Watering Tips, Pest Control, and More: The Hort Report

As the days get hotter and drier, it is important to water your plants at the right times for maximum effectiveness. The best times to water are in the morning before it gets too hot or in the late afternoon to early evening. Deep watering at the base of the plants ensures that the water penetrates the soil effectively.

Mulching is a great way to conserve water in your garden. By mulching tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, grapes, brambles, bushes, and flowerbeds, you can also help keep weeds at bay. Japanese Beetles have been spotted recently, and it's important to take action to control them in your garden.

Using organic or regular pesticide sprays can help combat Japanese Beetles. Neem Oil is a safe and effective organic insecticide that can be used to deter Japanese Beetles from feeding on your plants. Mixing Neem Oil with water and liquid dish soap and spraying it on foliage can help kill Japanese Beetles at different stages of their life cycle.

Handpicking Japanese Beetles off the foliage is another method of control. Placing them in a pail of water to drown them can help reduce their numbers. Avoid using traps as they can attract more beetles to your yard. Neem Oil may also affect other insects, which will be discussed in future reports.

For any questions or further information, you can contact Shelby County Implement at 573-588-2040 or email at [email protected]. You can also connect on Facebook with Greenwell’s Greenhouse Group. Your feedback and questions are always welcome, so feel free to reach out or visit in person. Thank you for reading The Hort Report.