These Spiders Are Real Halloween Characters

I think most of us can agree that spiders are inherently creepy – it’s something about all the eyes and wiggly legs. But as creepy as they may be, they are still essential to a healthy ecosystem and should be appreciated and not killed outright. Re-homing or ignoring them is the way to treat these beneficial arachnids.In the spirit of appreciating the creepiness, I have five spiders to present to you. And these beauties are all dressed and ready for Halloween.

The Pumpkin Spider (Araneus marmoreus) 

This bootylicious babe is a Marbled Orbweaver), harmless arachnids found throughout the Northern Hemisphere. The distinctive orange abdomen belongs to the female and by the time October comes around, it will be globular in shape and packed full of developing eggs. After the females deposits her eggs in late fall, her abdomen will be droopy and soft. Any new mother can relate to that feeling. 

The Vampire Spider (Evarcha culicivora) 

This is a rare species of jumping spiders that is found only around Lake Victoria in Kenya and Uganda. There are many spiders that have vampire-like fangs, but this guy is an actual blood-feeder and craves the blood of vertebrates. This tiny (averaging 5 cm.) spider does not approach the vertebrate directly; instead, it feeds on the blood of female mosquitoes that have fed on the larger animals. It chooses its prey based on the smell of blood on the mosquitoes. Scientists say it is the only known animal that finds prey in this manner. Learn more here.

The Frankenstein Spider (Damarchus Inazuma) 

This unusual spider was discovered in 2021 in the deep forests of western Thailand and exhibits a rare biological phenomenon known as gynandromorphism. It presents as half female and half male. And like its namesake, Frankenstein, it does not seem to be put together too well. The females are lager and orange in color, while the males are grey and smaller. To see both on one animal is jarring at best and I would not want to have one coming at me. The scientist who discovered these spiders named them after Inazuma, a character from the Japanese manga One Piece that has the ability to change between male and female personas. Learn more here. 

The Skeleton/Jack Skellington Spider (Maratus sceletus) 

This jumping spider (2-6mm) is part of the peacock spider family and hails from Queensland, Australia. It’s clear to see how its dramatic black and white markings got its nicknames, but most peacock spiders are way more colorful. What cements its place among its colorful peacock relatives is the male’s exuberant and flashy mating dance that shared by all males of the family. There are a great number of peacock spiders, and it seems that they are consistently finding new ones – with their diminutive size they can be hard to spot. Here is a humorous video showing 51 different peacock spiders dancing to the Bee Gee’s song “Staying Alive”. Learn more here.

The Jason Mask Harvestman (Simambea sp.)  

This interesting little fellow from the rainforests of Ecuador is not technically a spider, it’s an arachnid. Specifically, it’s an opilionid like all daddy long legs. They lack the fangs and venom that true spiders have and don’t spin silk. Nevertheless, I am including this guy on this list because he looks spider-ish and I find him truly creepy. I’m not sure why he’s wearing the Jason mask, but that makes him creepier still. Speaking of harvestmen, there’s one that wears its bunny mask all year long. Learn more here.

Take care out there – there’s creepy creatures about.

Pam

 

An Alternative to a Winter Garden

On nearly every gardening forum this time of year there is a great deal of information on winter gardening. But what if you are tired of all the maintenance a garden needs, or you don’t like the greens that thrive in winter gardens, or you just don’t want to go out in the cold? There is an alternative that’s easy to do and offers an environmentally friendly solution – shut it all down and and concentrate on re-building your soil. After all, healthy soil is arguably the root of all living things.

Before I go any further, I want to apologize if some of this information is too late for your part of the world. I am down here in Southern Arizona where October is the time to take these actions. With all of the crazy climate change weather, it’s hard to say where anyone’s at with seasonal change. At any rate, I hope you will find something you can work with here. 

Clean Up – Remove all summer annuals, any dead plant matter, and assorted lawn debris (you may want to leave some woody bits for native bees to nest in). Pull weeds before they seed so they don’t reappear in the spring. Any plant parts that show signs of disease must be disposed of faraway from the garden, preferably in a trash can. If you are absolutely positive that there is no disease in the plants you are removing, you can compost some and the rest should be cut to the soil level. As their roots decompose naturally, they will provide food for beneficial microbes in the soil. Microbes will flourish underground over the winter if they are given the tools to do so. 

