As an antidote to end of season pests – turn your attention to natures pest-clean-up crew – the predators. You likely know what a damsel fly and ladybug look like, but how about a lacewing, hoverfly and the many varieties of parasitic wasp. These guys are the trojans of pest control, and as long as you provide them with food + habitat – populations will steadily build so that in time, you can leave pest management to them. As you shift your focus from ‘killing pests’ to ‘creating an environment for predators’, you’ll learn to lean on nature – its the most thrilling ride!
To help you make this leap, I have put together a free course Managing Pests Naturally, with my wonderful web genie Anna at Help Me Net. (You wouldn’t be reading this without her, she’s the behind the scenes magic maker, thanks Anna!) The course opens 4 April 2023 to ensure you have a Good Friday. And to keep you entertained in the meantime, have a listen to my latest chat with the indomitable Kim Hill on RNZ.
We’re on the move again in the housetruck – after an epic stay in Onekaka, were heading south for a stint house sitting in Murchison, and then will inch our way to Dunedin to take part in Wild. Perhaps we’ll see you on the road!
Yours in the earth,
much ❤️
Hi Kath do you know if any studies have been done about using home made Borage Tea,home made Seaweed Tea,Home made Comfrey Tea…..And Home made Rhubarb juice of which I know this is great as an insecticide,but I am not sure of there rates to use.
And I tend to burn or kill our plants..
I would rather use organics if possible in the gardens
I havent read any studies Garth. My studies are the plants themselves – watching how well they grow and respond in accordance to what I’m doing. Burning shows you you are too heavy handed. Less is definately more here. Weak solutions often bring a far better growth response than strong doses. Each homemade dose is different – dilute to the colour of weak tea. Pour on in the cool of evening or morning – not in the sun. Watch and see and trust your gut feeling. Liquid feed is a fast acting tonic, an important part of the garden but wont act in isolation – team it with looking after your soil.
PS rhubarb is strong but will impact beneficial insects as well.