Organic amendments add nutrients that are available to plants, and can include nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. Organic matter builds soil by: improving aeration of the soil, improving drainage in clay soil and water holding capacity in sandy soil. The organic matter attracts all types of living organisms that also build the soil. In nature the leaf litter shed each fall,…
Category: plant health
Do you have a garden journal?
I know it is difficult to find time to update your garden journal, but even if it’s a couple of weeks after the work, making notes which you will understand a year from now can help you in the long run. Some of the the things I record are dates of transplants and the health of the plant at that time; new…
Companion Planting
Companion planting is an old and proven method of putting plants together so that the individual plant characteristics of one plant, enhances the growth of a different plant. The same principle is used to repel and or confuse pests. Vegetable and companion vegetable tables are available. The following companion plant list is herbs and vegetables. Companion herbs for vegetables Beneficial…
Preparing your plants for winter
Temperature fluctuations increases the risk of sunscald. Damage will show up as splitting of the trunk. Trees in a south or west aspect are subjected to bright winter sun and are most susceptible. Evergreens dry out by moisture loss through their needles. As needles can both absorb and lose moisture spraying foliage is also helpful. Prevention: water everything well before…
Mineral and water deficiency and excess symptoms in plants
LIGHT DEFICIENCY – long, thin, light green growth and yellowing, long spaces between leaves. Cut plant back and move to a sunnier location. EXCESS LIGHT/HEAT – brown spots on leaves, browning of leaf tips/edges, some leaves are light brown and papery. Note – some plants will show brown spots if the leaves get wet. Move plant away from direct light.…
Pests of Seedlings and Transplants
Cut worms of which there several species, are mostly soil dwelling, fleshy, and like a caterpillar. They will curl up when touched. Most are night feeders, destroying by cutting stems off at or just below the soil surface. A few species climb plants to eat foliage or fruit. The adult is the often seen as the moth attracted to outdoor…
Slugs in your garden
Natural predators of slugs in your garden Slugs are part of the mollusk family and therefore exude slime. They defoliate plants with their rasping mouthparts leaving Hosta and other favorite plants with shredded leaves or stripped of all leaves. Natural predators of slug’s include: moles, hedgehogs, frogs, salamanders, millipedes and carnivorous beetles and chickens. Our gardens naturally contain some of…
Organic Pest Control
Diatomaceous earth – made from fossilized remains of fresh and salt-water algae. The razor like remains make small cuts in the insect or grubs moving through the soil; this leads to dehydration in small insects . It is both non-toxic to humans and animals and not harmful to earthworms. Pyrethrum – is one of the safest insecticides for use around humans,…
Urban Forest Pests
Both native and introduced species contribute in the quest for healthy trees. When a species is introduced there are no natural predators to keep it in check. Therefore the pest’s numbers can increase dramatically and dominate the native species. With these numbers it can decimate its target food group fast. Vigilance is necessary in keeping on top of potential infestations.…
