Tuesday, January 4, 2011
How to Identify Garden Pest Worms
Garden Pest Worms
http://www.ehow.com/how_7725029_identify-garden-pest-worms.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_7725029_identify-garden-pest-worms.html
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Save $10 on orders of $50+ in our CafePress shop during the Friends & Family Sale November 20-23 http://www.cafepress.com/bloomindesigns when you use code: Friend10.
* Save $10 off orders of $50 or more on http://www.cafepress.com/bloomindesigns, excluding shipping charges, gift wrap charges and applicable sales tax. Excludes Gift Certificates, Flip products, SIGG bottles, CafePress Groups purchases and bulk orders. Coupon code FRIEND10 must be entered at check out. Promotion starts on November 20, 2010 at 12:00 a.m. (PST) and ends on November 23, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. (PST). All orders must be from the CafePress. Offer valid online at http://www.cafepress.com/bloomindesigns only, cannot be combined with any other coupons or promotions and may change, be modified or cancelled at anytime without notice.
* Save $10 off orders of $50 or more on http://www.cafepress.com/bloomindesigns, excluding shipping charges, gift wrap charges and applicable sales tax. Excludes Gift Certificates, Flip products, SIGG bottles, CafePress Groups purchases and bulk orders. Coupon code FRIEND10 must be entered at check out. Promotion starts on November 20, 2010 at 12:00 a.m. (PST) and ends on November 23, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. (PST). All orders must be from the CafePress. Offer valid online at http://www.cafepress.com/bloomindesigns only, cannot be combined with any other coupons or promotions and may change, be modified or cancelled at anytime without notice.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Add sand to loosen heavy, clay soil?
The worst remedy for a clay soil is to add sand. This practice turns the clay soil into a rock-hard, mortarlike substance. Instead, use organic matter, like compost, to loosen heavy soils because it is light in composition and also improves nutrient quality. Sand can improve a clay soil, but it must be added until it constitutes most of the mineral composition of the soil. At that point, it’s not really clay soil any longer; it is sandy soil.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Organic pesticides not always the “greener” choice
A product that is labeled organic doesn’t necessarily mean it’s environmentally friendly. A study conducted by researchers at the Univ. of Guelph showed that some organic pesticides can have a greater environmental impact than conventional pesticides because the organic product may require larger doses. The study has been published in PloS One.
Researchers compared the effectiveness and environmental impact of organic pesticides with those of conventional and reduced-risk synthetic products on soybean crops. The study involved testing synthetic pesticides (2 commonly-used conventional products and 2 new reduced-risk pesticides), a mineral oil-based organic pesticide and a product containing Beauveria bassiana fungus that infects and kills insects. These 6 products were compared for their environmental impact and effectiveness in killing soybean aphids. Field tests were also conducted on how well each pesticide targeted aphids while leaving lady beetles and insidious flower bug predators unharmed.
“We found the mineral oil organic pesticide had the most impact on the environment because it works by smothering the aphids and therefore requires large amounts to be applied to the plants,” said environmental sciences professor Rebecca Hallett.
The mineral oil-based and fungal products were less effective than the synthetic pesticides because they also killed aphid predators, which are important regulators of aphid population and growth. Hallett said the predators reduce the environmental impact because they naturally protect the crop, reducing the amount of pesticides that are needed.
“In terms of making pest-management decisions and trying to do what is best for the environment, it’s important to look at every compound and make a selection based on the environmental impact quotient rather than if it’s simply natural or synthetic,” Hallett said. “It’s a simplification that just doesn’t work when it comes to minimizing environmental impact.”
Researchers compared the effectiveness and environmental impact of organic pesticides with those of conventional and reduced-risk synthetic products on soybean crops. The study involved testing synthetic pesticides (2 commonly-used conventional products and 2 new reduced-risk pesticides), a mineral oil-based organic pesticide and a product containing Beauveria bassiana fungus that infects and kills insects. These 6 products were compared for their environmental impact and effectiveness in killing soybean aphids. Field tests were also conducted on how well each pesticide targeted aphids while leaving lady beetles and insidious flower bug predators unharmed.
