I have a problem with aphids and read that ladybugs are a natural predator of the aphids. I found a company online that ships ladybugs and ordered some. Several days later, I got an email stating that they couldn't ship to me because of the heat. I live in San Antonio, TX, and yes, it's been very hot - triple digits hot - but surely I could release the bugs during the evening and have some results. Where can I obtain ladybugs? I appreciate your assistance!
Ladybugs aren't normally available until about late spring and most local nurseries or garden suppliers can usually be helpful in locating reputable retailers. In the meantime, you may want to look into neem oil. This organic pesticide is quite effective in treating aphids and is perfectly safe for beneficial insects, such as the ladybugs. Here is more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm
I have a farm in the slopes of Aberdare ranges, a cold area, but I have no idea on what kind of flowers to plant for foraging. Please assist.
Look for cool-season flowers like lilies, snapdragons, pansies, delphiniums, nasturtiums, daffodils, tulips, etc. Also, brighter colors appeal to pollinators and bees are especially fond of bright blue and violet flowers.
Presentation to garden club. Looking for native plants to attract pollinators, such as bees. If you have a printable handout, that would be perfect. Any info helpful.
This resource should help and can be printed off for your convenience: http://chemung.cce.cornell.edu/gardening/lawns-ornamentals/native-plants
Brand name isn’t as important as conditions the inoculant experiences before you use it. However, you will want to use one that is OMRI listed like N-Dure (or Guard-N).
I understand the tobacco tea will get rid of ants in my garden, my question is this. Will it also get rid of the earthworms I am try to coax into the garden for the castings they leave behind??
so what can i use ot save the earthworms and get rid of the ants???
Tobacco teat will kill anything that comes in contact with it. It works because of the nicotine in the tobacco and nicotine is a common pesticide. So, yes, if you use it in the garden, it can kill the earthworms it comes in contact with.
so if tobacco tea will kill the earthowrms And the ants/////// what can I use to just get rid of the ants????
Where can I purchase minute pirate bugs?
Some local nurseries carry beneficials. You can ask your local nurseryman, garden center expert or extension office about availability. Mail-order companies such as Gardens Alive, http://www.gardensalive.com, also sell beneficials.
I live in southeast GA and I saw a small tree (not a holly) with small flowers and there were hundreds of bees around it (not a bee swarm), so many that there was a loud humming sound emanating from the tree. What tree was it?
It could have been any number of shrubs/trees. Bees are attracted to the flowers for their pollen, so this would not be uncommon.