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
Bring Your Garden to Life This Fall Summer Has Taken A Toll August is often our least favorite month when it comes to inviting people to visit the garden. Late summer is a time when the life in the garden has been depleted from months of heat and lack of rainfall. Brutal temperatures cause earthworms to wither, and the hot sun has
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
