Archive for June, 2007

Phil The Gardener from www.philthegardener.com is pickingcherries.  Click on the pickingcherries link and be patient
I am working on the size and quality of this video.

Planting vinca after pansies has been a long time problem. The main disease that affects pansies and vinca is Phytophthora parasitica. The fungus enters the plant at the soil line mostly in warm wet conditions.

This can be passed on to vinca thru the soil. The crown turns soft, watery, and greenish-brown killing the whole plant. There is another soilborne fungus Thielaviopsis basicola called Black Root Rot. The fungus is found across the southern part of the United States in a wide variety of temperatures.

Proper application of fungicides may control Pythium or Phytophthora root rot. Root diseases can be minimized by not planting vinca directly after the pansies are finished. Root fungus thrives when the plants have poor drainage, are over watered, and over fertilized. It is better to wait a year and use another plant along with a fungicide to control
root funguses.

An application of fludioxonil, iprodione, PCNB, thiophanate methyl or triflumizole in a drench will help to reduce spread of the disease from pansies to vinca. Always fungicides apply according to the directions
on the label.

How many pests do you have in your garden? I bet you have some of these: aphids, ants, earwigs, grubs, mice, slugs, and snails. Pests can cause damage, contamination, to our food. They carry foreign bodies that cause allergic reactions. The best cure is to take preventative steps to control the pests before they cause garden problems.

Do a physical inspection of your home by walking around it with a pen and notepad. Jot down notes of what needs to be repaired or replaced to create a pest barrier: caulk cracks and windows, repair broken window and door screens, check doors and windows that they shut tightly. Make sure your screen door will close quick enough after you walk thru so you don’t have unwanted guests.

Food spills, crumbs, and left over pet food should be cleaned up immediately. Washing and drying your dishes, sweeping behind your appliances, and storing food in sealed containers will discourage the invasion of vermin such as rodents, ants, and cockroaches.

For that renegade bug that gets by all of your industrious efforts to thwart their invasion a swatter or trap will make quick disposal of him. If insects get into stored food seal in plastic and put in the freezer. If all else fails you can purchase pesticides at your local Home Depot Garden Department. For an infestation of an insect you need to choose the correct pesticide for the problem. Contact a qualified person to help you choose the correct product to solve your problem. If you are unsure of the pest identification send me a digital picture, write to me and I will help you identify the problem, then point you to the correct solution.

Pest control can be a little tricky in your lawn. Mowing on a weekly basis and regular fertilization with the proper fertilizer for the season will help keep the grass healthy. Healthy grass is a strong deterrant to weeds. Hand weeding if you have time is best for the environment. If time is of the essence then Home Depot Garden Center can be your friend. I caution you to be careful about pesticides, improper use will not only control your pests, but can be harmful to good bugs like lacewings, ladybugs, antlion (ladybug larvae), and praying mantis.

Best Wishes and Happy Gardening.
Phil Knaus
http://www.philthegardener.com