We need to encourage beneficial insects, that prey on pests such as aphids,cut worms, etc. As gardeners we can accomplish this by planting flowers that attract beneficial insects. If u have had any good experience(s), don't be afraid to share it with your fellow gardeners.We would enjoy 1st hand what u have to say! gardendreamer03@aol.com
bbbbbbbbb Bob
From: in my garden | Registered: Jan 2003
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Bob the Flower Addict, You ask some great questions!!! First off too many people use pesticides.... 1 person is too many for me..That's what KILLS BENEFICIAL BUGS as well as the bad bugs!!! And eventually does stuff to the dirt and all things surrounding where they put the chemicals stuff on. Which the plants then sends out signals that they are in trouble which in turn bring back more bugs... they also need to keep a place in there yard untidied... Alot of people want things manicured and cleanup and nothing "wild" looking but that's where those benifical bugs hide out from the world. Water is a great source needed for benifical bugs.. All types and styles are needed. Bird bath style to shallow black pans filled with black (or dark)rocks all the way to mud!!! Everything should be organic...... Even if you feel you have to resort to chemicals alway find the ones found in nature first that do the original job.......(Pyrethrum's come to mind first..)Or like companion planting. http://www.ext.vt.edu/departments/envirohort/factsheets2/insectpest/jan94pr1.html Here's a site that has a little bit of the same info.. many more if you do a google search. And anotherhttp://www.ext.vt.edu/departments/envirohort/factsheets2/insectpest/jan94pr1.html ALSO, FINDING AND BUYING A BENIFICAL HANDBOOK SHOULD BE A MUST FOR GARDENERS AS THE BABIES OF THE BENIFICAL BUGS DON'T LOOK LIKE THE MAMMA BUGS AND GET SQUISHED IN THE PROCESS.... HOW MANY KNOW WHAT THE BABY LADY BEETLE LOOKS LIKE??? A BOOK WILL BE GOOD FOR SEEING THE PICTURES OF THE GOOD BUGS........ Weezie
bbbbbbbbb Weezie
Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it. - Bible - Hebrews 13:2
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Here's another one that has a picture of the lady beetle (lady bugs') baby....And alot of other sites and info to read................ Weezie http://www.biconet.com/biocontrol.html
bbbbbbbbb Weezie
Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it. - Bible - Hebrews 13:2
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Thanks for your comments and the web sites! I especially like the one on beneficial insects. I'm going to save that one.
I may not always be "politically correct" when it comes to certain issues in gardening. Frankly, i care very little about being "politically correct". I usually speak my mind and hope people are not offended or take it too personally. It's about education and i enjoy listening to what everyone else has to say.
I usually do a good job of killing wasps and hornets, but i really see the benefits of having them a around... even though they can be a "pain" .... literally!!!! LOL!
Let me tell u a true story. This is not made up, honest to god.. I was sitting on my front porch one summer evening and it had already turned dark outside. I had the porch light on and was sitting there relaxing on my swinging chair.I saw a cock roach racing across the porch floor close to the vinyl siding (cock roaches r a common insect in the South, even outdoors!) From the underside of the vinyl siding popped out a scorpian and grabbed the roach. It grabbed it and started eating on it. A few minutes later i saw a toad hopping up the front steps. It came to the area where the scorpian was. The scorpian got scared and started to move away. That very instant, the toad ate both the scorpian with the roach... Someone told me i should have eaten the toad! LOL!!!
Celebrating 10 years of helping your gardens grow!
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