Tag: pests

Common Garden Pests To Look Out for This Spring

Posted on By Willy Green No Comments on Common Garden Pests To Look Out for This Spring

Common Garden Pests To Look Out for This Spring

It’s a lovely spring day, and you stroll outside, gardening tools in hand, to tend to your plot. But when you approach your planting beds, you discover, to your horror, that your poor little leafy friends are riddled with holes, their stems discolored and disfigured. What monster could have done this to your plant babies?

Garden pests are a common problem for many gardeners, especially in the spring when the weather is warming up and everything is starting to grow. Insects and other pests are harbingers of bedlam, causing major damage to your plants and vegetables and possibly even destroying entire crops. So what are some of the most common garden pests to look out for in the spring?

The Voracious Aphid

The aphid is a tiny bug that loves to feast on the juicy sap of young leaves and stems. They come in a variety of colors, from green to brown to pink, and can multiply quickly, leading to stunted plant growth and distorted leaves.

The Sneaky Cutworm

Another common garden pest to look out for in the spring is the deceptively cute cutworm. The cutworm is a type of caterpillar that hides during the day and emerges at night to munch on young plants at the base. These critters can sever stems and kill entire seedlings overnight.

The Infamous Snail or Slug

These gastropods are known for leaving behind slimy trails as they crawl over plants and foliage, devouring everything in their path. They’re particularly fond of tender young shoots and can cause significant damage to your garden.

The Insidious Spider Mite

This tiny arachnid is almost invisible to the naked eye. It feeds on plant sap and can cause leaves to turn yellow and fall off, leaving your plants weakened and vulnerable.

The Persistent Japanese Beetle

The Japanese beetle is a metallic-green bug that loves to feast on roses, fruit trees, and other ornamental plants. They can strip entire branches of leaves and flowers, leaving your garden looking like a barren wasteland.

Not all bugs are bad. In fact, there are some insects that are highly beneficial for plants and trees. But for as many noble bugs as there are, there is an equal number of malicious ones that can wreak havoc on inhabitants of your garden. The key is to be vigilant and to act quickly if you spot any signs of infestation. There are many methods for controlling garden pests, including using natural predators, such as ladybugs and praying mantises, as well as using organic pesticides. While garden pests can be a real nuisance, with a little bit of knowledge and preparation, you can keep them under control and ensure a successful harvest. Thank you for reading Common Garden Pests To Look Out for This Spring. Here are some other articles you may enjoy reading.

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Garden Pests, Gardening, Plant Diseases, Plant Problems, Spring Gardening

Plant pests and diseases

Posted on By Willy Green No Comments on Plant pests and diseases

Plant Pests and Diseases: Identification and Solutions

As much as we love our plants, they are often under attack from pests and diseases. These issues can quickly spiral out of control if not addressed promptly, leading to stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and even plant death. In this article, we will explore some common plant pests and diseases, their causes, and effective solutions to these problems.

Common Plant Pests

  1. Aphids: Aphids are tiny insects that feed on the sap of plants. They can quickly infest a plant, causing it to become weakened and stunted. Signs of an aphid infestation include curled leaves, sticky residue on the leaves, and the presence of the insects themselves. To combat aphids, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also introduce natural predators, such as ladybugs or lacewings, to your garden.

  2. Spider Mites: Spider mites are also tiny insects that feed on the sap of plants. They are known for their webbing, which can cover the leaves of a plant. Signs of a spider mite infestation include yellowed or stippled leaves, and the presence of webbing on the plant. To control spider mites, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also try spraying the plant with a strong stream of water to knock off the mites.

  3. Whiteflies: Whiteflies are small, flying insects that are often found in greenhouses or indoor gardens. They feed on the sap of plants, causing yellowed leaves and stunted growth. Signs of a whitefly infestation include a cloud of small, white insects flying around the plant, and sticky residue on the leaves. To control whiteflies, you can use yellow sticky traps or introduce natural predators, such as ladybugs or lacewings.

  4. Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of plants. They are known for their white, cottony appearance. Signs of a mealybug infestation include white, cottony patches on the leaves and stems of a plant. To control mealybugs, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove the insects from the plant.