Leaves – If it’s autumn, there will be leaves. If you dread raking, consider all the wonderful ways that leaves can help a dormant garden and the raking chore may seem less onerous. Leaves make an excellent soil amendment. When mixed directly into the soil, they will work throughout the winter to provide nutrients for microbes as they decompose. They also improve soil texture and drainage and keep weeds in check. For an amendment with a finer texture, you can run the lawnmower over your leaf pile before mixing it into the soil. Save some leaves to use as a top mulch over the garden. Mulch will suppress weeds, moderate soil temperature and help to conserve moisture. Compost whatever leaves you don’t use. Please note that leaf piles should not be in roadways or kept in such a way that they can be blown into them. As leaves decompose on hardscapes, they can form a tea that is high in phosphorous. When unusual amounts of phosphorous are introduced into waterways, it can be instrumental in causing harmful algae blooms. One more thing: If you live where there are few autumn leaves to use (like here in the desert), don’t skip the soil amending and mulch steps. Just use traditional mulches like shredded bark or wood chips and use one of our excellent amendments here.

Soil – If you put a little work into your soil right now, you will be rewarded with soil that is ready to go next spring. In addition to the actions I’ve mentioned above, here are a few more recommendations:

• Test your soil to determine if it will require amending to address specific needs. We have test kits here.

• While soil is still above 50°F (about 4-6 weeks before first frost), apply a high-quality organic fertilizer that contains microbes. We have many fertilizers that fit the bill here.

• Apply compost and/or worm castings about the same time as you fertilize.

• Stick some garlic bulbs down in your soil around the time of the first light frost. As they grow, they will help keep your soil texture on point and your microbes happy. Once planted, the garlic will need no more care until summer rolls around again.

• And finally, add your mulch. This essential step is like covering a dish before putting it in the refrigerator – it keeps the goodness inside nice and fresh.

And now you can sit back and enjoy your winter without thinking about your garden out there.

Take Care, Pam  

Season Three of The EASY Organic Gardener is Launching!

We are pleased to announce that our podcast is back! 

The EASY (Environmentally And Sustainably Yours) Organic Gardener Podcast will launch season three in just a few days, and it promises to be one of the best seasons yet! 

Join our ARBICO Organics co-founder, co-owner and podcast host, Sheri Herrera de Frey in this new insightful season. She will be interviewing many exciting guests; all which are the leading innovators, garden gurus and prominent producers in the organic and sustainable growing realm! Tune in to learn the answers to the questions you have been asking from a perspective that satisfies both the mind and heart. 

Starting as a radio show over a decade ago, Sheri created the EASY Organic Gardener to collaborate with each guest on a personal level. Connecting through a shared love and philosophy of how growing with the future in mind is a powerful tool, motivator and way to contribute to the greater good. In a world full of why; she discusses top gardening, farming, products, and pest control methodologies. This offers her listeners an in-depth view of the science behind both new and "tried and true" methods, while reminding us of what “our why” means.   

Sheri’s “why” started off in 1979 when she and her husband Rick founded ARBICO Organics. Their desire was to build a business that would support the longevity of the environment, and provide access to sustainable alternatives for anyone aligned with that shared goal. She has gathered an abundance of experience and knowledge over the decades. In short, Sheri continues to learn with passionate curiosity and a deep-rooted connection to the power of growing! 

Stay tuned and be sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! – Aurora@ARBICO Organics 

LISTEN HERE!

#Let’sGrow 

The Spiritual Messages of Insects

We are deep in the hot, sweaty, and buggy time of year. It’s summer and millions and billions of insects have appeared to put a damper on what would otherwise be a perfect summer day. But what if I told you that these insects are not just nuisances? Following the human compulsion of giving non-humans human traits (anthropomorphism), it has been said that insects send us spiritual messages. Sometimes they have direct messages, but mostly the messages are sent in symbolism. For many people, this may be hard to swallow but I ask you to suspend your doubts and check out the following examples:

                   The Butterfly 

It is somehow easier to believe that the pretty and non-dangerous insects have spiritual qualities, and the butterfly is the perfect example. The transformation that they go through from an often ugly and cumbersome caterpillar to a light and beautiful butterfly has been an inspiration for millennia. They are seen as symbols of transformation, hope and resilience. And if one lands on you, it’s a message of encouragement and assurance that something better is on the horizon.

