|
Pests
Bugs and other critters
have been eating plants since before people were even walking on
the planet, let alone gardening. So, it's inevitable that at some
point you will find yourself sharing your plants with uninvited
guests.
When you bring a new plant home it's always a good idea to wash
it to get rid of any pests it might have picked up at the nursery.
Put the plant in the bathtub or sink and wash all the leaves and
stems with a mixture of 1 part liquid soap to 40 parts water. (Don't
use detergent -it's too harsh for the plant.)
We strongly recommend
NOT using chemical spray pesticides on your container plants. With
a small scale garden removing the pests by hand, or washing plants
with soapy water can be as effective - without the danger of misdirected
pesticides. If you can't figure out how to get rid of a pest, cut
off the affected areas of the plant and throw them away.
It's important to keep
in mind that not all insects are pests, and that not all pests are
insects. Don't go nuts and kill every little thing with legs - you
might accidently eliminate useful pollinators or beneficial wildlife.
|