Common Plant Diseases

  1. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects many types of plants. It is characterized by a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves of a plant. Powdery mildew can be caused by high humidity or poor air circulation. To control powdery mildew, you can remove infected leaves or treat the plant with a fungicide.

  2. Black Spot: Black spot is a fungal disease that affects roses and other plants. It is characterized by black spots on the leaves of a plant, which can cause them to yellow and drop off. Black spot can be caused by high humidity or wet leaves. To control black spot, you can remove infected leaves or treat the plant with a fungicide.

  3. Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that affects many types of plants. It is characterized by brown or black spots on the leaves of a plant. Leaf spot can be caused by high humidity or wet leaves. To control leaf spot, you can remove infected leaves or treat the plant with a fungicide.

  4. Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of a plant. It is characterized by brown or black, mushy roots that can no longer absorb water or nutrients. Root rot can be caused by overwatering or poor soil drainage. To control root rot, you can improve soil drainage or treat the plant with a fungicide.

    Solutions to Plant Pests and Diseases

    Prevention of pests and diseases is the key to keeping your plants healthy and free of them. Here are some tips to prevent infestations and infections:

    • Maintain proper watering: Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can stress the plant, making it more susceptible to pests and diseases. Water your plants when the top inch of soil is dry.

    • Keep the area clean: Remove dead leaves and debris from around your plants. This can prevent pests and diseases from taking hold.

    • Use clean tools: If you use gardening tools, make sure they are clean and disinfected. This can prevent the spread of diseases.

    • Rotate crops: If you grow vegetables, rotate your crops each year. This can prevent the build-up of pests.

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Garden Pests, Gardening, Plant Diseases, Plant Problems

Natural Pest solutions

Posted on By Willy Green No Comments on Natural Pest solutions

Garden Pests, Gardening, Plant Problems

Organic Pest Control

Posted on By Willy Green No Comments on Organic Pest Control



Organic Pest Control 

Have you been searching for an effective solution that’ll keep those annoying pests away from your precious vegetables? Are you tired of the regular chemical pesticides and you want something more natural for your garden? Organic pest control has proven to be not just cheaper, but safer and better than many other pest control procedures.

Organic sprays can be made with simple products that can be found right in your kitchen. It’s so easy to make and yet very effective. In recent years, many gardeners have embraced a healthier garden experience with organic pest control. I’m sure you want to be part of this!

And I’m willing to help you as well. Right here, you’ll be learning how to create organic pest control sprays for a vegetable garden. I’ve also included 3 powerful tips that’ll keep you a step ahead of these unpleasant pests.

Which Is Better? Organic Vs Non-Organic Pest Controls

If you’ve been searching for ways to control pests and reduce health and environmental risks to your family and pets, organic pest control is for you. These days a lot of gardeners are fast switching to the organic lifestyle to prevent allergies, grow healthier vegetables, and  to protect their younger children and pets.

Generally, organic pest control methods can be more efficient than regular pesticides. In fact, most pest control companies are now using organic methods in their professional services. In the long run, organic pest control will save you a lot more money unlike the quick fix chemical pesticides will give you.

Although both organic pest control methods and regular pesticides are effective at keeping pests away from your garden, they actually work quite differently. While chemical pest control methods may seem to work a lot faster, they may be harmful in the long run. On the other hand, organic pesticides work effectively if given the time and efforts required to take effect. That’s why you may need to apply them several times before you start seeing results.

But here’s the catch, if you’ve finally decided to stop buying vegetables sold in the markets, and grow them yourself for you and your family, wouldn’t it be great to grow them naturally? Won’t it be nice to live that healthier life you deserve? Won’t it make more sense to avoid harmful pesticides?

If you’ve finally realized that a safer and healthier life is completely worth your time and effort, then let me welcome you to the club! You can decide to get some of these organic pesticides in the market or simply make them yourself. It’s not a hard task at all. Here’s how you can do it faster.

how to create organic pest control for your vegetable garden

A Step By Step Guide on How to Create Organic Pest Control for your Vegetable Garden

There are several organic and natural remedies for different pests in your garden. The key is to find out which pests are bothering your vegetables and make an organic pesticide that’ll deal with them accordingly. Sounds good right?

