tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48880551462390509572024-03-19T01:46:28.558-07:00ARBICO OrganicsFor over 40 years, ARBICO Organics has been producing and supplying commercial growers, landscapers, ranchers, pet owners & home gardeners with natural products for comprehensive pest control and organic growing. We challenge ourselves to grow the best beneficial insects we can grow and to deliver those insects and organic farm & garden supplies to our customers promptly and at affordable prices.Unknownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14619533900866717366noreply@blogger.comBlogger244125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888055146239050957.post-12633244384487956082024-02-29T15:45:00.003-07:002024-02-29T15:45:56.317-07:00How and When Bugs Start Waking Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8up9cbheCSSLcQoRh1o4C4LllUuZuzwBM90wozL2KKdMyRvhHuN-ibAU1N0HmGVULvoAT-s3QJrDmVcyGqnoZXL0bUSsxdr5rdtzUST0HuETwZKzSQRigz5Te67fGOgOSY1EFDZqM2Jcyk93gvbo0Oeor1DkWWfzDdVEjp1JPfGiL1MvC5Z41z9PK5qI/s910/Screenshot%202024-02-29%20at%203.22.21%E2%80%AFPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="910" data-original-width="600" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8up9cbheCSSLcQoRh1o4C4LllUuZuzwBM90wozL2KKdMyRvhHuN-ibAU1N0HmGVULvoAT-s3QJrDmVcyGqnoZXL0bUSsxdr5rdtzUST0HuETwZKzSQRigz5Te67fGOgOSY1EFDZqM2Jcyk93gvbo0Oeor1DkWWfzDdVEjp1JPfGiL1MvC5Z41z9PK5qI/w230-h348/Screenshot%202024-02-29%20at%203.22.21%E2%80%AFPM.png" width="230" /></span></a></div><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><div><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>During the winter, bugs disappear, only to reappear when spring comes around. What prompts these bugs to go back to life as normal? It’s not like an ant colony can set an alarm clock for 3 months, then pop back up to the surface when the alarm clock starts beeping. The simple answer to why insects become active again is warmer, more tolerable temperatures and the reemergence of food sources. Let’s quickly cover how insects survive a cold winter.</span><div><br /></div><div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">1. Migrate</span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Why bother with adapting to the cold when you can leave it far behind? This is limited to flying insects, such as butterflies and dragonflies, but this behavior isn’t exclusive to insects. Many species of birds, wildebeest, salmon, and snow birding retirees all undergo seasonal migrations. <br /><br /><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">2. Hibernate/Overwinter</span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">These two adaptations are largely identical, and these adaptations are used by the majority of insects. Insects will enter a state where their metabolism is greatly reduced, and their bodies enter a state of dormancy. Many burrowing insects will burrow below the freeze line in the soil, further reducing the caloric demands to stay warm. Non-burrowing insects are often able to produce a chemical in their blood that functions similarly to antifreeze. Not all insects hibernate as mature adults. Some species, largely those with short adult lifespans, overwinter as larvae or pupae.<br /> <br /><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">3. Take shelter!</span></b> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">There’s no need to worry about the cold if it never gets cold. Common pests like cockroaches survive through the winter by invading your warm, climate-controlled home. Of course, cockroaches are more than happy to stay in your home throughout the rest of this year, but that’s a bit outside the scope of this article.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><i>So, what time do insects wake up or </i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><i>return in your part of the USA?</i></span></span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><b><i> </i></b></span></div></span></div><div><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(106, 168, 79);"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-6auMFNFTCNyH1F3hQMNC9906-aHiJKaqTdkpefcXZzrw65mfVf-d1C0Im0g78YfdxftirCaDFvHS2qDgJcgogc4SuLOHy78bYhfd6Tf-JoXLgO8iGlqT4w4sPbis82YPbvwBOTvvYpuXZv-psXYfB7o0TWTadKCW6UrJRQxN3KxiMX4lHIZnH3FnO0/s646/Screenshot%202024-02-29%20at%203.22.50%E2%80%AFPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="646" data-original-width="486" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-6auMFNFTCNyH1F3hQMNC9906-aHiJKaqTdkpefcXZzrw65mfVf-d1C0Im0g78YfdxftirCaDFvHS2qDgJcgogc4SuLOHy78bYhfd6Tf-JoXLgO8iGlqT4w4sPbis82YPbvwBOTvvYpuXZv-psXYfB7o0TWTadKCW6UrJRQxN3KxiMX4lHIZnH3FnO0/w250-h332/Screenshot%202024-02-29%20at%203.22.50%E2%80%AFPM.png" width="250" /></a></div></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-family: helvetica;">America does not have a uniform climate, and these disparities in weather affect the insects that live there. We’ll be referencing climate maps </span><a href="https://www.climate.gov/maps-data/data-snapshots/data-source/temperature-us-monthly-average" style="font-family: helvetica;">provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration</a></i><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i> for our regional breakdown. To keep things simple, we’re assuming that insects begin to overwinter at temperatures between 45-50 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember, unless your home’s heating system is broken, your home should never reach the 50-degree mark, which means that bugs invading your home won’t feel compelled to winterize.</i> </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">New England </span>- </span></span><span style="font-family: helvetica; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">States: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont </span></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /><br />This is one of the most uniformly cold regions in the continental United States. The magic 50° mark is reached in April, with the northernmost state of Maine barely squeaking by. Still, bug populations will be active in full force come June. Insects will continue to be visible until October, where some species will begin to migrate or start preparations for hibernation. If insects aren’t prepared to overwinter by November, they’ll likely be killed by rapidly dropping temperatures. Cold temperatures remain through February before beginning a slow rise towards the 50-degree marker in March. <br /><br /><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mid-Atlantic </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">- </span>States: Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington D.C. West Virginia </span><br /><br />The Mid-Atlantic is similar in climate to New England, though bugs come out a bit earlier and stay out a bit later in this region. Insects will begin emerging in late March and begin wintering in early November. Cold winds coming from the Atlantic coast can preemptively start this process in some insects, even if the actual temperature is still slightly above the 50-degree mark. <br /><br /><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgov_XplmNmnEyJXqyj8uC3fIVNJzZrR3_e_9npsJPVyCMYYMgw6Kh2u0ZYn_lE0ds0xcex5Ab46fVMAG79_SvKEigjhxcGePKNydG9vwlJECQwOczEgviGNsrZ_FXHpiYv6qewELGxFTydr7d_lYV-OV0BNWRMgu8cwNE7X-bSk_TfeDi_FJWcRzEVMwI/s844/Screenshot%202024-02-29%20at%203.21.59%E2%80%AFPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="596" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgov_XplmNmnEyJXqyj8uC3fIVNJzZrR3_e_9npsJPVyCMYYMgw6Kh2u0ZYn_lE0ds0xcex5Ab46fVMAG79_SvKEigjhxcGePKNydG9vwlJECQwOczEgviGNsrZ_FXHpiYv6qewELGxFTydr7d_lYV-OV0BNWRMgu8cwNE7X-bSk_TfeDi_FJWcRzEVMwI/s320/Screenshot%202024-02-29%20at%203.21.59%E2%80%AFPM.png" width="226" /></a></div>The South</span> -<b> </b>States: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee </span><br /><br />We’ve mentioned climate-controlled houses several times already in this article to reinforce the point that if insects don’t sense the cold, they do not need to hibernate. This concept doesn’t cease to exist once you step away from a central heating system. In many parts of the American South, especially the deep South, bugs never really go away. Mosquitos can be a year-round phenomenon, and while they do get lazier during the traditional winter months, they’re always present. <br /><br /><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>The Midwest - </b>States: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North </span></span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: helvetica;">Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br />A fierce competitor with New England for the inglorious title of America’s coldest winters, the Midwest has the environmental gall to force its residents to endure much hotter summers than New England. The bug calendar is similar to New England, though pests tend to be more prevalent in the summer due to the hotter average temperature. <br /><br /><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>The Southwest - </b>States: Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas </span><br /><br />A similar climate to the South, though northern Arizona and New Mexico do have much colder winters. In this part of the USA, pests are more concerned about staying cool than overwintering, which means that they’re looking to invade your home for the air conditioning, not the heater. <br /><br /><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCrLgmMLlN3NHT1d5VvzYYPi6jk4rPs74ydfUtyN6vieQoDhIh3dXi91gBZFWybe8r2nJ1K9qE8RqfRRNOXFgabmY2dps0TWUKfCn-2LXtWqJCFc2dxkQIyJLklHfu8bQl5_OOzv9yV_w8bHoisOyURSJGiL4I6BjHIyCY9FNu-DD9ufAIUEa_zKWmrg/s594/Screenshot%202024-02-29%20at%203.21.48%E2%80%AFPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="594" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCrLgmMLlN3NHT1d5VvzYYPi6jk4rPs74ydfUtyN6vieQoDhIh3dXi91gBZFWybe8r2nJ1K9qE8RqfRRNOXFgabmY2dps0TWUKfCn-2LXtWqJCFc2dxkQIyJLklHfu8bQl5_OOzv9yV_w8bHoisOyURSJGiL4I6BjHIyCY9FNu-DD9ufAIUEa_zKWmrg/w299-h243/Screenshot%202024-02-29%20at%203.21.48%E2%80%AFPM.png" width="299" /></a></div><b>The Rockies - </b>States: Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Utah, Wyoming </span><br /><br />The Rocky Mountains are no stranger to snow, and insects are rare in this area between October and April. However, insects can be found up and down the Rockies. Many species of insects are able to live comfortably at altitudes of 13,000 feet above sea level and higher. The highest peak in the Rocky Mountains, Mt. Elbert, is only 14,439 feet above sea level. <br /><br /><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>West Coast - </b>States: California, Oregon, </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Washington </span><br />This geographic region crosses multiple lines of latitude, making it a diverse collection of climates. Southern California shares a climate with the Southwest, while Oregon and Washington are more temperate versions of the Rockies, which results in bugs staying active for longer. <br /><br /><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Alaska - </span></b>The simplest way to view Alaska is to cut it in half. Using the city of Fairbanks as the median marker, the land to the north of Fairbanks is too cold to support much insect life. However, the rest of the state has insects, though populations are prone to wild fluctuations due to sudden cold spikes or wetter than normal springs.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Hawaii -</span> </b>As Hawaii is a tropical climate, insects are active year-round. Ants, centipedes, and beetles routinely pester homeowners and put a damper on the beautiful weather. <br /><br /> Looking to fight off current winter home invaders? Feeling the need to prepare for April when insects start making their unwanted return? Check out <a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/category/organic-pest-control">ARBICO Organics selection of pest control products.</a> Their product line up ranges from environmentally friendly solutions to common garden pests to biological powerhouses used in professional agriculture and at racetracks. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><br /></div></div>ARBICO Organicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09386607325944980825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888055146239050957.post-4911051842868184262024-01-17T12:03:00.004-07:002024-01-17T14:51:30.520-07:00OMRI - What's this all about?!<p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: helvetica;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaZgxPYs_DoN5NuHD0d4AzdhLElU1e43LbhXkx0ArTm7CsCHkVc_qCQkwsEpt9UT6m1l_NDQc7XpNX6JF4QcJHvwFlfaPgki263l9kGBCFfRhJIKUVoxiTqEUE0INJAYeM8s7nTYvKHbLwwQij_bmW2esL_X-i6nB1NAQPGpjFxGheH_1IzIk4Dg8WA3o/s1180/Screenshot%202024-01-17%20at%2011.41.01%E2%80%AFAM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1174" data-original-width="1180" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaZgxPYs_DoN5NuHD0d4AzdhLElU1e43LbhXkx0ArTm7CsCHkVc_qCQkwsEpt9UT6m1l_NDQc7XpNX6JF4QcJHvwFlfaPgki263l9kGBCFfRhJIKUVoxiTqEUE0INJAYeM8s7nTYvKHbLwwQij_bmW2esL_X-i6nB1NAQPGpjFxGheH_1IzIk4Dg8WA3o/w356-h354/Screenshot%202024-01-17%20at%2011.41.01%E2%80%AFAM.png" width="356" /></a></span></div><span style="color: black; font-family: helvetica;"><b><div style="background-color: #b6d7a8; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Have you ever noticed an OMRI logo on a product from us?</b> </span></div></b></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>It’s likely you have because these products have been evaluated for their suitability in producing organic end products and they align with our vision to offer products for organic growing!</b></span><span style="color: black; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; font-weight: 400;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black; font-family: helvetica;">We even have products that we have had go through their rigorous vetting process like our <a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/omri-NemaSeek-Pro-Hb-Beneficial-Nematodes/omri-certified-products">ARBICO Organics </a></span><a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/omri-NemaSeek-Pro-Hb-Beneficial-Nematodes/omri-certified-products"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica; text-indent: -24px;">“</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -24px;">OMRI Listed®</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica; text-indent: -24px;">” Beneficial Nematodes! </span></a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">These products that they certify range from every kind of growing input from fertilizers to fungicides and more. These products serve to help make it easy and transparent for growers and gardeners alike to choose the type of products that best fit into their growing strategy. It also makes it possible for growers and gardeners to have certified organic end products should that be their goal. If you have ever been curious about this organization and what they provide, look no further! We have dug up the details for you and are pleased to share them with you! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b><i>What is “OMRI” exactly and who are they?</i></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">OMRI</span> </b>stands for <b><span style="color: #38761d;">O</span></b>rganic <b><span style="color: #38761d;">M</span></b>aterials <b><span style="color: #38761d;">R</span></b>eview <b><span style="color: #38761d;">I</span></b>nstitute</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; text-indent: -0.25in;">It is a </span><span style="background: repeat white; font-family: helvetica; text-indent: -0.25in;">501(c)(3) nonprofit organization</span></span></li><li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It was founded in 1997 by organic certifiers and stakeholders</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">Vist their site to learn all about their history and mission here: </span></span><span style="background: repeat white; font-family: helvetica; text-indent: -0.25in;"><a href="http://www.omri.org/">www.omri.org</a></span></span></li></ul><p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background: repeat white; color: black; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background: repeat white; color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b><i>What does the OMRI organization do? </i></b></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium; text-indent: -0.25in;">They provide an independent review of products intended for use in certified organic production, handling, and processing.