BUGS; Good, Bad, Ugly KCB Environmental Education Series December 7, 2013 Amanda Vanhoozier
Transcript
1. KCB Environmental Education Series December 7, 2013 Amanda
Vanhoozier
2. Healthysoil grows healthy plants. Healthy plants are
healthier. Less stressLess problems. Less pests. A gardeners shadow
is the best deterrent. Observation and action. Good organic
gardening practices prevent problems. Plant selection for local
environment. Dont be scared of bugs, most are beneficial.
3. GroceryStore perfection Accept that your plants may have
pest/blemishes Get use to eating from garden Get over fear of bugs
Understand the bigger picture. Aphids and ants relationships Never
take it personal
4. HealthySoil Healthy Gardens Planting Watering Planting
Beneficial Insects and Pollinators Lets Get Physical Solutions
Specific Insects
5. Compostand organic mulches. High microbial activity-
increase with good compost and soil amendments. Keep soil covered
with mulch. Soil should have air, dont walk in beds. Clear away
debris. Make sure soil can be well drained. Soil testing by
http://www.texasplantandsoillab.com/
6. Gardenis part of an ecosystem Good housekeeping- remove
debris, weed, and stagnant water Prevention vs Problems Compost Tea
for health and protection Protect yourself Be a friend to
Pollinators
7. Plantsselection- more resistant varieties Timing within
growing season Organically grown and hardened off Diversity of
plants for a healthy ecosystem and grow for beneficial insects
Proper airflow around plants Companion and trap plants
http://www.texasheirloomseeds.com/#Recc omended
8. Consistentand sufficient watering Mulch soil to minimize
evaporation Drip or soaker vs sprinkling Well drained beds Rain vs
city water Foliar spray compost tea, molasses, and seaweed
extract/fish emolusion
9. Mostliving organisms are beneficial to soil and plant health
Balance in nature Plant to attract beneficials Beneficial insects:
parasites (Trichogamma wasps) and predators (ladybugs, green
lacewings, nematodes) Birds, bats, lizards, snakes, earthworms
10. MicroscopicOrganisms Parasitic to soil larval and /or pupal
Application water, dissolve, apply, water When? Early Dawn or Dusk
Spring, Summer, Fall 45-105 degrees
http://www.arbicoorganics.com/product/beneficial-nematodechart/1366
12. Encouragebeneficial bugs to do the work Hand pick pests and
drop in soapy water Remove eggs Blast off with water Remove plants
past season- pest are indicators Row cover and traps (yellow
sticky) Plant collars (top of cup) Soil solarization
13. Blastof Water Least toxic garlic and soapy water Add pepper
to make stronger Bt Bacillus thuringiensis spray or powder for
caterpillars Diatomaceous Earth (food grade) Citrus Oil Neem
15. Healthyand active soil deters fire ants Farm aphids for the
nectar okra Clean up- attracted to sweet Beneficial nematodes
Organic drench: compost tea, hort. molasses, seaweed extract,
orange oil Boiling water quick but kills everything Bait controls
reproduction
16. Useto increase microbial activity in soil to prevent fire
ants and increase plant health! Coppell Community Garden -
resources
http://coppellcommunitygarden.org/files/Agitated%20Compost%20Tea.pdf
17. Leavesare a resource not a waste! Mulching mower Use as
mulch under shrubs Use in compost piles Yard Trimmings
Recycling