemical into your garden.

You can easily make natural garden pesticides in your home without adding any of the injurious chemical in it. They are inexpensive and simple to prepare and are eco friendly as well.I hope I can give you some tips and tricks to make your garden, insect free and healthy.

When I first started my garden, my neighbor’s cat loved it too, as a litter box. Not a great thing! I used a mixture of cayenne pepper, pepper, garlic anything smelly in my home with water and sprayed my garden. The cat didn’t like it. My first experience with home made organic garden pesticides worked.

Here are a few more tips for getting rid of pests in your garden.

1. Eggshells and salt natural garden pesticide, I learned this one from my mom. Crush the eggshells and add to the soil. It prevents the plants from snails and slugs. The eggshells act like the broken pieces of glass for these insects. You can add a little salt and that will work if the eggshells don’t.

2. Alliums natural garden pesticide – the alliums is a bulbous plant, bulbous plants are onion, garlic, the smelly ones. Mix equal parts of crushed garlic cloves as gallons of water. You can also use vegetable oil or tea for better results. Spray on the plants, this would help in killing the soft body insects and can even paralyze the flying insects.

3. Dishwashing soaps natural garden pesticides – mix a few drops of dishwashing liquid soap into the water and mix it well by shaking well and then you need to apply on the effected plants. By applying this solution on the plants it will paralyze the insects attacking them.

4. Natural garden pesticides made of Neem – Neem is the one of the main ingredient that is used for making several natural pesticides. The extract of azadirachtin from the neem tree is very low toxic insecticide. They are used for destroying the soft body insects and in addition they help in increasing the capability of reproduction of the plants. By using organic and natural garden pesticides you are not only saving your children and pets from diseases but also helping our environment by not putting toxic chemicals in our soil.

Yes, Ladybugs. Every time I see a ladybug, I have to make a wish and count the dots on their backs! Ladybugs are most common of all beneficial insects, these voracious predators feed on aphids, chinch bugs, asparagus beetle larvae, thrips, alfalfa weevils, bean thrips, grape root worms, Colorado potato beetle larvae, whitefly, and mites, as well as many other soft-bodied insects and eggs. Extremely cost effective, too!
Don’t miss more tips and techniques on organic gardening…go Here!

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These days, as environmental awareness spreads like wildfire, so too does a push for organic products and a general concern over chemicals and their possible dangers. If you’re one of the many concerned about the safety of chemical pesticides, you should know that the Environmental Protection Agency reports that almost all cases of poisoning related to pest control chemicals has come as a result of not following the instruction label that came with the product.

That being said, many believe the use of any chemical poisons in the treatment of pest problems represents some amount of risk. Indeed, these modern times have brought not only a rise to cloth grocery bags and a demand for organic lotions, but also a general concern for the safety of all things manufactured. And, if you are one of the concerned, you may have spent hours scouring the internet for a pest control alternative that is not only natural, but also truly effective. (more…)

All greenhouse owners have experienced it at one time or another, munched on plants, missing leaves, and more.

There are more than just bugs in my greenhouse.

Over the years I’ve seen a whole menagerie of creatures setting up home in my greenhouse. For years I had a huge warty toad that helped despatch slugs and snails fro the nooks and crannies inside my greenhouse. Sadly he died this summer, but I’ve seen lots of tiny toads crawling about the garden and I’m hoping one or more may take over where he left off.

There’s a comfy chair in my greenhouse, the idea was to occasionally sit and read and escape the phone, but the reality was that one of my cats found it and claimed it as her own. Now I very occasionally get me chair back but to be honest I rarely have time to simply sit in the greenhouse, more’s the pity. (more…)

Our summer gardens are full with all kinds of mice at one time or another. One bothered that has potentially vicious wellbeing consequences to many species that may be pleasant additions to your summer plot home is the very unwelcome parasite. Keep analysis to notice steps you can take to keep mosquitoes from invading your private hole and keep links, families, and animals reliable and sheltered in your summer patch.

