Pest & Disease Control
Keeping disease and pests away is critical to the health of your garden. We believe the best method in doing so is to maintain a healthy balance within the ecosystem, keeping in mind that some bugs are good bugs. Growing hardy plants and maintaining proper water and nutrient levels, ensuring adequate airflow and providing sufficient lighting will ensure your garden has the necessary elements to defend itself should invasive diseases or pests emerge.
As gardeners, we must determine what level of pest activity we consider tolerable. Inspecting your garden regularly and thoroughly is the first step in prevention control. The sooner you detect a problem, the easier it will be to resolve it using natural, earth-friendly products.
Plant diseases are characterized by wilting, moldy coatings, rusts, blotches, scabs and rotted tissue. They are often encouraged by wet weather, poor drainage or inadequate airflow. Some fungal problems can be controlled by reducing high moisture conditions and by cutting away diseased plant parts. In most cases however, a fungicide will be useful.
By not introducing harsh, toxic chemicals, you can maintain organic harmony and preserve the well-being of your plants. However, if harmful pests or diseases persist, you can run interference by using the least toxic products like barriers, repellents, beneficial insects, biological pesticides, soaps and oils as the first line of defense. More toxic botanical or natural insecticides and fungicides should be used sparingly only as necessary.
It is easy to avoid introducing chemicals and potentially harming your sensitive garden plants. Choose helpful insects instead. We order bugs from an insectary in Colorado and are proud to offer a variety of “good bugs” to suit your needs.
Please call us to inquire about special interest insects such as:
- Spider mite predators
- Green lacewing
- Thrips predators
- Lady bugs
- Sweet potato whitefly parasite
- Aphid parasites
- Praying mantis