#how to attract beneficial insects

[fordragonfliesandme]

Start the Year Green: Achieve Your Gardening Goals with These Top 10 Resolutions!

Introduction to gardening resolutions! As the new year begins, many of us are motivated to make positive changes in our lives. While resolutions often focus on personal growth or health, why not extend that mindset to our gardens? Gardening resolutions can help us set goals, stay focused, and achieve the green oasis we’ve always dreamed of. In this article, I will share the top 10 gardening…

[anipgarden]

What to Do Once Things Are Planted?

This is my seventh post in a series I’ll be making on how to increase biodiversity on a budget! I’m not an expert--just an enthusiast--but I hope something you find here helps! 

So you’ve gotten started on making a garden to boost biodiversity! 10/10, excellent work! So, now what?

First, you’ll need to keep watering the plants--especially if you’re going through a dry season. Native plants will be more acclimated to your area’s seasonal weather, but they’ll need a helping hand while they’re getting established--especially if you’re starting with young, tender seedlings. With that in mind, if you accidentally skip out on crucial watering days, don't panic! There's been tons of times where I haven't watered for an entire summer and had perennials come back the next spring! Even this year, during a heatwave, I completely did not water my swamp milkweeds, but they're already popping back up! You may also need to go in and weed, especially if you’re seeing invasive species popping up in the garden. Invasives are no good--if you do anything, do your best to get those out as effectively and safely as possible!

If you’re needing to maintain your shrubs in spring and summer, double check to make sure there are no active bird or insect nests within them. If it’s possible to wait until later to cut your shrubs, it could be extremely beneficial.

When fall and winter come around and your plants begin to die back, don’t cut them away if you can! Many insects overwinter in the plant stems left behind as perennials die back to the roots. In addition, birds will use seed heads as a source of food over the winter. Try not to clean things up until late winter/early spring, when other food sources are beginning to come back and things are growing again. By then, the insects should be waking up and leaving the plant stems as well.

However, don’t let this discourage you from collecting seeds! Collecting seed from your plants is a great way to continue gardening at low cost, as well as making friends and encouraging others to garden by trading seeds or offering them as gifts. If you're in an area where you do need to cut back, this is a great opportunity to collect the seeds and save them for the future. You could also cut back what’s dying in the front yard and keep things to overwinter in the backyard. Some overwintering habitat is better than no overwintering habitat.

Want to know how to collect seeds from specific plants? I've found YouTube to be a great source of info for this! Knowing what you're doing and when is key to getting a viable harvest.

As your mulch begins to break down, you’ll need to keep adding more to top it off, if you can. It can get a bit repetitive, but no worries--the mulch breaking down means your soil is improving! 

If possible, add to your garden! Expand, add in new things, and keep encouraging the growth of native plants. If you couldn’t add that water feature in year one, see if you can in year two! New interest in birds? Add a birdhouse, or more bird feeders. Loving the butterflies? Add plenty more nectar-rich plants, or do more research into what they lay their eggs on! Want more color? See what else you can add in! Came into some new pots to expand your flowerpot garden with? Find cool native plants to put in them! I always encourage people to start small and then expand over time, as opposed to starting big and getting overwhelmed.

Keep learning and observing native species of birds, insects, mammals, etc. See what’s coming to your yard now, and look into how you can improve things more for them on your budget. If you aren’t seeing what you were hoping, see if there’s other actions you can take that’ll attract what you’re hoping to see in your backyard habitat. Knowing more about the world around you makes it easier to know how to help the world around you. Talk to others about what you’re doing, the changes you’ve made, and the results you’ve seen! Curious neighbors? Work friends? Your closest homies? Your family? All fair game! You just might be the one who gets someone else interested in making their space a habitat for local wildlife!

That’s the end of this post! My next post is gonna be about the secret Other Thing you can do to help biodiversity--tackling invasives! Until then, I hope this advice was helpful! Feel free to reply with any questions, your success stories, or anything you think I may have forgotten to add in!

[rjzimmerman]

We like this "chaos gardening" approach, which has been our approach for last few years. We allow the native plants, however they arrived in our yard (bird poop, wind), to grow without paying attention to where they are, what they are crowding out, minimal watering and feeding......chaos. We leave the plants be after they die in the autumn/winter, providing shelter and food to the wildlife, and then in spring try to create some order by cutting the dead stems back down, but......watching the new growth sprout as we cut!

