Choosing The Correct Weed Spray
Determine what your target weed is so that you can apply the correct weed spray. There are two basic type of weeds, broad leaf weeds and grassy type weeds.
There are other types of weeds but those are the two main types we have to deal with on a regular basis. The wrong kind of grass in your lawn or planter is considered a grassy weed. Most of the types of broad leaf weeds have leaves that are more rounded.
When looking for the correct weed spray to apply always read the label first. This will help you to determine if you’re using the correct chemical and also the amount recommended to be used for each application.
Once you’ve identified the type of weed that you’re going to target. Follow the label directions in order to not over apply and unintentionally kill your other plants.
Remember, always read and follow the label.
http://www.philthegardener.com
August 16th, 2008 at
Phil-
Insect control in a tomato garden.
What do you recommend for insect control of the insects that look a lot like stink bugs (and also a little feisty red / yellow mosquito type bug) that have played havoc with my early tomatoes this year?
Your thoughts will be greatly appreciated.
Frank
August 16th, 2008 at
Stink bugs are a beetle so it is tough to use some of the stand-by organic measures. Insecticidal Soap will work with direct contact on the nymphs.
Carbaryl (Sevin) works well, I recommend you use the spray for best effectiveness instead of the dust. It is a non-selective insecticide this means it will destroy your beneficial bugs as well. Be aware of the withholding period after application. Read The Label
If you have the time the organic method of thumb and fore finger squashing them works well with persistence. It does not get the eggs though. In California a parasitic wasp, Trissolcus basalis, has been introduced to control the southern green stink bug. These and other predators attack stink bug eggs.
Keep cover weeds down where stink bugs can over winter. Of course you don’t have much control over your neighbor’s weeds.
The other insect you are referring:
If you could send a photo I may be able to better identify the red/yellow mosquito type bug.
If it is a leaf miner it would have more of a fly appearance with a yellow triangle between the base of the wings.
Or a tomato psyllid which resembles a miniature cicada.
Thrips are tiny about 1/16 inch yellow to brown. They can cause dimpling in the fruit by inserting their eggs and are carriers of the spotted wilt virus.
I think you should use organic measures as much as possible but when the populations of a pest get out of balance sometimes a chemical control is necessary to save your food crop. But be aware use of too many chemical can have a negative effect in the long run.
Phil The Gardener
August 16th, 2008 at
Phil- Thanks
Great help, suggestions, and advice.
I’ll look up the odd bug. Based on your reply,
it appears that my pest is something like the tomato psyllid, but I’ll check it out.
Thanks again.
Frank