A ghostly moth

                  The Moth                    

One might think that this insect would symbolize something like that of a butterfly, but its spiritual purpose couldn’t be more different. It’d said that these flighty little insects are sent from the spiritual world to let us know that there is a ghost around. And if a moth lands on you or follows you, it has a specific message for you from a ghost. No word on how to get that message, though.

                 The Ant 

Although these insects can be a big problem if they have infested your yard, their diligence and devotion to their colony is remarkable. For ther positive traits, ants are seen as symbols of patience, the value of laboring for the future, industriousness, and commitment to community. Many Native American tribes have long elevated ants to be an important part of their cultures due to their numerous positive attributes (learn more here).

The Praying Mantid

This is an insect that has a surprisingly benign reputation, given its true nature as a ruthless killer. Its quizzical expression makes it endearing to many, but it’s the way that a mantis moves that inspires people. They move with intention and forethought. This behavior inspired the development of Praying Mantis Kung Fu and is also the key to their spiritual symbolism. They remind us to slow down, embrace patience, to think before acting, and to act with deliberate intention.

                  The Cicada                  

When this noisy insect comes around, it is hard to ignore and that is where its symbolism kicks in – a cicada is a strong message for you get to work on yourself and to let that process be as creative and messy as it needs to be. Additionally, it is perfectly fine to stay out of sight while you do the work. When you are ready to emerge as a new you, make clear communication with the people in your life a priority. While this is all excellent advice, I don’t think you need to disappear as long as cicadas do (13-17 years).

                   The Bee       

As a pollinator, the bee is an essential part of our ecosystem, and it is their instinctual commitment to that role that creates their spiritual symbolism. Bees show us that the sweetness of life can be found through diligence, commitment to community, and teamwork. They also show us how an individual can enjoy the fruits of their labor and how satisfying it can be when a community can share that enjoyment.

              The Silverfish 

As children, my brother and I were fascinated and grossed out by these insects. We would search for and kill them. We were not killers of other creatures, so I’m not sure what it was about these insects that merited such violence. The silverfish population was not at all affected by our reign of terror, of course. As one of the oldest insect species still in existence, they are truly survivors. And as a spiritual symbol they represent the art of survival and the ability to thrive in difficult and hidden places. If you’d like to know more about silverfish, or would like to dispose of some of them, we have that information here.

This is only a small sample of the insects that are said to have spiritual meanings. And if you want an entertaining subject to explore, you can’t go wrong googling this topic.

Take Care,

Pam

 

 

Time To Evaluate Your Garden

Now that we’ve reached June, we’re not just half-way through the year, we are in the perfect moment to evaluate what we’ve done so far. This may seem obvious when considering your weight loss regime or your academic accomplishments, but it also a wonderful time to evaluate your backyard garden. As you bask in the balmy weather and drink in the beauty of what you’ve created, it can’t hurt to cast a critical eye around. Most people put a great deal of time into planning a garden, so it just makes sense to spend some time figuring out how well your plan worked. Be sure to document your observations since a garden is an ever-changing thing and its many months until next season. 

Everyone’s yard and vision are unique, but here are some general questions and guidelines to consider:

PLANT CHOICE & PERFORMANCE 

1. Did you cultivate just flowering plants, just vegetables, or a combination of both? Do you want to use the same approach next year?

2. If you planted vegetables, did your family like and eat what you produced? Did some produce more than you could use? With all plants, ask yourself which ones did well, and which ones failed? Did the plants grow as you expected (height, width, vining or not, etc.)? Did some take over the garden and force others out? 

3. Examine why some plants performed better than others. Can failures be attributed to pests, insects, or fungal diseases? If you are committed to following an IPM (Integrated Pest Management) system, this evaluation and documentation process is an important part of the protocol.

4. Has your garden performed consistently over the last few months? Or have some plants already peaked and died, leaving unsightly dead patches? If plants have failed, would another type of plant work better? 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

1. Carefully track across a day to figure out how much sun your garden actually gets. In general, your garden should get between 8-10 hours of full sun every day. Is sunlight exposure consistent across the garden? 