Excerpt from this story from EcoWatch:

If the idea of meticulously planning and caring for a garden brings you nothing but stress, this gardening trend might bring you nothing but joy. 

Chaos gardening is a laid-back (and haphazard) approach to gardening, built on the notion that you can garden without expensive tools or extensive know-how, and that embracing the unexpected and unplanned can yield beautiful and bountiful results. 

If you’re looking for a reason to let go of the rules and let nature work its magic, look no further.

It started off as a TikTok trend, but chaos gardening is becoming a more practiced method of planting. It was even featured in some displays at the 2023 Chelsea Flower Show in London. 

And, it’s exactly what it sounds like: rebelling against tidy gardens and strict rules about how a garden needs to be organized. It brings to mind an unbridled, colorful countryside of tall grasses and wildflowers, but one that fits in your backyard. 

Many chaos gardeners choose this method for its convenience, minimal maintenance and lower financial commitment. Starting seeds indoors takes some planning and know-how, and buying starts at the garden center can get pretty pricey pretty fast. Instead, the trend entails basically throwing seeds around (with some mindfulness for location) and seeing what takes. It’s not only for flowers, but also vegetables, groundcover and more. 

Chaos gardening also follows the research showing that plants growing in isolation are more susceptible to diseases and pests, and plant diversity can be very beneficial to soil health.

Many deliberately-planted garden plants do provide pollen and nectar to pollinators, but a chaotic garden without strict plots or plant varieties and greater variety might attract more pollinating birds and insects to your yard. Inviting these creatures into your space helps support a biodiverse local ecosystem, where many plants thrive and provide resources for mammals, insects and birds. Especially if the plants and seed heads are left in the garden after the growing season ends, they can become a habitat for overwintering species like ground nesting bees and beetles. 

Including native plants in your chaos garden is especially beneficial. Native wildflowers, grasses, perennials and groundcover plants are already suited for the conditions of your home environment, meaning they’ll need fewer inputs – often including water – to thrive.

While it brings many environmental benefits, traditional gardening isn’t without its harms: plants from the nursery like vegetable starts or small annuals often come in unrecyclable plastic containers – which can amass by the hundreds for a large garden project. Synthetic fertilizers and pesticides meant to keep out unwanted critters and weeds can have wide-ranging impacts on the ecosystem, including keeping the good bugs out. And a lack of plant diversity in gardens doesn’t support a biodiverse yard. Chaos gardening might be able to alleviate some of these drawbacks to strictly traditional gardening, while still bringing beauty and joy to your space. 

[toxictaicho]

Flowers for Unohana

In TYBW cour 2 opening, sad looking Ken-chan is throwing bouquet of blue flowers into the river and walking away. These flowers seems to be kikyō (桔梗) - Platycodon grandiflorus, chinese bellflower, balloon flower

They're mostly blue, but also different colors exist. Plant is used in traditional medicine and for culinary purposes too.

4th Division has bellflower as it's insignia. It can be other species but it can be also kikyo.

Hidden meaning of kikyo is eternal love, patience, strength, loyalty, good fortune. In classic literature is often associated with tragic heroine and self-sacrifice.

Let's take look at 11th Division plant - Yarrow, Achillea millefolium.

Name is derived from ancient Greek hero Achilles. Obviously. Centaur Chiron teached Achilles how to use plant to stop bleeding. Is used in medicine, but is also toxic. Yarrow is used in butterfly gardens because attracts beneficial insect. Wild yarrow has white flowers, but different colored cultivars exist.

Hidden meanings - everlasting love, courage and war, healing and good health, protection against evil

Seems quite legit.

[gardeningloverfamily]

🪲🪰🦗How to Keep Your Garden Pest-Free Naturally?

✅Keeping your garden pest-free naturally requires a combination of preventive methods, companion planting, and biological controls. Here are some effective ways to manage pests without chemicals:

1. Companion Planting:

Grow pest-repelling plants like marigolds, basil, and garlic near susceptible crops to deter insects.

2. Introduce Beneficial Insects:

Encourage ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps that prey on common garden pests.