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span face=""Open Sans", sans-serif" style="background: repeat white; text-indent: -0.25in;">They list these compliant products as “<a href="https://www.omri.org/about-omri-listed-products" target="_blank">OMRI Listed®</a>” and provide access to “</span><em style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span face=""Open Sans", sans-serif"><a href="https://www.omri.org/omri-search" target="_blank">OMRI Products Lists</a></span></em><span face=""Open Sans", sans-serif" style="background: repeat white; text-indent: -0.25in;"><a href="https://www.omri.org/omri-search" target="_blank">©</a>” for the public.</span></span></li><li><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">They also provide information, education and training on the suitability of material inputs for organic requirements. </span></span></li></ul><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background: repeat white; color: black; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background: repeat white; color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b><i>How do they establish what products are “OMRI Listed®”?</i></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;">They review input product ingredients to establish if they comply with the </span><a href="https://www.ams.usda.gov/grades-standards/organic-standards" style="background-color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;" target="_blank">USDA National Organic standards</a><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;">, the </span><a href="https://inspection.canada.ca/organic-products/eng/1526652186199/1526652186496" style="background-color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;" target="_blank">Canada Organic Regime (COR)</a><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;"> standards and/or </span><a href="https://www.gob.mx/cms/uploads/attachment/file/792357/Regulation_of_organic_products_in_Mexico.pdf" style="background-color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;" target="_blank">Mexican Organic Products Law (LPO)</a></span></li><li><span style="background-color: white; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">They review products such as fertilizers and pest control products for crop production, livestock feed ingredients and health care products, processing aids and sanitizers, and other materials intended for use in organic production.</span></span></li></ul><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto; color: black; font-family: helvetica;"><o:p style="background-color: white;"> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;"><b style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><span face=""Open Sans", sans-serif" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto;">OMRI just passed a major milestone by establishing 10,000 </span><span>OMRI Listed® products reviewed and verified for organic use! </span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;">Here at ARBICO Organics, our mission aligns to provide gardeners and growers with sustainable choices and the opportunity to grow organic and we are pleased to offer some of these amazing products! </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: black; font-size: medium;">Check out our <a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/category/omri-certified-products" target="_blank">OMRI Listed® product page</a> to see which ones are available for you to use!</span></span></p>Aurora @ ARBICO Organicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06358208447217120847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888055146239050957.post-71892597165230331802024-01-17T11:34:00.002-07:002024-01-17T11:34:40.462-07:00How Insects Survive During Winter<span style="color: #ffa400; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i><b>Ever wondered about how bugs make it through the winter? </b></i></span><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RG4EccyoDv1OHeQGr5B4iT5oZ85CFcx-7dTFpxTYG3p-Q3YdAlxREIaJa8jhRWdz3PCj3V9PshwxR2bj-OTO3db5sDrsTs8yq79bY9y5GQ_KX9XJcCtUWVODcywiTAkBR8sidRKC8ahYqhNS6BIAoYyuRWissHrupsZogQ0IJcTERzApL0v6gtjwlp8/s558/Screenshot%202024-01-17%20at%2011.08.58%E2%80%AFAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="558" data-original-width="510" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RG4EccyoDv1OHeQGr5B4iT5oZ85CFcx-7dTFpxTYG3p-Q3YdAlxREIaJa8jhRWdz3PCj3V9PshwxR2bj-OTO3db5sDrsTs8yq79bY9y5GQ_KX9XJcCtUWVODcywiTAkBR8sidRKC8ahYqhNS6BIAoYyuRWissHrupsZogQ0IJcTERzApL0v6gtjwlp8/w173-h190/Screenshot%202024-01-17%20at%2011.08.58%E2%80%AFAM.png" width="173" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><div>It’s not uncommon to see a line of ants marching up the sidewalk in the summer, but you won’t see the same colony going up and down through snowbanks in the winter. You’d think that due to their small size, insects wouldn’t hold up well to cold weather. And you’re correct! </div></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span style="color: #134f5c;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: helvetica;"><b>I</b></span><b style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">nsects that do not have specific adaptations to </span></b><b style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: helvetica;">deal with the cold can freeze to death in as little as 24 hours </b><b style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: helvetica;">when exposed to freezing temperatures. </b></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">This effect is compounded when you account for the fact that typical insect food (pollen, nectar, leaves, etc.) is no longer available in the winter. </span></div><div><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: helvetica;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><b><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Yet come spring, all these insects are </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">back out</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> in full force </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">with no noticeable decrease in numbers. </span></span></b></div><div><b style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: helvetica; text-align: center;"><br /></b></div><div><b style="font-family: helvetica; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3186f5; font-size: large;">So, what’s the trick? </span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-size: medium;"><i>For some insects, like butterflies, the answer is to leave for warmer weather.</i> </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">These insects have no special resistance or adaptations to the cold, so their answer is to get away from it. Species of insects that migrate are butterflies, dragonflies, moths, and beetles. <br /><br />Of course, wings are necessary for migration, and not every insect with wings chooses to migrate. What do the remainder do? <br /><br /><i><span style="color: #e69138; font-size: medium;">Hibernation is a common strategy for insects.</span></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0D_8tw6Pu9TjixpcnAgAjFqa5220Wxj7kQTwfweYOqIhneKCMINlTTziZXELNBK94qJjV2j8ISQd7FSg9yxnrjBSv9-iHX3PrZsfbnthGGYtzD1OdRIQtxdIoDVeUwTr6KE84Q2tWtLhIGRiNkRJ-2SgVrq6T65p5AR6OouvRzkVURd9wbrJWor3t7Q/s592/Screenshot%202024-01-17%20at%2011.13.23%E2%80%AFAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="586" data-original-width="592" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0D_8tw6Pu9TjixpcnAgAjFqa5220Wxj7kQTwfweYOqIhneKCMINlTTziZXELNBK94qJjV2j8ISQd7FSg9yxnrjBSv9-iHX3PrZsfbnthGGYtzD1OdRIQtxdIoDVeUwTr6KE84Q2tWtLhIGRiNkRJ-2SgVrq6T65p5AR6OouvRzkVURd9wbrJWor3t7Q/w162-h160/Screenshot%202024-01-17%20at%2011.13.23%E2%80%AFAM.png" width="162" /></a></div></i> Burrowing deep into the soil, finding leaf litter, <br />crawling into a cave, and even going within your home! In fact, human homes are one of the easiest ways for an insect to survive the winter. After all, while the outside might be below freezing, your house is climate-controlled year round (Looking for more information on pests inside your home? Check out one of our<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> <a href="https://mygardenandgreenhouse.com/pest-control/2-winter-pests-that-invade-your-home/">previous articles</a></span>). For insects unable to punch their ticket in your home, natural shelters reduce the severity of cold temperatures but do not remove them entirely. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i><span style="color: #e69138; font-size: medium;">To survive the winter, insects must avoid having ice form within their cells.</span><span style="color: #e69138; font-size: medium;"> There are two methods for doing this: <b>freeze avoidance and freeze tolerance.</b> </span></i><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Freeze avoidance</span></b>, as the name implies, means that the insect does everything it can to avoid getting frozen. To do this, freeze avoidant insects produce a chemical within their bodies that is virtually identical to antifreeze. Yes, the same antifreeze that you put in your car! This chemical keeps fluids circulating throughout the insect’s body even when temperatures are below freezing. Freeze avoidant insects will also produce proteins that bond with ice crystals forming inside their bodies and break them down. <br /><br />Some insects don’t bother with exerting energy to prevent themselves from freezing. Instead, they’ve evolved <b><span style="color: #134f5c;">freeze tolerance</span></b>, which means that these insects allow themselves to freeze and cope with the formation of ice crystals in their bodies. This type of insect is commonly found in the Southern Hemisphere, likely due to the more severe swings in climate. <br /><br />It’s difficult to imagine turning yourself into a popsicle for the winter then waking up just fine in the spring. What needs to happen so the insect doesn’t die? First, ice just doesn’t form anywhere. The insect keeps any freezing outside of its cells through the creation of ice nucleating proteins. These proteins attract ice crystals, causing them to form on the outside of the body instead of inside cells. Freeze tolerant insects also attract water into their bodies. This prevents ice crystals from extracting water from the insect’s cells.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGq4iOv_eTHzIhTpe81aooTvIzt8sY6Bbl6Eh61qaUE8BbHs7fiQSd9bo9cOsBTcGqf60C-pXbHg9BwmZYNRpIQ2kVuirs16tTmZx34f1FAYUJvPlIMKP9GVwyxIh4IM_amur1FV7Rvzo5b_kCq9Q5txmOLK95fCzkByyppxzZdujD75UD2kxGtXvzbtc/s598/Screenshot%202024-01-17%20at%2011.11.07%E2%80%AFAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="598" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGq4iOv_eTHzIhTpe81aooTvIzt8sY6Bbl6Eh61qaUE8BbHs7fiQSd9bo9cOsBTcGqf60C-pXbHg9BwmZYNRpIQ2kVuirs16tTmZx34f1FAYUJvPlIMKP9GVwyxIh4IM_amur1FV7Rvzo5b_kCq9Q5txmOLK95fCzkByyppxzZdujD75UD2kxGtXvzbtc/s320/Screenshot%202024-01-17%20at%2011.11.07%E2%80%AFAM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />Finally, one of the most common winter adaptation strategies for insects isn’t necessarily what we’d think of as an adaptation. Countless species of short-lived insects don’t even live for one month in ideal weather. If this is the case, why evolve to live through the most difficult part of the year? Instead, these insects lay eggs before dying out in the fall. Once warmer weather appears, these eggs are triggered to hatch, as warm weather implies the existence of food for the larvae. <br /><br /> Regardless of how they do it, insects will find a way to make it through the winter. Even if you don’t see them when there’s snow on the ground, know that they’ll be back in the spring.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Robin @ ARBICO Organics</span></div>ARBICO Organicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09386607325944980825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888055146239050957.post-68309389024112773362024-01-08T17:35:00.002-07:002024-01-08T17:35:26.458-07:00Two Winter Pests That Invade Your Home<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">New Year's has come and gone, and several parts of the USA already have snow on the ground. For all practical purposes, winter is here. And while you’re rummaging through your closet wondering where you left your pair of winter gloves, various types of pests are trying to get out of the cold.</span></b><br /><br /><span style="color: #38761d;"><i><b>A quick note:</b> Rats and mice are common trespassers during winter months, and they can definitely wreak havoc on a home, but they aren’t the focus of this article. </i></span></span><div><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><b><i>Instead, we’ll be focused on insect pests, specifically ants and cockroaches.</i></b></span><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQ2Ml1nB5ndQrAJuBQeebN9c6JmEwzYUGRjvVfUEp-7s0dQCZy6xvFTQ3tsBUhG_UBWok7s-syac4swHCkLrB6Tcmu9To9dD3EN0rupISAdSFcwfG6x-9p1JwDpQqscwfRnjtCPkPxP0xNK8BO7UiALLbhkSmd_AW1jmRuwNiepmhpsi_ozxLEfz3KVo/s612/Screenshot%202023-12-20%20at%201.56.57%E2%80%AFPM.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="612" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQ2Ml1nB5ndQrAJuBQeebN9c6JmEwzYUGRjvVfUEp-7s0dQCZy6xvFTQ3tsBUhG_UBWok7s-syac4swHCkLrB6Tcmu9To9dD3EN0rupISAdSFcwfG6x-9p1JwDpQqscwfRnjtCPkPxP0xNK8BO7UiALLbhkSmd_AW1jmRuwNiepmhpsi_ozxLEfz3KVo/s320/Screenshot%202023-12-20%20at%201.56.57%E2%80%AFPM.png" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Ants</span></b> are notorious for being persistent invaders during every season. Many ants retreat into their burrows and enter a dormant state during cold periods, but not all of them. Some ant species, such as the stink ant (also known as the odorous house ant), can move indoors to escape the cold. When ants feel cold weather, they respond by instinctively searching out warm places. Though this is traditionally an ant burrow, almost any species of ant is happy to substitute a climate-controlled home. Whether it’s food or warmth, ants will seek it out and can enter homes through minuscule cracks and openings. Though ants do not pose an immediate health risk, their presence can be a nuisance, and some ant species can cause damage to property. Plus, an ant colony definitely produces a distinct smell! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxNaVlLqA_I2-7XuAT6nlUdIgEh4qz57LCOQnhiq4wIxUbxfJZ4EasdOA21U8jkEH5yy_rP9PM817vk9nv7rDMEJPS5HtMmYvaM5rVZGfYJP95jEiAbjhkoHxt9cFDYKGVSD2PsddsoMxPyN0XWaqA_SlmvBWO6crrdbS3cEY_BiMY5T1oGvlS7fC3Q2k/s608/Screenshot%202023-12-20%20at%201.56.33%E2%80%AFPM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="608" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxNaVlLqA_I2-7XuAT6nlUdIgEh4qz57LCOQnhiq4wIxUbxfJZ4EasdOA21U8jkEH5yy_rP9PM817vk9nv7rDMEJPS5HtMmYvaM5rVZGfYJP95jEiAbjhkoHxt9cFDYKGVSD2PsddsoMxPyN0XWaqA_SlmvBWO6crrdbS3cEY_BiMY5T1oGvlS7fC3Q2k/s320/Screenshot%202023-12-20%20at%201.56.33%E2%80%AFPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>Do you already have ant problems? Take a look at the <a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/ecosmart-and-and-roach-killer-spray-14oz-aerosol/pest-solver-guide-ants">EcoSmart® Ant & Roach Killer Spray</a>. It uses natural and essential oils to kill ants on contact. These oils also do a great job of taking care of lingering smells after you’ve taken care of the colony. <br /><br />During the winter, ants largely only enter human homes for warmth and consider the food that they find a natural bonus. However, cockroaches are a completely different story. They are attracted to not only warmth, but also moisture, food, and refuse. This tendency only increases in winter. Different types of cockroaches prefer different environments. Here’s a quick breakdown of common cockroach species found in residential homes across America. <br /><span style="color: #990000;"><br /><b><span style="font-size: medium;">German Cockroach</span></b></span></span><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">This is one of the most common species of cockroach, and it's what likely comes to mind when you visualize a cockroach. It’s found across the entire world, and the only factor that limits its population growth is cold weather. This aversion to cold weather means that cockroaches are naturally attracted to human homes and dwellings. And they’ve made it work. German cockroaches are usually found in kitchens, bathrooms, or food storage areas, even in areas as far north as Nunavut, Canada. If you spot one, know that it cannot fly away. Though German cockroaches have wings, they can only glide short distances. <br /><br /><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;"><b>Brown-Banded Cockroach </b></span><br />This species is smaller than the German cockroach, though it’s not a noticeable difference to the naked eye. Also like the German cockroach, the brown-banded cockroach prefers warmth. A noticeable difference is the brown-banded cockroach’s' inclination to settle in high elevations. It’s not uncommon to find them in upper cabinets, on top of refrigerators, and in attics. <br /><br /><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;">Oriental Cockroach </span></b><br />This bug is also referred to as the black cockroach due to its dark coloration. This type of cockroach prefers moist environments and tends to settle in basements, crawl spaces, around leaky water pipes, in bathrooms, and in places with fungal infections. All cockroaches can spread disease, but oriental cockroaches are among the worst. Take extra care to exterminate them if you notice these bugs in your home. <br /><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;"><i> Thankfully, all species of cockroach can be controlled similarly. </i></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhMtfb6oEYA8r_nsz-fdG5ICFHcq4eufIiWqfqBahtqDNae-KFVnMQbMlGrBnOx7sYb-vC1cVN1axbjWPQ12heVTlqs1H5k7Fly9h6VrzKZi-HOcGCdLLK26F1AgBazf8i52mhDsXqEPYgTfoGEd2REwS14DVjCE21gCxNbSXL611K8R4zK6cy2t7wiIM/s612/Screenshot%202023-12-20%20at%201.56.16%E2%80%AFPM.