It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
Oh Deer.....
We live in a beautiful area and have some wonderful neighbors. However, some of those neighbors tend to invite themselves to dinner (breakfast and lunch) way too often. That's why we've put together a list of "Deer Resistant", not deer proof (no such thing) plants. Keep in mind though, what works for some may not work for others. Deer do have a tendency to try things that are new to them, so you might want to keep a bottle of deer repellant on hand.
Our crazy weather has blessed us with a plethora of issues
APHIDS
These seem to be abundant this year!
.Organic Neem Oil can be sprayed on vegetables, fruit trees and flowers to kill eggs, larvae and adults. Mix 1 oz/ gallon of water and spray all leaf surfaces (including the undersides of leaves) until completely wet.
A simple solution made from liquid dish soap and water will kill adult whiteflies without harming plants. Add 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap to 1 gallon of water and mix well. Pour the solution into a plastic spray bottle and spray it on all infested plants, saturating the leaves’ upper and undersides and the stems. You can add 1 tablespoon of vegetable, coconut, olive or grapeseed oil to the water if desired
What's Bugging You?
It's amazing how the weather can bring about different issues in the garden. This year has presented several problems. Along with the aphids, which seem to be the norm in any year, we are experiencing white flies and powdery mildew.
If you are plagued by one or all of these, or even some different problem, don't worry we've got you covered.
POWDERY MILDEW
Fungicides are to usual treatment for powdery mildew and there are way too many homemade remedies to list.
Follow the link to read more about this fungal disease.
https://www.growingformarket.com/articles/powdery-mildew-solutions
Companion Plants
Plants that naturally repel whiteflies include catnip, bee balm, basil, chives, dill, and marigolds. By planting them in the garden, whiteflies and other pests such as spider mites are less likely to move in.
Plants that Naturally Repel Aphids
Planting garlic, chives, leeks, catnip, fennel, dill and cilantro will help repel aphids. Marigolds are also known to drive away a number of unwanted pests. Research good companion plants for these garden additions and place them wisely.
WHITE FLY
.Organic Neem Oil can be sprayed on vegetables, fruit trees and flowers to kill eggs, larvae and adults. Mix 1 oz/ gallon of water and spray all leaf surfaces (including the undersides of leaves) until completely wet.
Yellow sticky traps are helpful for monitoring and suppressing adult populations.
A simple solution made from liquid dish soap and water will kill adult whiteflies without harming plants. Add 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap to 1 gallon of water and mix well. Pour the solution into a plastic spray bottle and spray it on all infested plants, saturating the leaves’ upper and undersides and the stems. You can add 1 tablespoon of vegetable, coconut, olive or grapeseed oil to the water if desired
Natural Predators
Natural predators of White Flies include ladybugs and lacewing larvae, which feed on their eggs and the whitefly parasite which destroys nymphs and pupae. For best results, make releases when pest levels are low to medium.
Soldier beetles, lady beetles, lacewings and syrphid flies prey on aphids, so keep an eye out for them when inspecting your plants and allow them to do their work. Parasitoids: Small wasps that lay their eggs inside of aphids are among their most important natural enemies.