3. Neem Oil & Homemade Sprays:

Use natural insecticides like neem oil or sprays made with garlic, soap, and water to keep pests at bay.

4. Handpicking & Traps:

For larger pests like caterpillars and slugs, manual removal or using traps is effective. Beer traps work well for slugs and snails.

5. Mulching & Crop Rotation:

Organic mulch reduces pest hiding spots while rotating crops prevents pest build-up.

6. Healthy Soil & Proper Watering:

Strong plants are more resistant to pests. Enrich the soil with compost and avoid overwatering, which attracts pests like fungus gnats.

7. Physical Barriers:

Use row covers, mesh, or garden netting to block insects from laying eggs on plants.

✅These methods allow you to enjoy a lush, productive garden without harming your environment or health.

[chokrihizem]

🌸 The Amazing Common Mallow 🌿 More Than Just a Pretty Flower—It’s Nature’s Gentle Healer

Have you ever passed by a cluster of soft, lilac-pink flowers growing wild and thought they were just weeds? Chances are, you walked right past Common Mallow (Malva sylvestris) — a powerful medicinal plant that’s been loved for centuries and used by ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and herbalists all over the world. 🌍

Here’s why this wildflower is a true herbal treasure:

🌿 Healing Properties → Soothes sore throats and dry coughs (thanks to its mucilage content) → Calms digestive discomfort and inflammation → Naturally moisturizes and heals irritated skin, rashes, and burns → Gently supports immune function with antioxidants and vitamin C

🍵 How to Use It → Brew the leaves and flowers into a calming herbal tea → Add the young leaves to salads, soups, or stews → Use it in DIY skincare recipes like compresses or infused oils → Grow it in your garden to attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects 🐝🦋

🪴 Bonus? It’s super easy to grow—even in containers!

✨ Common Mallow is soft, soothing, and strong—all at once. A quiet healer in a noisy world.

💬 Have you used mallow before in tea or skincare? Share your experience or reblog to spread the herbal love!

📌 Follow for more plant wisdom, garden magic, and DIY healing ✨🌿

[finaltouch-blog1]

🌼 The Colorful World of Ladybugs: A Guide to Their Species 🐞

Did you know that ladybugs are not just charming garden visitors but also essential allies in maintaining a healthy ecosystem? With over 6,000 species worldwide, these vibrant insects play a crucial role in pest control and biodiversity.

🐞Why Ladybugs Matter 🐞

Natural Pest Control: They feast on aphids and other harmful pests, keeping our gardens thriving.

Biodiversity Indicators: Their presence signifies a healthy ecosystem.

Pollination Support: While primarily known for pest control, they also assist in pollinating plants.

Fascinating Facts:

- 🌈 Diverse Species: Over 6,000 species exist globally.

- 🎨 Color Variations: From red and orange to yellow and black, each species has its unique pattern.

- ⏳ Lifespan: Most ladybugs live about one year, but some can survive up to two years!

🐞Common Ladybug Species:

1. Seven-Spotted Ladybug: Iconic red with seven black spots.

2. Multicolored Asian Ladybug: Known for its variable colors and patterns.

3. Two-Spotted Ladybug: Bright yellow or orange with two prominent spots.

4. Nine-Spotted Ladybug: Reddish-orange with nine distinct spots.

🐞How to Attract Ladybugs to Your Garden:

- 🌼 Plant nectar-rich flowers like dill and marigolds.

- 🪨 Create shelter using rocks or logs.

- 🚫 Avoid pesticides to protect these beneficial insects.

By embracing the colorful world of ladybugs, we can enhance our gardens while supporting biodiversity! 🌍💚

👉 Have you spotted any ladybugs in your garden lately? Share your experiences in the comments! 

[learndirt]

How to Attract Beneficial Insects If you're a gardener embracing organic methods, beneficial insects are one of your most important garden allies. There are so many helpful insects that will pollinate your garden, eat pests, help decompose your compost, and more. Ready to learn about cultivating a harmonious garden ecosystem that's balanced and synergistic? You're in the right place! Garden predators can help keep your garden healthy, controlled, and thriving! Let's talk about how to attract beneficial insects to your garden... Why Beneficial Insects Are Important in the Garden One lens through which we can look at beneficials is through the roles they play and ecological niches they fill. Broadly, these break down into categories such as: Let's talk about each one: Predatory Insects for Gardens Predatory insects are a great garden ally as they often eat the bugs that we consider pests. Beneficial predators are a natural counter-balance to pest populations, and keep them [...]