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="492" data-original-width="612" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhMtfb6oEYA8r_nsz-fdG5ICFHcq4eufIiWqfqBahtqDNae-KFVnMQbMlGrBnOx7sYb-vC1cVN1axbjWPQ12heVTlqs1H5k7Fly9h6VrzKZi-HOcGCdLLK26F1AgBazf8i52mhDsXqEPYgTfoGEd2REwS14DVjCE21gCxNbSXL611K8R4zK6cy2t7wiIM/s320/Screenshot%202023-12-20%20at%201.56.16%E2%80%AFPM.png" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">There are simple steps you can take, such as sealing entry points with caulk or weather stripping, keeping a clean environment, working with a plumber to seal leaky pipes, and making sure your food is secured -- including the food that’s thrown in your trash can and any pet food you use for your furry friends. If you’re dealing with an infestation, try using <a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/avenger-boric-acid-roach-tablets/cockroaches">Avenger® Roach Tablets</a>. Just drop them where cockroaches gather then check back in a day. Cockroaches are drawn to these tablets and will die once they ingest them.</span></div></div></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">By: Robin @ ARBICO Organics</span></div>ARBICO Organicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09386607325944980825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888055146239050957.post-11325724304815691352023-11-29T15:14:00.001-07:002023-11-29T15:14:36.286-07:00How to Eliminate Pests in a Fall Greenhouse<h2 style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6iDXYsb7BHFH2QYLhRZI9ttq3C1WM2UC3BST8cqO2yS88hkIBhLiAznKu8DlcFxKOqr48L2_vNy_m1Xv6Nu4rfj12SG0LukO0sUx_-s0tkykTHsJHKFPGDuT-ipeSZfhS7nRqgsjp4__h-QS4VetE1eJmTTRJ7mAfzW32a7i1ODG_-bwfq5vyY6O3W9A/s586/Screenshot%202023-11-29%20at%202.17.17%E2%80%AFPM.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="522" data-original-width="586" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6iDXYsb7BHFH2QYLhRZI9ttq3C1WM2UC3BST8cqO2yS88hkIBhLiAznKu8DlcFxKOqr48L2_vNy_m1Xv6Nu4rfj12SG0LukO0sUx_-s0tkykTHsJHKFPGDuT-ipeSZfhS7nRqgsjp4__h-QS4VetE1eJmTTRJ7mAfzW32a7i1ODG_-bwfq5vyY6O3W9A/w320-h285/Screenshot%202023-11-29%20at%202.17.17%E2%80%AFPM.png" width="320" /></span></a></div></div></h2><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>It’s November, which means that the last dregs of fall are fading fast. US growers in zones three and four have likely already experienced some freezing temperatures overnight. </b></span><b style="font-family: helvetica;">Wherever you are, temperatures are dropping, which means that garden pests are looking for a place to take shelter and get away from the cold. </b></span></h4><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i style="color: #990000; font-family: helvetica; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="color: #990000; font-family: helvetica; text-align: center;"><b>Unfortunately for you, your greenhouse is the </b></i><i style="color: #990000; font-family: helvetica; text-align: center;"><b>perfect place for pests to shack up for the winter!</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="color: #990000; font-family: helvetica; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></i></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Regardless of what you do, a greenhouse will inevitably attract pests during the colder months. By definition, a greenhouse is warm, climate-controlled, and usually has a high humidity level relative to the outdoor environment. Don’t fret! There are ways to minimize pest attraction and manage existing infestations.<br /><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><b>Get Rid of Dead Plant Matter</b></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1B07gmwMo77YOIlk1oxtS1rpWviegzhK8jy_rivPp4YaYecBtDXHxthFHNjygjqhdhDZd_qrg-Ja_p1lsSUPS-SHIwWXaIQFYNz_X9WpSGlwiNv6mXHig3xy75dSFyndnkBxFiy5I6sXNwWWGtAJm1CdaSTP1Mh4QJuYtHu3PWPnB8BpqIm3yeDlBMY/s690/Screenshot%202023-11-29%20at%202.24.56%E2%80%AFPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="690" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1B07gmwMo77YOIlk1oxtS1rpWviegzhK8jy_rivPp4YaYecBtDXHxthFHNjygjqhdhDZd_qrg-Ja_p1lsSUPS-SHIwWXaIQFYNz_X9WpSGlwiNv6mXHig3xy75dSFyndnkBxFiy5I6sXNwWWGtAJm1CdaSTP1Mh4QJuYtHu3PWPnB8BpqIm3yeDlBMY/w272-h176/Screenshot%202023-11-29%20at%202.24.56%E2%80%AFPM.png" width="272" /></a></div>Truthfully, the best time to clean a greenhouse for winter is in September or October, but November is a good case of better late than never. Look at your forecast and select the warmest, sunniest day possible (even if those are in increasingly short supply in the northern US) for cleaning. Before you clear out your greenhouse, check any plants that will be overwintered in the greenhouse. Are they looking healthy? </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If you need to prune away unhealthy or dead branches/stems, now is the time to do it. </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Once your plants are pruned, move everything outside. You’ll inevitably have some dead plant matter on the ground, and you’ll likely have bits of mold tucked into the dark corners of your greenhouse. Grab a hose and spray it down! After power washing away the obvious plant matter, apply a cleaner to the structure of the greenhouse. Make sure to pay attention to corners and recesses that offer shade - these areas are hotspots for pest breeding and fungus. Windowsills are another area to focus on. </span><br /><br /><div style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><b>Tip:</b> Check out <a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/sanidate-all-purpose-disinfectant/cleaning-disinfecting-organically"><b>SaniDate® All Purpose Disinfectant</b></a> for a reliable all-purpose cleaner. </div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">After you’ve applied the cleaner, make sure to wait at least 15 minutes to air the greenhouse out before bringing plants back in. </span><br /><br /><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Seal and Secure</span></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><b><br /></b></span></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span style="color: #990000;"></span></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_tcVMx8r9knz5QOYrevY5UoMYzUYfAuoDtk1KQFWelo6rOZdUFp8SctrmZX6t6VslqYjpE0371Q54Keyl5ja5soxF-u0tgl9pF-UUppLoYNSIft7lQkmGrHg1x6XcclfTbjjM9l78xbnqvQ68N5a8odle-t-Vgrvej0mIpYlMvl3TubaqzWcWsnBaTC4/s582/Screenshot%202023-11-29%20at%202.18.05%E2%80%AFPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="582" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_tcVMx8r9knz5QOYrevY5UoMYzUYfAuoDtk1KQFWelo6rOZdUFp8SctrmZX6t6VslqYjpE0371Q54Keyl5ja5soxF-u0tgl9pF-UUppLoYNSIft7lQkmGrHg1x6XcclfTbjjM9l78xbnqvQ68N5a8odle-t-Vgrvej0mIpYlMvl3TubaqzWcWsnBaTC4/w290-h263/Screenshot%202023-11-29%20at%202.18.05%E2%80%AFPM.png" width="290" /></a></div><div>During the cleaning process, keep an eye out for noticeable gaps in your greenhouse structure. Simple repairs on a plastic frame can be done with greenhouse repair tape, which will also be labeled as a polyethylene tape. Make sure the tape is UV resistant. </div></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">If the damage is too severe, we recommend talking with professionals to determine your next step. Some greenhouses you can simply replace one wall, while others might require a complete refitting. </span></span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">As common sense implies, sealing up your greenhouse limits the amount of entry points for pests.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Keep Plants Apart </span></b><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">It can be tempting to fill your greenhouse to the brim during the winter months. After all, where else are you going to grow? However, putting too many plants in your greenhouse can lead to more harm than good. Pests can easily move from plant to plant when leaves from two plants overlap. A single pest can multiply rapidly in an overcrowded greenhouse. </span><br /><br /><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Fight Back! </span></b><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Keeping your greenhouse free of plant matter and sealed up tight does a great job at preventing most winter infestations, but insects are called pests for a reason. They have a nasty habit of showing up exactly where you don’t want them. When pests do breach your first line of defense, make sure you’re equipped to fight back. Aphids are a pest no matter what time of the year, and they’re more than happy to invade your warm greenhouse. </span><br /><br /> <a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/yellow-insect-traps" style="font-size: large;"><b>Sticky Traps</b></a><span style="font-size: medium;"> are a greenhouse essential when it comes to monitoring pest populations. However, to keep pests like aphids under control, check out biological pest control, such as the </span><a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/category/Green-Lacewings-chrysoperla-beneficial-insects" style="font-size: large;"><b>green lacewing</b></a><span style="font-size: medium;">. Keep in mind that green lacewings are most effective in a setting with temperatures between 67-90 degrees F and relative humidity of at least 30%. Check out </span><a href="https://mygardenandgreenhouse.com/pest-control/why-green-lacewings-are-the-best-general-predator-for-gardens-greenhouses/" style="font-size: large;"><b>this article</b></a><span style="font-size: medium;"> for more information about maintaining a green lacewing population and using them as a means of pest control. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">From Robin @ARBICO Organics</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div>ARBICO Organicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09386607325944980825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888055146239050957.post-67562441091183744062023-11-08T14:58:00.210-07:002023-11-16T10:47:43.151-07:00How to Eliminate Fungus Gnats<p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Gardeners across America are gearing up for the winter </span></b></span><b style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">growing season in their greenhouses or scrambling to bring their potted plants indoors before the first frost hits. </span></b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="clear: right; float: right; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></span><span style="clear: right; float: right; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="590" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiino_BVAVj6mYeouS2O-PSVLdHswLnatgdIaElBJoy-4JtMeIyKicXcdqR4mfaMwUUC-YFpddVtgIeNE12oRIWVhRs-IFVK_R6aD1Sqgnm-WV8j3azCaIzQVA2lN9YEd95-LT_qoLaOQwBseSrB5Y81ptLRZUuWVA8cVNKRkR3jo0D0mY5JqWnnXmAeZg/w293-h283/Screenshot%202023-11-16%20at%2010.14.42%E2%80%AFAM.png" width="293" /></span></div><p></p><p><span style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: helvetica; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: helvetica; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: small;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><b>Unfortunately for these gardeners, the winter season also means that fungus gnats are ready to throw a baby shower. They’re using your plants as the venue, and they’re not going to stop with just one baby shower. Like most pests, fungus gnats breed quickly and can devastate your garden if left unchecked. </b></span></p><p><span style="color: #990000; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><b>So how do you deal with fungus gnats?</b></span></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><i><b>KNOW SOME FACTS: </b></i></span>Fungus gnats have a reputation as winter pests, but they don’t exclusively operate in the winter. They’re active year-round, but fungus gnats have unusually high tolerance to cold for an insect. Some species even have antifreeze proteins, which allows the bug to stay alive and somewhat active throughout the winter, instead of remaining in an egg like other insect pests.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Thankfully, despite the fungus gnat’s high cold tolerance, fully mature members are not all that threatening. In fact, they’re largely passive. Adult fungus gnats are poor fliers. What limited flight they have is more analogous to extended, meandering hopping rather than the precise flight exhibited by a housefly. The adults cannot eat any part of your plant. In fact, adult fungus gnats cannot eat any solid food. They live out their 10-day lifespans on a liquid-only diet of water and plant nectar (if they can easily access it.)</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">However, adult female fungus gnats can lay over 300 eggs during their brief lifespan. And while the adults are nuisances, the larvae are actual pests to your plants. Fungus gnat larvae will eat through plant roots and leave plants highly susceptible to root rot. With their rapid breeding cycles, fungus gnats can quickly overrun a greenhouse if you aren’t paying attention.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i style="color: #b45f06; font-family: helvetica;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">TRY THESE 3 STEPS TO FUNGUS GNAT CONTROL:</span></b></i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">1) AVOID CONDITIONS FUNGUS GNATS LOVE<i> </i></span></span> <span style="font-family: helvetica;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gIv50akuYpNFclk1g7-ygs8Zhkk-Tqn-jGp6_x8-kPZsDeJcxA0KA24bflIyr-Ng7Mh__j4FPlduruaTkfZqFtilztjlN285TQZnLrirFDSdfhNHgBS_dU_nIDuvhLbjG9jSoT4BRqGWBke8qy5GsRpQraqt0flee9tIb1c7YdMkjRIFO0Dr3visG_U/s884/Screenshot%202023-11-16%20at%2010.14.32%E2%80%AFAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="884" data-original-width="592" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gIv50akuYpNFclk1g7-ygs8Zhkk-Tqn-jGp6_x8-kPZsDeJcxA0KA24bflIyr-Ng7Mh__j4FPlduruaTkfZqFtilztjlN285TQZnLrirFDSdfhNHgBS_dU_nIDuvhLbjG9jSoT4BRqGWBke8qy5GsRpQraqt0flee9tIb1c7YdMkjRIFO0Dr3visG_U/s320/Screenshot%202023-11-16%20at%2010.14.32%E2%80%AFAM.png" width="214" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Soggy, overwatered soil is a fungus gnat’s favorite place to start a family. Eggs and larvae like to hang out in the first couple of inches of soil, so make sure that your topsoil stays dry between watering. To keep topsoil dry, try watering at the root of the plants. While you can go all out and use a drip irrigation system if you have a large grow operation, there are ways to water generic potted plants at the root. Check your pot. Does it have any holes in it along the bottom? If it does, place the pot in a large container. Water the container itself and watch as the water is sucked up through the holes in the bottom of your pot.