Control of the coreopsis beetle is a multi-step process. First, get rid of the adults, and then prepare for the damaging larva left behind. This article explores non-toxic methods of coreopsis beetle control.
How to control the Coreopsis Beetle
Garden Update: June 1 (week 23)
As promised: A thorough update of what's going on in the garden Days have been low 20's or high teens with lots of cloud and little bits of rain. Generally, good growing conditions. Plant growth is noticeable day over day right now, and that generally continues for another month until the low humidity kicks in... Continue Reading →
Garden Update: Week 22 (2021) A few pests.
Happy Victoria Day, Patriot's Day or regular weekend, depending on where you are. What a weekend it was for the garden. Sun and warmth until Monday when we got overcast and - I hate to say it - some much needed rain. First, a few pests to mention: My cherry is unhealthy to begin with,... Continue Reading →
Week 19 Garden Update
An update on all 20 beds. What's growing and what isn't.
Stop babying your seedlings: Hardening-off and Leaning-out
In various garden groups I've been a part of, there is an annual debate (and sometimes a heated-one) about when to set out tomatoes. To a lesser extent there is the same discussion about all sorts of other annuals. There is an immeasurable amount of experience, which should trump most of the rest, but there... Continue Reading →
Why I Put Aphids In My Garden
Warning: This is not for beginners. If you like the “squirt squirt” of a spray bottle, don’t even read this. I’m in a unique position working with aphid and other plant pest control in commercial crops. With my experience comes an understanding/tolerance for pests: I can tell if a pest population is something to worry... Continue Reading →
Know Your Bugs: Aphidoletes aphidimyza – The Aphid Eliminator.
Aphidoletes aphidimyza (common name: Aphidoletes [a-fid-o-lee-tees]) is among the most used aphid controls in agriculture, horticulture, landscapes, greenhouses and especially ornamentals. Like all the best biological control agents, Aphidoletes works with a combination of eating lots, but also by multiplying quickly, overcoming the pest. Aphidoletes larva searching for aphids Where it comes from: Aphidoletes were... Continue Reading →
Summer in April: Week 17, 2021
I think we're on day 8 of clear skies and a dominant high-pressure ridge that has kept the South Coast warm....even hot depending on where you are. My personal weather station recorded the last 6 days as over 22C with the peak on my son's birthday, Saturday, at 24.6C. What's equally surprising is that we... Continue Reading →
Week 15 – Garden Update
It's week 15. Check out what's in the garden, and in the greenhouse.
How to Attract Beneficial Insects to Your Garden: Lesson 4 – Compost, patience and thresholds
If you’ve read along with my previous three posts on attracting Beneficial Insects and Mites, I thank you. And I think you’re prepared for something a little more academic, regarding Economic and Cosmetic Thresholds as well as tolerance and patience. Really, it takes little to attract good bugs. A healthy garden is all. But first,... Continue Reading →