[adamrosner]

Growing Green: The Benefits and Best Practices of Organic Gardening

In a world where sustainability and health are at the forefront of many people's minds, organic gardening provides a natural solution. It not only supplies fresh, healthy produce but also contributes to environmental preservation and personal well-being. Organic gardening is an approach that relies on natural cycles, biodiversity, and eco-friendly practices to cultivate plants without synthetic chemicals. Whether you're new to gardening or looking to shift from conventional methods, organic gardening offers numerous benefits and techniques to explore. Let's dive into the essential aspects of organic gardening and discover how it can enhance your life and the environment.

Environmental Impact of Organic Gardening

One of the standout benefits of organic gardening is its positive impact on the environment. Conventional gardening often relies on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, which can seep into water sources, harm wildlife, and disrupt ecosystems. Organic gardening, however, avoids these chemicals, opting instead for natural fertilizers like compost and manure that enrich the soil without causing harm.

By embracing organic gardening, you contribute to a healthier ecosystem. This gardening style promotes soil health, water conservation, and a balanced local environment. Organic gardening also supports a diversity of organisms, from earthworms to beneficial insects, which aid in plant growth and pest control. Over time, these practices not only create a sustainable garden but also reduce the environmental footprint of food production, making it a choice that benefits the planet as a whole.

Health Benefits of Organic Gardening

Growing your food organically has several health advantages. When you cultivate fruits and vegetables without chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, you reduce your exposure to harmful residues commonly found in conventionally grown produce. Organic produce from your garden is fresh, natural, and rich in nutrients, contributing to a cleaner and healthier diet.

Additionally, organic gardening promotes physical and mental health. The physical activity involved in gardening—such as planting, weeding, and watering—provides moderate exercise that can enhance muscle tone and improve cardiovascular health. Spending time outdoors in natural surroundings also reduces stress, increases mindfulness, and boosts mood. Organic gardening, therefore, not only supports your diet but also fosters a holistic approach to health and wellness.

Enhancing Biodiversity in Your Organic Garden

Organic gardening encourages biodiversity, making your garden a thriving habitat for a range of plants, insects, and small animals. Without the threat of pesticides, beneficial insects like bees, butterflies, and ladybugs can flourish, helping with pollination and natural pest control. These insects are essential for maintaining a balanced ecosystem, and organic gardening offers a safe haven for them.

A diverse garden with a variety of plants supports a complex web of organisms that all play roles in the ecosystem. From microbes in the soil that break down organic material to small mammals and birds that seek shelter among the plants, an organic garden creates a miniature ecosystem that reflects the natural world. By promoting biodiversity, organic gardening not only improves the health of your plants but also contributes to the broader ecological balance in your area.

Choosing the Right Plants for Organic Gardening

When starting an organic garden, selecting suitable plants is key to success. Opt for plants that are native to your region, as they are adapted to the local climate, soil, and pest pressures. Native plants often require less water and fewer resources, making them more sustainable and easier to grow organically. Additionally, native plants attract local pollinators, enhancing the health of your garden and surrounding areas.

Heirloom plant varieties are also excellent choices for organic gardening. These plants have been cultivated for generations without genetic modification, and they often boast superior flavor and resilience. By choosing native and heirloom plants, you create a garden that's not only easier to maintain but also more resistant to pests and diseases. This careful selection allows you to focus on nurturing your plants naturally without relying on synthetic interventions.

Building and Maintaining Healthy Soil

Soil health is the foundation of any successful organic garden. Organic gardening relies on natural soil-building techniques, like composting and mulching, to create fertile ground for plants. Composting transforms kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich organic matter, which you can mix into your soil to boost its structure and fertility. Regular composting not only improves the soil but also reduces waste, creating a closed-loop system in your garden.

Mulching is another valuable technique for organic soil health. Organic mulches, such as straw, leaves, and grass clippings, cover the soil, helping retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate temperature. As these materials decompose, they add nutrients to the soil, further enhancing its health. By focusing on building healthy soil, you create a strong, self-sustaining environment that minimizes the need for fertilizers and supports robust plant growth.