<br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span style="caret-color: rgb(106, 168, 79); color: #6aa84f; font-family: helvetica;">2) ELIMINATE EGGS AND LARVAE </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">You don’t want to search for eggs and larvae manually. These things are tiny and often buried under an inch of topsoil. Instead, track your pest control efforts by monitoring the adult population (more on this in the next section). Of course, it’s not unusual to see a fungus gnat eggs and larvae, though both are near microscopic. Eggs are tiny white dots while larvae have black heads, white-to-translucent bodies, and are about ¼ inch long when fully grown. If you see one, just know that many more are likely just below the initial topsoil layer.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">To control egg and larvae populations, use a spray, such as the <a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/bonide-captain-jacks-neem-max/pest-solver-guide-fungus-gnats">BONIDE® Captain Jack's™ Neem Max</a> or maintain a population of fungus gnat predators in your soil, such as <a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/nemattack-beneficial-nematodes-sf-steinernema-feltiae/beneficial-nematodes">beneficial nematodes</a>.<br /></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /><br />3) ELIMINATE MATURE POPULATIONS TO PREVENT FUTURE ONES</span><br /></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC53EorvqT6Jn8ddEBEGytnurgMhC75vIMK3LSCJx8ribFZA6XrbrGIiAdBMzKgjJTo_UX9dssOSpRq9WFYN24jjg5fWcFW3mOiEjME5xigyfGAFwLxbOO9vOJhKvtFOyMmLmAcbGAhA9AXZilyVOIb-Nd5VEODdM-bysp8LJjSB908Jrg2IrhKxRmHAk/s888/Screenshot%202023-11-16%20at%2010.15.13%E2%80%AFAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="888" data-original-width="592" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC53EorvqT6Jn8ddEBEGytnurgMhC75vIMK3LSCJx8ribFZA6XrbrGIiAdBMzKgjJTo_UX9dssOSpRq9WFYN24jjg5fWcFW3mOiEjME5xigyfGAFwLxbOO9vOJhKvtFOyMmLmAcbGAhA9AXZilyVOIb-Nd5VEODdM-bysp8LJjSB908Jrg2IrhKxRmHAk/s320/Screenshot%202023-11-16%20at%2010.15.13%E2%80%AFAM.png" width="213" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Since adult fungus gnats aren’t a threat beyond their egg laying capabilities, using normal fly/sticky paper is sufficient to control populations. Fungus gnats are very weak fliers, so making minimal contact with the adhesive is enough to immobilize the adult. Make sure you get <a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/yellow-insect-traps/color-sticky-traps">yellow sticky paper</a>—this color attracts the most fungus gnats. A bonus of using fly paper is that you can monitor adult population levels over time. </span></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Once new adults stop getting stuck to the fly paper, you’re on the path towards wiping out your unwanted winter gardening guests.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">By: Robin @ ARBICO Organics </span></span></p>ARBICO Organicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09386607325944980825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888055146239050957.post-71598101240786244062023-10-17T14:42:00.000-07:002023-10-17T14:42:12.751-07:00Meet Goliath, the World’s Largest Beetle<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO1e_15Z4UZ5YetgdLDlxGy7ohvSS2HQ5VfDbb5D88a0y3xAr6yRFDzBlzj6eiYAY0OJmE6tqQqAQ5xNEtMRhyphenhyphenWCzHpJBRFkE6UI41NsJ7abr7auGHdwuMKvtISGrrPrtJyNFfu5SRHC2g8ylY3CvvOf0OpwosloW0k2zks39Ja16ZPlLXG4IEwbQSyis/s856/Screen%20Shot%202023-10-17%20at%203.13.54%20PM.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="856" height="349" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO1e_15Z4UZ5YetgdLDlxGy7ohvSS2HQ5VfDbb5D88a0y3xAr6yRFDzBlzj6eiYAY0OJmE6tqQqAQ5xNEtMRhyphenhyphenWCzHpJBRFkE6UI41NsJ7abr7auGHdwuMKvtISGrrPrtJyNFfu5SRHC2g8ylY3CvvOf0OpwosloW0k2zks39Ja16ZPlLXG4IEwbQSyis/w465-h349/Screen%20Shot%202023-10-17%20at%203.13.54%20PM.png" width="465" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goliath Beetle<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">You’ve dealt with whiteflies, gnats, flies,
aphids, and so much more in your backyard garden, but there are some insects
out there that can be truly horrifying. Meet the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goliathus"><b>Goliath beetle</b></a>! This
insect is a standout in the world of insects, and not just because of its
massive size. It’s well known for being the largest beetle in the world, but
Goliath beetles deserve to be recognized for more than their size.</span></h4>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #e69138;"><b><i>Fun Fact: Goliath beetles are a group of five beetles,
making them </i></b></span></span><b style="color: #e69138; font-family: helvetica; text-align: center;"><i>a small portion of the 35,000 scarabs and beetles alive today.</i> </b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span lang="EN" style="font-family: helvetica;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Goliathus goliatus</i> is the most well-known
of all the Goliath beetles, but all of them share vivid coloration and
impressive size that are the hallmarks of this species. </span></li><li><span lang="EN" style="font-family: helvetica;">The largest beetles can
grow up to 4.3 inches in length, and their colors range from generic blacks,
browns, and grays to vibrant shades of</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> green, blue, or red.</span></li></ul><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><b style="font-family: helvetica;"><i>Fun Fact: From birth to death, Goliath beetles go </i></b></span><b style="color: #e69138; font-family: helvetica; text-align: center;"><i>through a complete metamorphosis.</i></b><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: helvetica; text-align: center;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9AO1c0SEJm3cGIZRDtiFsAwpHhgM8XIVnH6P-g3MKYnb5nF8iwds__OUvY5WcK3cHGzoSfuUZM3w_P66aMfwRSRJjM8P-_sjlg2W2sg5IXloY4andal8yRepnGuXHNKbA-CkAy2B4Z6qTpQYkVITOSmmQiWyDJiUNKq8HWoDMKoN9cuOTWxz0-ffo188/s852/Screen%20Shot%202023-10-17%20at%203.15.03%20PM.png" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="852" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9AO1c0SEJm3cGIZRDtiFsAwpHhgM8XIVnH6P-g3MKYnb5nF8iwds__OUvY5WcK3cHGzoSfuUZM3w_P66aMfwRSRJjM8P-_sjlg2W2sg5IXloY4andal8yRepnGuXHNKbA-CkAy2B4Z6qTpQYkVITOSmmQiWyDJiUNKq8HWoDMKoN9cuOTWxz0-ffo188/w293-h198/Screen%20Shot%202023-10-17%20at%203.15.03%20PM.png" width="293" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goliath v. Others</td></tr></tbody></table>This process consists of four stages: egg,
larva, pupa, then adult. After emerging from an egg, Goliath beetle larvae grow
to the size of an adult human palm. Goliath beetle larvae are well known for
their immense appetite, primarily feeding on decaying wood and plant matter.
Their diet, rich in cellulose, is broken down by specialized gut bacteria,
allowing the larvae to thrive in their nutrient-rich environment. These larvae
can take several years to reach full maturity, and during this time, they
undergo multiple molts, shedding their exoskeletons as they grow. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="font-family: helvetica;"><i><span style="color: #e69138; font-size: medium;">Fun Fact: Once fully
grown, a Goliath beetle can lift up to 850 times their body weight!</span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"></span></p><div class="separator" dir="rtl" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLITdXLF68JjPh5kCQ85jH3EjCPp7W8GsXIYVy0dR0OZF5-5VWtcxAHtefta98oaxtPBQctwMZPlegt3Iyy3ocqknz1EaLVep5JjbBClQztp77lcKq95RM6Hf2Tls62wVklyVoqZskhFCWQdPrmPfxSTI_w82ZGNLBxdoeHXDvL9P-oHMMKrsFw2h324U/s1016/Screen%20Shot%202023-10-17%20at%203.16.30%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1016" data-original-width="678" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLITdXLF68JjPh5kCQ85jH3EjCPp7W8GsXIYVy0dR0OZF5-5VWtcxAHtefta98oaxtPBQctwMZPlegt3Iyy3ocqknz1EaLVep5JjbBClQztp77lcKq95RM6Hf2Tls62wVklyVoqZskhFCWQdPrmPfxSTI_w82ZGNLBxdoeHXDvL9P-oHMMKrsFw2h324U/w225-h336/Screen%20Shot%202023-10-17%20at%203.16.30%20PM.png" width="225" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Due to their incredible size and beauty,
Goliath beetles have become popular in the exotic pet trade and insect
collecting hobby. Habitat destruction and agriculture combined with the pet trade,
have put pressure on their populations in the wild, and most species are now
considered vulnerable or endangered. Conservation efforts are being made to
protect their natural habitats in Africa and regulate the trade of these
magnificent creatures.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The next time you’re complaining about
whiteflies and aphids, keep things in perspective and be thankful that you
don’t have to do pest control on beetles the size of your hand!</span></p>ARBICO Organicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09386607325944980825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888055146239050957.post-50409714720676267702023-09-25T15:00:00.000-07:002023-09-25T15:00:13.194-07:00How to Prepare Your Greenhouse for the Winter Growing Season<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDc60QU_3Cdw_OUh0g9KHukmVb6sskBoytP0EVZ6B0UItL2ekuk7cFkhMa5yHP3UyRxSKpZHMyCJEpDLYFHUgaY1h9i0-AMxx8wppIF6ia-0aVfbKVTj_25PAPAxk-U-OKDnxCtgPkPTS-KqGvc5kGrXiPrV_7yLBZVJOu3wN8jVPeBKUc05BXj8TFhw/s1190/Screen%20Shot%202023-09-25%20at%204.50.32%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="888" data-original-width="1190" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDc60QU_3Cdw_OUh0g9KHukmVb6sskBoytP0EVZ6B0UItL2ekuk7cFkhMa5yHP3UyRxSKpZHMyCJEpDLYFHUgaY1h9i0-AMxx8wppIF6ia-0aVfbKVTj_25PAPAxk-U-OKDnxCtgPkPTS-KqGvc5kGrXiPrV_7yLBZVJOu3wN8jVPeBKUc05BXj8TFhw/w468-h350/Screen%20Shot%202023-09-25%20at%204.50.32%20PM.png" width="468" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><b><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">September is upon us. Kids are back in school,
football is being played on the weekends, and veteran gardeners are starting to
prepare their greenhouses for the winter growing season. If you live in a
gardening zone where temperatures drop below freezing and snow frequently
falls, a greenhouse or a <a href="https://mygardenandgreenhouse.com/greenhouse/cold-frames-offer-an-easy-start-to-greenhouse-gardening/">cold
frame</a> is your only option for growing during the winter.<br /></span></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><i>If you use your greenhouse year-round, the
first thing on your to-do list is preparatory cleaning.</i></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: helvetica;"><b></b>Your home might undergo
spring cleaning every year, but for your greenhouse, the most critical time to
clean is before winter. If your greenhouse does not stay empty during the
summer, the growing season has finished, so there are less plants to worry
about. Cleaning is critical to eliminating any pests, such as slugs,
whiteflies, and gnats, while also eliminating diseases. Once temperatures start
to drop outside, your greenhouse becomes a sanctuary for pests to lay eggs and
overwinter. Standing water and clumps of old soil make great nurseries for
nefarious insects.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><i>Curious about cleaning your greenhouse?</i> </b>We
have a detailed guide <a href="https://mygardenandgreenhouse.com/greenhouse/the-importance-of-cleaning-your-greenhouse-before-winter/"><b><span style="color: #1155cc;">here</span></b></a>, but here’s a quick outline.</span></p>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: helvetica;">Remove
everything (plants, tools, shelving, etc.) from the greenhouse. You need
to give yourself some space to work! <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: helvetica;">Select a
cleaner that is designed for use in a greenhouse. Standard, off-the-shelf
cleaners may contain harsh chemicals that can linger and inhibit future
growth (even when you remove all of your plants from the greenhouse before
cleaning). <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="a">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: helvetica;">Looking for
a recommendation? Try ARBICO’s <a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/zerotol-hc/organic-disease-control-products"><b><span style="color: #1155cc;">ZeroTol® HC</span></b></a>. This spray acts as a
standard disinfectant that can be applied to greenhouse surfaces, but it
also can be applied on plants themselves. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ol>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: helvetica;">Hose it
down! Don’t worry about applying the cleaner you selected in the previous
step yet. Instead, take a hose and use a jet nozzle to spray down the
greenhouse frame. If you don’t have a jet nozzle, you can use a broom to a
similar effect, though it’s much less fun. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: helvetica;">Use your
selected cleaning solution to clean the structure of the greenhouse. Make
sure that it sits for at least 10 minutes. While cleaning, keep an eye out
for holes in the structure or areas that need additional insulation. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: helvetica;">Check your
windows! A mild soap and water solution works fine for this, and a
squeegee can speed up the process. Clean windows let in more light, so if
you neglect window cleaning year after year, your plants will get a
diminishing amount of light. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="a">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: helvetica;">Make sure
you open all of your windows and scrape out the grooves. Pests and mold
love to propagate here, so it’s important to stay on top of things. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ol>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: helvetica;">Let the
greenhouse dry completely before moving any plants back inside.</span></li></ol>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: helvetica;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF3VANMCzCIsQkPh2kdbUw0_E5bpvUcVzsiDpscSLJaAOBxbb3ErY5o28p9_Cg3H7XYrt1OHXUWGqdoyMqh5bh_rGIpttYDcK7zvYYZdZ1c8buOjRQr1dcy62iJQ2MNm-YKUPZztHNUz9REcVnFhTra5QiOS0YbNTmxGovsu8AuNzjnv4woQG22Ch5zrI/s748/Screen%20Shot%202023-09-25%20at%204.56.45%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="748" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF3VANMCzCIsQkPh2kdbUw0_E5bpvUcVzsiDpscSLJaAOBxbb3ErY5o28p9_Cg3H7XYrt1OHXUWGqdoyMqh5bh_rGIpttYDcK7zvYYZdZ1c8buOjRQr1dcy62iJQ2MNm-YKUPZztHNUz9REcVnFhTra5QiOS0YbNTmxGovsu8AuNzjnv4woQG22Ch5zrI/s320/Screen%20Shot%202023-09-25%20at%204.56.45%20PM.png" width="193" /></a></span></div><span lang="EN" style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i>After you’ve finished your cleaning, </i></b><b><i>decide if
you are propagating any plants. </i></b></div></b></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: helvetica;">Propagation allows your best crops to be grown
over and over, and it is less expensive than buying new seeds. If you are
propagating, prepare the necessary cuttings. We won’t get into too much detail
about propagation in this article, but if you are looking to try a new rooting
hormone, take a look at <a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/bonide-bontone-II-rooting-powder/sales"><b><span style="color: #1155cc;">Bontone II Rooting Powder</span></b></a>. Regardless of
if you choose to propagate or if you decide to grow new plants, you should
prepare fresh soil for the winter. This is another step to ensure that you
aren’t carrying any summer pests through the winter growing season. During your
cleaning, you should have removed dead plants, branches, and miscellaneous
debris from both the greenhouse and your growing medium. Some growers even
transplant growing plants to ensure that their winter greenhouse is 100% free
of pests! When placing fresh soil into your pots or trays, make sure that the
soil contains the necessary micronutrients and beneficial fungi. Keeping a
healthy amount of mycorrhizae in the soil is crucial for developing healthy
roots (for both propagated cuttings and plants grown from seeds). Since
greenhouses are cut off from the natural soil balance found in a backyard
garden, you need to add your own mycorrhizae. The <a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/root-build-240-mycorrhizae"><b><span style="color: #1155cc;">Root Build 240</span></b></a> adds a blend of mycorrhizae
that are beneficial to over 90% of all plants, including winter greenhouse
staples such as lettuce, tomatoes, and onions.<br /></span></p>
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Growing in the winter isn’t too much different
from growing at any other time of year in a greenhouse. What’s critical about
the winter season is that it gives you time to reset your growing environment.
