Phil The Gardener’s Blog

3 Responses to Phil The Gardener’s Blog

1. Marci says:

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   Phil,

   I recently noticed aphids on my honeysuckle vine. Are there any natural methods of control for this pest.
2. pknaus says:

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   Aphids look so harmless, and yet they can do amazing damage to plants.
   They can be controlled in a number of ways that are natural or organic:
   Use a strong jet of water from a hose, spraying both upper and lower leaf
   surfaces and stem joints.
   Insecticidal soap or liquid hand soap mixed with water can be sprayed on
   aphids. If you use insecticidal soap make sure you apply it according to
   the directions on the container.
   You can dust the effected plants with Rotenone or silicon dioxide
   (diatomaceous earth) for effective control.
   Predatory insects such as ladybugs and lacewings can be purchased at
   some garden centers, usually in late spring. These predatory insects can
   be released in the garden to feed on aphids.
3. pknaus says:

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   Joyce from Walnut Creek, CA, asks how to keep her weeds from
   growing in between the bricks and in her driveway.

   You can apply Corn Gluten Meal as a preemergent before the
   weeds begin to sprout around daffodil bloom time. By this time of
   year the weeds are already working their way thru the cracks. You
   can use glyphosate better known as Roundup. As with any
   chemical, Read the label, follow the label, including the protective
   clothing and eyewear. Keep your kids and dog away from the
   treated area for a couple of hours until the product dries. This will
   prevent tracking the spray and possibly leaving tracks of dead
   grass in your lawn. The results will be dead weeds and another
   happy gardener.