Natural Pest Management Techniques

One of the core principles of organic gardening is natural pest control. Rather than using chemical pesticides, organic gardeners employ a range of methods to manage pests sustainably. Companion planting is a popular strategy, where certain plants are grown together to deter pests. For example, planting basil alongside tomatoes can repel insects that might otherwise harm the tomatoes. Similarly, marigolds are known for their pest-repelling qualities and can be planted throughout the garden.

Encouraging beneficial insects is another method of organic pest control. Ladybugs, lacewings, and spiders are natural predators that keep pest populations under control. You can attract these helpful insects by planting flowers and herbs that provide nectar and pollen. Additionally, using physical barriers like row covers to protect young plants from pests can be highly effective. By employing these natural methods, you can maintain a balanced garden ecosystem that naturally deters pests.

Conserving Water in the Organic Garden

Water conservation is a vital aspect of organic gardening. Organic gardeners often use rainwater collection systems and efficient irrigation techniques to minimize water usage. Collecting rainwater allows gardeners to capture and store water for dry spells, reducing dependence on municipal water supplies and conserving this valuable resource.

Drip irrigation is another effective method for watering plants directly at the root zone, minimizing evaporation and runoff. This technique delivers water precisely where it's needed, ensuring that plants receive adequate moisture without waste. By incorporating water-saving methods, organic gardening practices align with sustainability, ensuring that your garden flourishes with minimal environmental impact.

Harvesting and Enjoying the Fruits of Your Labor

Harvesting your own organic produce is one of the most fulfilling aspects of organic gardening. The food you grow yourself is fresher and often tastes better than store-bought options. Picking fruits and vegetables at peak ripeness ensures maximum flavor and nutrition, giving you a deeper appreciation for the food you consume.

Beyond the taste, harvesting from your garden brings a sense of accomplishment and connection to nature. The act of growing food from seed to harvest fosters mindfulness and respect for the resources involved in food production. Organic gardening encourages thoughtful, sustainable consumption habits that extend beyond the garden and into other areas of life.

Long-Term Sustainability in Organic Gardening

Organic gardening isn't just a hobby; it's a way to build a sustainable future. Practices like crop rotation, seed saving, and careful resource management keep your garden healthy over the long term. Rotating crops helps prevent nutrient depletion in the soil, ensuring that each growing season is as productive as the last.

Seed saving allows you to preserve strong, resilient plants and create a garden that adapts to your unique conditions over time. This approach helps maintain genetic diversity and strengthens the garden's resilience against environmental changes. Through these sustainable practices, organic gardening becomes more than a seasonal project—it becomes a lifestyle that supports both personal and environmental health.

Embracing Organic Gardening: A Path to Healthier Living

Organic gardening offers a path to healthier, more sustainable living. By growing food without chemicals, you not only benefit your health but also contribute to the well-being of the environment. From building healthy soil to conserving water, every aspect of organic gardening promotes sustainability.

Whether you're seeking a new hobby or a meaningful way to support the planet, organic gardening offers countless rewards. Embrace this journey, and experience how it transforms your life and the world around you—one plant at a time.

[purehealthpulse]

A Review of "The Self-Sufficient Backyard Book"

A Green Thumb Guide to Homegrown Harvest

"The Self-Sufficient Backyard Book" is a comprehensive resource for anyone looking to embrace a more sustainable and self-reliant lifestyle. This beautifully illustrated guide offers a wealth of practical advice and inspiration for cultivating a thriving garden, no matter the size or experience level.

From Seed to Table

The book begins with a helpful introduction to gardening basics, covering essential topics such as soil preparation, composting, and pest control. It then delves into the art of seed selection and sowing, providing detailed instructions for a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The author's engaging writing style makes the process feel accessible and enjoyable, even for those new to gardening.

A Harvest of Health and Happiness

One of the standout features of this book is its emphasis on the health benefits of homegrown produce. The author explains how cultivating your own food can provide a nutritious and flavorful diet, while also reducing your carbon footprint. There are also chapters dedicated to preserving and storing your harvest, ensuring that you can enjoy the fruits of your labor throughout the year.