2. Water access is essential. Have you planted in such that the entire area can be effectively watered? Are there areas that are prone to standing water after rain? Are there areas where the runoff is greater than the water that is used?

3. Are there areas that are more susceptible to environmental occurrences like high winds or frost? Is heat reflecting off of concrete or shiny metal surfaces and causing plants to wither? Are there emissions from nearby roadways that are choking your plants?

FUNCTIONALITY

1. Overall, how well is the garden working for you?

2. Could your soil be a factor in how your plants have performed? How aggressive, or gentle, should you be in prepping your soil for next year? Are there specific needs that have become clear (soil is too compacted, won’t retain water, etc.).

3. Is the garden setup in concert with how your family uses the available outdoor space? Is the volleyball court too close to the flowers? Are seating areas vying for the best shade/sun ratio as the plants?

4. What can you do to make the garden more native plant and pollinator friendly?

5. Are you comfortable with the amount of time that your garden takes to maintain? If not, what can you do to make it less time intensive?

I hope that you are well pleased with what you have created in your backyard garden; even so, we all know that looking at new plants and changing things out is great fun for gardeners. Change can be refreshing, and at times even beneficial, but there’s no need to make changes unless they are warranted and/or desired. The most important thing to remember is to take time to simply enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Take Care,   Pam               

5 Simple Ways To Celebrate The Summer Solstice

The summer solstice will make its yearly appearance on Sunday, June 21, 2026. It is the longest day of the year and considered by many to be the mid-point of the summer. Scientists have concluded that humans have marked this particular day since Neolithic times (ca. 7000-1700 BCE.), and there are many gatherings that mark this day with traditional bonfires, flower garlands, rituals, and dancing. But what if dancing with flowers in your hair is not your thing? I’m here to suggest some alternative celebrations.

As part of  their ongoing efforts to recognize and celebrate the native peoples of their country, Canada has named the summer solstice as National Indigenous People’s Day. This is meant to acknowledge the importance this day holds for native peoples. You could easily join in celebrating these cultures by seeking out the tribes in your area and see if they are conducting festivities that are open to visitors. If that is not an option, perhaps you could visit a museum that tells their story. If all else fails, go to the Indian Casino near you. It might not offer much in the way of culture, but you will be directly supporting the tribe.

In China, they celebrate the summer solstice with the Xiazhi festival, an ancient celebration that dates back to the Han Dynasty (206 BCE- 220 CE). In its early days, people took time off to enjoy the warm weather and the bounty of the season. Naturally, this time off was limited to officials and people of means as the average person had to work daily. An essential part of this festival is eating noodles, with cold noodles being the staple .It is believed that the cold noodles cool the body in the summer heat and fortify it for the long summer days of working in the fields. In Shandong, there is a proverb that says that dumplings are for the winter solstice and noodles are for the summer. You can join in their celebration remotely by hitting up your favorite noodle spot. And perhaps even trying some cold ones.

In the remote Shetland Islands of Scotland, the Simmer Dim festival is not your everyday nature-worshipping gathering. While nature may be appreciated, worship is reserved for the hundreds of motorcycles that show up to celebrate the longest day of the year. Riding time is severely limited for most of the year in northern climates, so once it’s warm enough bikers are itching to get out there. At this time in June there is sunlight for about 19 hours a day, which gives riders plenty of time to explore the scenic islands. Simmer Dim is by invite only, so few people get to experience the adventure. If you want to celebrate the longest day of the year on your bike then just get on out there and go! 

This next summer solstice event is a far cry from a boisterous bike rally - it is the Day of Private Reflection and is observed in Northern Ireland, the UK and the Republic of Ireland. This event is meant to be an opportunity for people to reflect on the long-running (1698-1998) religious and political conflict in Northern Island, often referred to as The Troubles. The point of reflection on this day is for people to consider the deep pain and profound sense of loss that the violence caused for Northern Ireland. Awareness can become understanding, which in turn can lead to a strong desire for a lasting peace. To participate in this social experiment, you really only need to think deeply - on this subject of course. No letting your mind wander! Alternatively, you could watch one of these excellent films to get your empathy going.