When you properly prepare for the winter growing season, you ensure that last
year's whiteflies and fungi don’t become next spring’s problem.</span><div><span lang="EN" style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">By: Robin @ ARBICO Organics</span></div>ARBICO Organicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09386607325944980825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888055146239050957.post-74732370459114822342023-08-29T12:32:00.002-07:002023-08-29T12:53:41.305-07:00How Sticky Traps Help Prevent Pest Infestations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw8QiHGOZRWep-C05PZip5FXUo4sGupD1VPJLZcFkIHAa_6wjzEVGddzdvVmGZe9B2xWpYihljW4zIDUzrQ2TkZSc0HEg95sH2RwmomBgjxiqoNkkA1Zgk48vZzBPaEy4TcGI2YaPDhAtEnP16GyIwiCmjQjejT5hg_64WBr1aCN26R6BCb0oRplaU_EY/s650/ARBICO-Organics-Yellow-Sticky-Trap.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="431" data-original-width="650" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw8QiHGOZRWep-C05PZip5FXUo4sGupD1VPJLZcFkIHAa_6wjzEVGddzdvVmGZe9B2xWpYihljW4zIDUzrQ2TkZSc0HEg95sH2RwmomBgjxiqoNkkA1Zgk48vZzBPaEy4TcGI2YaPDhAtEnP16GyIwiCmjQjejT5hg_64WBr1aCN26R6BCb0oRplaU_EY/w522-h345/ARBICO-Organics-Yellow-Sticky-Trap.jpg" width="522" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>The trickiest part of pest control is understanding if your techniques are actually keeping pests out of your garden or greenhouse. If you’re using an organic type of pest control such as nematodes, how do you know if the nematodes are working or if any pests were taken care of long ago?<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5zRHvujdPcGa9GGjaO7o8M4bMN3Rbp9Q2VV_lgVcTtoj1bGG-tm3rzw1s9vVYzUJLAKX8hDWIOhVL8WqMK3aXl07AhjbRvaIwNnLCG9goWFYJU7HDMoV3vsz9A_CzbGI1uC54mjCrXeF0_obcfYCE9xpQO096CPkkzB1pp91ByMz9UPs0nN7ORHLb_Rg/s668/Screen%20Shot%202023-08-29%20at%202.24.37%20PM.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br />Sticky traps, also known as fly paper, are a great way to gauge and monitor insects in your growing environment. It’s important to note upfront that if you only put-up sticky traps, you will still have pest problems. While any adult insects that get stuck to the paper are removed from the breeding cycle, sticky traps can’t eliminate an insect infestation. However, they are excellent tools for monitoring the population of invasive pests. Using sticky traps before the onset of an infestation can help you identify what pest issues you are dealing with. If you can’t identify the pest, you can contact your county extension office or a company like <a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/">ARBICO Organic</a><a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/">s</a> to help you identify the pest. If you notice that more insects are getting stuck to the paper, that’s a good time to deploy more aggressive pest control techniques, such as using insecticide or releasing beneficial insects such as <a href="https://mygardenandgreenhouse.com/pest-control/why-green-lacewings-are-the-best-general-predator-for-gardens-greenhouses/">green lacewing</a><a href="https://mygardenandgreenhouse.com/pest-control/why-green-lacewings-are-the-best-general-predator-for-gardens-greenhouses/">s</a> into your grow area.<br /><br /></span><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">ARBICO Organics has two types of sticky traps: <a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/yellow-insect-traps/insect-traps-lures">yellow sticky trap</a><a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/yellow-insect-traps/insect-traps-lures">s</a> and <a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/blue-sticky-insect-traps/insect-traps-lures">blue sticky tra</a><a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/blue-sticky-insect-traps/insect-traps-lures">ps</a>. </span></h4><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The color is the distinguishing difference for these products. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDmLAgMuLNyxBhw0SoDnJ-yQEaD_uCbB7AZaBwkIrpujn4u6pAXW0agkTb2Q3sBiH0SkOtoMo5loGMcnch2aVDBECkJDgKkBNslRgr3clJrj_2R2_B_6xMeIVS4jWlsWui72TU_W2270gIO-Uu6h4hfJcgmeTR_Oex6YIzdaivosQya9vzSkApRM9Wbc/s668/Screen%20Shot%202023-08-29%20at%202.24.37%20PM.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="668" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDmLAgMuLNyxBhw0SoDnJ-yQEaD_uCbB7AZaBwkIrpujn4u6pAXW0agkTb2Q3sBiH0SkOtoMo5loGMcnch2aVDBECkJDgKkBNslRgr3clJrj_2R2_B_6xMeIVS4jWlsWui72TU_W2270gIO-Uu6h4hfJcgmeTR_Oex6YIzdaivosQya9vzSkApRM9Wbc/w200-h176/Screen%20Shot%202023-08-29%20at%202.24.37%20PM.png" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Both traps use mess-free, double-sided adhesive for</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> easy application to a variety of surfaces, and both </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">traps are 5×7 inches. They’re even priced the same! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The adhesive used in both traps is non-toxic; however,</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> it will stick to skin, hair, and fur if a child or pet gets into it. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Use soap and water or baby oil to remove the paper.<br /><br />So why are ARBICO’s sticky traps offered in two different colors? It’s not about making a fashion statement. Instead, different colors attract different types of pests. Yellow paper will attract aphids, gnats, whiteflies, and more. Blue paper is especially effective at attracting thrips and leafminers. If you’re looking for a paper for general pest monitoring, we recommend the yellow paper. Yellow coloration is a safe bet for attracting a broad spectrum of insects, and most insects are more easily countable on yellow paper.<br /><br />Sticky traps are often the first warning sign of an infestation in your garden or greenhouse. Keeping track of how long it takes for a sheet to fill up can give you valuable information about when bugs are at their peak, when a population of a certain pest is rapidly growing, and when your pest control efforts have eliminated an insect population. The earlier you notice an infestation, the better your chances of eliminating it are so put up some fly paper today!</span><br /></div>ARBICO Organicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09386607325944980825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888055146239050957.post-73746944200045359702023-08-17T13:42:00.002-07:002023-08-29T08:31:53.211-07:00How to Overcome Late Summer Lawn Problems<h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgopW5qJwGOnkJO__kMf_4URnB2tN56zpx45GFVJ5yD8WtN45r9OhwZSsrzCAXoNmd2Q43cmT0av05Qf9rY0IH8I2i0F1E1NypAGvviEcFdNxt5QqAoC6NheQk_R_d6ERV2rK26w7xaezAI3zRkSq1TxrYxM2SetKor418JJuv-NV4T9swIgJ3aIXLdbfE/s650/Yard-Problems.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: helvetica; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="650" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgopW5qJwGOnkJO__kMf_4URnB2tN56zpx45GFVJ5yD8WtN45r9OhwZSsrzCAXoNmd2Q43cmT0av05Qf9rY0IH8I2i0F1E1NypAGvviEcFdNxt5QqAoC6NheQk_R_d6ERV2rK26w7xaezAI3zRkSq1TxrYxM2SetKor418JJuv-NV4T9swIgJ3aIXLdbfE/w320-h212/Yard-Problems.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">You’ve likely heard various news stories about how summer 2023 has been one of the hottest summers on record for the USA. But it hasn’t just been in America. </span></h4><h4><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-weight: normal; text-align: left;"><br /></span></h4><h4><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; text-align: left;">Across the world, July 2023 has been the hottest month on record. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; text-align: left;">Focusing back on America, the American West has been experiencing water shortages due to heat and drought, and the traditional American lawn has turned into a big green punching bag for select environmental activist groups. </span></span></h4><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><h4><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-weight: normal;">Because of this, many homeowners find themselves in the awkward position of caring about their lawn while still being conscious of the environment. By looking at the use and distribution of water, pesticides, and fertilizers in your lawn, it’s possible to keep a healthy and sustainable lawn as the summer comes to an end.</span></h4><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></b></h2><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Watering Your Lawn</span></b></h2><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The easiest (and most obvious) way to reduce your lawn’s water intake is to stop overwatering. Just like how overwatering is the leading cause of houseplant death, overwatering your lawn can lead to yellowing lawns and dead grass. This issue is exacerbated because when you overwater a lawn, the water waste is much more significant than the water that is wasted when you have a heavy hand on your watering can. <a href="https://www.epa.gov/watersense/when-its-hot">T</a><a href="https://www.epa.gov/watersense/when-its-hot">he EPA estimates</a> that during the summer, 50% of the water homeowners use outdoors is wasted because of overwatering. The average American family uses <a href="https://www.epa.gov/watersense/how-we-use-water">o</a><a href="https://www.epa.gov/watersense/how-we-use-water">ver 300 gallons of water per day</a>, and 30% of this water is used outdoors, though this number fluctuates based on what region you live in.<br /><br /><b><i>Are you worried about overwatering? Use these points as a checklist of common symptoms of overwatering.</i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYUA4Uwgq1LuVVdRQOxlIdf3elqCmGWX6-jNL7Uyny0zdF5LoJlxjCFU1Xo2_tfNLHs_JIGxJLJ7Jg3b_07EXq4pqAna1zVdTEdeKzxJdbfozkRRZ75bYiaj0P4e-rAZT6Ckxeb2InSBPtLC5yazhSXWOP-OzR_54b0nwVkAPvKfYoxLOqUxf2dI6kVUw/s1200/4.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYUA4Uwgq1LuVVdRQOxlIdf3elqCmGWX6-jNL7Uyny0zdF5LoJlxjCFU1Xo2_tfNLHs_JIGxJLJ7Jg3b_07EXq4pqAna1zVdTEdeKzxJdbfozkRRZ75bYiaj0P4e-rAZT6Ckxeb2InSBPtLC5yazhSXWOP-OzR_54b0nwVkAPvKfYoxLOqUxf2dI6kVUw/w183-h275/4.png" width="183" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>1.</b> <b>Runoff.</b> Yes, this is a rather obvious clue, but if you see water splashing down a hill or trickling onto your sidewalk, you’ve oversaturated the soil. Using additional water at this point would be both wasteful and detrimental.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /><b>2. Yellowing or browning grass.</b> “Wait! Isn’t yellow grass a sign that your lawn is underwatered?” If you thought that, don’t worry, you’re correct. However, it also applies to overwatered grass. The way to tell is to take off your shoes and walk on your lawn. How does the grass and soil feel on your feet? If the soil is crumbly or crunchy and the grass feels brittle, it is underwatered. If you feel like you’re stepping on a sponge, your lawn is severely overwatered.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /><b>3. There are noticeable amounts of fungi and bugs.</b> </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">All lawns are going to have bugs crawling through them, but if you’re noticing unusually high concentrations, this should be interpreted as a sign of overwatering. If you notice clumps of mushrooms close together, that is also a sign of overwatering.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /><b><i>So, when does your lawn actually need water? And how should you water your lawn to avoid overwatering?</i></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>1. Check for curling at the tips of grass blades.</b> If the tip is curling inwards onto itself, water your lawn immediately. The grass will bounce back and be just fine, but a failure to water at this point will eventually damage your lawn.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /><b>2. The grass doesn’t spring up after being stepped on.</b> If you walk across your lawn, look back, and can clearly see your footprints, the grass is dehydrated. Again, immediately watering your lawn can fix this, but the longer you wait, the higher the chance of permanent damage.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /><b>3. Water in the early morning.</b> Turn on those sprinklers between 5 and 9 AM. Watering your lawn in the afternoon when it’s hottest doesn’t keep your lawn cool. Instead, the water will evaporate before it can be absorbed by the root system. Do not water during the evening, as this can cause fungal infestations.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /><b>4. Think about investing in a rain sensor.</b> Rain sensors (also called rain shutoff devices) can control and override your sprinkler system when certain rainfall conditions have been met. One of the most common causes of water waste is when a sprinkler system is set to a timer and automatically activates after recent rainfall.</span><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>Pesticide Use</b></span></h2><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Healthy lawns still attract bugs, and there are certain types of pests that we want nowhere near our lawns and homes. However, spraying standard, off-the shelf pesticides can cause chemical damage to your lawn. Sure, you’ve taken out the bugs, but you’re left with an ugly yellow scar. Use natural, organic pesticides that repel and control pest populations without stressing your lawn. Here are three recommendations from ARBICO Organics. All suggestions assume that you have an effective way to apply pesticides and/or fertilizers to your lawn, such as a push-along spreader or a handheld sprayer.</span><div class="separator" dir="rtl" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16__28ilJmg9mrwKK9Jd_eOsWInmFagd_dbfvw_Rzx0X4v4qPgpWeF5wDI5SQx60QNcUYGUxQBmp0B8Dx95_p81kxBGE53ORnjF-oQo7E6S6M5zR7dtCCQ6tVszxN621vBcxS8X-fZMdmG5JSV4xPexyPdFLVJ7stuhlihQJ5GHrC3qXT2kiWQSTY_yA/s1196/Screen%20Shot%202023-08-17%20at%202.30.04%20PM.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></a></div><div class="separator" dir="rtl" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBLl7irM5E5GlUkTAepH94teEIINqkpGS310Crp8H0CPsaXb1njU2Ul0CE6xGlt9HN6AOHe_clD32LEbG4vMopBXcKGlhPIsOXBCJVpBpv28uW0gkRXhZM-pL6WFzduBx5CSSqV40k-jHhz3FlC2X9IjHZEprBDY2Y3J0rcpXu8gaADpz_Euk-WFKT0U/s1182/Screen%20Shot%202023-08-17%20at%202.41.46%20PM.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1182" data-original-width="840" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBLl7irM5E5GlUkTAepH94teEIINqkpGS310Crp8H0CPsaXb1njU2Ul0CE6xGlt9HN6AOHe_clD32LEbG4vMopBXcKGlhPIsOXBCJVpBpv28uW0gkRXhZM-pL6WFzduBx5CSSqV40k-jHhz3FlC2X9IjHZEprBDY2Y3J0rcpXu8gaADpz_Euk-WFKT0U/w95-h134/Screen%20Shot%202023-08-17%20at%202.41.46%20PM.png" width="95" /></span></a></div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>1.</b> <b><a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/garlic-barrier-insect-repellent">G</a><a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/garlic-barrier-insect-repellent">arlic Barrier</a>.