Posts Tagged ‘organic’
What do nematodes look like?
- Terrie Greco, B.A.; HLT Dip.
Now is the time to buy nematodes…
The warm weather is almost here. Time to care and show off your lawn. We are reposting one of our most read blog post, giving you great advice to achieve the best looking lawn of the season!
Following our blog last week, we received several emails asking what nematodes actually look like. Here are a few pictures. Keep those inquiries coming!
Nematodes- Steinernema carpocapsae
Nematodes -Steinernema carpocapsae – these nematodes have a ‘sit and wait’ style. They stay near the soil surface and ambush surface dwelling pests such as webworms, cutworms, armyworms (caterpillar larvae) June beetles and billbugs – to name a few. Most effective at temperatures between 22C-28C
Nematodes Heterorhabditis bacteriophora
- Heterorhabditis bacteriophora These nematodes work on destructive beetle, moth/butterfly larva – even termites and ants! They burrow down about 7” and actively seek out these pests. They are most effective in warmer soil – I guess you could say they’re like our neighbours to the south!
Nematodes Steinernema feltiae
- Nematodes – Steinernema feltiae – These nematodes tend to patrol the top three inches of soil and are most effective against fly larvae such as Craneflies and fungus gnats (to name a few). They are able to work at low temps as low as 10C. That’s chilly!
Dying to go outside but indoor plants need care (Part 2)
Indoor Plants
Today’s blog is a continuation of Tuesday’s blog about fertilizing indoor plants. Enjoy the reading and let us know if you have any further ideas on ensuring your indoor plants are getting the right nutritional elements, properly.
It really is a good idea to tend to our indoor plants now if we want to fully enjoy gardening outdoors in the spring!
“In my blog last week, I closed off by saying that the best types of fertilizers for indoor plants are those which come in liquid or powder form.
Of course, to choose a fertilizer, you must take into account your plant’s needs. For example, if your plant is about to flower, then a fertilizer with a stronger concentration of potash will encourage plant vigor. On the other hand, if you find that the leaves of a given plant are beginning to look anemic, a fertilizer with a stronger concentration of nitrogen would be better.
Also, of course, organic fertilizers are what I recommend.
Natural Fertilizers
Fertilizers which come in pellet form, used for outdoor gardening, are not recommended for indoor plants because they take too long to dissolve.
There are no strict rules when it comes to the frequency at which you should fertilize indoor plants, except in those cases when artificial lighting is widely used. Because plants exposed to artificial light are constantly exposed to light, they cannot really differentiate between seasons and/or day and night. Therefore, they can be fertilized once a week; however, be sure to water them with clear water at least every four to six weeks in order to get rid of excess fertilizing matter present in the soil.
Plants exposed to natural (sun) light do not need to be fertilized as often. A good time to fertilize is when you start noticing that your plant star to form new leaves. It is not always necessary to follow product instructions. Many times, you will be the best judge of when it is opportune to apply fertilizer. It is a good idea to fertilize a flowering plant repeatedly when buds start to show, right until the actual appearance of the flower. Plants with large leaves tend to grow more slowly and require fertilization only about every three months or so. However, the sudden yellowing of these plants’ leaves may be a signal that fertilization is called for.
For more information on fertilizers, simply click here.
The contents of this blog were inspired by a section in a book written by Joan Lee Faust given to me as a birthday present some years ago.”
Here are some additional links about fertilizing indoor plants:
http://organicgardening.about.com/
http://www.ehow.com/how_2091464_fertilize-indoor-plants.html
Dying to go outside but indoor plants need care
Indoor Plants
Photo : wallpapergratis.net
Most of us are just dying to get outside and start gardening. However, for many of our readers, this is not possible…there is way too much snow and it is frrrrreezing out there!
So take advantage of the moment and see to your indoor plants. One of the first things to do is to think about fertilizing them. Therefore, we are reprinting our post from last year on the subject:
” We often tend to think of fertilizers as being important for outdoor plants without taking into consideration that indoor plants too need to be “fed”.
Watering plants allows nutritional elements inherent in the soil to dissolve in water and be absorbed by the roots. These nutritional elements come from a wide range of sources, including the water itself, organic material, the air, etc. These elements are important for plant growth. However, after a while, these nutrients run out and need to be supplemented with the help of fertilizers.
Indoor - Outdoor Fertilizer
Certain plants require large quantities nutrients while others require less; in fact, too much fertilization can sometimes be harmful. Those nutrients which are not absorbed immediately by a plant’s roots tend to accumulate and become toxic and in some cases burn the roots. Excess fertilizers leads to an accumulation on flower (plant) pot walls of the salts filtering through the pot pores. These salts are also often seen on the sides of plastic pots or on the surface of the soil.
Such accumulations of fertilizers in fact demonstrate that the plant did not need them and that over feeding is of no use.
In general, plants require three main nutritional elements: nitrogen, phosphorus and potash. Different fertilizers contain different amounts of these elements, the percentage of which is often indicated in three numbers on fertilizer containers. The first number indicates the percentage of nitrogen (N), the second of phosphorus (P) and the third of potash (K). Certain fertilizers also contain small amounts of other elements not included in the numbering such as calcium, copper, or zinc.
Nitrogen is absorbed very rapidly and enhances the green coloring of a plant’s leaves. Phosphorus helps develop the strength of a plant’s stem and it encourages healthy roots. Potash, in turn, encourages flower formation and ensures vigorous plant growth.
For indoor plants, the best fertilizers are those which come in liquid or powder form and dissolve in water. Often, positive results can be seen within days.
