It is the time of year that we are beginning to enjoy garden beauty and produce. The ornamentals are beginning to fill the pots, we are enjoying the first vegetables and we are beginning to enjoy the fruits of our labours. However, it seems the weeds keep growing and the pests seem to never end.
Whenever there is trouble in the garden the first step is to identify the problem. For instance, leaves that are browning could be the result of a number of problems. It may be insects, fungal issues, wind damage, too much or too little water or even a nutrient related problem. Once the problem is identified then it is necessary to consider a suitable solution.
If the problem is the result of insect damage it is important to first determine how much damage there is and whether or not that damage is significant. One small hole in a leaf does not a problem make. However, if the problem is worsening or enough of the plant is compromised, then control is warranted. In order to choose the best control of the critter problem, the target pest must be properly identified. It is also useful to have an understanding of the life cycle of the pest. This is necessary to ensure the proper control will actually solve the problem.
Sometimes the timing of the control is key. Let us use leaf rollers as an example. Leaf rollers are cute little green worms that feed on leaves of many of our deciduous ornamental and fruit trees. The adult form is a moth. Eggs are laid in masses on small branches and when the larvae hatches it feeds vociferously. Damage is done to buds, fruit and foliage finally rolling up in the leaves to pupate. You often see them floating on the breeze on silken threads finding new trees to feast on. As far as control goes, a contact insecticide spray would only be effective prior to the larvae rolling in the leaf. Once they have rolled up, the spray cannot contact them – thus keeping them safe. If a biological spray is desired (like Btk) then it needs to be applied while they are still feeding in order to gain effective control. The only solution, once they roll up is the old squish between the fingers method.
I like to suggest solutions to pest problems be considered carefully. A pesticide need not be the first choice. In fact – other controls are often a better choice as the natural balance of things is not as compromised. Physically removing the pests and other cultural controls could be effective. Preventing problems before they happen is always a good choice. Using floating row covers to prevent cabbage butterflies from laying their eggs in cruciferous crops will ensure no green caterpillars grace your table. Planting disease free certified stock and rotating crops is also effective.
The other big problem in the garden is weeds. They seem to grow faster and healthier than everything else in the garden. A weed is simply a plant that is growing somewhere where you do not want it to grow. What is interesting is that a weed to one person may be something desirable to another.
Recently I was visiting a friend in her garden and she had the loveliest purple flowered plant close to the patio. I smiled as when I looked closer as it was none other than the dreaded creeping bell flower Campanula rapunculoides. So you see, a weed to me might be a lovely ornamental perennial to another.
Weeds are best kept under control when they are small as they seem to be able to thrive in unfavourable conditions. To make things more challenging they seem to be able to produce a copious amount of seed that survive dormant for years. Herbicides are once again not always the best solution but a vigorous dose of “hoe, hoe, hoe” is truly effective.
Happy gardening!
— Hanbidge is a horticulturist with the Saskatoon School of Horticulture and can be reached at 306-931-GROW(4769); by email at growyourfuture@gmail.com or check out our website at saskhort.com.
