Dallas Morning News – April 13, 2017
Q: I would like to aerate some compacted soil using 3% hydrogen peroxide mixed 50/50 with water or Garrett Juice. How much should I prepare for an area approximately 120′ (6′ X 20′)? Also, will the hydrogen peroxide kill the microbial activity in the soil? J. J. Irving, TX
A: The ratio is to apply 16 – 32 oz. of 3% hydrogen peroxide along with 2 oz. of Garrett Juice per gallon of water. Apply 1 gallon of mix to approximately 1000 sq. ft. You have 120 sq. ft., so you’re looking at using 1/8 of a gallon of this mixed product. The hydrogen peroxide can hurt the bacteria in the soil so I do not recommend spraying numerous times.
Q: I’m looking to get some beneficial nematodes in the farm size as I have a big back yard and front yard – combined, a little bigger than half an acre. Can you give the run down on how to use the nematodes. And do you not use them all at once? So if you could make it as easy as possible, I would appreciate it. If I don’t use them all at once, do I refrigerate the rest? E. B. Millington, TN
A: The various insectories package the nematodes differently. Some compaines put theirs in a moist putty-like material in small trays. I simply take pinch with my fingers and put in a big watering can, add water and stir well. Then I just slosh the mixture out one can full at a time until the area is completely covered – no problem if you overlap some. Each insectary can tell you how much product you for your size lot. A hose-end sprayer can also be used to apply nematodes but be sure to remove the filters from the device. It’s not important to get perfectly even coverage. Yes, they should be refrigerated.
Q: North end of Eagle Mountain Lake this morning. Any idea what this is? Thanks. J. M. Dallas, TX
A: Nice shot! It’s called the giant leopard moth and the adult of the giant wooly bear caterpillar. This beautiful worm is said to be able to predict the weather. Some would consider this beautiful insect a pest don’t I don’t kill them. Here’s more detailed info – Wooly Bear Caterpillar
Q: Is Monterey Garden Insect Spray approved by the Organic Program? I didn’t see it on the list (approved/not approved). I have holes in my chard and a few little holes in my potato plants. I’m also seeing some very tiny iridescent flies sitting on all the leaves of my plants…especially the chard…and maybe on the kale. Will Garrett Juice work…or even with garlic? I am waiting for nasturtiums to germinate (takes forever), and the marigolds to grow (they are just two tiny leaves barely germinated) I’ve got white icicle radish seeds all around the squash. What can I do until those get big enough to guard my tomatoes, chard, potatoes and squash? P. N. Dallas, TX
A: Spinosad appears to be the active ingredient in that product and that is fine in the organic program. Spray in a controlled way where the pests are, not all over the entire garden. Spinosad can disorient honeybees and other pollinators. It can also kill those small flies you have. They are long-legged flies and beneficial.
Q: I have several of these plants in my front garden, but I can’t remember what they are called. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! S. R. Dallas, TX
A: Looks a spirea called ‘Anthony Waterer’ which is a nice plant.
Q: We just got a birdbath for the first time. What is the best way to keep the water clean and safe for the birds? How often should it be cleaned? S. P. Dallas, TX
A.: Just wash it out every few days and clean with hydrogen peroxide if it gets nasty looking.
Q: We have these tiny grasshoppers in our garden. They are about 1/4″ long. Do you have any idea what type they are and how we could get rid of them? We only have them in the vegetable garden and no where else. S. G. Dallas, TX
A: Nolo Bait is a good preventative next time. Spinosad is an effective killer on any size grasshoppers.