Keep in mind the old saying “Fight fire with fire” when it comes to dealing with pest infestation in and around your home. Use bugs to fight bugs. Pests usually attack plants that are already in various states of distress. So, the first defense against infestation is to use organic methods to keep your plants healthy. However, sometimes if you do see pests in small to moderate numbers, it could … Read More →
Before you start shopping for indoor plants, Garden Guy Dave Owens suggests looking around your house. “You want to first determine if it’s going to be in low or bright light,” he said. “That’s going to determine the plant. Don’t just go to the Home Depot and pick out a plant.” Owens said to find specific places to put them. Ficus, mother-in-law tongue, bamboo palm and spider plants are all … Read More →
Citrus trees are a great addition to any landscape. They are easy to grow and take very little care. (Anyone who thinks it takes a lot of care to reap the rewards of citrus unnecessarily induce most of the problems.) If you’re considering planting a citrus tree, go to a reputable source. I like Greenfield Citrus — you can look at all the varieties. And this time of year, you … Read More →
It’s almost spring and that means that it’s time to start planning out exactly what you would like to include in your garden. I have grown flowers and vegetables many different ways, but the gardens I prefer to work with are raised beds. I also like potted gardens (You know, just planting vegetables and flowers in a variety of pots). Both of these types of gardens keep critters from eating … Read More →
It is that time of year…Jack Frost wreaks havoc on our yards. With overnight lows dropping into the low 30’s, and often times even lower, we must prepare for all out assault. It is important to protect any frost sensitive plants in the late fall and winter months when temperatures drop below 32 degree’s. A few of the most susceptible plants include: Lantana, Bougainvillea, Natal Plum, Citrus Tree’s, Cape Honeysuckle, … Read More →
Bare root fruit and nut trees do very well in this region. Apples, guavas, oranges, blackberries and pecans thrive in the desert and bring diversity to your garden. To produce fruit, deciduous fruits and nuts have minimum low-temperature requirements. When it gets down to 45 degrees or below for 60 minutes, you’ve got yourself a “chill hour.” Different types of trees have different chill-hour requirements. Choose varieties with low minimums, … Read More →
If you thought things couldn’t get any more uncomfortable in this muggy weather, think again. Mosquitoes are about to descend on the Valley. Actually, they’re going to be rising up in swarms from the pools of stagnant water that the monsoons bring. I recently spoke to Dr. Kirk Smith, an entomologist at the University of Arizona Maricopa Agricultural Center, where they do a lot of research on insects. I … Read More →
Bulbs are a fall planting must! Although they do not provide you with instant beauty, such as with perennials, they can provide you with some of the most beautiful flowers come spring time. You just have to have a little patience. To begin, you will want to shop for bulbs that are large and plump. Soft and mushy bulbs tend to be a sign of weakness, so try to stay … Read More →
Eradicating a bed bug infestation organically requires a methodical and disciplined approach. It will take up to twelve days depending upon the level of infestation and many life cycles. Bed bug eggs take a week to twelve day to hatch. Bed bugs and lice in—beds of course, fabrics, furniture crevices and even in the baseboards. When you are first discovering that you have them night time is your friend. Go into the infested room … Read More →
Mosquitoes are a large problem all of over the world and are responsible for transmission of some serious diseases, most notably West Nile Virus, Malaria, and Encephalitis. Besides being disease vectors and causing those extremely itchy bumps, mosquitoes can also be difficult to contain. Breeding and reproducing in shallow, stagnant water the mosquitoes have a vast range of sites to increase their population. That is why reducing, if not eliminating, … Read More →
