Q: I have all these black gnats or some kind of small fly in my house and I did not have them before I brought some of my plants in for the winter, they are driving me crazy but are they some thing that I need to be concerned about for my plants and if so what do I need to stop them? A: What you have are called Fungus Gnats… Continue reading
Butterfly Gardening in Central Texas
Nectar Sources:
Nectar flowers for adults—The best nectar is obtained from flowers growing in a sunny location from healthy, well-watered plants. Often native plants produce the best nectar and should be planted in soil like they naturally grow in, in conditions that duplicate their natural preferences. Water perennial nectar sources in the winter if it doesn’t rain enough to insure ample nectar in the spring. Try to plant a variety… Continue reading
Knockout EarthKind Roses
Q: Are all colors of Knockout roses EarthKind?
A: Only the original, cherry red Knockout is on the EarthKind list, though others are being tested by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service. For a rose to be named EarthKind it must have outstanding landscape performance with limited use of pesticides, fertilizers, and supplemental water. If planted properly, once established these roses have excellent heat and drought tolerance. For more information… Continue reading
What is Compost Tea?
Q: What is compost tea?
A: Compost tea is foliar spray for your plants that you can make yourself. Get a five-gallon bucket and lid. Buy a small aquarium pump and hoses long enough to reach down inside the five gallon bucket. A bubbler stone on the end of the hose is suggested. Fill the leg of an old panty hose with compost and tie a knot above the… Continue reading
Organic Weed Control Not Working
Q: I want to use organic weed control on my lawn but it never seems to control all the weeds, am I doing something wrong?
A: You are most likely not doing something “wrong” but more likely not doing enough. The organic product called Corn Gluten Meal that is used as an organic weed preventive needs to be applied heavy and frequently during the season leading up to the… Continue reading