Plant Gardens 101

No wonder gardeners everywhere love growing daylilies – they’re pest and disease resistant!

Daylily Pests

Some insects are attracted to daylilies, but they rarely do much damage. Here are some to look out for:

Spider mites: these are the most common daylily pests, and while they’re not exactly welcome guests, they seldom do any real damage to the plants. Spider mites are generally most active in warm climates and in hot, dry weather, and the easiest way to keep their numbers down is to hose down the foliage regularly. (more…)

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…)

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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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…)

One of the things that makes growing hostas easy and fun is the species’ resistance to pests and disease. But though they are very pest-resistant, there are a few critters to look out for.

Slugs and Snails These are the most common hosta pests. Unchecked they can wreak havoc on your plants, chewing small round holes in the leaves until the foliage looks like Swiss cheese. Fortunately slugs and snails are easy to spot and easy to control.

Commercial slug pellets and baits are the most sure-fire method of controling these pests; even a fairly significant infestation can be eliminated quickly. But if you go this route, be sure to follow package directions carefully, as the active ingredients can be poisonous to animals and birds. (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…)

I planted my lettuce this year and it grew wonderfully, until I picked them and there were slugs insides. So I had to find a tried and true way to get rid of slugs in my garden naturally, without using harm chemicals and pesticides.

Slugs are those slimy creatures that come out at night and leave a trail of shiny slime behind them. Slugs will devour your vegetables, like my lettuce and they also like some plants.

There are some that like to keep slugs as pets, yes….well to each his own, right?

Getting rid of slugs can be as easy as crushing up egg shells and adding the crushed egg shells to your soil. Egg shells are also a great addition to help compost the soil. My mom used egg shells in all her house plants. (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…)

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…)

Ant season is on the horizon.
As the ground warms up in the spring, ants who have been dormant in the earth during the colder weather warm up and come to the surface. Queen ants fly off to find new nesting areas…and before you know it, ants are back in our world.
While ants play an important roll in the ecosystem, it is no picnic when they become pests in our world.

But all too often, when people have a pest problem they run to the store and buy a can of toxic pesticide, come home and spray the pest.

Whoa! Let’s step back and take a look at handling ant problems using a least toxic approach.

Perhaps I should first define “least toxic approach.” This term means you try to solve the insect problem with the least toxic material. If that doesn’t work, then you try something a little toxic but not as toxic as poison. You keep trying to solve the insect problem using progressively more toxic substances until you find something that works. Using this approach, the solution to your insect problem can range from doing nothing to spraying toxic insect killer, if that is the only thing that works. (more…)

A smooth, wormlike, brown or green moth larva that feeds near the soil, cutting off the stems of new transplants. A cardboard collar placed around a seedling will keep cutworms away from it.

For the natural gardener, pest control might seem like a daunting task. After all, you’re committed to not using harmful chemicals in your garden, yet these chemicals can get rid of pests quickly and easily.

There are still many ways you can take control of your garden without resorting to chemical treatments. Natural pest control is actually quite easy. We certainly understand that many gardeners become anxious when they see pests on their plants and want to react decisively when they see their plants damaged. But we must remind you of the central principle of organic gardening: growing plants in harmony with Nature. And insects, even those that eat your plants, are a crucial part of that system.

When you see insects in your garden, take some time to really watch what they’re doing. Are they actually destroying the plant or just nibbling it a bit? Many plants can outgrow minor damage.

Also, in many cases, insects attack stressed out plants. Do you have enough healthy plants to spare the sickly ones? Can you restore sickly plants to robust health so they can resist insect attack? (more…)

An invasion of aphids or an encampment of slugs in your garden patch doesn’t need to send you running to the nearest garden center for one of the many broad spectrum insecticides.

Our grandparents raised bountiful gardens without the use of chemical pesticides, and there are many lessons we can learn from them about taking care of our gardens.

