Pests have a sense of smell and peppermints, thymes and wormwoods are excellent players in keeping pests at bay.
Wormwood is the champion!
Basils and Dill deter the tomato horn worm.
Put in some trap crops or let a few of the trap crops grow. Poke weed, old mustards, cleome etc..
Plants, especially herbs, have essential oil’s which decimate viral infections, eliminate fungal and bacterial issues in humans as well as other plants. Rosemary and fennel can be dried and sprinkled to prevent slugs and snails.
Lavender, Oregano and Rosemary are particularly high in antibacterial and anti-fungal properties and act as strong remedies and preventives.
Tools and items to remove or treat the offending pests:
Dipel (Bt)
Dr Bronners peppermint soap in a 16oz. spray bottle. 3 teaspoons of soap per bottle and the rest water.
Spinosad
(Permethrin is synthetic and modeled after chrysanthemums which have insecticidal properties)
Neem oil
Diatomaceous earth
(DE)
Hand removing
Beneficial predators are:
Wasps
Lizards
Snakes
Spiders
Hornets
Ladybugs
Dragon flies
The program will provide an overview and what to do about the 4 basic pests in the garden or on the farm: sucking pests, chewing pests, boring pests, and human pests. Join farmer, trainer, soil alchemist, and worm whisperer Maurice Small as he digs deep on pest control and integrated pest management.
Giving thanks for the gift of sharing. Keisha Cameron of High Hog Farm gave me a clump of #motherwort last year and it has multiplied, thankfully. Living with plants brings me joy. Each one is so unique and I feel blessed to be in partnership with them. What plant did you share recently or what plant where you given?
Many things have been learned and many things have been forgotten over these past 10 years.
Remember that flowers still bloom, worms still have to eat & it’s gotten hotter n fresh poo.
We need solutions now more than ever.
Keep counting those simple blessings & remember.
Seed saving.
Yard eating.
Soil makin.
#SimpleFoodSmallFarmz is now on Instagram, Twitter & Tumblr. Book a tour or experience. There are a number of fantastic Air BnB Experiences are taking place with Maurice Small in Atlanta.
Making time with plants, soil and being aware of their substance, will take you to another level of relaxation.
Want to learn more about the benefits of different types of container gardens? Book a tour or working experience and see how to make raised beds, eat you lawn, compost and more.
These are a few of my Sempervivum tectorum (hen and chicks). They make me happy because they have so many unique details in their individual plant clusters. They are extremely hardy and have a strong drought resistance. The container that they are in was made from old heat treated pallet wood from one of my decommissioned compost bins (non treated wood). And because my focus is on compost and food, the plump leaves of this succulent are edible raw. Go easy at first to avoid a upset stomach.
These are a few of my Sempervivum tectorum (hen and chicks). They make me happy because they have so many unique details in their individual plant clusters. They are extremely hardy and have a strong drought resistance. The container that they are in was made from old heat treated pallet wood from one of my decommissioned compost bins (non treated wood). And because my focus is on compost and food, the plump leaves of this succulent are edible raw. Go easy at first to avoid a upset stomach.
When I found it it was crawling across my wood chip pile on a soon to be frosty night in early November. It was/is looking for a place to hibernate for the winter.
Whenever I find these I say positive vibes to them because it will rest for a few months just like bears, frogs, crickets and anoles.
Learn how the giant leopard moth is a beneath to the urban homestead by booking a tour or hands on learning experience.
Two of my favorite farm inputs: coffee grounds and brew waste. Both add micro nutrients, moisture, bulk and food for the soil critters large and small. An additional plus is every 7 days, 2,500 pounds of these materials don’t end up in the trash (landfill)!
The zero waste lifestyle… priceless.
Lots of people come out to learn how I use these materials to enhance my soil production, improve zero waste practices for our planet and get their hands dirty helping to sequester carbon. Book a tour or a hands on experience. You will be glad you did (bring some friends too).
FYI…all you houseplant lovers that support commercial house plant manufacturing, the soil your plants come in is as non renewable as oil and coal. Period! Please find someone that sells house plants that are in #peatfree soil & non plastic or recycled containers.
Please please please
Book a tour and find out why peat free is the way to be.
