Here I am going to provide a collection of articles, which will present the essential information for the beginner vegetable gardener or homesteader. A Vegetable garden consists of 4 key systems: Soil, Water, Plants & Animals. These systems are connect and influence each other, which can be illustrated as follows: Integrative Organic Gardening IOG The… Continue reading Advise for the Beginner Vegetable Gardener
Category: Pest Control
Lacewings: Biological Control – Garden Critter of the Month
Lacewings at a glance Occupation: Predator Value to Gardener: 5/5 - Pest Controller Danger to Humans: 2/5 – Harmless Availability: 5/5 – They’ll arrive or you can buy some Quick Intro Lacewings adults are delicate wee fairy-folk of the vegetable garden… but do not let them fool you as they are voracious hunters of pest… Continue reading Lacewings: Biological Control – Garden Critter of the Month
Spiders: Biological Control – Garden Critter of the Month
Spiders at a glance Occupation: Predator Value to Gardener: 5/5 - Pest Controller! Danger to Humans: 4/5 – Some are very poisonous Availability: 5/5 – They’ll arrive in your garden Quick Intro Most people shriek at the sight of a spider and try their very best to stomp it out of existence. I believe that… Continue reading Spiders: Biological Control – Garden Critter of the Month
Scale Insects – Pest of the Month
Scale at a glance Type of Damage Pierce-sucking Plant Symptoms Stunted growth, leaf drop, leaf curl, death Favourite Plant Many trees and shrubs, citrus especially Occurrence Year-round in areas with mild winters (SA) Distribution Worldwide Control Moderate: physical control and preventative measures preferable, biological control agents available Quick Intro Scale insects are found… Continue reading Scale Insects – Pest of the Month
Wasps: Biological Control – Garden Critter of the Month
Wasps at a glance Occupation: Predator Value to Gardener: 5/5 - Pest Controller and Pollinator Danger to Humans: 4/5 – They can sting when provoked Availability: 5/5 – They’ll arrive or you can buy some Quick Intro The wasp is likely an under appreciated garden helper. They are one of a few insects that duel… Continue reading Wasps: Biological Control – Garden Critter of the Month
Dangers of Snail Bait – Please don’t use Snail Bait
Snail Bait Pellets This post isn't related to the threat of snail bait to your garden, but rather your pets. At the end of September 2014 we had to rush one of our cats, Diesel to the Veterinary emergency room with a suspected poisoning. I am quickly going to list the warning signs as… Continue reading Dangers of Snail Bait – Please don’t use Snail Bait
Leafhoppers – Garden Pest of the Month
Leafhoppers at a glance Type of Damage Pierce-sucking Plant Symptoms Browning & curling of leaf edges Favourite Plant Tomatoes & Potatoes Control Biological (predators: spiders & mantids) Quick Intro These jumping insects are common in the garden, especially around the Acacia trees in our garden. Not only do they attack plants, but they lower the… Continue reading Leafhoppers – Garden Pest of the Month
Whisker Flowers 