Here are some suggestions about inter-planting and home-made insecticides. Hopefully, more and more people will concern themselves with living environmentally sound lives and still have bumper crops of more healthful, better tasting, fruits and vegetables. (more…)

Enjoying the outdoors is one of the biggest benefits of living in a beautiful state like Texas, but along with the beauty comes some danger. Non-native insects have invaded the area and can present serious and potentially deadly problems to residents and visitors. Africanized honeybees, also known as killer bees, and imported fire ants are among the most dangerous insects found in the Southern states. Both of these insects tend to attack in swarms, making them much more dangerous than their native counterparts.

Killer Bees
The Africanized honeybee was originally brought from Africa to Brazil in 1956, as part of an attempt to create a hybrid bee species that would produce more honey in the region. Queens from the test hives were inadvertently released into the wild, where they began to mingle with local honeybees, which were introduced to the area from Europe. The resulting strain of bees was quite aggressive and prone to swarming, making them extremely dangerous to people and animals. A single Africanized bee is no more dangerous than any other bee. It is their propensity to swarm that creates a deadly situation.

The best defense against killer bees is to avoid areas that are known to have hives. However, in the case of most attacks, unwary people stumble upon a hive and find themselves amidst a swarm. If this happens, simply run as fast as you can, in a straight line, until they stop following you. Generally, they will not chase you further than a quarter-mile from their hive. Do not attempt to hide in water, as the bees will just wait until you surface for air and attack again. Protect your face as well as possible, as facial stings are more painful and more likely to provoke an allergic reaction. If you cannot escape and are attacked, try to find a hose or shower, as the bees seem to have an aversion to running water. Seek shelter wherever you can. If you see someone being attacked, call for emergency services immediately.

If you are stung, seek medical attention if you have had previous reactions to bee stings or if you were stung by more than fifteen bees. Remove stingers by scraping them out, rather than plucking them out, to help reduce the amount of venom injected into the body. Call 911 immediately if there is severe swelling or if the victim has difficulty breathing.

Fire Ants
Imported fire ants have become a serious pest over the past several years. They are believed to have originally made their way into the southern states in cargo ships from South America. These ants are very aggressive and will bite and sting any person or animal that disturbs their nest. They do not die after a single sting, like a bee and will attack a victim repeatedly.

As with any outdoor pest, avoidance is the only real way to prevent an attack. Keep an eye open for ant mounds and wear boots with long pants tucked in when going into fire ant prone areas. If you are bitten or swarmed, get away from the nest and sweep off the ants as quickly as possible. Stings are painful and often irritated for hours. In the case of minor stings, use Benadryl and topical anti-itch medications to control the symptoms. If you have a severe reaction to the venom from a fire ant or anaphylaxis sets in, seek medical attention immediately.

While stings from pests like killer bees and fire ants can be painful and frightening occurrences, there are relatively few deaths within the population each year. With proper reactions and quick treatment, an attack from either of these insects can be dealt with effectively in many cases.

About the Author:
Joe Cline writes articles for Remax Realtor. Other articles written by the author related to Austin real estate and Lakeway Texas Real Estate can be found on the net.

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Birds, ladybugs and praying mantises are the gardener’s best friends when it comes to insect control. Birds can be encouraged into the garden by feeding, hanging a birdhouse providing a bird bath or by planting plants that provide berries for them to eat. Ladybugs are now for sale by the pint, quart or gallon. The average-sized garden can get by on a quart or less, as there will be about 25 to 30 thousand bugs per quart. The cost is generally less than five dollars a quart. The average adult ladybug consumes between 40 and 50 aphids a day.

Praying mantis cases are also available and each one hatches up to 400 young. The cost is rather nominal for a case. A few gardeners have reported that this insect disappears rather rapidly from the garden, so you might want to experiment with just a few to begin with. They will eat any insect they can catch. Frogs and lizards can also control pests by eating them. You can make your garden hospitable for your natural allies by keeping a water source – just a dish full – nearby for them and by not wiping out the entire pest population with a pesticide, sending the beneficial elsewhere in search of food. Also, grow plants with small blossoms like sweet alyssum and dill, which attract predatory insects who feed on flowers’ nectar between attacks on pests. Organic pest control is a comprehensive approach instead of a chemical approach. Create a healthy biodiversity so that the insects and microbes will control themselves. Using natural products and building healthy soil is the best long-term treatment for pests. What are the pests you should be looking for? (more…)