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 2021 runs from June 21 to June 27, 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
PRO TIP FOR A MORE BEAUTIFUL GARDEN: POLLINATORS Meet Brandy Williams, a landscape designer who is passionate about creating pollinator habitats that provide both beauty and sustainability within urban environments. In 2015, Brandy founded her environmentally-conscious boutique landscaping company, Garden Butterfly. Using her unique talents to create succulent tapestry gardens, Brandy has received awards and widespread recognition for her inspiring work, as well as for
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, if
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
MANNY THE MANTIS STRUTS HIS STUFF AT THE 2019 EMA GALA! Organic Control’s adult Praying Mantis, Manny, was spotted on the green carpet at the 2019 Environmental Media Association (EMA) Gala! Kathy Kellogg Johnson walked the green carpet with Manny proudly on her arm. Hollywood stars Jaden Smith, Malin Akerman, Lance Bass, Frances Fisher, Ed Begley Jr., and Nikki Reed (just to
LADY BUG MIGRATION MAKES HEADLINES Hitting the news just yesterday (in a story by Alex Johnson of NBC News) a massive 80 mile-wide swath of lady bugs (hippodamia convergens) made headlines! Did you know that lady bugs migrate? They sure do! In fact, this swarm of lady bugs leaving the southern warm area of San Diego County is not that unusual, though
