Comments on: Don’t Bug Me!

By: Lisa Gustavson

Lisa Gustavson — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 13:31:18 +0000

I agree! I thank you for pointing out the importance of knowing what you’re planting. It’s very important to research a plant before deciding to use it. Become familiar with the invasive plants for your area and maintain your garden responsibly once planted. (Including dead-heading and containing invasive roots by planting in pots etc.) That said, Tansy will not spread like wildfire if deadheaded properly and mint is quite happy in a pot if you don’t want a large patch!

By: commonweeder

commonweeder — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 13:01:30 +0000

It is not necessary to use much in the way of insecticides in the garden. There are ways to maintain the balance, but I would be very very careful about planting mint and tansy! Put them where they can be easily managed. They both spread energetically by aggressive roots. I know because I now have a mixed tansy and mint pasture. Monarchs love the mint. I will say that.

By: Lisa Gustavson

Lisa Gustavson — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:25:22 +0000

Amazing, easy, natural solutions to keep the garden healthy! I love it!

By: Seed Parade

Seed Parade — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 22:20:38 +0000

Great Post. Marigolds are great, as on picture, and we use garlic as well here against black flies. Especially popular around broad beans, as the little black things love the new shoots of the beans

By: Lisa Gustavson

Lisa Gustavson — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 04:21:25 +0000

Thank you Melanie, I’m glad to be part of a growing number of gardeners (including you!) that realize the importance of working with nature. There’s so much more to learn!

By: melanie watts

melanie watts — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 04:14:52 +0000

Kudos to you Lisa for practising and advocating natural gardening.

By: Lisa Gustavson

Lisa Gustavson — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 22:46:29 +0000

If only more people realized the power of working with nature! Gardening could be very different…

By: Matti

Matti — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 22:36:44 +0000

and who does not love that Mother Nature works 24/7 against. Always on the clock fighting pest…(and always working 24/7 trying to eat your veggies if you are the pest). Matti

By: Lisa Gustavson

Lisa Gustavson — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:35:59 +0000

I love that answers for pest problems can so easily be found in nature! Herbs are absolutely amazing!!

By: Annica

Annica — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:04:30 +0000

Great reminder! I just saw the first of the small black ants that come creeping into my kitchen each spring (they’re early this year!)
I use a couple drops of peppermint oil at their entry point and they re-route themselves. If they get a foothold before I remember to do this I put some peppermint oil in a spray bottle w/ a bit of water and spray along their path. They really don’t like it!
thanks for the great info as always!
~Annica