In my blog next week, I will describe how to choose the best type of fertilizer for indoor plants.
The contents of this blog were inspired by a section in a book written by Joan Lee Faust given to me as a birthday present some years ago. ”
Here are some additional links about fertilizing indoor plants:
http://organicgardening.about.com/
http://www.ehow.com/how_2091464_fertilize-indoor-plants.html
Ladybugs as pesticides
Terrie Greco, B.A.; HLT Dip.
Following our recent blog on beneficial insects, we received several inquiries as to when is the best time to apply convergent ladybugs in the garden to fight pest insects. Well, that time happens to be now, mid July. We therefore recommend that you re-read or read the blog biofloris posted on the subject last year: Ladybugs gardeners’ best friends
Remember, please write if you have any questions or comments.
Six Steps To A Healthier Garden
Terrie Greco, B.A.; HLT Dip.
“Plant Health Care” is a pro-active or best practices approach to developing and maintaining a healthy and productive garden.
The basic concepts of Plant Health Care are:
1) Selecting the right plant for the right location. Choose plant material that is a ‘good fit’ for your garden. All plants have specific light, soil and water requirements. Getting your plants off to a good start will prevent future headaches.
2) Water deeply once a week. One to two inches of water per week is recommended if there is no rainfall. Frequent and shallow watering is detrimental to the root system. Roots have ‘memory’ and will remain shallow unless you force them to search for water in the deeper layers of the soil.
3) Garden sanitation. Weed and remove spent flower heads regularly. Decaying plant tissue is a perfect medium for fungal spores, and weeds will compete for available water and nutrients.
4) Provide good air circulation. Pests and diseases can spread like wildfire if plants are crowded together – allow your plants the space they deserve.
5) Correct Pruning. The removal of diseased, damaged or dead wood does not just improve the architectural form of the plant. Fungal diseases can establish themselves very easily in damaged wood, while wounds in bark and ragged branch cuts are prime real estate for insects to lay eggs.
6) Amend your soil. Add organic matter every season to your soil. This will prevent compaction, regulate soil temperature and retain moisture in the root zone.
FERTILIZING INDOOR PLANTS (CONT’D)
In my blog last week, I closed off by saying that the best types of fertilizers for indoor plants are those which come in liquid or powder form.
Of course, to choose a fertilizer, you must take into account your plant’s needs. For example, if your plant is about to flower, then a fertilizer with a stronger concentration of potash will encourage plant vigor. On the other hand, if you find that the leaves of a given plant are beginning to look anemic, a fertilizer with a stronger concentration of nitrogen would be better.
Also, of course, organic fertilizers are what I recommend.
Fertilizers which come in pellet form, used for outdoor gardening, are not recommended for indoor plants because they take too long to dissolve.
There are no strict rules when it comes to the frequency at which you should fertilize indoor plants, except in those cases when artificial lighting is widely used. Because plants exposed to artificial light are constantly exposed to light, they cannot really differentiate between seasons and/or day and night. Therefore, they can be fertilized once a week; however, be sure to water them with clear water at least every four to six weeks in order to get rid of excess fertilizing matter present in the soil.
Plants exposed to natural (sun) light do not need to be fertilized as often. A good time to fertilize is when you start noticing that your plant star to form new leaves. It is not always necessary to follow product instructions. Many times, you will be the best judge of when it is opportune to apply fertilizer. It is a good idea to fertilize a flowering plant repeatedly when buds start to show, right until the actual appearance of the flower. Plants with large leaves tend to grow more slowly and require fertilization only about every three months or so. However, the sudden yellowing of these plants’ leaves may be a signal that fertilization is called for.
For more information on fertilizers, simply click here.
The contents of this blog were inspired by a section in a book written by Joan Lee Faust given to me as a birthday present some years ago.
LADYBUG-FRIENDLY SEEDS, SNAIL BAIT AND MICHAEL JACKSON…
Just a quick reminder to those who are planning their seed purchase…don’t forget to include on your list seeds of plants and flowers which are popular amongst lady bugs. For those gardeners who plan to buy ladybugs as a natural, organic insecticide against a bunch of common pest insects (including aphids, mites, scales, thrips and small insect larvae) that can literally ruin plants, it is important to “welcome” your gardening ally appropriately. Plan now to ensure that the ladybugs you will purchase will feel at home. Remember: if they feel at home, they will stay in your garden rather than fly off to the neighbor’s and they will be of more use to you. The following plants are some which supply ladybugs with pollen:
Sweet alyssum
Golden rod
Daisies
Yarrow
Dill
Mint
Certainly there are other plants ladybugs like. Feel free to add to this list and….thanks in advance!
In certain parts of the northern hemisphere, the early signs of spring are here. Crocuses and snowdrops have been spotted blooming on the Canadian West Coast. One of our readers in BC noticed slugs eating his iris rhizomes, which means now’s probably a good time for him to start laying down Snail Bait. Of course, if you live in the northeastern parts of the continent, you still have a few months before you need to start worrying about slugs….
In the fall, one of my blogs covered the beautiful song about the environment and the importance of protecting and loving it, by Michael Jackson, the Earth Song. Did you happen to catch the beautiful rendition of the Earth Song on Sunday night’s Grammy Awards? Usher, Carried Underwood, Céline Dion, Jennifer Hudson and Smokie Robinson performed Earth Song as a tribute to the late Michael Jackson. The performance was without a doubt one of the best parts of the show, and yet another universal reminder of the importance of treating our physical surroundings well.