Since the first greenery sprouted, Mother Nature nurtured forests, fields
and flowers quite nicely without the artificial “help” provided
by fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides. Today, homeowners and avid
gardeners are re-discovering the joys of cultivating lush landscapes,
thriving gardens and robust plants in harmony with nature with organic
composting and natural pest control. Reducing and eliminating artificial
applications in favor of nature’s way is a gift that keeps on
giving by making residential and commercial landscapes safe for people
and pets and protecting precious resources from runoff contamination.
In woodlands, wetlands and nature preserves, dead vegetation falls
to the ground and degrades, and the nutrients return to the environment
to nourish life in a perfectly balanced cycle. Organic composting –
returning biodegradable materials to the earth – puts this natural
cycle to work in an environmentally friendly way that any gardener can
Leaves, straw, dead flowers and shredded newspaper are carbon rich
materials, while garden trimmings, grass clippings, fruit rinds and
vegetable peels are sources of nitrogen. All these “discards”
that usually make their way into the landfill or waste system can be
collected and “worked” into a safe, high-quality soil and
source of nutrients.
A starter compost pile can be as small as a three-by-three patch in
an obscure corner of the yard. Spread a layer of the coarse carbon-rich
materials, then add a layer of the nitrogen-rich vegetation. Top with
a thin layer of soil and moisten the collection. Keep repeating the
layering over time until the compost heap is about three feet high.
Every two weeks or so, “work” the compost by turning it,
moving the center material toward the edges and the outer vegetation
toward the center, then moisten again. The waste will degrade into a
sweet, black, nutrient-rich soil. Naturally.
Avid gardeners with large landscapes may choose to use compost bins
that come in a range of sizes, many with mechanisms to make turning
the compost a quick and easy task.
Nature’s natural protections, which include her own system of
pest control, have been compromised. In an effort to create the perfect
gardens and landscapes, many lawn services and home gardeners have assaulted
every insect with regularly-scheduled pesticide applications that kill
almost everything that flies, creeps or crawls.
and broad-spectrum spraying destroys the good bugs along with the bad
ones, kills butterfly caterpillars, robs birds of food sources, and
puts people and pets at risk. Pesticides along with herbicides (which
kill weeds and unwanted “intruders”) are among the most
toxic contaminants to water supplies, bays, estuaries, wetlands and
preserves. Not a pretty picture. But there ARE alternatives that are
environmentally friendly – reducing pesticide applications to
an as-needed basis and protecting good insects that survive by eating
many of the bad ones that damage your gardens, lawns and trees.
Lists of beneficial insects are available at garden outlets, nurseries,
nature centers and libraries. Here are a few examples of ones that will
help you eliminate garden pests while making a priceless contribution
to the environment.
Ladybugs and ladybird beetles
Small, oval and usually brightly colored, these natural wonders feed
on aphids (a nemesis for roses and other garden treasures), scale
(which causes black spots on leaves) and mealybugs (sap suckers that
can weaken and kill plants and destroy leaves).
These green beauties on stick legs look like they are in a praying
pose, hence the name. They are voracious eaters and feed on bugs (and,
unfortunately, even each other). They lay eggs on twigs and in thick
grasses, which are destroyed by pesticides.
Large and sometimes colorful, these wonders of nature are perpetually
on the fly. Their restaurant is mid-air – they catch and consume
other flying insects including pesky mosquitoes and flies.
My Botanica is a premier source of environmentally sensitive pest control
products. Our team of professionals welcomes
the opportunity to answer your questions to help you enjoy nature-friendly
gardens and choose the best products for your individual needs. Please
call toll free 1-888-722-4308.