</b> The natural garlic spray will be absorbed into your </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">lawn approximately 30 minutes after application. Don’t worry about </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">the smell! That’s absorbed too. At the time of application, </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">concentrated garlic damages the skin of many common insect</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> pests, which shortly results in their death. After the application, </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">the garlic absorbed by your lawn will continue to repel insects </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">for up to 2 weeks.</span></div><div class="separator" dir="rtl" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoyRVx0URwsIOIbLOXkJ8AVuSJT0g43kEPGwDMQKlWTokYiYKae7Lql0nL83OIsCuPsQyxPq3oxKE6jp5CWJ7rfwgE_2ybkaefGK9yQvrjAfucz6HsGfHWxYs7QH409rilHc5K3LvSIhGTxrNhoN_QWqJLxo0GR1yy-RlW15o7JwD8c1ki2sIIivBXz9k/s1180/Screen%20Shot%202023-08-17%20at%202.32.28%20PM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1168" data-original-width="1180" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoyRVx0URwsIOIbLOXkJ8AVuSJT0g43kEPGwDMQKlWTokYiYKae7Lql0nL83OIsCuPsQyxPq3oxKE6jp5CWJ7rfwgE_2ybkaefGK9yQvrjAfucz6HsGfHWxYs7QH409rilHc5K3LvSIhGTxrNhoN_QWqJLxo0GR1yy-RlW15o7JwD8c1ki2sIIivBXz9k/w111-h110/Screen%20Shot%202023-08-17%20at%202.32.28%20PM.png" width="111" /></span></a></div></div><div><b><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>2.</b> <b><a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/mosquito-magician-repellent-mosquito-killer">M</a><a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/mosquito-magician-repellent-mosquito-killer">osquito Magician</a>.</b> Nobody likes mosquitoes. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Get rid of both larvae and adults by applying Mosquito Magician </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">to your lawn. A natural mixture of citronella, cedar, </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">l</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">emongrass, garlic, geraniol, and rosemary oils come </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">together to rid your lawn of nature’s infamous bloodsuckers.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><div class="separator" dir="rtl" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2rpMrijaV_LppSCO3XOS4CCr8dnMEj6FDpIEvPDJFQgel2NWBW1CeNuBbvyME1jsCNjoze0tYMzmWziyYUnYj5TImPTJ10uMuc3BsFbD_Eb58DpWkDtQcGHteQN3ND1pRmIfuLDGQH6eodjjKcZ-BOuYUSWX9Mpl51bFoYftkQ0K0Wc6k2cXi_JEMLI/s1106/Screen%20Shot%202023-08-17%20at%202.31.10%20PM.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1106" data-original-width="988" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2rpMrijaV_LppSCO3XOS4CCr8dnMEj6FDpIEvPDJFQgel2NWBW1CeNuBbvyME1jsCNjoze0tYMzmWziyYUnYj5TImPTJ10uMuc3BsFbD_Eb58DpWkDtQcGHteQN3ND1pRmIfuLDGQH6eodjjKcZ-BOuYUSWX9Mpl51bFoYftkQ0K0Wc6k2cXi_JEMLI/w116-h130/Screen%20Shot%202023-08-17%20at%202.31.10%20PM.png" width="116" /></span></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>3. <a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/essentria-g-granular-insecticide-nop-compliant">E</a><a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/essentria-g-granular-insecticide-nop-compliant">ssentria G</a>.</b> Composed of essential oils like clove, thyme, and wintergreen, this insecticide was designed for application on </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">schoolyards and government facilities. It repels nuisance</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">insects while being safe for children to play in.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>Fertilizer Use</b></span></h2><span style="font-family: helvetica;">You never want to apply synthetic or chemical fertilizers to your lawn in the summer—the risk of burning your lawn is too high. Once August rolls around and the weather (finally) starts to cool, there’s only one more window where you can apply fertilizer to your lawn. You’ll want to apply your final batch of fertilizer in the late September to early October range. Ideally, you want to apply your final batch of fertilizer about 60 days before the first freeze. This fertilizer application is to help your lawn get greener faster in the spring. Look for a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer to tide your lawn through the winter. Before applying fertilizer in the fall, try <a href="https://mygardenandgreenhouse.com/soils-grow-mediums/how-to-test-garden-soil-for-ph-and-correct-it/">doing a pH test on your lawn</a>. If the soil is too basic or acidic, hold off on applying fertilizer, as it won’t be absorbed into the soil and will instead encourage weed growth. Winter will act as a reset for your lawn, and while it won’t be as green in spring as it would have been with proper fertilizing, you also won’t have to worry about an infestation of weeds.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVVJEjuWoKirJXBHAphkOS9vguXTUnSXvFz73FESCOkJZQvLMzyXLqXgVbrcTipL01BqDE1TPaF-ZPi-yOjUnae3oO3KwUK66YRuEHdAIqHw0nXj4vRTb4-i570_WeQtTvD_Wc0qSbuTlSchv-yjcJ7X5T8Aj_EuVwwyWeF743_CTajnzktEU6GWnp_8/s970/Screen%20Shot%202023-08-17%20at%202.55.10%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="970" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLVVJEjuWoKirJXBHAphkOS9vguXTUnSXvFz73FESCOkJZQvLMzyXLqXgVbrcTipL01BqDE1TPaF-ZPi-yOjUnae3oO3KwUK66YRuEHdAIqHw0nXj4vRTb4-i570_WeQtTvD_Wc0qSbuTlSchv-yjcJ7X5T8Aj_EuVwwyWeF743_CTajnzktEU6GWnp_8/w464-h310/Screen%20Shot%202023-08-17%20at%202.55.10%20PM.png" width="464" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">For more information on lawn care visit ARBICO's dedicated lawn care page <a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/category/organic-lawn-care">here</a>! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>ARBICO Organicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09386607325944980825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888055146239050957.post-80120119818684910552023-08-10T05:31:00.001-07:002023-08-10T05:35:16.456-07:00The Five Steps to Aphid Control<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-1gUkFj2BqQcy3uGHkq5DEyL0705fuS9jrs9eH58qEEd8eoI3fMw6qHXUupz57sbbcETT1Ukiqzly_i3L86g7hy4d5upWUCvN5mSEbOmAzJP623txRVfFMv3xPtlLTo35i9HDXCOHyDqOdaTiZttTS3MUjcaNAZyO8NhkpvjS3yG5YO3hEuHwdyOOneg/s1200/1.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-1gUkFj2BqQcy3uGHkq5DEyL0705fuS9jrs9eH58qEEd8eoI3fMw6qHXUupz57sbbcETT1Ukiqzly_i3L86g7hy4d5upWUCvN5mSEbOmAzJP623txRVfFMv3xPtlLTo35i9HDXCOHyDqOdaTiZttTS3MUjcaNAZyO8NhkpvjS3yG5YO3hEuHwdyOOneg/w199-h298/1.png" width="199" /></a><span style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Aphids, also known under their family name <i>Aphididae</i>, are a slow moving pest found
in different shades of green, red, brown, black and yellow. They can be spotted
by their pear-shaped, oblong bodies and are identifiable by the two tubes
(called chronicles) projecting from their rear. You may have seen these little
pests around your garden before. Not to worry! Common to gardens big and small,
Aphids are a familiar insect across US and Canada due to their diversity in
species variety and their rate of reproduction. Attributable to their
prevalence, there have been many products developed, solutions made, and
preventions discovered. These pests are best treated early and diligently—the
five steps to aphid control are to <b>trap
and monitor, use repellent sprays, implement general predators, find a great
knockdown spray, and to make use of aphid parasites.</b></div></span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN">Trap
& Monitor<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">Aphid attacks take form in a variety of ways
and results from these invasions can range from having no response at all to
plants having curled or swollen leaves. Symptoms of aphid damage can include
decreased growth rates, mottled leaves, browning, wilting, low yields and
death. One way to take control of your aphid predicament is to trap and
monitor. <a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/category/color-sticky-traps"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Sticky traps</span></a> can be a great way to keep an eye
on your crop and catch any early signs of aphid infestation. These traps use a
color spectrum to attract pests and prevent further damage by giving you a
sense of the severity of the problem at hand. Sticky traps work best for
outdoor gardens and potted plants.<a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/yellow-sticky-tape-stiky/pest-solver-guide-aphids"><span style="color: #1155cc;"> Ribbon Traps</span></a> are ideal for row crops and greenhouses.
With their vibrant yellow color, this method attracts aphids to the brightness
of its sticky surface to trap and monitor the pests. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN">Repellent
Sprays<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">Although aphids can cause minimal damage,
these pests have the potential to transmit bacterial and viral diseases. If
such a condition is spread, this can be much more of a challenge to control
than the actual aphids themselves. Any of these methods listed above and below
will work to combat your aphid problem, including repellant sprays. Check out <a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/garlic-barrier-insect-repellent"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Garlic Barrier</span></a> spray to get<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>broad spectrum action with minimal contact
effects. This spray can be best used in a variety of gardens from commercial to
residential, and can be used safely around people, pets, animals and fish.
Aphids won’t care much for the sulfurs absorbed from the garlic if you use this
spray!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrNTsA6_23n6rCrQd5WgygwZZvekH8Gwq76V-2SWiClNirBOYWBE5sBp6wHo2QfxOSZqW752y_mt6XoDinBzABlLXZeFAm8tyOKuwWM46PiSyFOnob8M9YwPvX7zA9QYtkzx90CLgO_y__VFuATK2VGeegWihmNCNffJ5H69AQZUCohlALve6wPYm-FDo/s1200/4.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrNTsA6_23n6rCrQd5WgygwZZvekH8Gwq76V-2SWiClNirBOYWBE5sBp6wHo2QfxOSZqW752y_mt6XoDinBzABlLXZeFAm8tyOKuwWM46PiSyFOnob8M9YwPvX7zA9QYtkzx90CLgO_y__VFuATK2VGeegWihmNCNffJ5H69AQZUCohlALve6wPYm-FDo/w219-h329/4.png" width="219" /></a></b></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN">General
Predators<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN">Another problem caused by aphids is the sticky
substance they leave around stems and leaves. This “honeydew” is a sugary liquid that is
produced by aphids as waste. It can attract other insects like ants that will
eat the honeydew, causing more issues for your garden. Yet another reason to
find a solution for your aphid issues! The third way to limit aphid population
growth is to use general predators. <a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/green-lacewing-eggs-chrysoperla-rufilabris-predator"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Green Lacewings</span></a> are a great way to control
soft bodied insects including aphids. These helpful creatures are ideal for
lowering aphid populations! In addition, both <a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/assassin-bug-zelus-renardii"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Assassin Bugs</span></a> and <a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/minute-pirate-bug-orius-insidiosus-predator"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Minute Pirate Bugs</span></a> are two more effective
forms of general predator bugs that will assist in curbing population growth of
these pernicious pests. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN">Knockdown
Sprays</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">Not only can the “honeydew” that these aphids
produce cause problems in itself, but sometimes this sticky substance can
encourage fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and Black Sooty Mold. An
additional way to control aphids and prevent such fungal diseases is through
the use of knockdown sprays. Before a significant amount of aphids are spotted,<a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/bonide-insecticidal-soap"><span style="color: #1155cc;"> Insecticidal Soap</span></a> sprays can efficiently
minimize effects on beneficial insects while keeping your aphid populations
contained. Using <a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/category/neem-oil-insecticides"><span style="color: #1155cc;">neem oil</span></a> is another method to rid of these
pests. However, there is a bigger risk to beneficials, unlike the insecticidal
soap mentioned previously. <a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/botanigard-22wp-beauveria-bassiana-mycoinsecticide"><span style="color: #1155cc;">BotaniGard® 22WP</span></a> is yet another useful way to
regulate your aphid issues through the use of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Beauveria bassiana</i>, which spreads a disease by the name of White
Muscardine to kill these pests. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN">Aphid
Parasites<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1iFmncSFGwqbAi9HILOSUDBwe8sdKiftcS_gDPD5CWmzFpEom3ECnGAi5ov97aJedV3s3NBny_hl6rdOQM0o-DrSAdByjLwyPUwBrxtzfcDfwcpw_12Fxn7jGtG7g-6E5rwdcPTuuHqCIOrzdPwK_g9Lggfb2CqBqc9IXa74JDCCREZs15PrGDhLSnao/s1200/2.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1iFmncSFGwqbAi9HILOSUDBwe8sdKiftcS_gDPD5CWmzFpEom3ECnGAi5ov97aJedV3s3NBny_hl6rdOQM0o-DrSAdByjLwyPUwBrxtzfcDfwcpw_12Fxn7jGtG7g-6E5rwdcPTuuHqCIOrzdPwK_g9Lggfb2CqBqc9IXa74JDCCREZs15PrGDhLSnao/w213-h320/2.png" width="213" /></a></div><span lang="EN">Effective releases of general predators are a
helpful way to limit aphid populations. However, if you are looking to control
a more severe infestation, use aphid parasites. By using parasites to
specifically target your aphid problems, your efforts overall will be more
effective!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aphid parasites include <a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/aphid-parasite-aphidius-colemani"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Aphidius colemani</span></a>, <a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/aphid-parasite-aphelinus-abdominalis"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Aphelinus abdominalis</span></a>, <a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/aphid-parasite-aphidius-ervi-mummies"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Aphidius ervi</span></a>, and <a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/aphid-predators-aphidoletes-aphidimyza"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Aphidoletes aphidimyza</span></a>. <o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN">Although aphids are a widespread challenge for
gardeners, commercial growers and greenhouses, these pests can be quite
detrimental to one’s garden if not under control before reproduction starts.