A Backyard Haven

Beyond the practical aspects of gardening, "The Self-Sufficient Backyard Book" also explores the therapeutic and spiritual benefits of connecting with nature. The author encourages readers to create a beautiful and inviting outdoor space that can be enjoyed by both humans and wildlife. There are suggestions for building raised beds, constructing compost bins, and attracting beneficial insects to your garden.

A Must-Have for Every Gardener

In conclusion, "The Self-Sufficient Backyard Book" is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in sustainable living and homegrown food. It is packed with practical information, inspiring ideas, and beautiful illustrations that make it a pleasure to read. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this book will help you to cultivate a thriving and productive backyard oasis.

[jeusussavearmyveteran1205]

A single dragonfly can eat hundreds of mosquitoes a day. I swear by this trick to attracting dragonflies and getting rid of all the mosquitoes

Morgan Reed

Contributing Writer

The battle against mosquitoes can feel never-ending, especially during warmer months when these pesky insects are at their peak. Apart from being annoying, mosquitoes pose health risks as carriers of diseases such as malaria, dengue, and Zika virus. With this in mind, it’s no wonder that finding an effective way to eliminate mosquitoes is a priority for many people. Fortunately, nature provides a simple yet efficient solution: dragonflies! These incredible insects can consume hundreds of mosquitoes each day, offering a sustainable method of mosquito control.

If you're tired of using chemical-laden repellent sprays and seeking a more natural way to get rid of mosquitoes, then this article is for you. By attracting dragonflies to your garden or outdoor space, you can significantly reduce the mosquito population around your home. Read on to discover the steps and tips that will turn your yard into a dragonfly haven and create a mosquito-free environment.

Why Dragonflies Are the Best Mosquito Predators

Dragonflies are not just beautiful to look at; they are also voracious mosquito predators. An adult dragonfly can eat up to hundreds of mosquitoes in a single day. Their predatorial skills are unmatched, making them a key player in controlling mosquito populations naturally.

Creating a Dragonfly-Friendly Environment

Attracting dragonflies to your backyard is easier than you might think. Here’s how you can make your garden inviting for these beneficial insects:

1. Build a Pond

Dragonflies lay their eggs in water, so having a pond or water feature in your garden is crucial. It doesn't have to be a large pond; a small one will do. Ensure it has shallow edges and some aquatic plants to mimic a natural habitat.

2. Add Native Plants

Planting native grasses and blooming plants around your pond will provide perching spots for dragonflies to rest and hunt. Native plants are more likely to attract insects that dragonfly larvae feed on, ensuring they have a food source.

3. Avoid Using Pesticides

Pesticides can be harmful to dragonflies. Avoid using chemical pesticides in your garden to create a safe environment for these insects. Instead, focus on natural pest control methods.

4. Install Flat Rocks

Dragonflies love to bask in the sun, and flat rocks provide the perfect surface for them to do so. Place some flat rocks around your pond area to attract sunbathing dragonflies.

5. Keep Water Clean

Dragonflies need clean water for their larvae to thrive. Ensure your pond's water is clear of pollutants and populated with beneficial creatures like aquatic snails that help keep the water clean.

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to attracting dragonflies and reducing your mosquito problem naturally. Not only will you enjoy a more pleasant outdoor experience, but you'll also enhance your garden's ecosystem.

[fordragonfliesandme]

Transform Your Garden into an Eco-Oasis: 10 Sustainable Practices to Embrace Today

Introduction to Sustainable Gardening Sustainable gardening is not only a growing trend but also a responsible way to care for the environment. By implementing sustainable practices in your garden, you can create a thriving ecosystem that supports biodiversity, conserves resources, and minimizes the use of harmful chemicals. In this article, I will guide you through ten sustainable practices…

[garden-with-squid]

Yearly Garden Review - 2023

1/11/2024

The garden has improved so much over the past year.  I grew, harvested, and learned so much more than I did last year.  And that’s despite the weird weather - this was a very wet, gloomy year in SoCal, even into June and July.  

Highlights:

We loved the tulips this year and plan to plant out more chilled bulbs soon.

Surprise potato harvest in bed 2

Bed 3 was so incredibly beautiful in the spring - purple alyssum beneath fresh, green growth.  The alyssum also helped with water retention and attracting beneficial insects.  The soil in bed 3 felt loose and healthy compared to other beds that time of year.