One way to underrate your exposure to mosquitoes is by minimizing their ability to procreate. They must lay eggs in still water to breed and you can subtract as many sources of ability breeding ground as promising by charge your lawn and summer patch topic released of any wreckage that will tolerate even a least total of repute water to collect after rainwater. This means you must keep your gutters neat and open of fragments, make solid all cans and bottles are picked up and located inside a trash can that is lidded. Keep lids on garbage cans at all period, and change animal crockery daily.

Burn citronella oiled. This is very effectual at sunset when the mosquitoes look to be at their nastiest as it not only provides a physical repellant for mosquitoes so that you can enjoy your summer backyard a little better but also because it provides its own mood backdrop light that is well apposite for enjoying in a summer plot environment. Besides the oil you can also select to burn citronella candles and use repellants that are shaped to spray or rub against the skin with physical ingredients for added protection for you and your children from these risky pests. (more…)

While tending to my own garden, I have found that one of the most frustrating things that can happen to a gardener is to walk outside to check on your plants. It’s just a routine walk to make sure that your garden is thriving, but you end up finding holes in all of your plants that looked fine only hours before. The explanations for some of these plant-destroying holes are garden pests. Some of the main garden pests are slugs, worms, caterpillars, birds, snails, and the occasional gopher. Although you can never wipe out these pests entirely, after all your hard work in the garden you have to do something.

Insects are one of the worst things to have in your garden; they can live under the soil, in old weeds or piles of leaves, or in a number of other places. In order to help keep insects away, always try and eliminate places in your garden and near your garden that these insects and other plant diseases could be living. Remove old leaves, weeds, or any other decaying matter that insects and diseases could be living in from your yard. Also, regularly turn over your garden soil and break apart any clumps of dirt so that you can eliminate the living spaces any insects that might be hiding underground.

Another way to rid your garden of the pests is to use dormant spray, which is used to keep destructive insects and diseases under control. It is best that you use dormant spray when your plants are dormant, usually around February or early March. I have used dormant spray many times on my garden and it has worked wonders on keeping insects out. But as I learned from experience, dormant spray is only effective if you follow the correct instructions. When I first decided to use some on my garden, I just dumped it everywhere in hopes of killing everything harmful. Unfortunately I ended up killing my entire garden along with my neighbors. Some insects can be beneficial to your garden though, so be sure to find out which insects help your garden. (more…)

Nothing spoils a garden faster than a few pests. Sprays and gasses that do the trick to kill insects can also harm your garden and the environment in general – to say nothing of how unpleasant it can be for you, your children, or your pets to breathe in!

Store bought chemicals can get pretty pricey, too, and in most cases, there are methods to solve most insect related problems that plague you.

Trouble with Aphids? Ladybugs control the aphid population – you can usually buy a load of Ladybugs at your local nursery to take care of your aphids gone wild, for significantly less than a fumigation spray would go for. (more…)

No one likes uninvited guests. But, when the unwanted visitors are goose-bump inducing creepy critters, drastic action may be required.

But, if you’re thinking of racing to the store and purchasing a tub of over the counter pesticide, you should be aware that in it’s Citizen’s Guide to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety, the Environmental Protection Agency advises that “one of the greatest causes of dangerous pesticide exposure to humans is the use of pesticides in and around the home.”

In addition, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) reports that,

“The pesticides we use to control weeds and insects in and around our homes can be significant health hazards. Exposure to certain pesticides is associated with health problems ranging from skin rashes to nervous system disorders and cancer.” (more…)

You’ve taken the time and put in the right additives to create your organic garden, now it’s time for some organic gardening pest control.

We want to keep our organic garden free from harmful pests that can damage our plants such as cutworms and beetles and more. There are many natural ingredients that we can use to keep our plants free from pests without using harmful toxic ingredients that not only seep into our vegetables and plants but harm the environment as well.

Organic Gardening Pest Control can be utilized by bringing good bugs to your garden. Good bugs are beneficial to your garden and can help control infestation of bad bugs, which can destroy your garden and hard work. (more…)

Summertime and watering

Too much of a good thing can lead to fungus.