Thankfully, there are many solutions and methods of prevention due to their
prevalence and abundance across gardens in North America. Many of these
solutions can be found on <a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/category/pest-solver-guide-aphids"><span style="color: #1155cc;">ARBICO’s dedicated aphid webpage</span></a>. By following
the five steps to aphid control, your garden should be abundant in no time!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p>By: Kyra @ ARBICO Organics <br /><span lang="EN"><br /></span><p></p>ARBICO Organicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09386607325944980825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888055146239050957.post-83346150520429384622023-07-26T10:12:00.000-07:002023-07-26T10:12:41.077-07:00How to Protect Your Ornamental Plants from Disease and Pests<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimvPnLAZdIZl0PnOArnT7bcHnLgGsQ8xts--gT0VHuxYXIvY6CwkUV14Xmj9N9zlCBKca3BpGe3_AeSwlOkZ-CfLTv1TWo2WbOP8TgnIqwcbOiCo631IgtMdletq308UmsFF6dpKpLe7dQavLEknyjWWDqx_3SwF0WROsPISs2-K0F7ad25npHOT4E6_U/s600/Flower-Garden.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="407" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimvPnLAZdIZl0PnOArnT7bcHnLgGsQ8xts--gT0VHuxYXIvY6CwkUV14Xmj9N9zlCBKca3BpGe3_AeSwlOkZ-CfLTv1TWo2WbOP8TgnIqwcbOiCo631IgtMdletq308UmsFF6dpKpLe7dQavLEknyjWWDqx_3SwF0WROsPISs2-K0F7ad25npHOT4E6_U/w542-h407/Flower-Garden.jpg" width="542" /></a></div><br />It’s summer in America, which means that many ornamentals are in full, vibrant bloom. Ornamentals cover a wide range of plants. The only qualification for being an ornamental is that the plant is not grown for consumption. This means that everything from petunias to non-fruit trees are considered ornamental plants. When you have such a wide range of plants, it’s difficult to give general gardening advice about ornamentals. A cactus requires vastly different care than a begonia. Regardless of what type of ornamental you’re growing, all plants deal with pests and disease at some point. Keeping on top of pest issues, maintaining a healthy growing environment, and developing repeatable regimens go a long way towards keeping your garden colorful this summer.<br /><br />The foundation of pest and disease control is that you need to stop it before it happens. Benjamin Franklin said it best, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” However, it’s currently the middle of summer and past the time when you’re putting plants in the ground for an outdoor garden. While some species of plants naturally repel harmful insects and others are naturally hardy and disease resistant, there are steps you can take to make sure your fragile ornamental plants still flourish.<div><br /><b>General Tips for Pest Control</b><br /><br />Pests don’t just mean bugs. Rabbits, deer, and a variety of other mammals can mutilate a well-kept garden in a manner of minutes. Additionally, not all bugs are bad. Bees and butterflies are pollinators and are obvious examples of helpful insects, but other species of insects keep your garden safe by hunting harmful insects. <a href="https://mygardenandgreenhouse.com/pest-control/why-green-lacewings-are-the-best-general-predator-for-gardens-greenhouses/">Green lacewings</a> are a great example of a beneficial insect that choosing to hunt and prey on aphids.<br /><br />ARBICO’s Solution for General Insect Pests<br /><br />If you’re seeing harmful insects in your garden, try <a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/botanigard-maxx/ornamental-plant-health">BotaniGard® MAXX</a>. This organic insecticide can be sprayed onto plants and pests when a pest population first becomes noticeable. It’s designed to be an all-purpose tool for pest management, taking care of weevils, whiteflies, aphids, and more.<br /><br />ARBICO’s Solution for Mammal Control<br /><br />A variety of simple, organic sprays are available that repel animals through smell and/or taste aversion. Check out the <a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/bobbex-r-animal-repellent/ornamental-plant-health">Bo</a><a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/bobbex-r-animal-repellent/ornamental-plant-health">bbex-R™ Animal Repellent</a> and the <a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/shot-gun-hot-pepper-repellent-rabbits-squirrels/ornamental-plant-health">B</a><a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/shot-gun-hot-pepper-repellent-rabbits-squirrels/ornamental-plant-health">ONIDE® Hot Pepper Wax Animal Repellent RTU</a>! Both sprays can be applied to plants without fear of chemical burns. As a bonus, you can apply the sprays to fencing around your garden to further ward off curious critters.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="387" src="https://mygardenandgreenhouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Marigold-Flowers-are-Natural-Pest-Control.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="548" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;">Marigolds are pollinator friendly ornamental plants that are naturally resistant to deer and rabbits.</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br />Tips for Next Year<br /><br />Try planting some pest-repellent plants in your garden. Zinnias and marigolds are beautiful ornamentals that are hated by deer and rabbits.</div><div><br /><b>Keep your Ornamentals Healthy with Basic Disease Management</b><br /><br />A pest infestation can be curtailed if you catch it early enough, but once a plant disease spreads through your garden, it’s largely up to chance if your plants survive. Keeping a healthy garden requires foresight and a good eye for high-risk areas. Here are 5 simple steps for keeping your ornamentals healthy this summer.</div><div><br /></div><div>1. Mulch your garden! The best time is in spring, but mulch can be spread anytime, and you’ll still get positive benefits. Mulch retains soil moisture and can help prevent overwatering.</div><div><br />2. Water in the morning, and never overwater. If you see stagnant pools of water in your garden, you could be in trouble.</div><div><br />3. When using fertilizers, minimize the amount of nitrogen you’re applying to the plant. While nitrogen does help your plants grow, it can also cause fungal and bacterial infestations if applied in abundance.</div><div><br />4. Give your plants some space! If your plants are crowded together, humidity will increase in that localized area, which increases the possibility of infection.</div><div><br />5. Keep up on your pest control! If aphids are eating your leaves, the holes left behind are especially vulnerable to infection.<br /><br />ARBICO’s Solution<br /><br /><a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/arber-bio-protectant-disease-control/ornamental-plant-health">Arber® Bio Protectant</a> contains giant knotweed extract. When applied to your plants, it creates a barrier that inhibits fungal and bacterial growth.<br /><br />Tips for Next Year<br /><br />Make sure your garden is tilled and all previous weeds, discarded leaves, and plant debris are gone from the grow site. Diseases can remain dormant on dead plant life throughout the winter.</div><div><br /><b>How to Eliminate Japanese Beetles From your Ornamentals</b><br /><br />Japanese beetles aren’t only found in Japan. They’ve long since crossed the Pacific Ocean and have found America to their liking. They’re found across the USA and will settle anywhere with sufficient foliage, which may include your garden. These beetles aren’t picky. They’ll eat everything from leaves to stems to flowers, and they do travel in groups. If you find one beetle with the distinctive green and copper coloring, you will find many more. Two easy solutions exist to control a small beetle population: soap and water or manual removal. Spraying the beetles with soap and water will cause them to lose their grip and then fall to the soil. Japanese beetles do not bite or have any irritants, so putting on a pair of gardening gloves and picking them off your plants will get rid of a small population.<br /><br />ARBICO’s Solution<br /><br /><a href="https://mygardenandgreenhouse.com/product-reviews/product-review-neemattack-beads-offer-simple-environmentally-safe-pest-control/">Beneficial nematode</a><a href="https://mygardenandgreenhouse.com/product-reviews/product-review-neemattack-beads-offer-simple-environmentally-safe-pest-control/">s</a> can eliminate Japanese beetle larva before they get the chance to mature. BotaniGard® MAXX, mentioned earlier in this article, also works to kill off adult Japanese beetles. Go to <a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/category/japanese-beetles-control">ARBICO’s dedicated webpage</a> for a list of all products that can keep a Japanese beetle population under control.</div><div><br /><b>Manage Potential Mildew Buildup</b><br /><br />You’ll notice mildew by the white, powdery coating it leaves on the stem and leaves of plants. Managing mildew follows the same general principles outlined in the previous section on basic disease management. Below is a quick list that you can reference. Remember, preventative measures are key. If mildew establishes itself on one of your plants, prune away the infected area immediately, then properly dispose of the infected stems and leaves to avoid re-contamination burn the infected stems and leaves.</div><div>1. Make sure that your plants have some level of sun exposure every day. Shadier, enclosed locations are an ideal breeding ground for mildew.</div><div><br />2. Water early, and water to the roots. Splashing water onto leaves increases the risk of mildew. Installing a <a href="https://mygardenandgreenhouse.com/greenhouse/drip-irrigation-in-greenhouses-minimizes-water-waste-and-saves-you-time/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=drip-irrigation-in-greenhouses-minimizes-water-waste-and-saves-you-time">drip irrigation system</a> can be a way to save water, save time, and prevent mildew from forming.</div><div><br />3. Keep plants separate. Too much crowding equals too much humidity, which can easily lead to mildew.<br /><br />ARBICO’s Solution<br /><br /><a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/suffoil-x-insecticide-miticide-fungicide-powdery-mildew">SuffOil-X®</a> can be applied over plants to control a variety of fungal diseases, such as Botrytis and mildew.</div>ARBICO Organicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09386607325944980825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888055146239050957.post-71723095558641284952023-07-14T12:14:00.002-07:002023-07-31T13:53:33.355-07:00Environmentally Safe Solar Fly Trap Eliminates Flies<div class="separator"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglqlhk-1HdBoM0Fu3C7GL8pjud-ru8U6ixNn2YMsdJU7yyd-Ujun0FeLrYdOvoNqNzgsuFe3nbbIi7rd-jXhLqAdz3HDkwlw3w2cGFg5XNghvxnDpEq_kXv5TUsiRfJ1qoRALfiZiiczRC9ch50ntM_mrJR33GZ-ZIFzxSlE6fK-ScXTQz9bS7Hp0Aal4/s450/RTN-solar-fly-trap-baits.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglqlhk-1HdBoM0Fu3C7GL8pjud-ru8U6ixNn2YMsdJU7yyd-Ujun0FeLrYdOvoNqNzgsuFe3nbbIi7rd-jXhLqAdz3HDkwlw3w2cGFg5XNghvxnDpEq_kXv5TUsiRfJ1qoRALfiZiiczRC9ch50ntM_mrJR33GZ-ZIFzxSlE6fK-ScXTQz9bS7Hp0Aal4/w372-h307/RTN-solar-fly-trap-baits.jpg" width="372" /></a></div><br /><br />Flies are everywhere. They carry diseases (of plant, livestock, and sometimes human varieties), pester livestock, and they buzz constantly! Fly trapping is an important step to keeping an insect population under control. You’ve likely seen fly paper hanging from the ceiling, and when dealing with a large fly population, fly paper quickly gets filled and becomes ineffective. When you’re waging war against the flies, the best solution is to bring in the heavy artillery.<br /><br />Like fly paper, the <a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/solar-fly-trap-fly-lure">ARBICO Organics Solar Fly Tra</a><a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/solar-fly-trap-fly-lure">p</a> is a passive method of fly control. Unlike fly paper, which traps flies by keeping them stuck to the paper, a solar fly trap uses sunlight to fry the flies once they enter the trap.<br /><br />We’ll provide a step-by-step breakdown of how a solar fly trap works, but sometimes it’s easiest to see it in action. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rryIMhxTkNc">Watch this minute long video</a> to see how the ARBICO Organics Solar Fly Trap operates.<div><br /><b>How does a solar fly trap work?</b></div><div><br /></div><div>1. The fly trap is a metal cylinder with an inverted funnel on the bottom. This funnel allows flies to enter the trap but prevents them from leaving.</div><div><br />2. Prepare the fly bait. If you’re purchasing the ARBICO Organics Solar Fly Trap, the trap comes with powdered bait. Simply mix the bait with water (a gallon jug or bucket works nicely for this) then loosely cover and wait seven days for the bait to ferment. Looking to make your own bait? See the next section for a simple recipe.</div><div><br />3. Once the bait has fermented, pour it into the suspended bait bowl at the bottom of the trap.</div><div><br />4. Flies are lured into the trap by the bait but move past it when trying to reach it. At this point, the flies are trapped in the metal cylinder and will be fried by the sun.</div><div><br />5. The solar fly trap is also reusable, so you can use it repeatedly. You can easily remove the lid, empty the trap, clean it with a hose and it’s ready to go.</div><div><br /><b>Making your own fly bait</b></div><div><br /></div><div>1. Fill a gallon jug halfway full of warm water.</div><div><br />2. Add one cup of baking yeast to the water.</div><div><br />3. Add a pinch of sugar to the mixture to make it even more appealing to flies.</div><div><br />4. Loosely cover the gallon jug to prevent gas build up. Store in a well-ventilated area.</div><div><br />5. After one week passes, your bait should be good to go!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>What do I do with all these dead flies?</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdP7HZAYvJP_SnPLxY5FcBX6EpHas5LjtuYQw5weWgf8IkVqAEItEJRMX142oNiZoilbxnxqvyknPSIEeohJjbnP27ROStM16SeQl8uuAzpkNQYGz-5U3ONhHhPaWufhGEaILR3uwHYP15ILLHzIs--6PcnbCnDZjQaqrOLWQ-IMIswWirckgeCRHtNHs/s650/rick-solar-fly-trap.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="431" data-original-width="650" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdP7HZAYvJP_SnPLxY5FcBX6EpHas5LjtuYQw5weWgf8IkVqAEItEJRMX142oNiZoilbxnxqvyknPSIEeohJjbnP27ROStM16SeQl8uuAzpkNQYGz-5U3ONhHhPaWufhGEaILR3uwHYP15ILLHzIs--6PcnbCnDZjQaqrOLWQ-IMIswWirckgeCRHtNHs/w468-h310/rick-solar-fly-trap.jpg" title="ARBICO's own Rick Frey with the Solar Fly Trap from 1980s" width="468" /></a></div><br />Even if your greenhouse or garden doesn’t have the insect problems that a livestock barn does, it can still be worth it to invest in a solar fly trap. After a day or two, you’ll see a shocking number of dead flies in your trap. A savvy gardener will take these dead flies (they’ll slide right out of the trap when it is tipped) and use them as fertilizer for a garden. While there isn’t any data to reveal the exact nutrient value of flies, many gardeners utilize dead flies as fertilizer. Just dig around the roots of your plants until you’ve created a trench. Spread a thin layer of dead flies, then bury the dead flies under the topsoil. If you’d like to save a little time and effort, you can just add the dead flies to your compost pile, providing that the insects are free of mold or other contaminates. The flies will be broken down by microorganisms in the soil and will organically replenish nitrogen levels. Since flies are so common, every time you set out your solar fly trap, you get a free batch of fertilizer!<br /><br />The trap is made in the USA from lightweight, rust-free, heavy-duty aluminum. It is lightweight and may need to be mounted to a board or secured to the ground with rocks or blocks to prevent it from blowing away during a strong wind. Mounting the trap is easy, as the legs of the trap come with pre-made holes for mounting. This also helps if you are a horse owner who has a curious horse that may try to knock the trap over!