To whom it may concern at Orcon:
Down here in South-East Florida, we had a progressively growing infestation of Lubber grasshoppers in my neighborhood. My garden was probably the center of it all because of the extensive beds of Amaryllis – a favorite of theirs, along with certain orchids. But, those Lubbers didn’t stop with these favorites; throughout the summer and into the fall, they would eat almost everything else that I prized – a veritable plague.
The hatchlings (are they nymphs?) look like black crickets with orange streaks on their backs. Masses of these bugs emerge here between mid February through March, depending on the winter weather.
A neighbor had tried poisonous sprays that were only partially effective in their emergent stage. Nothing phased the adults. I considered the potential negative effects of such treatments to outweigh their use, in any case.
Then, a friend suggested that I use beneficial nematodes that are distributed by Orcon products. What a find! After the first year of application, there was a marked decrease in number the following spring and still fewer the next year. And now this spring, we’re well past the hatching time and there’s not a single chewed leaf apparent in my garden or in those of my neighbors – and the Amaryllis are resplendent.
I’m still watchful for the bugs but every day without a chewed leaf makes me more hopeful that the Lubbers are ALL gone and that hungry beneficial nematodes continue to be at work. I will renew the application next winter - just to be sure.
Oh yes – one more thing – A neighbor serveral doors down has applied beneficial nematodes as well and they seem to be cleaning up the neighborhood. “Man’s best friend” seems to be benefiting as well. Those dogs who stay close to home in our neighborhood don’t seem troubled by fleas since I started applying beneficial nematodes in my garden.
Thank you Orcon
David Cohen
Deerfield Beach, Florida
Hello,
I am a new organic gardener and willing to try new items. I just found out about ladybugs from my local college but I didn't think they would work. But I bought some at my local OSH, and followed the directions releasing them at night. And the next morning, I didn't see any more of the aphids. Of course there were just a few ladybugs left, but I'm happy because I didn't have to use any chemicals. Thanks! They really did work.
J. Smith
Livermore, California
I have had the product working for a couple of months now and love it. Based on design, ease of use and appearance, I have recommended this product to several fellow gardeners. I have always thought I did a good job recycling and composting, but this has raised that to a new level and I now use items such as newspaper and paper towels for my worms that would either been recycled or thrown in the trash. Coming up with food "recipes" is quite fun.
Sue Frazier, National Gardening Club
As "going green" becomes more popular, this vermicomposting product is the perfect size and weight for the small-size gardener. It is small enough to fit in your kitchen and convenient enough to feed your worms every day. The trays are light enough for a child to manage. As a matter of fact, the item would be a perfect project for a family teaching environmental issues to the kids. Growing veggies in the garden to the table and then on to food for the worms. The worms then transform the veggies back to rich compost to take back to the garden soil. A perfect cycle of life!
Kat Causey, National Gardening Club
I have tried the traditional composting and it is too heavy for me to turn it. I love the worm factory because you don't have anything heavy to turn over.
Patricia Bogett, National Gardening Club
This product is a wonderful addition to anyone practicing organic gardening. The worm castings are easy to harvest and are a priceless addition to flower pots.
Gretchen Beedle, National Gardening Club
Absolutely no smell or mess. I have mine in the kitchen! It's great to have the worms at work all winter in NE New York, and not have to schelp the compost to the pile, awaiting the spring thaw. I love this product!
K. Kotarski, National Gardening Club
I would recommend this hightly. Not only is it making our lives a little greener, it is also educational. It is going to a 5th grade class in January for a month! It is very easy to set up and use.
John Vaughn, National Gardening Club
It has been wonderfully fun taking care of our worms and having them make us some nice compost. It's like we have 1000 little pet worms! My wife and I both love checking in on them to see how they are doing. We've only gotten our first batch of compost, so far, but it is beautiful and we expect to see a whole lot more of it in the future!
Raymond Singleton, National Gardening Club |