Larger harvests of peppers, eggplants, and so so many tomatoes.  I couldn’t believe how tall the tomato plants grew!  We ate them all the time and they were delicious, especially the Black Cherry.

We cooked and ate more of our harvests.  Delicious omelettes, pasta, soups, and stuffed peppers on Halloween.

Installed ollas - extremely helpful!  Really helps keep water more consistent.

Grew delicious broccoli.  There are side shoots still growing too.  I didn’t realize how big broccoli plants actually get.  Bed 2 looks great still.

Ordered a tea plant.  It’s pretty dead now, but it was nice having a camellia for a bit.

The jasmine bounced back and bloomed a bit!

Got local compost and made my own potting mix

The dragonfruit is still alive, and hopefully will grow more this spring.

Notes for improvement:

I struggled to germinate seeds, both direct sown and started indoors.  The care/watering is hard for me to do consistently.  It was a real shame to kill all the shallot seedlings in particular - I was really hoping to grow some since they’re harder to find in store.

Lots of dead plants.  If I stopped talking about any particular plant in the logbook, it’s because it died.  The rosemary and lavender plants in bed 4 will probably need to be replaced this spring.  A lot of flowers and container plants didn’t make it.  For some reason, sunflowers struggled a lot too.

Aphids, cabbage worms, and rodents.  Barrier protection would probably help a lot, plus more consistent watering.  I did see a good number of ladybugs and larva this year.

Garden fatigue hit at different points in the year, usually when work was stressful or it felt like my garden wasn’t as good as it should have been.  But it helped to remind myself how much better I’ve become since last year, and that it will continue to get better as I gain more experience.  

Looking forward to the year ahead, I want to harvest many things in the summer/fall - okra and watermelon for my uncle, more nightshades, onions, pumpkins, and flowers.  I want to try growing on the trellis (I plan to install one more).  Most of the work will happen in March/April - that’s when the cover crops in beds 1 and 3 will be ready to turn in and transplant time for all the summer crops.

I’m currently using the wintertime to take a break, only checking the garden once a week or so.  While I could grow a winter garden in my zone, I find I’m very lazy on cold mornings, and having a season of rest is important to me symbolically.  

I think I have a solid foundation of skill and experience to build on, so I hope to have a very productive garden this year.  We’re also supposed to have another wet season coming up. So we’ll see how that affects things.  Very fitting for Year of the Dragon!

[serpentinegraphite]

Companion planting (an example of integrated pest management) is a great way to manage insects in your yard. Tomatoes and peppers are vulnerable to tomato horn worms, so planting something like alyssum or amaranth (among a few other examples) attracts a parasitic wasp that takes care of tomato horn worm larvae.

Aphids can be washed off with a decent hose (they don't cling to plants very hard), but if you're worried about bruising or damaging a delicate plant, companion planting is another way to attract ladybugs to a yard.

Personally, the insect I hate the most is mosquitoes. I'm a magnet for them. If I'm at an outdoor gathering, I'm getting swarmed more than any other guest. And yes, in desperation and ignorance, I've tried spraying the yard with OTC pesticides and with having professionals take care of it, and it lasts maybe a few weeks, nukes all the other beneficial bugs in my yard, and leaves me with a continuing mosquito problem.

You know what finally worked? Encouraging spiders in my yard. This has provided an unexpected bonus benefit: reducing my crippling arachnophobia. (It used to be so bad, I would have whoever was on hand fight spiders for me in video games). All I've done is grit my teeth, learn where they like to hang out so I can avoid them, and apologize if I knock down a web. And goddamn if my dad wasn't right about how many mosquitoes they eat.

Depending on your region and if you own the property (or if your landlord is willing), I also recommend installing a bat house. You can make or order one (try to follow a guide on where to install, because location is paramount) and they eat a great many mosquitoes. They're also effective pollinators (which is nice, because so are mosquitoes, and if the bats are eating them, it helps to make up the difference).

Finally, if you have an immediate pest that you can't wash off and can't companion plant away, the best way to keep them off your flowers is to catch the bastards in the act. Pick them off with a pair of tweezers and drop them into a container of soapy water to drown them. This is a great method for invasive insects, because then you don't risk killing your helpful, local bugs with any kind of pesticide or other deterrent.