There are numerous organic pesticides currently available. But here, I’ll be leaving you with a recipe that has got a lot of organic ingredients that’ll work for tons of pests.

We’ll be using household ingredients like onions, mint, and cayenne that repel these pests far away from your garden. You’ll be amazed how these disruptive pests can easily be killed by simple and safe ingredients that you already have laying around your home.

Organic all-in-one bug spray

Garlic, onion, and peppermint oil are very powerful ingredients that pests hate. You can use them to create an organic pest control that’ll effectively drive away garden pests such as beetles, leafhoppers, and spittlebugs.

What you’ll need

  • 2 cups of Water

  • 1 medium-sized onion

  • 4 cloves of garlic

  • Peppermint essential oil

  • 2 tablespoons of cayenne pepper

  • 2 tablespoons of natural liquid soap (Avoid liquid soaps that contain bleach or any harmful chemical)

Procedures

Step 1

Peel your garlic and onion, then puree them with the cayenne and peppermint oil.

Step 2

Now, strain the mixture and allow it to stand for a few hours, some gardeners will leave the solution to soak overnight.

Step 3

Simply pour the mixture into a container and then add in the two tablespoons of soap and 2 cups of water. Then, mix the solution very thoroughly.

Step 4

Now, pour this mixture into a spray bottle. Your organic pesticide is ready for use! Spray it on the affected areas 1-2 times a week to keep bugs away. You can even preserve the remaining  mixture in the fridge. Just make sure to mark it clearly as this isn’t something you want to ingest.

Organic oil spray

This oil spray would be great to ward off pests like spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies that’ll give anything to suck the saps of your plant. This amazing mixture would make a perfect homemade oil spray that’ll keep your garden pest-free.

What you’ll need

  • Water

  • Vegetable oil

  • Natural liquid soap (Avoid liquid soaps that contain bleach or any harmful chemical)

  • Baking soda

Procedures

Step 1

Making this oil spray doesn’t require much. Simply mix all of the ingredients together properly. Mix 1 cup of vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap. After mixing the ingredients, add 8 ounces of water and mix thoroughly.

Step 2

You don’t need to bother letting the mixture sit for some time as you can instantly pour the mixture into a spray bottle and start using it right away. You should use this spray once or twice a week to keep those nasty pests away.

What you need to know about organic pest control

Before applying organic sprays in your garden, be sure it’s something you want to do and make sure the damage the pests are causing is really a problem. Just like chemical pesticides, organic pest control would get rid of all bugs, this includes other helpful insects like ladybugs and bees that help out in the garden.

Make sure to try out your organic spray on a small portion of your plant first, it could be just a single leaf. Find out if there are any negative results. If there’s no damage then you can now fully use it on the entire plant the next day.

At the time you make your organic spray, if you’re not ready to use it, keep it in a dry and cool place.

I generally prefer to spray my plants before the sun comes out in the morning. You should do this to prevent burning or damaging your plants. The combination of the intense heat of the sun and the oils in the sprays are not good for your plants.

Also be careful not to apply too much of these sprays to your vegetables. You don’t want to end up with a slightly different flavor. Only use this for the portion of your plant that is mostly affected.

Tips For Keeping Pests Out Of Your Garden

While garden pests are almost unavoidable, there are a few tips that can help you keep them in check. You want to avoid creating a pleasant environment for them by taking the 3 powerful steps I’ll be discussing with you here.

Give your plants the best growing conditions possible

Water your plants and do it consistently in the morning. This way, you make your plants less prone to pests. Watering your plants in the morning time keeps them healthier and prevents them from being damp in the evening when pests love to strike.

I’ve found out that these pests mostly attack weak plants. Consistent watering will prevent your plants from wilting and will help them to get larger yields. Take your time to remove all of the dead and or diseased leaves. If they are not removed promptly, then they’ll become an attractive site to pests. Do you know what else could be attractive to these disturbing pests?

Weeds! yes, these unwanted plants can provide a convenient spot for pests in your garden. So you should take weeds off as soon as you see them. Not to mention that weeds will steal nutrients and water before the plant can use them.

