One solution is to use sticky traps during growing season. You can help prevent bugs from getting to your apples by hanging these sticky traps in your tree. The traps are scented with pheromones that attract the pests, which then get stuck on the trap.Q: Last year many of my flowers started off doing very well, but about halfway through the season they started wilting and the leaves turned yellow, then brown. What could have caused this to happen?
A: It could have been a variety of problems. If you used a chemical fertilizer on your flowers, you might have used too much. Chemical fertilizers contain salts that can build up and make it difficult for plants to absorb water.
Or you could have a problem with a fungus, bacteria or nematodes (microscopic worms that feed on plant roots and make it hard for the plants to absorb water). You can kill all by solarizing your soil in the middle of the summer. Solarization involves heating up the soil to destroy most soil diseases.
- Loosen the soil to a depth of one foot.
- Water the soil so that it's soaking wet (this is very important!). Let the area sit overnight.
- Cover the soil with clear plastic film (3 to 6 mil thick). Place some soil along the edges of the film to hold it in place.
- Leave this on for four to six weeks. If rain collects on the plastic, use a broom to sweep away the water so that the sun can get through and heat up the soil to kill the bacteria, fungus and nematodes. Be aware, though, that this method also kills helpful bacteria!
Even if you don't have those microscopic pests in your soil, you might want to think about solarizing every five years or so. It can make a big difference in your garden.
Money-Saver Tip: Here are some tips to help you save money on your watering bill:
- Buy a timer for your sprinkler.
- Water at the optimum time of day (before 11 a.m.).
- Pull weeds, which steal water from your plants.
- Mulch. This cools the soil and keeps water from evaporating.
