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The
Green Thumb Times Table of Contents
1) Editor's Comments:Today I want to share an article regarding spider mites. Since it is a longer article, I've only included part of it here -- there is a link at the bottom of the article for the full context. Besides other items of interest, I've also included a tip received from one of our faithful subscribers. Thanks, Janell. As always, if you do have questions, suggestions or ideas, do not hesitate to drop me a note. Rex Gregor 2) Spider MitesAnyone who grows flowers, vegetables, fruits, or trees is probably familiar with spider mites. Red spider mites are most likely the most common in our part of the country (Minnesota). However, once your house or garden plants become infected you find them on all plants in your garden, especially on such plants as roses, currants, azaleas, arborvitaes and etc. Spider Mites are arachnids - that is, they have eight legs and most generally are considered a spider rather than an insect. They are extremely small and very difficult to see without the aid of a hand lens. Many spider mites produce a type of silken web that may cover the plant. They will move from plant to plant by crawling or by air currents while suspended on their silken strands. Spider mites are known to be different colors, i.e. red, gold, green and sometimes black. I have found that one of the easiest ways to check your plants for spider mites is to take a sheet of white paper and hold it beneath a leaf or branch of the plant then tap the affected plant. If spider mites are present they will often drop on the paper and you can readily see them. A hand held magnifying lens is also an excellent method. You may want to turn the leaf over and look under the bottom part of the leaf. Spider mites will produce a number of generations during the growing season. They develop from eggs into larvae, then nymphs and finally into the adult stage. The warmer and dryer the summer the more generations will develop. Once an adult female lays eggs on the plant you can expect the eggs to develop into another adult in less than two weeks. Spider mites feed by sucking up the plants fluids. If the mites are feeding on your plants you will note that the leaves or foliage will often appear to be dry or yellow or possibly a bronze color. The use of an insecticide such as "SEVIN" to control other insect pests will often create more problems than it will solve. The predators, are often an enemy of the mites and it will die because the insecticide has killed it and the mite still lives - thus you will get a build-up of mites, with no enemy it goes to town! Spider mites have a great many predators that are natural enemy's - thus under normal growing conditions plants will not usually be seriously affected by the feeding habits of the mites. If, however; control is needed there are several methods that can be effective. Since spider mites like a hot dry environment it is a good idea to use a water spray on the leaves of the plant as this will help keep the mite populations under control. The use of a insecticidal soap is a viable control and it works well. Many nursery managers us a dormant oil in early spring before new growth starts. This will suffocate the mites eggs and thus will decrease your potential problems. DO NOT use dormant oils on Colorado Blue Spruce as it will remove the waxy blue color from the Colorado Blue Spruce Needles and they will look lousy. I always recommend that if you choose to use a chemical spray to control your mite problem you should always attempt to control your problem before it starts. If you do use a chemical spray carefully follow the directions on the label. I recommend that you only use a chemical spray as your last attempt. 3) Humor for TodayTwas the month AFTER Christmas, and all through the house, The cookies I'd nibbled, the eggnog I'd taste, When I got on the scales, there arose such a number! I'd remember the marvelous, meals I'd prepared; The wine and the rum balls, the bread and the cheese, As I dressed myself, in my husband's old shirt, I said to myself, as I only can So-away with the last, of the sour cream dip, Every last bit of food, that I like must be banished I won't have a cookie, not even a lick. I won't have hot biscuits, or corn bread, or pie, I'm hungry, I'm lonesome, and life is a bore- Unable to giggle, no longer a riot. 4) IncenseIncense has been burning on altars and in homes for over 5,000 years. There are four basic forms of incense - loose, cone, cylinder, and stick. Choices of scents come from berries, bark, flowers, gums, leaves, roots, seeds, spices and wood. Incense always has at least five ingredients: an aromatic substance, a base of wood powder (sandalwood, cedar, etc.) potassium nitrate (the igniting substance), a glue, and a liquid such as wine, brandy, rosewater etc. Frequently used ingredients are frankincense, myrrh, benzoin, rose petals, cinnamon and pine needles. Most health stores have a selection of incense. If you are planning a boiled cabbage dinner you might try a rose petal incense. Place it in a hidden place close to your dining room - no doubt your guests will wonder where the beautiful smell comes from. 5) Good Side Effects of Spicy FoodsI don't know about you, but I am a lover of spicy foods. But there are benefits beyond adding much flavor to what you are eating. Did you know that foods prepared with chili peppers and other "warm" (particularly Indian) spices increase salivation, prepares the stomach for receiving food, fosters intestinal action, and helps to create a sense of fullness. This works great for those who are overeaters, but has likely served an advantage through history in countries where food was scarce. 6) GiftsTo your enemy, forgiveness. 7) Reader SuggestionLast issue we included a repotting tip about how to keep soil from
escaping the drain hole when you water. One of our readers had another
good suggestion. Why not use mismatched socks for that next repotting
project. Heck, if you're like me, that drier is always eating socks,
and it never eats them in pairs. Thanks, Janell, for a great suggestion. 8) Subscribe/UnsubscribeThis newsletter, the Green Thumb Times, is sent out only to those PRIVACY: Your email address is held in the strictest of privacy. To subscribe to The Green Thumb Times To unsubscribe Rex Gregor, Editor Please feel free to forward The Green Thumb Times to a friend. Rex’s Seedco has searched the world for quality
growers of garden seeds. Many of these farmers bring together ancient
wisdom and modern science so people everywhere may have good health
and enjoyment in life. We are dedicated to providing the best wherever
they are found.
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