 

Feed your plants according to their feeding schedule. Keeping your plants properly nourished will also help to keep your plants healthy and resistant to disease and pests.


Space your plants properly

I used to have a small garden in a previous home. I love to grow my fruits and vegetables organically so I always ended up trying to squeeze too many vegetables into a small amount of garden space. I thought I’d get bigger yields that would last longer for me. But guess what happened? I actually caused my yields to be smaller and I attracted those annoying pests.

If you’ve been doing this same type of thing and you’re still struggling with pests, then consider spacing your plants better. It really will do your garden good! Trust me, your vegetables will get more airflow and you will easily notice any pests before they can cause much damage. It will also help you to see those weeds popping up sooner so that you can get rid of them right away.

Use plants!

Several plants can deal with your pest problem for you. Aromatic herbs like citronella, lemongrass, and basil will ward off annoying critters and also attract their predators. If you ask me, this is a really good strategy. Find a good spot in your garden where you can plant these herb. They will save you a lot of stress and you will end up with a few more options to use in your kitchen.

FAQ

What is the best organic pesticide for vegetables?

There really is no perfect pesticide. What is important is choosing a pesticide that’ll effectively drive out the pests you have while doing little to no damage to your plants. However, Neem oil is one powerful organic pesticide that seems to work for most pests that you will face in your garden.

You may want to give it a try. It acts against a good number of garden pests by disrupting their life cycle and preventing them from feeding on your vegetables. You can find this active pesticide in garden stores, make sure to follow the instructions on the container and effectively spray the affected areas.


What are organic pesticides?

Organic pesticides are mixtures that are made from natural substances or natural ingredients. They are mixtures that are made from simple and natural soaps or ethanol.

Conclusion

I’m sure you are pretty surprised at just how simple it is to create your own organic pest control for a vegetable garden. And I’m happy I’m able to put you up to speed with some organic pest control options and solutions. If you are going through all of the work that it takes to set up, maintain, and harvest your garden, then isn’t it worth it to do the little things that will bring you success? Pay attention to the small details as they will turn into bigger details if you ignore them.

I wish you a healthier and better gardening experience this year and in the years to come. You can purchase already-made organic sprays if you don’t think you have the time to produce one yourself, although it really isn’t difficult to produce at home. Thank you for reading How To Make Your Own Organic Pest Control For A Vegetable Garden

Have you been using organic pest control methods? Share your experience! Did you find this step-by-step guide helpful? Share with your family and friends!

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How to Get Rid of Ants

Posted on By Willy Green 1 Comment on How to Get Rid of Ants



How to Get Rid of Ants

Just like almost everyone else in the world, at one point or another, we have had to deal with ants. And the first thing I think is what do I have to do to get rid of them asap?  They are one of the hardest working and strongest creatures in the world. They are self-disciplined, systematic and persistent. That is why ants invading your beautiful garden are such a nuisance! Behaving like intelligent brutes, these ants live in colonized societies. They live in nests, under cracks, and pavement, or in this case, they form their nests under trees and plants.

United We Stand . . .The organized behavior of ants is what makes them so hard to conquer. Where there is one ant, there are bound to be a thousand lurking somewhere near inside their nest.

Ants Are Beneficial!

Now don’t get me wrong. Ants can be somewhat beneficial to your garden in two ways:

  • Ants are predators. They can take care of many lurking insects in your garden. They also eat up dead insects such caterpillars. Overall, they’re a huge help in cleaning up the ecosystem.

  • Ants aid in pollination by carrying pollen from one place to another.

But, They Are Also Damaging Your Garden!

The deal with ants is this, there are many different species (over 12,000), some of which can be pretty harmful and hurtful. Take the example of bullet ants; as the name suggests, bullet ants’ bite is quite unbearable in terms of pain. So much, that it has been compared with being hit by a bullet! ouch!

These ants are bigger in size too.

These ants are quite larger in size too. Such ants can come in the way of gardening, picking flowers, plowing for fruits and vegetables and doing daily gardening tasks like watering the plants.

Humid gardens are the perfect habitat for bullet ants.  For people having trouble with this pest, we recommend reading about treatments of bullet ant venom for a detailed solution.