I like to follow epic gardening on YouTube/their own website for general tips about gardening, but like sodom-hussein said above, specifically looking into Integrated Pest Management for your region/climate can make a massive difference. tbh just planting a few extra flowers when i planted my tomatoes has been much more efficient and effective than any previous attempt to manage pests with pesticides.

Part of the reason I'm so adamant about encouraging people to get comfortable with bugs, my own interests aside, is because we cannot have a bright, solarpunk future without them.

A green future is not a bugless future. It is, in fact, a fairly bugful future. If you care about ecological stability, then you need to start with bugs, because they're the most at risk with our current use of pesticides.

[chokrihizem]

Are you looking to maximize your dragon tongue bean harvest? 🌱🌶️ Look no further than the mighty marigold! 💪 In this video, we'll show you how these vibrant flowers can improve soil health and attract beneficial insects to your garden. 🌿🐞 Learn the secrets of companion planting and watch your dragon tongue beans thrive like never before. 🌱🌞 Get ready for a bountiful harvest of fresh, flavorful beans that will have your taste buds dancing with joy! 🌶️🎉

Boost Your Dragon Tongue Bean Harvest with Marigolds🌺

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Healthy Growth and Safety with Expert Tree Care Services

Taking care of trees is more than just keeping them clean. To stay healthy and safe for everyone, trees need frequent care. A lot of people don't pay attention to the indicators of weak branches or uneven growth until they have severe problems. Your yard will stay safe and green if you hire professionals. People who know how to do it can handle large branches and shape trees correctly. They additionally help you discover harm early on, earlier than it becomes worse. This care is not most effective continues the trees' wholesome, however, it also protects you from the dangers of falling limbs or shaky trunks.

Why Timely Tree Lopping Saves Trouble

Branches that are too long might be dangerous for adjacent homes, cars, and even electricity lines. This is why tree lopping is so crucial for people who own property. This process gets rid of dangerous components and lets in more light and air, which helps plants develop better. It's not just about chopping; pros know how much to cut so the tree stays balanced. Regular trimming keeps severe winds and storms from hurting things. It also makes new shoots stronger. A lot of people think this is an easy task, but it makes the outside environment safer and cleaner for a long time.

Tree Cutting for Better Yard Planning

Big or sick trees commonly absorb land that could be used for gardens or paths. In those situations, Tree cutting is the most secure method to clear the region and keep others from getting hurt. Professionals use suitable contraptions to ensure that the soil and neighbouring homes do not get damaged. This method, moreover, facilitates the removal of wood that is unwell or infested with insects, which stops them from spreading to wholesome timber. Many human beings plant new shrubs, patios, or play regions on the land they cleared after clearing it. This makes their belongings more useful and attractive.

Boosting Property Value with Careful Tree Services

A properly-kept backyard not simplest appears awesome, but it also raises the value of the property as a whole. People who go to will see that the timber is properly trimmed and cared for, which makes the area appear quality, massive, and healthful. People usually want to shop for houses with yards that are safe and open. Services that are done well help keep harmful overhangs or roots from hurting the earth. These methods will make your home seem better and cost less to fix. Small efforts in yard care can add up to significant profits when it comes time to sell or rent out a home.

Environmental Benefits of Proper Tree Care

Taking care of timber isn't always really for appearances. Trees that are wholesome timber help clean the air, provide shade, and make homes for birds and insects. When you cautiously trim or prune trees, other flora have extra light and space to expand. Taking away lifeless timber and diseases additionally allows the surrounding trees to stay healthy. When a tree needs to be reduced, experts usually propose leaving it or the usage of the timber as lawn mulch. These matters assist in maintaining the environment in stability at the same time, whilst additionally making sure your location is secure and beneficial for regular use.

Conclusion 

Taking care of your bushes isn't just about making them look their first-class; it is also approximately maintaining them securely, helping them thrive, and adding value to your own home and the environment. Services like lopping, trimming, and reducing assist in retaining your backyard healthy and shielding it from abrupt harm. They also stop illnesses from spreading and make it easier to plan better landscaping. Expert aid makes sure the job is done securely and correctly, whether you want to make your house appear nice or create more open space. The crew at allseasongroup.com.au can be trusted to handle every project with care and competence, so you can count on them for safe and reliable tree management services that will last.