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“Aphids aren’t all bad” claims the headline, but “Gardeners know aphids as tiny, squishy pests that can suck the life right out of plants and, as if that weren’t enough, leave behind a sticky, nasty mess”. It’s common knowledge that ladybugs eat aphids and and so can be used as a non chemical form of pest control. The article goes on to describe how other insects also feast on aphids as well as other garden pests. Where I became slightly lost was the idea that you introduce ladybugs to deal with the aphids, yet at the same time you are planting aphid-attracting butterfly weed to attract more aphids. Or have I got the wrong end of the stick? What do you think? Read more..

“Growing your own healthy soil” is another of those headlines designed to catch your attention. But true to her word the author, Jane Ford, writes that there “are a few things you can do to the soil in your yard and garden this fall that will literally grow it into soil that is healthy and full of organic matter”. It involves adding layers of material to the site in a way reminiscent of the lasagna method except that the latter did not include radishes or spinach. Read more..

My wife loves figs. Recently she discovered that a new friend had a fig tree in her garden and so dropped the odd hint that she would love to receive a few figs. The friend was reluctant to part with her figs, but she did produce a small sapling so that we will in due course be able to harvest the fruit from our own tree.

I remember reading that fig trees need to have their roots restricted so I checked with my copy of “The Fruit Garden Displayed” by the RHS which suggests that the planting hole should measure some three feet by two and be lined with bricks. However I discovered a simpler method from a gardening program on the radio. Use an old drum from a washing machine – it will restrict growth and the holes in the drum will allow small roots to grow through. In fact I will be using an old container with holes drilled in the sides which should perform the same function.

Related posts:

1. Growing Vegetables On A Balcony Or In A Jar
2. Vines, Thugs And Potting Soil Tip
3. The Irish Sky Garden And Rooftop Growing

In “Gardening success stories” Tony Eulo describes three pleasant surprises that he has experienced in his yard this spring. The first concerned an invasion by some evil looking bugs which on closer inspection turned out to be soldier beetles which were devouring the aphids on his artichokes. Number two was his discovery of a better way of dealing with his annnual cover crop and the third involved sunflowers. Read more..

Continuing the good and bad insects saga Matthew Stevens, the horticulture extension agent for Halifax County Cooperative Extension, describes several that we should welcome to our gardens. These include ladybugs and praying mantis as well as spiders. He lists several more beneficial insects and, as these can be harder to recognize, he includes a link to the N.C. State entomology department website where further details can be obtained. Read more..

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