Natures Pest Control

Beneficial nematodes are helpful organisms targeting soil-dwelling insect pests like grubs, weevils, fleas, and larvae. They are microscopic, soil dwelling and serve as a natural pest control. This friendly alternative is environmentally safe are microscopic worm like organisms that occur naturally in soil.

To help control unwanted insects, beneficial nematodes are sprayed in the Spring and Fall when the soil temperatures range between 55 degrees F and 85 degrees F. Once applied to soil, they seek out insect hosts, entering through body openings or directly penetrating the exoskeleton. Once they are inside, they release symbiotic bacteria that kill the pest within 24-48 hours.

There are many benefits to using beneficial nematodes:

Environmentally friendly

Safe for people and animals

Effective pest control

Sustainability naturally keeping pest populations down

Safe for beneficial insects

Easy to apply

No resistance

Cost effective

With beneficial nematodes I know they are safe around us, our dogs, horses and wildlife.  It is important to us to be environmentally friendly and use organic products on our property.  I spray our whole property.

Where to buy?  I buy ours online from Arbico Organics but there are many other online stores. You can also pick up at a garden supply store near you. If preferred fruit m Arbico, the beneficial nematodes must be kept in the refrigerator once received and applied within two weeks of receiving.   There are a variety of beneficial nematodes and this site does a good job listing what insects they each attack.  We apply their Triple Threat product

Happy organic gardening, pest free!

Fall/Winter Fruit Trees

The last couple years my fruit trees have been neglected. They are overgrown and the fruits are full of spots (a few pics below). Starting this fall, I will begin getting my fruit trees healthier next seasons crop.

Here is a month by month for Fall/Winter to prepare for the Spring/Summer tasks.

October

• Harvesting: harvest the remaining fruits

• Post-Harvest Cleanup: Remove any fallen fruit and leaves, bag them up and have Waste Management take them away to ensure any infected leaves and fruits are off the property.

• Pruning: Do some light pruning and remove damaged or broken branches.

November

• Clean around the trunks and replace the old mulch with a new 3 to 4 inch layer of hay (not touching the trunk)

• Irrigation: Water before the ground freezes.

• Setup bird feeders in the trees to attract birds to clean up insects

December

• Check for pests

January/February

• Prune the trees while they are dormant. I will remove the dead and/or diseased branches and crossing limbs to improve air circulation and allow sunlight to flow through.

• Check for signs of overwintering pests and/or diseases and remove any infected wood.

•Spray the entire trees with all season horticultural oil in 40 degrees or above weather.

These tasks will keep me busy through the Fall and Winter. Spring and Summer still to come. Stay tuned…

Tofu – Yummy Protein

Tofu is a good source of plant-based protein, rich in essential amino acids. It’s also a good source of iron, calcium, and magnesium. Additionally, tofu is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, making it a heart-healthy protein alternative. Some studies suggest it may have potential benefits for bone health and reducing the risk of certain chronic diseases.

You can make various dishes with tofu, such as tofu stir-fry, tofu scramble, tofu curry, or even marinated and grilled tofu. It’s versatile and can be used in both savory and sweet recipes.

My personal extra firm tofu favorite dishes are crispy tofu, coated pan fried or baked tofu or tofu “egg” salad. Throw them on a green salad, bread or wrap or eat them on their own.

Be creative and enjoy the benefits of this wonderful plant protein.

Embracing Plantbased Lifestyle

Embracing a plant-based lifestyle comes with numerous benefits for your health, the environment, and even animal welfare.

You can have many reasons for going Plantbased. But whatever the reason is, you will find several benefits in your decision.

1. Health Benefits: Plantbased can reduce risk of chronic diseases, improved heart health, and increased energy levels. It can help you have better recovery after working out.

2. Environmental Impact: A plantbased lifestyle can contribute to sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving water, and preserving biodiversity.

3. Saving animals from being tortured and killed. This was my main reason next to the health benefits.

4. Transitioning to a Plantbased lifestyle isn’t as hard as people make it sound. Just don’t cook animal products. Some say they can’t give up cheese, then eat cheese and go plantbased everywhere else in your diet. Then down the road maybe try and move off cheese. Research what animals go through for you to have that cheese and venture out and try Plantbased cheeses. As with anything, some are good and some are not. But if you can’t go off cheese, then that is okay and don’t let anyone make you feel like a failure.

Food seems to be a trigger for some and when they hear you are Plantbased some become your nutritionist asking the same old question, “how do you get your protein?” The answer is plants, legumes, tofu etc.. I like to ask them how they get their antioxidants.

I enjoy a Plantbased life. Am I perfect? Absolutely not. I still like milk chocolate. I do look for vegan chocolate but sometimes it isn’t.

Live your life. Eat plants and feel great.