FAQs

It sounds like moles, and they’re most likely feeding on grubs and insects in your lawn. If you get rid of the insects, the moles will leave.

Small-sucking insects such as aphids, whiteflies, scale, mealybugs, spider mites and lacebugs.

The easiest non-chemical way is to use a forceful stream of water. Insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils are good, also. Remember, don’t use oil in hot weather or you’ll burn your plants and shrubs. Bacillus theringensis (B.T.) is great for caterpillars. If you elect to use chemical sprays, make sure you use the insecticide that is recommended for the plant you have, as well as the pest you have. Only use the amount recommended: More is not better.

There are many excellent identification books on the market. A good book will have lots of pictures, plus a description that includes the areas they are most likely to be found, the different like stages and what they eat. With a good book and a little practice, you should be able to tell the difference between the most common and beneficial bugs.

Keep an area of your yard mowed, since butterflies are most active in open areas. Plant lots of flowers that provide nectar and plants that are considered larva or caterpillar food. Butterflies need a place that is kept moist. Nightly roosting shelter can be provided by planting vines or shrubs. Some species like rocky areas to rest on. A feeder can be made by placing rotting fruit or tree sap on a plate.

First, carefully examine new plants to be sure they are insect-free before bringing them home. Isolating a new plant for a month before putting it with your other plants is good. Always use sterilized soil for potting. Take your plants outside about every two weeks and spray them with a forceful stream of room-temperature water. Do tops and bottoms of leaves to wash off bugs. Inspect your plants on a constant basis, and if none of this helps, use a solution of soap and water (two tablespoons to one-gallon water) and spray them. Make certain the soap does not contain degreaser.

This might work in small areas; however, adding organic material would be much more beneficial.

Your plants will benefit from two feedings per year, one in March and another in September. Remember that fertilizing equals more branches, more stems, more leaves, more roots, therefore, more maintenance cost, more cutting, more clipping and more pruning. If you are happy with the size and appearance of your plants, why encourage it to change?

A pH of 4 means your soil is very acidic. It is unsuitable for most gardening. Add lime to raise the pH. The amount added depends on what you want to grow there because some plants like a slightly acid soil and some do not.

Between 6 and 7. Most garden plants prefer a slightly acidic soil.