“We found the mineral oil organic pesticide had the most impact on the environment because it works by smothering the aphids and therefore requires large amounts to be applied to the plants,” said environmental sciences professor Rebecca Hallett.
The mineral oil-based and fungal products were less effective than the synthetic pesticides because they also killed aphid predators, which are important regulators of aphid population and growth. Hallett said the predators reduce the environmental impact because they naturally protect the crop, reducing the amount of pesticides that are needed.
“In terms of making pest-management decisions and trying to do what is best for the environment, it’s important to look at every compound and make a selection based on the environmental impact quotient rather than if it’s simply natural or synthetic,” Hallett said. “It’s a simplification that just doesn’t work when it comes to minimizing environmental impact.”
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
National Public Gardens Day
American Public Gardens Association (APGA), announced today a partnership to celebrate the role of America’s public gardens in educating the public on the importance of environmental preservation through the formation of the first National Public Gardens Day, May 8, 2009.
Scheduled for the Friday preceding Mother’s Day Weekend 2009, National Public Gardens Day will be supported by a local, regional and national awareness and education campaign that includes broadcast public service announcements, media partnerships, local and national spokespersons and media tours all focused on communicating the importance of building sustainable environments through improved plant management and water conservation.
“As a founding partner of National Public Gardens Day, Rain Bird is excited to join the APGA in showcasing the incredible contributions made by the nation’s public gardens in plant conservation, environmental education, ecosystem management, species preservation and the efficient use of water,” said Dave Johnson, Rain Bird’s Director of Corporate Marketing. "This event is a natural fit for Rain Bird’s Intelligent Use of Water philosophy. We aim to create a greater public understanding of the benefits provided by public gardens and green spaces in every community.”
In celebration of botanical gardens, conservatories, educational gardens and historical landscapes, many of the APGA’s 500 member institutions will mark the day with special events and activities for schools, families and thousands of visitors to explore and discover their local public garden. Many of the activities will continue throughout the busy Mother’s Day Weekend, offering visitors time to enjoy the beauty of the gardens while learning about each garden’s commitment to education, research and environmental stewardship.
“Public gardens play an increasingly important role in educating present and future generations on the importance of environmental stewardship through preservation of earth’s natural resources,” said Dan Stark, Executive Director of the APGA. "National Public Gardens Day will not only be a time for families and enthusiasts to enjoy the gardens, but will also showcase the achievements and expertise provided by public gardens as well as their commitment to education and outreach programs that are vital to people's appreciation and understanding of the irreplaceable value of plants.”
Scheduled for the Friday preceding Mother’s Day Weekend 2009, National Public Gardens Day will be supported by a local, regional and national awareness and education campaign that includes broadcast public service announcements, media partnerships, local and national spokespersons and media tours all focused on communicating the importance of building sustainable environments through improved plant management and water conservation.
“As a founding partner of National Public Gardens Day, Rain Bird is excited to join the APGA in showcasing the incredible contributions made by the nation’s public gardens in plant conservation, environmental education, ecosystem management, species preservation and the efficient use of water,” said Dave Johnson, Rain Bird’s Director of Corporate Marketing. "This event is a natural fit for Rain Bird’s Intelligent Use of Water philosophy. We aim to create a greater public understanding of the benefits provided by public gardens and green spaces in every community.”
In celebration of botanical gardens, conservatories, educational gardens and historical landscapes, many of the APGA’s 500 member institutions will mark the day with special events and activities for schools, families and thousands of visitors to explore and discover their local public garden. Many of the activities will continue throughout the busy Mother’s Day Weekend, offering visitors time to enjoy the beauty of the gardens while learning about each garden’s commitment to education, research and environmental stewardship.
“Public gardens play an increasingly important role in educating present and future generations on the importance of environmental stewardship through preservation of earth’s natural resources,” said Dan Stark, Executive Director of the APGA. "National Public Gardens Day will not only be a time for families and enthusiasts to enjoy the gardens, but will also showcase the achievements and expertise provided by public gardens as well as their commitment to education and outreach programs that are vital to people's appreciation and understanding of the irreplaceable value of plants.”
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