During the summer months, we notice that the number of gardeners who call us concerned that their plants have fungus increases significantly. One of the first things we ask is, “What time are you watering your plants and how frequently are you watering?” We also ask if it has been unusually rainy or humid.

Fungi need water to grow. It is a big problem during the summer months because people tend to overcompensate for the heat by over watering their plants. The longer your plants stay wet, the more inviting they become to fungus.

Here are our watering tips to help you keep fungus out of your summer garden: (more…)

I am an avid organic vegetable gardener. I take pride in my garden and all the vegetables that it produces for my family. Organic Gardening has saved me money and my family is eating healthier. My one problem is the bugs that eat my veggies. Finding natural, organic gardening insecticides to rid your garden of these pesky buggers is simple and easy.

Growing your own organic garden is rewarding, money saving and healthier for our families and our environment. Protecting your garden from plant eating pests with organic gardening insecticides is just as important.There are many ways that we can eliminate these pests with household items without causing damage to your family, pets and your environment.

There are many items that you have on hand that will deter pests in your garden and you can use as organic insecticides…. (more…)

Many people struggle to kill the weeds in their lawns and gardens for the reason that they do not want to use a commercially made chemical herbicide. The safety of using these commercially available weed killers is not entirely known. While the manufacturers and even government agencies say they are safe the long term affects of the continued use of these toxic chemicals and their affects on people and other living creatures is not entirely known.

For those of us who do not want our children and pets exposed to these toxic chemicals trying to find a way to kill the weeds overgrowing our yards and gardens can be tough. What many people do not realize is that there are many non-toxic ways to kill weeds right around their home. (more…)

Garden Insects: Know Your Friends & Foes

Why is it when 97% of the world’s insects are considered to be either beneficial or harmless, your garden attracts only the remaining 3% that are considered PESTS? Although it may seem this way, there are both “good” and “bad” insects in your yard.

There is a constant battle going on to maintain a balance between these two groups. Toleration of some pests should be allowed as they provide a food source for the beneficial insects, allowing them to thrive in your yard and keep the pests in check. However, even in the best of gardens, uncontrolled outbreaks do occur. Preventing an infestation of bugs is an important part of gardening. By taking several precautions and putting forth a little bit of effort in the beginning, you will hopefully be rewarded with (almost) pest-free veggies and flowers. (more…)

If you want to protect your fruit tree from pests during the summer, this is almost impossible to accomplish without the use of pesticides or chemicals. This might scare some people into thinking that the actual fruits will contain traces of the chemicals. If you do things correctly, you can get rid of all the pests and not infect the actual tree. If you’re going to be spraying chemicals, you most likely will be using either a handheld pump or a hose-end sprayer.

If you’re using the pump sprayers, you will be able to more accurately determine the mixing of the chemicals. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to spray it very far. Usually it won’t reach the tops of trees. This can be achieved with the hose end sprayers, but getting the correct mix of chemicals is quite a challenge. It all depends on your water pressure to get the correct mixture of chemicals, but water pressure is not constant. One day it might be lower, in which case your chemical content would be higher. The types of materials you buy for hose application are generally in an extremely strong form. They need to be severely diluted before they are weak enough to apply. (more…)

If you would like to be a little ‘greener’ with your annihilation of insect pests in your garden, try an insecticide soap. You can follow a homemade insecticide recipe or buy a commercial preparation. But, beware, though soap insecticide is relatively safe it should still be used with care.

With a growth in gardening as a popular pass-time, alongside a growing desire to be a little more environmentally friendly, their has been a boom in safe, Eco friendly and organic garden insecticide products. Insecticide soap is a particularly popular choice as it so non-polluting and non-toxic to people and pets. The nostalgia value of knowing our ancestors have used soap insecticides for generations probably helps. It is a really simple garden insecticide to make yourself too, which definitely appeals to the growing frugal nerve in us all too. (more…)