Methods to De-Ant Your Garden

There is no need to kill ants unless they impose a threat to your:

  • Garden

  • Family

  • Home

As already discussed above, harmless ants can be pretty useful. However, when in dire need of getting rid of ants from your garden, we recommend following these approaches;

  • Home Remedies

  • Professional Help

Let’s discuss each one in detail!

Home Remedies

So basically, anyone’s first call when facing an army of ants would be either to try out dear old grandma’s home remedies or seek help from the internet. In the very beginning, we recommend you try out the non-toxic methods. Natural methods that won't harm you, your pets, or your children should always be a first choice. Luckily we have compiled a list of solutions for you precisely so that you can protect yourself from the invasion of ants!

Boiled Water; you’re Ultimate Solution

The most common solution when dealing with these tiny beasts is to locate their hills, nests, and mounds wherever they are in your garden and pour boiling water directly over them. This really is a good method and you know for sure that it's safe and natural.  The best way to find these mounds can be by following the queue of ants and they will lead you to their secret safe house themselves!

In some cases this solution may need to be repeated for a few days consistently in order to achieve one hundred percent results, but it will work and the price is right!

Pipe Tobacco

Another suitable solution that most gardeners’ find helpful is eliminating ants by the use of Pipe Tobacco. First, you soak tobacco overnight and make a tea with it. Then, just like putting boiled water in these nests and hills, you need to soak the hills with this tea.

This is a sure way of getting rid of ants in the garden if done repeatedly and consistently after locating all the mounds in your garden.

Boric Acid to the Rescue

Now, this is when you trick the ants into eating poison disguised in sweet! Just like Snow White. A bit dramatic isn’t it?

All you need to do is make a paste by mixing together sugar and boric acid. Now place little amounts of this paste near the ants’ mounds. Ants love sugary sweet things! They will not eat some, but also carry it back into their mound for the royal queen. Shortly after eating this paste, the ants will begin to die because of the boric acid in this paste.

Evil, I know but works like a pro!

Vinegar

Pouring white vinegar directly into the nest of ants can kill them instantly. It’s not harmful for your garden either and delivers instant results. 1 liter of white vinegar is enough for one hill.

Plants vs. Insects

If it is difficult for you to locate the ants’ hill, you can still target them individually by placing plants that are natural repellents of ants such as scented marigolds, catnip's, tansy, garlic, and peppermint/spearmint.

Ants’ Arch Nemesis

Beneficial nematodes are the ants’ arch nemesis. This makes them one of the amazing solutions to get rid of ants. How do these microscopic creatures work, you ask? They enter the digestive tract of insects like ants, fleas, beetles, and moths, and secrete and excrete bacteria. This proves to be deadly for the insects, making them die in one to two days.

However, for this remedy to work, the temperature of your garden must be around 45 ℉. The temperature of the soil must also be regulated to lie between 40 to 90 ℉. So this method can be perfect for indoor gardens or nurseries where the temperature can be regulated.

Diatomaceous Earth

By sprinkling diatomaceous soil on a dry surface (the wetter it is, the more difficult it is to work) around the ant's path or ants’ nest can work wonders. It is not harmful to vegetables and plants. It works by drying out and killing the insects by absorbing the fats from the exoskeleton of the ants or any other insects.

Professional Help

When home remedies don’t work, you can try out different toxic methods or seek professional help.

Ants Killing Sprays, Gels, and Poison

Ant killing sprays, gels, and poison are easily available at different nurseries or home stores. The gel works exactly like the mixture of boric acid and sugar where the ants are attracted to the sweetness of gel.

Some poisons come in powder form, and some in the form of tablets. Orange guard is another liquid spray that contains orange peel extract to drive away the ants.

Caution must be observed to keep away children and pets from an area where you’ve exercised the poison. Sometimes ants can develop resistance towards these killings sprays or poison.

Pest Exterminators

If you have exhausted all your possibilities but ants seem to face off all your methods, you can contact professional exterminators to take care of this ants’ invasion at your home.

We hope you will find these tips and strategies useful in your war against these pests of nature! Remember to take necessary precautions and avoid going overboard with the toxic methods. Persistence is the key.

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