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Organic Gardening
It's easy to go organic! Here at theGardenPages we have been
organic for years. Not because we're on a crusade, because it is
easier, safer and much less expensive.
You do not have to swear off all chemicals immediately to be an organic
gardener. We'd like to help you make the transition smoothly.
Here are a few organic tips that have worked for us in the garden.
Organic Pest Control
Aphids; Sometimes the best way to get rid of them is
to just spray them off with a hose. Use a strong spray and blast
them off. Normally that is enough to decimate the
population.
Another aphid control option is ladybugs. They can be
found at nurseries
and some home centers. When you first release them, you need to
convince them to stick around in your yard. The trick to keeping
them around is to
lightly sprinkle the plants (so they have water) and release them in
the evening. Ladybugs will be more likely to settle in for the night on
your plants. The moisture and food supply (aphids) should keep
them from moving too far away the next day.
Snails; Handpicking in the evening is a time
tested technique. Another trick is to put our shallow
saucers of beer. The slugs and snails slither in and don't
slither out.
Eggshells; snails hate eggshells, something about
slithering over small
bits of shards bothers them. But your shells must be CLEAN.
If you use shells from fresh eggs be sure to wash them off first!
If you're using hard boiled eggs, make sure there is no egg left on
them. Otherwise you will be inviting bigger pests into your
garden.
And yes, if you have eggshells from Easter eggs with edible vegetable
dye, they should be safe in the garden.
Appetizers? Your snails are descendants of
snails brought over from
France for escargot. I had a neighbor who collected them, put
them in sawdust for two weeks to detox them - and then he'd fire up the
stove and melt butter! If I discover a clamoring for a recipe I
will dig up a link for you.
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