White flies, aphids, mites and mealybugs oh my! Yes these are some of the common pests that like to visit our gardens. No description of these little guys here today, but they will each have there turn for notoriety soon enough.
If your go to your local nursery about these pests they will probably suggest one of two types of horticultural oils. Dormant oil, for dormant plants as the name suggest, is a heavy petroleum based oil that you spray on. Summer oil, (superior or supreme oil) which is a lighter petroleum based oil that you spray on when the air temperature is below 85 degrees.
A green solution for the summer oil is;
1 tablespoon of plain vegetable oil and
1/4 teaspoon of liquid soap per quart of water.
Shake vigorously and spray being sure to get the underside of the plant leafs.
The "green solution" is never as lethal as chemical based products but with some patience and the willingness to be happy with less than the picture perfect plant you will be making a healthy choice for the environment which inevitably is healthier for all of us!
No comments:
Post a Comment