Irrigation and pest control are top priorities for gardeners in August. Some plants may also benefit from temporary shade and cover from the harsh sunlight. Learn more in this guide.
Jul 2020 |
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Photo Credit: Andrei310 - Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)
Integrated pest management is a holistic, environmentally friendly approach to pest management that is appropriate for home gardens as well as commercial production. Here are the basic concepts to get started.
Mechanical and physical controls are among the most fascinating components of an integrated pest management program. This arsenal involves numerous physical barriers, traps, nets and other mechanical devices.
In integrated pest management, biological controls might include predatory or parasitic insects, bacteria or fungi, and biopesticides. More and more biocontrol methods are becoming available to the home gardener.
Companion planting can attract beneficial insects, serve as a trap crop for pests, improve soil health, and much more. This list was created by a retail nursery employee and offers some suggestions of herbs and flowers that can be used as companions to vegetable crops.
With targeted research, Oregon State University Extension Service and the Oregon Agricultural Experiment Station responded by providing growers with information on better nutrient management of those crops.