Reply to thread

Message: [QUOTE="redback, post: 255225, member: 20106"] There are a few other strategies you can use when feeling overwhelmed by pests- 1. [B] Increase plant immunity by fertilizing.[/B] Before planting the tomatoes spread a general-purpose organic fertilizer with trace elements. Cover that with compost and water over with a yeast or lactobacillus liquid inoculant. 2. [B]Companion planting.[/B] In between the tomatoes plant parsley, basil and calendulas (marigolds). Once the seedlings are planted let any weeds or self-sown flowers or vegetables grow for a while before pulling out or transplanting as necessary. 3.[B] Extra plants as insurance.[/B] Grow from seed and raise three times more plants than you need. 4.[B] Mulch/top-dress.[/B] When the flowers appear use seaweed as a liquid fertilizer and mulch with decomposed humus, straw or aged manure. This strengthened the toms by feeding their developing aerial roots. 5. [B] Insect netting.[/B] Find a fine netting to keep out birds and fruit fly. If necessary, cover the plants with a vertical cylinder of this stuff. 6. [B]Predator Park. [/B]Devote a quarter of your garden space to hiding places for predators. Rockpiles and wood piles are good for lizards. Undergrowth or ground covers are good for centipedes and mole crickets. Taller plants like corn, sunflowers and tree dahlias are good for spider webs and dragonflies, parasitic wasps, hoverflies and lacewings. Don't be too tidy - let lawns and grasses grow for a while longer than two weeks. Low water bowls with rocks in them are vital for all creatures. In a little while the creatures of your garden are as interesting as the plants. [/QUOTE]

Verification