Page 9 - Agway Summer Mag

Our backyards—at their best -- OUTDOOR
are an extension of our homes PREVENT
and can create bigger and
better entertaining spaces for
spent but in the planning and Oasis! the Pests
our families and friends. The
success of our outdoor spaces
is not necessarily in the money

labor involved in creating a
unique and creative space that
helps us unwind and enjoy the With the arrival of warm summer days our I use products like Neem, a horticultural oil and
natural setting. vegetable gardens are actively growing. Tomatoes Biological soap to manage larger insect
and peppers have flowers and it’s time again for populations. It’s possible some beneficial insects
Here are some of our top us to plant more lettuce and carrots. But… like lacewings or ladybugs are working on it,
recommendations warmer temperatures also bring the insects. especially in organic gardens, or perhaps it’s
forcreating your own temporary. If the damage is manageable I
outdoor oasis: For the avid gardener inspecting vegetables for often give the plant some liquid fertilizer to help it
insect damage is the best prevention. I begin with
bounce back. It’s important to remember any
an inspection of the leaves. Look for notched controls we use may affect our pollinators, as well
Seating: leaves to identify insect damage. It is helpful as the plant becoming food on our dinner table.
All kinds of seating! Hammocks, lounge to know the Problem—insect or fungus? Also Read all labels carefully and don’t spray on a
chairs, benches and ____ are key to feeling search for insect larvae on the underside of the windy day.
comfortable and relaxing properly. leaves, I often just rub away any larvae I find.
Contemplate your day, read a book, sip Sometimes you will find a silky webbing around Vegetable gardens that experience rainy springs
a beverage and pull your little ones on the leaves of vegetables indicating spider mites. and humid summers often suffer from fungus and
your lap. Discolored leaves can be caused by insects that disease. Moisture on the leaves of a plant is the
don’t eat the leaves but who feed on the juice of gardener’s invisible challenge. Diseased plants
Warmth: the plant like aphids—look for droppings or often wilt and have discolored leaves (yellow or
This is Cape Cod after all. Even on the honeydew, the sugary residue of the plant, to black spots). There are many fungicides available
hottest days the evenings can be chilly. help identify these bugs. to the home gardener but practicing good
Having a heating source like a chiminea, Need instant impact for an impromptu gathering.... a gardening prevention is a good place to start.
firepit or heater will go a long way in few hanging baskets will do the trick... just slip them in With regular inspections you may discover the Check with our knowledgeable Agway staff for the
extending your comfort level after the a planter and remove the plastic hangers. Don’t forget damage early enough to find it manageable. best product solution for your plant problems.
sun goes down. the larger pots of annuals are in at Agway, beautiful of Cape Cod
combinations of all types of flowers in colorful floor
Shade: planters perfect for decorating the deck or patio………
how about something fragrant near your seating area
Be it an umbrella, a gazebo or a mature or white flowers for the evening get together, white is the Pest Prevention Tips:
tree—having a shaded area to escape to brightest flower after dark. And last but not least take
during high noon is a must for a advantage of the herb garden you planted this spring…. 1. Plant disease resistant varieties.
functioning oasis. the mint is ready and waiting for all your beverages!
2. Rotate your crops.
Dining: of Cape Cod
Who wants to eat watermelon and kebabs 3. Always clean up diseased leaves
indoors? Count your household members from the ground.
and add a few more seats for guests and
you have an instant dinner party under 4. Water the roots, not the leaves.
the stars.
5. Fungus spreads, don’t work in
Plants: the garden when it’s wet
Well, we’re Agway so maybe plants should 6. Water in a consistent manner.
have come first on our list! The plants you
choose for your oasis will set the ambiance; 7. Plant all plant material with room
be sure they reflect your personality. for proper air circulation.