Organic Gardening Results
I'm in my 3rd year of weedkiller/pesticide free gardening and the results so
far seem encouraging although too soon to say it's definitely the reason : 1. Almost no slug/snail damage this year, even on the hostas. I've been encouraging the birds ( there is now a regular thrush and a decent pile of smashed snail shells) and using pistachio shells round the hostas. 2. Hardly an aphid of any variety to be seen anywhere ( although no significant increase in ladybirds/lacewings either as far as I can tell ) Still causing problems though a 1. Chafer grubs in the lawn despite the best efforts of the starlings 2. Mildew And has anyone noticed that with the increase in bees etc., the flowers seem to be over almost as soon as they've begun ? On balance though, it's definitely a less stressful and cheaper way to garden... -- Martin & Anna Sykes ( Remove x's when replying ) http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~sykesm |
On Mon, 22 Aug 2005 15:53:05 +0100, "Martin Sykes"
wrote: I'm in my 3rd year of weedkiller/pesticide free gardening and the results so far seem encouraging although too soon to say it's definitely the reason : 1. Almost no slug/snail damage this year, even on the hostas. I've been encouraging the birds ( there is now a regular thrush and a decent pile of smashed snail shells) and using pistachio shells round the hostas. 2. Hardly an aphid of any variety to be seen anywhere ( although no significant increase in ladybirds/lacewings either as far as I can tell ) Still causing problems though a 1. Chafer grubs in the lawn despite the best efforts of the starlings 2. Mildew And has anyone noticed that with the increase in bees etc., the flowers seem to be over almost as soon as they've begun ? On balance though, it's definitely a less stressful and cheaper way to garden... Well done I say. |
The message
from "Martin Sykes" contains these words: 2. Mildew Could this be a spacing problem? I have some mildew this season but only on plants that are in very close proximity to each other, thus not allowing adequate ventilation. -- Cheers, Compo. |
"Martin Sykes" wrote in message ... I'm in my 3rd year of weedkiller/pesticide free gardening and the results so far seem encouraging although too soon to say it's definitely the reason : 1. Almost no slug/snail damage this year, even on the hostas. I've been encouraging the birds ( there is now a regular thrush and a decent pile of smashed snail shells) and using pistachio shells round the hostas. 2. Hardly an aphid of any variety to be seen anywhere ( although no significant increase in ladybirds/lacewings either as far as I can tell ) Still causing problems though a 1. Chafer grubs in the lawn despite the best efforts of the starlings 2. Mildew And has anyone noticed that with the increase in bees etc., the flowers seem to be over almost as soon as they've begun ? On balance though, it's definitely a less stressful and cheaper way to garden... Don't get your hopes up too high. Generally it has been a pretty poor year for most insects. Only way to measure your 'success' is to compare with others in your locality. In my area, bees, wasps and hoverflies seem to have thrived but butterflies, moths, ladybirds and aphids have been well down on normal. ....... and I am happy to share my garden with them all. :-)) -- ned http://www.bugsandweeds.co.uk last update 08.08.2005 |
On Mon, 22 Aug 2005 15:53:05 +0100, "Martin Sykes"
wrote: I'm in my 3rd year of weedkiller/pesticide free gardening and the results so far seem encouraging although too soon to say it's definitely the reason : 1. Almost no slug/snail damage this year, even on the hostas. I've been encouraging the birds ( there is now a regular thrush and a decent pile of smashed snail shells) and using pistachio shells round the hostas. 2. Hardly an aphid of any variety to be seen anywhere ( although no significant increase in ladybirds/lacewings either as far as I can tell ) Still causing problems though a 1. Chafer grubs in the lawn despite the best efforts of the starlings 2. Mildew And has anyone noticed that with the increase in bees etc., the flowers seem to be over almost as soon as they've begun ? On balance though, it's definitely a less stressful and cheaper way to garden... Sounds like you're doing a grand job. Have you tried spraying with diluted milk for the mildew? It worked for me on one plant. Pam in Bristol |
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