How do you feel about yoga? In September 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggested that the longest day of the year should be known as the International Day of Yoga. Yoga originated in India and the point of the special day is to showcase the important role it plays in Indian culture. PM Modi is a strong advocate for good health, so the undeniable benefits of yoga are also something that has been touted. If you know and like yoga, do a little on June 21st. If you know nothing about it, give it a try.

So there you have it, five ways to do your own summer solstice celebration. If none of these resonates with you, I hope your interest is piqued enough that  you’ll create something just for you.

Take Care, Pam

                                             

IT'S EARTH DAY 2026!

Happy Earth Day from ARBICO Organics! This year we'd like to introduce you to our newest local non-profit partner - Mission Garden.

Locals and visitors alike can attest to the way Mission Garden is able to enchant those who spend time on its winding paths. When you step onto the living agricultural museum grounds, you are taken back 4,000 years to a watershed sacred to the indigenous Tohono O’odham.

Mission Garden is a volunteer run 501(c)3 educational non-profit. Their focus is on Sonoran Desert-adapted heritage fruit trees, traditional local heirloom crops, and edible native plants. Their wide variety of garden plots include Native Plants, Early Agriculture, Hohokam, O’odham Before European Contact, O’odham After European Contact, Spanish, Mexican, Chinese, Yoeme, Africa in the Americas, Medicinal, and Youth.  They are also always expanding their breadth with new areas in development such as the Grassland, Territorial, Statehood and Tomorrow’s gardens, as well as the Trail of Ndé (Apache) Plants. 

Whether a self-guided walk about; or a docent led tour, these winding paths take you back centuries. Seeing how the Tohono O’odham lived and cultivated the land in the Native American village of Cuk Ṣon (pronounced Chuk Shon). On this Earth Day (and everyday!)  this commitment to preserving and sharing the methods of ancestors is one of the many reasons we love Mission Garden. They offer several ways to be involved in learning to be a steward of the land; they have volunteer opportunities ranging from Gardening and Seed Saving to Construction, and Administrative opportunities. 

So head over to their beautiful and historic grounds, slowly walk the paths, and learn a bit about the fertile land that provided life to many and continues to do so to this day. 

For more information, visit their website: Mission Garden

For Volunteer information: Volunteer Opportunities 

Read about the timeline of the site: History of the Land

For some insight from a Mission Garden spokesperson, listen to our podcast with their Community Outreach Coordinator Kendall Kroesen  here

More New Products from BioWorks

Back at the end of February I put out a blog highlighting some new products from one of our favorite vendors, BioWorks. Now I have a couple more to share with you, Sandrine Copper Soap and Cintro Insecticidal Soap. Like the ones in the earlier blog, these products are not the result of a breakthrough of some sort; they are, instead, the results of shrewd improvements to well-proven ingredients. We highly recommend you have these on hand to keep your garden healthy and bountiful.

Sandrine Copper Soap™

Fungal and bacterial diseases can appear suddenly and spread rapidly, causing a rapid decline in plant health and having a devastating effect on yields. OMRI-listed Sandrine uses the well-known disease-fighting power of copper to put a quick end to pathogens that threaten your plants. What makes this particular formulation special is its profile of fatty acids that allows the copper to spread quickly and evenly across plant surfaces. Once applied to the plant surface, it will quickly penetrate pathogenic cells, disrupting their enzyme systems and ending early infections. In addition to its spreadability, this improved coverage allows for less copper traditional formulas, which significantly reduces the risk of phytotoxicity. Organic Sandrine is exceptional as part of a disease management or IPM program.  It has a 4-hour REI and a flexible tank-mix compatibility. Sandrine is suitable for organic or traditional growing and can be applied throughout the growing season, preventatively, or at the first sign of disease. Sold in a 1 gallon size (SKU 1332931).

