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…

Pea plant: How to Grow – Vegetable of the Month

Pea plant stats/requirements at a glance Ease of Raising: 2/5 - Biweekly check-ups Water: 2-5 - Twice a week Sun: 4/5 - Full sun, shade tolerant Training: 4/5 - Moderate, train up a trellis Fertilise/Feeding: 4/5 - Fortnightly, half strength fertiliser Time to Harvest: 4/5 - A long time, 3-4 months Frost Hardiness: 3/4 -…

Sage: How to Grow – Herb of the Month

Sage stats/requirements at a glance Ease of Raising: 5/5 – Very Easy, plant and leave Water: 1/5 – Minimal, weekly (especially in a container) Sun: 5/5 – Full sun Training: 1/5 – Minimal (only to shape) Fertilise/Feeding: 1/5 – Minimal (at least during the growing season) Time to Harvest: 1/5 – Immediate (purchased a seedling)…

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…

Oregano: How To Grow – Herb of the Month

Oregano stats/requirements at a glance Ease of Raising: 5/5 – Very Easy, plant and leave Water: 1/5 – Minimal, weekly (especially in a container) Sun: 5/5 – Full sun Training: 3/5 – Moderate (keep in shape) Fertilise/Feeding: 1/5 – Minimal (at least once during the growing season) Time to Harvest: 1/5 – Immediate (purchased a…

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…

Cucumber: How To Grow – Fruit of the Month

Cucumber stats/requirements at a glance Ease of Raising: 2/5       - Weekly check-up Water: 4/5       - Daily Sun: 5/5       - Full sun, no shade Training: 2-4/5    – Moderate (on trellis) Fertilise/Feeding: 3/5       – Moderate (monthly) Time to Harvest: 3/5       – Moderate (2-3 months from seed) Frost Hardiness: 1/4       – Very Tender (cannot take light…