Organic assault!!

[chuck_n_grace]

This evening we released 1500 Ladybird bugs (lady bugs) into the garden. I wanted to attach a 2 foot long thread with a bead to each bug to keep them from flying away. Grace didn't by that.

Tomorrow we'll release 5 million 'beneficial nematodes' into our garden soil. I guess there is that many...I can see them.

This weekend we'll add diatomaceous earth. That should help to keep out slugs and other critters.

I only have doubts about those Ladybirds...can't imagine them settling down to homestead. I'll let you know if I find any this weekend.

Regards,
Chuck

[Millymollymandy]

Good luck with the ladybirds - hope they stay! I have had tons of them overwintering in my garden but just in the last week I've not noticed so many - and I see I already have blackfly and ants on the tiny broad beans and now where are those ladybirds?!!

[Radu]

You can buy lady bugs in South Carolina? And if so isn't it a bit of an impact on everything around to release so many of them at once even though the garden might benefit from them? Good luck with them anyway and hope they don't turn to be more of a curse than a blessing by some unseen or unforeseen twist of mother Nature.

[chuck_n_grace]

Hi,
Yep, we can buy lady bugs. Mind you it wasn't my idea. I think our neighbor is an active aviary so I'm certain the bugs didn't make it. However, the bugs in the greenhouse cleared up the aphid problem in a few days.

So, a handful of ladybird bugs in a greenhouse is a good idea.

*Update*

We found the small worms on the back side of the broccoli leaves. We used the old fashioned method of collecting them and squishing them. We counted nearly 100. We did locate where they hatched. Got to figure out a better way of catching these before they become a problem. A few worms tried 'bungi jumping' to get away be we caught em.

We're experimenting with beer now on the slugs.

Beneficial nematodes have been added to the soil in our garden.

Regards,
Chuck

[MKG]

Hi Chuck - I know zilch about South Carolina wildlife, but a small pond with frogs does absolute wonders for the slug problem - and you appear to be handy with aquatic solutions.

Mike

[chuck_n_grace]

MKG,
Interesting point. We have a toad on patrol in our garage at night snacking on tiny insects. I haven't considered frogs. There are hundreds of them nearby in the creek and swampy areas.

I'll research frog habitats.

Regards,
Chuck

[darkbrowneggs]

Won't the diatomaceous earth affect ALL insects? I though it worked by damaging the joints of the exoskeletons of any insect, though I may have misunderstood.

Sue

[chuck_n_grace]

Won't the diatomaceous earth affect ALL insects?

Don't know! I'll check it out.

Regards,
Chuck