Cintro Insecticidal Soap™

This is a new and improved form of insecticidal soap. It addresses certain common problems that arise with most insecticides that are used to control insects and mites. One of these problems is that that the insects’ waxy cuticle can prevent products from penetrating, needing multiple applications to achieve the desired effect. Another is that many insecticides leave long-lasting residuals that can disrupt or complicate IPM, beneficial insect, and rotation programs. OMRI-listed Cintro deals with both these problems by using a solution formulated with potassium salts of fatty acids. This formula dissolves the insect’s cuticle and disrupts its cell membranes, causing death. Also, Cintro dries without leaving any residual insecticidal activity. This means you can release beneficials as soon as Cintro dries and that your carefully planned programs can go ahead without interference. This is a contact insecticide that can be used in organic or traditional growing. Use preventatively or at early pest detection. 12-hour REI and 0-day PHI. Sold in a 2.5 gallon size (SKU 1247655) or cases of 2 - 2.5 gallon sizes (SKU 1247656).

Submitted by Pam

Common Pests of Hemp and Cannabis Plants

The cannabis industry has steadily grown over the years, and with that expansion comes a remarkably diverse set of insects that want a piece of your crop. Some studies have reported over 250 insect, mite, and mollusk species that live on cannabis. While not every species living on the plant eats cannabis, there are several of them that can cause damage and negatively affect your yields. 

Sap-sucking pests

Well-camouflaged aphids

Some of the most common pests in hemp and cannabis feed by piercing plant tissues and extracting sap. This feeding weakens plants and can spread pathogens.

Aphids – Aphids can be challenging for many cannabis growers as there are several species that can cause damage, including cotton aphids (Aphis gossypii), potato aphids (Macrosiphum euphorbiae), green peach aphids (Myzus persicae), and the cannabis aphid (Phorodon cannabis). Heavy infestations can spread viral diseases and cause sticky honeydew buildup, which encourages sooty mold growth.

Spider mite infestation

Spider mites - These tiny arachnids feed on leaf cells, producing yellow speckling and eventually bronzing or leaf drop. Under hot, dry conditions populations can explode quickly and severely damage plants. 

Thrips – These small, slender insects scrape plant tissue and feed on plant fluids. Species include western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis), onion thrips (Thrips tabaci), and impatiens thrips (Echinothrips americanus). Thrips cause leaf and flower deformities. 

Hemp russett mite damage

 Mites that target cannabis

Mites are especially concerning because of their small size. You may not even notice you have an infestation until you look at the plant with a hand lens. 

Hemp russet mite – Tiny mite that causes leaf curling, bronzing, and stunted growth. 

Broad mite – These mites are extremely small and usually go unnoticed without magnification. The symptoms of their damage can often resemble nutrient deficiency or herbicide damage.

                     Chewing pests

Several chewing insects can also damage hemp and cannabis crops. They are much easier to detect than mites and can cause considerable damage if left unchecked. 

A very hungry caterpillar

Leaf miners – Leaf miners chew between the layers of the leaf in a serpentine pattern. Keep an eye out for tomato leaf miners (Liriomyza bryoniae), pea leaf miners (Liriomyza huidobrensis), and American serpentine leaf miners (Liriomyza trifolii).

Caterpillars - Hemp moth (Grapholita delineana) and the Beet armyworm (Spodoptera exigua) and other budworms feed on flower buds and developing seeds, tunneling into plant tissues and leaving behind frass and damaged buds. 

Borers - The European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis) or Eurasian hemp borer (Grapholita delineana) may tunnel into stems, weakening plants and disrupting nutrient flow.

Indoor vs outdoor pest pressure

The types of pests you meet often depend on the growing environment. Indoor and greenhouse hemp production tends to see higher pressure from mites, aphids, thrips, and fungus gnats. Outdoor crops are more likely to be affected by caterpillars, beetles, grasshoppers, and stink bugs. 

Because hemp is a relatively new commercial crop, growers have fewer pesticide options than growers of many other agricultural crops. That makes prevention, monitoring, and biological control especially important.

Conclusion

The best strategy for controlling damaging pests is to start early. Consistent scouting, careful monitoring of leaves and buds, and the use of beneficial insects can help prevent small pest populations from turning into serious infestations.

Luckily, ARBICO offers a wide variety of pest control solutions aimed at the cannabis market. We have everything from beneficial insects to fungicides, nutritional supplements, neem oil, fertilizers, beneficial organisms and much more to help your grow. Check out our dedicated Hemp/Cannabis page here.