Having insects in your plants can be frustrating. Many times you will have to create a better environment for the plant to be able to save it and get rid of the insect.
Some examples are:
- Aphids
- Fungus gnats
- Mealybug
- Scale
- Spider Mite
- Thrips
- Whitefly
- Blossom End Rot
- Cabbage lopper
- Cutworms
- Powdery Mildew
- Flea Beetles
- Tomato Hornworm
- Slugs
Gulley Greenhouse recommends Triple Action Plus Ready to Use Spray for most of the common problems in vegetables and edibles, it is safe for vegetables (spray 18 hrs. prior harvesting)
*ALWAYS read chemicals labels prior to use.
Pest Control
Insects and pests are common in any garden. Try to avoid over-watering and keep humidity low. Fertilize and rotate your crops to increase plant strength and the bugs will have a lesser chance of surviving in your garden. Look at our Insect & Disease Control Page to learn more about it.
Some ways to control your garden pests are:
- Planting a diverse selection of plants and utilizing companion plants, will keep plants healthy.
- Encourage desirable insects like lady bugs, lacewings, parasitic wasps and praying mantids. They, as well as birds and animals, eat harmful bugs.
- Keep lower leaves off the ground and remove any diseased leaves or plants.
- For vegetable gardens, rotate crops every year.
- Chemicals do not work when there is standing water on leaves.
Fertilizing Tips and Hints
Use Root Stimulator or a growth hormone on all plantings, transplanting and reproducing of plants.
For leafy crops like lettuce, spinach, etc. use high Nitrogen and not high Phosphate
For flowering crops like melons or tomatoes, the plants prefer high Phosphate and low Nitrogen
Check your NPK fertilizer numbers and apply accordingly. If the numbers are above 10, use it weekly, but if the numbers are higher than 30, use it once a month.
Consistent moisture level and good soil is key to success. Allow your plants to dry before watering again.
Be weather savvy, if the forecast looks wet, do not water the same as for dry weather. Be sure to winter water if the weather is dry and warm.