The Most Interesting Thing in Your Garden Might Be Underground: Why Beneficial Nematodes Are the Ultimate Step in Garden Prep When gardeners think about preparing for a successful season, they usually focus on what they can see. Fresh soil. New plants. Mulch. Fertilizer. Water. All important steps. But some of the most important work happens where you'll never see it—beneath the surface. Healthy gardens

Why Ladybugs Are the Best Thing You Can Add to Your Garden This Spring Spring is when everything in your garden begins again. Plants start to grow. Soil comes back to life. And—whether you notice it or not—so do the pests that can damage your plants before the season even gets underway. Most solutions try to stop that cycle. There’s another approach: work

Beneficial Nematodes: Natural Grub & Japanese Beetle Control for Fall When it comes to protecting your garden and lawn, few pests are as destructive as grubs—the larval stage of beetles like Japanese beetles, June beetles, and chafer beetles. These soil-dwelling larvae feed on tender plant roots, turning lush lawns into patchy brown carpets and leaving plants vulnerable to decline. But there’s good news: you

A Love Affair in the Garden: Beneficial Insects and Pollinators Working Together In the world of gardening, few things are as enchanting as the silent choreography between beneficial insects and pollinators. Beyond their shared role in sustaining plant life, science reveals an invisible yet powerful connection—one driven by electric charge. As a bee flits from flower to flower, it gathers a positive

FIRE ANTS — THE HOLY GRAIL OF TREATMENTS PART 2 ...Unexpected — and Wonderful — Consequences Marlis had struggled for years with fire ants. How could she control these aggressive, persistent, painfully-biting ants without using toxic chemicals in the garden and yard, where her children and pets roamed and played? Acting on a recommendation from a friend, she discovered the natural, highly

FIRE ANTS — THE HOLY GRAIL OF TREATMENTS PART 1 Marlis, an experienced gardening enthusiast, relocated from Southern California to Texas about twenty years ago. She was excited to have a larger space to plant the garden of her dreams. Today, gorgeous trellises support her climbing tomatoes and cucumbers. The spacious green lawn stretches from the house to the Texas hills, providing

Darwin was writing about the humble but mighty earthworm.   CASTINGS — A MAGIC SPELL FOR SOIL HEALTH Earthworm castings (a fancy word for worm poop) can best be described as Mother Nature’s super-food; they energize your plants and provide a suit of armor against harmful pests. Used for centuries by growers, worm castings have long been recognized as a most

CELEBRATE POLLINATORS — AND PROTECT THEM Critically important to the plants we depend on, and increasingly jeopardized by human activities, pollinators deserve everyone’s support. National Pollinator Week, which in 2023 runs from June 19 to June 25, is an annual event dedicated to helping make that happen. Around the world, events and educational initiatives throughout the week shine a spotlight on the essential contributions of

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE AMAZING PRAYING MANTIS! The dating habits of the Praying Mantis may seem unconventional. Successful suitors are literally losing their heads over these sultry sirens of the garden. Every year, we premier our own version of “The Praying Mantis Bachelorette”, where we spotlight one lovely lady as she considers a host of hopefuls - one of whom will… win? Um,

Organic Control has brought natural and organic gardening to families in the form of ladybugs, worms, praying mantis and lacewings for over 40 years. The newest sensation is simply one as old as time itself. FAQs ON MASON BEES What are Mason Bees? Did you know that bees are responsible for one of every three bites of food we eat? Those

Laura used to have a big problem. She had a dog, Bingley. A mostly indoor dog, Bingley was a frequent visitor to their backyard. Bingley loved having a chance to run around a bit outside before he did his business and headed back inside. She also had a cat, Jasmine. Jasmine hadn’t set foot outside since Laura had brought her home as a kitten,

Memorial Day weekend is nearly upon us. What is the best way protect the gardens you planted during this “shelter in place” season? And, what about those “murder hornets” that are starting to make headlines? Here is the answer to your questions. Build an army! Here’s what you need to know about Praying Mantids, a natural enemy of the hornet. Another Guardian of

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT: THE POWER OF BENEFICIAL BUGS It’s no surprise to many people that relying heavily on pesticides, fungicides and other chemicals to beautify your garden is a less-than-ideal strategy when you’re also concerned about the well-being of your family and pets. There’s also reason to be concerned about the long-term effects these substances may have as they work their way