Plant Gardens 101

How to de-bug your garden

Did you know it is estimated that there are over 100,000 different species of insects that live in North America? If you don’t think you have bugs in your garden – guess again. In a typical backyard there are probably 1,000 little critters setting up house. Remember, not all insects are bad. Less than three percent of all insects are classified as pests. Different plants attract different insects. You will not find a corn worm on a tomato plant, because it’s digestive system simply cannot handle it. It is helpful to know the insects that live in your area. This will enable you to avoid insect infestation by planting plants that these insects do not eat. This is the safest, most environmentally friendly way to de-bug your garden. Unfortunately, this will probably not be enough to keep all destructive insects out of your garden. For many gardeners, it is necessary to use insecticides. When using insecticides, you will have maximum results if you know what kind of insects you have. Always read the label on the insecticide and follow all directions.      (more…)

Did you ever speculate how a being from another world might perceive Planet Earth? What would a stranger to our earth think if he saw a caterpillar right next to a butterfly? It is utterly a phenomenon.

A caterpillar has a long fat worm-like body sheltered in a furry banded coat. It slithers along the ground intake everything it can find. Eventually, it turns upside down and forms a protect. At this juncture, it looks nothing like the caterpillar or a butterfly.

In the shelter, the caterpillar just hangs out and transforms itself. All kinds of changes are winning place in the confines of that envelope. When the time is right, it eats its way out of the nest. It must do it with no help. Helping it can slaughter the butterfly. Then, miraculously, a stunning butterfly appears! (more…)