We all know that insects may harm our plants, or even kill them. While trying to keep our plants alive, we are prone to killing all the insects we see. Did you know that there are also many insects that not only benefit plants, but also deal with the insects that try to harm them? One such relationship is that of ants and peonies: just before peonies begin to bloom they exude a sticky substance. Ants are drawn to the sweet substance and will not harm the plants while encouraging the peony to blom.
Insects that are dangerous to plants include aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs, thrips, tent caterpillars, loopers, and many more. However, there are just as many natural enemies of these harmful critters including ladybugs (the love to eat aphids), lacewings (will eat any soft-bodied insects it can find- including mealy bugs and tent caterpillars), praying mantis (will eat anything it can grab), as well as beneficial nematodes (will eat grubs that attack a plant's root system). Beneficial insects will generally not damage plants or bother humans and animals.
In conclusion, beneficial insects are a cost-effective, natural way to eliminate pests from the garden. So next time you see one, don't squash it, encourage it!
Editor's note: This entry was authored by Emily, Reds employee.
Monday 11 July 2011
Thanks Mulch
Now that I have finished adding all the new plants (annuals, perennials and a couple shrubs) to my gardens, it is time to turn my attention to mulching. I add a layer of mulch to my beds annually- I could never keep my flower beds weed-free if I didn't.
A layer of mulch that is at least two (2) inches thick will suppress weed growth, though a thicker layer is even better. I try to maintain mine about three (3) inches thick. When mulching, I always keep one inch around the stems or trunks of my plants free of mulch as not to choke out new growth.
I use natural shredded pine mulch in my garden, but any mulch will give you the same results. Dyed mulches, such as Premium Red, Premium Black, and Enhance red pine are coloured with all-natural pigments and make excellent choices as well.
Since mulch is organic material, it slowly breaks down over time, improving your soil in the process. However, this also means that you have to annually top up your mulch to maintain a 2-3 inch coverage.
Mulch not only suppresses weeds, it also keeps your plants' root system cool and moist. So pile on the mulch like I am ~ your plants will love it!
A layer of mulch that is at least two (2) inches thick will suppress weed growth, though a thicker layer is even better. I try to maintain mine about three (3) inches thick. When mulching, I always keep one inch around the stems or trunks of my plants free of mulch as not to choke out new growth.
I use natural shredded pine mulch in my garden, but any mulch will give you the same results. Dyed mulches, such as Premium Red, Premium Black, and Enhance red pine are coloured with all-natural pigments and make excellent choices as well.
Since mulch is organic material, it slowly breaks down over time, improving your soil in the process. However, this also means that you have to annually top up your mulch to maintain a 2-3 inch coverage.
Mulch not only suppresses weeds, it also keeps your plants' root system cool and moist. So pile on the mulch like I am ~ your plants will love it!
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