<br /><br />Fly trapping is only one part of a proper pest control plan. Stopping flies before they mature is another crucial step to keeping the insect population under control. For more information on how to target fly pupae, <a href="https://mygardenandgreenhouse.com/pest-control/how-to-prevent-eliminate-fly-infestations/">click here</a> or go directly to <a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/">Arbico-Organi</a><a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/">cs.com</a> to see ARBICO’s full lineup of pest control products.<br /><br /></div><br />ARBICO Organicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09386607325944980825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888055146239050957.post-61162394028500611132023-06-28T11:29:00.000-07:002023-06-28T11:29:03.455-07:00Organic Weed Control Eliminates Weeds and is Kind to the Environment<div class="separator"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpPm4QMoJk8wpndmwtOTAOvOm1GiAigTWec3iO-zkGKphD6ZsF-ISof0hCPO0f8cmEYr5Slcx1prcMw9feHFWw22ekxrBmSS4wKDhT3C2DxDsGk0csqYvx_kxCln--jOO8s5YVV-zt_hpp8IAKg4KtwozmNV0BCU2Fwbh9yq1I2BWj-Jg3Hn3W_pNyXx4/s400/Dandelion_In-Sidewalk.jpg" style="clear: right; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpPm4QMoJk8wpndmwtOTAOvOm1GiAigTWec3iO-zkGKphD6ZsF-ISof0hCPO0f8cmEYr5Slcx1prcMw9feHFWw22ekxrBmSS4wKDhT3C2DxDsGk0csqYvx_kxCln--jOO8s5YVV-zt_hpp8IAKg4KtwozmNV0BCU2Fwbh9yq1I2BWj-Jg3Hn3W_pNyXx4/w316-h361/Dandelion_In-Sidewalk.jpg" width="316" /></a></div>Weed control is a tricky thing to get right. By their nature, weeds pop up where you don’t want them. In fact, the <a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/weed">definition of a weed</a> requires that the plant in question must be growing where it is not desired. If the plant is growing in a desired location, it can no longer be considered a weed, even if it is a species of plant that is considered invasive, such as wild violets or dandelions.<br /><br />While you can certainly go to your local hardware store, head into their garden section, and pick up a big jug of name brand weed killer, many gardeners take the approach that gardening is not simply about eradicating weeds. Instead, the most important approach is be sustainable and do no harm to the environment. Using commercial weed killers composed of harsh chemicals violates this principle, so many environmentally conscious gardeners have turned to organic methods of weed control.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Just because you’ve chosen to stay away from commercial, chemical-intensive herbicides doesn’t mean that you’re waving the white flag and letting weeds overrun your garden or investing countless hours manually pulling up weeds by the root. Many methods of organic weed control are just as effective as chemical sprays, and some methods require only household items. Generally speaking, weed control falls into three stages: Pre-Emergent, Barrier, and Post-Emergent.<div><br /></div><div><b>Pre-Emergent Care </b></div><div><br /></div><div>Oftentimes the best way to take care of a weed infestation is to prevent it from ever occurring. Once a weed takes root, you not only have to find a way to kill it, but you also need to understand that it can scatter seeds that will emerge next year. But we get it. Preventing weeds from entering your garden is easier said than done. Even with proper diligence, weeds will inevitably find their way into your garden. Don’t fret! There are still measures you can take to prevent weeds from overwhelming a garden.</div><div><br />When taking pre-emergent measures, think about what weeds need to take root and grow. They need </div><div>suitable conditions to root and grow, just like the plants you want to nurture. After establishing your plants at the start of your growing season then verifying that they’ve taken root, turn your attention to ensuring that competing weeds never get the conditions they need to thrive.</div><div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje-Ma7UW785KQQn302O84Vc8mNYPChLV0Qvk-sXqWMN5rY6Q-cdkGLM5rHJtu-kgLip4Y2J9SDSk-jKr7QplZepVGXaUrehtd32t7AWLnAcBWjRoye3dmLn2NGAyWeH3UuWBA3zDE-Q2zuczNVBpb3_Eo9nS6jZLLUxagJXNeDbxurLQd-zMmkQO5FUho/s450/Gluten_Liquid.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Corn gluten is an effective and organic form of pre-emergent weed control." border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje-Ma7UW785KQQn302O84Vc8mNYPChLV0Qvk-sXqWMN5rY6Q-cdkGLM5rHJtu-kgLip4Y2J9SDSk-jKr7QplZepVGXaUrehtd32t7AWLnAcBWjRoye3dmLn2NGAyWeH3UuWBA3zDE-Q2zuczNVBpb3_Eo9nS6jZLLUxagJXNeDbxurLQd-zMmkQO5FUho/w320-h320/Gluten_Liquid.jpg" title="Corn gluten is an effective and organic form of pre-emergent weed control." width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Lato, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-size: 13px;">Corn gluten is an effective and organic form<br /> of pre-emergent weed control. </span></td></tr></tbody></table>Corn gluten is an example of a substance used in pre-emergent weed control. When applied to topsoil, it prevents plants from forming roots after they germinate while not affecting plants with established root systems. Since the weed cannot establish a root system, any shoots will quickly wither and die. However, corn gluten is not a simple, catch-all method of weed control. Timing is critical when applying corn gluten. The soil needs to remain dry after the corn gluten is applied, and corn gluten can also impede the growth of your desired plants if it is applied too early. Corn gluten is available in <a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/earth-harvest-gluten-8-liquid-corn-gluten-pre-emergent-weed-killer/preemergent-herbicides">liquid</a> and <a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/sustane-spring-weed-and-feed/preemergent-herbicides">granular</a> forms. There’s no need to worry about dangerous chemicals when spreading corn gluten! It’s commonly used in pig feed and is digestible by both humans and common household pets, although it doesn’t taste particularly appetizing.<br /><br />Focusing your watering also prevents weed growth. Using a sprinkler system spreads water across an entire surface area. Not only is this inefficient, but you’re also making uninhabited soil a perfect place for weed growth. A simple solution would be to manually water your plants using a watering can, but this can quickly become time consuming. We recommend investigating drip irrigation systems to see if this method of water distribution is right for you. Drip irrigation is delivered through underground piping directly into the roots of plants. Not only is this the most efficient way to water plants, but it also has one of the lowest water costs. By only delivering water to plant roots, you prevent weeds from taking over soil frequently moistened by a sprinkler system.<div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvtRpDUzTgDz0qSr9YCJkQ1KvBDoYE1XJI2Z7BpwHtFkMTuUx6156v0X4WlQpqJYLNw6usUClB-YE4d0cfSA6yW_E5mTvmummOuwfXnVgF95CiXoVGToxLJs_jvsF-NDJ6Zq0AcNTZB_kQX2HQtW4rAxwQnijLFcZEIslQrjNa4PwsE1VkH1_fAuh2Gj8/s600/Weed-Barrier.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="374" data-original-width="600" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvtRpDUzTgDz0qSr9YCJkQ1KvBDoYE1XJI2Z7BpwHtFkMTuUx6156v0X4WlQpqJYLNw6usUClB-YE4d0cfSA6yW_E5mTvmummOuwfXnVgF95CiXoVGToxLJs_jvsF-NDJ6Zq0AcNTZB_kQX2HQtW4rAxwQnijLFcZEIslQrjNa4PwsE1VkH1_fAuh2Gj8/w542-h337/Weed-Barrier.jpg" width="542" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Lato, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-size: 13px;">Biodegradable garden paper helps prevent dormant seeds from taking root and helps kill off <br />established weeds.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><b>Establishing Barriers</b><br /><br />Barriers can be classified as both a means of pre-emergent and post-emergent weed control. By depriving a patch of soil of sunlight, you will prevent any dormant seeds from taking root and kill off any established plants. When most households in America received a daily paper (or at least the Sunday paper), a common gardening tip was to place sheets of your newspaper on an area with weeds (or an area you wished to keep free of weeds). Wet the newspaper to add weight to it, then add a coat of mulch. Any weeds killed off by this method will be broken down by bacteria in the soil and repurposed into nutrients for your plants. Even though you may no longer get a newspaper, rolls of <a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/gard-n-paper-weed-control/preemergent-herbicides">biodegradable garden paper</a> are affordable and serve the same purpose.<br /><br />Cover crops can be used to form a green barrier. This green barrier serves the same purpose as a barrier created by newspaper or garden paper. By forming a leafy barrier that blocks out sunlight or by competing for the nutrients in the soil, cover crops can prevent weed growth while simultaneously turning a gardening bed into an explosion of green. We recommend planting various types of clovers, as they are hardy, naturally replenish nitrogen in the soil (clovers are a type of legume) and can display a wide variety of flowers. Looking for recommendations on where to start looking? Yellow sweet clover, crimson clover, and hairy vetch all display vibrant flowers while crowding out unwanted weeds. Read this article for more information on <a href="https://mygardenandgreenhouse.com/soils-grow-mediums/improve-your-garden-soil-with-a-cover-crop/">how cover crops can help your garden</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBJ1ToMy3BAkExOHh5y6sfKDVfwpQ-7Jd0ACQxUBMcSgnxQVbzEovyKy8iGM89Tcjrmd3m2kwLo8-oH7XG0OBpFJURjAEtKpRAmd8XRJWPqInhf2zpmbVJas8ICcWLgch2aGZm0twEJ4GVcJWfP2lPYxOVIYJBBE19_fcqlrcLo31ZXMkJx7V41OnXZs/s450/Pink-Gloves.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="299" data-original-width="450" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBJ1ToMy3BAkExOHh5y6sfKDVfwpQ-7Jd0ACQxUBMcSgnxQVbzEovyKy8iGM89Tcjrmd3m2kwLo8-oH7XG0OBpFJURjAEtKpRAmd8XRJWPqInhf2zpmbVJas8ICcWLgch2aGZm0twEJ4GVcJWfP2lPYxOVIYJBBE19_fcqlrcLo31ZXMkJx7V41OnXZs/w457-h304/Pink-Gloves.jpg" width="457" /></a></div><br /><b>Post-Emergent Management<br /></b><br />Even with foresight and effort, weeds are still inevitable. You will encounter weeds in your garden, which means you need to have a plan to combat them. There will always be the classic example of putting on a pair of gloves and yanking out a stubborn nettle by the roots. And if you’ve done a good job of establishing pre-emergent weed control, manually yanking out the stragglers may be the simplest option.<br /><br />Several effective household items that act as weed killers have been passed through gardening circles for many years. Try one of the following options to see what works best for you, but keep in mind that most sprays and formulations are non-selective and should be applied carefully to avoid contact with other plants. You don’t want to go hog wild spraying everywhere and end up accidentally killing your prized petunias!<br /><br /><b>Vinegar + Dish Soap:</b> This is the time-tested classic. Most household vinegars have 5% acetic acid, but if you have something stronger, it will be more effective. Some gardeners add salt to this mix, but this is largely unnecessary. The dish soap causes the spray to stick to the weed while breaking down the upper epidermis of the leaf. The acetic acid in vinegar draws out the water and dehydrates the weed. Apply to weeds when 24-48 hours of sunny weather is forecasted. Make sure to note that this mixture often fails to kill the root system, which can result in the weed growing back if it recovers from the shock.<br /><br /><b>Rubbing Alcohol:</b> Start with one quart of water. Add two tablespoons of rubbing alcohol to the water. Repeat these steps until you have enough weedkiller. This mixture mirrors the vinegar solution discussed above, though rubbing alcohol tends to be more potent than a standard cooking vinegar. If needed, you can even substitute vodka for rubbing alcohol—just make sure you’re using vodka from the bottom shelf!<br /><br /><b>Organic Herbicides:</b> ARBICO Organics specializes in a wide variety of organic herbicides. The <a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/avenger-weed-killer-d-limonene-concentrate/post-emergent-herbicides-foliar-sprays">Avenger Weed Killer</a> uses a d-Limonene base derived from citrus oil, to dissolve cuticles and dehydrate the plant down to the root system. If you’re looking for a simple, out-of-the-box solution, check it out.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />ARBICO Organicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09386607325944980825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888055146239050957.post-53623694864493923442023-05-10T11:01:00.008-07:002023-05-11T12:09:11.018-07:00The Dreaded Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9jQHU7Tq6ZTXnWYlFPTP4TjplzaGc47WwiEtlOq-8w51MKdFIawzKLuL0Rq9FdfFtDfyd0mYzQ4QIM3eqKkf4_sI4Mupvw5IHNCjcW7q6I1i4APuEFbu8wO0xFekjDst3DjpiRbBA-wei0goUxQtr4wQpEzOqb31bRVZn9e9yUirpvlmfB9MJKmJX/s274/climbing%20adult.PNG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Spotted Lanternfly adult" border="0" data-original-height="274" data-original-width="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9jQHU7Tq6ZTXnWYlFPTP4TjplzaGc47WwiEtlOq-8w51MKdFIawzKLuL0Rq9FdfFtDfyd0mYzQ4QIM3eqKkf4_sI4Mupvw5IHNCjcW7q6I1i4APuEFbu8wO0xFekjDst3DjpiRbBA-wei0goUxQtr4wQpEzOqb31bRVZn9e9yUirpvlmfB9MJKmJX/s16000/climbing%20adult.PNG" title="Spotted Lanternfly adult" /></a></div>These invasive insects were first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014. It is believed that they were stowaways on a shipment of imported stone. Spotted lanternflies (SLF) are exceptional stowaways/hitchhikers, and it is precisely this type of behavior that accounts for their rapid spread to fourteen additional states. At the time of this writing (May 2023), they are found in Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, and West Virginia. Many experts believe that that number will climb within the next year to include states further south along the coast. By 2050 they are expected to be established all the way to California. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwwwsD95C9n-FLWcuqVsWaM-XwRYsY_Ok256IH5KxkAb52bxho7G7sEd67hP1Sv-SO6qOhG5HS2Ie9PYOBJqhbtGYy0D6vnZ4e5s2qBYPLwNAtJsQYVzXK4oVZIH3JOzgFQJETONZxLIjARWKdmrrb04jdL_FKLj94fgnZdPgUbM6oxmVGbidO-Rt/s665/SLF%20adults%20&%20nymphs.PNG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Adult (left) and 4th instar nymphs (right)" border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="665" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwwwsD95C9n-FLWcuqVsWaM-XwRYsY_Ok256IH5KxkAb52bxho7G7sEd67hP1Sv-SO6qOhG5HS2Ie9PYOBJqhbtGYy0D6vnZ4e5s2qBYPLwNAtJsQYVzXK4oVZIH3JOzgFQJETONZxLIjARWKdmrrb04jdL_FKLj94fgnZdPgUbM6oxmVGbidO-Rt/w292-h211/SLF%20adults%20&%20nymphs.PNG" title="Adult (left) and 4th instar nymphs (right)" width="292" /></a></div><div><div><div class="separator"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5wzfogT0QJhyf3b-qHuApD7n8BZyqMbZqKeEMCRKLPpG7NlpfXeGEmXZgBV7Rw64F4O9EHmJtzgOgWSDVbLUrFowH0Sq5V3k1db_z0r-FSSYh0VHLQQP2HpMW4E4wwUhKE4SBgw4bZ6FFrP5kuiz3XESgqO7TIav3S4xE4rvpnOFWgdjSBJQqekK/s1080/Spotted%20lanternfly%20front.png" style="clear: right; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></a></div>Spotted Lanternflies, despite their name, are not flies - they are True Bugs from the order Hemiptera. Hemiptera have sucking mouth parts, called proboscis, which work like straws. They use their proboscis to pierce into plant parts and suck out the sap. Some of the most damaging and challenging to control insects are from this order, like aphids, bed bugs, brown marmorated stink bugs and scale insects.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgraSmPlwuOdWEbITuMjpKozSIz7yCzipMQCRnuQrPDAtCDa-TULnQIYeCCsVmINUQF6Y-wBP_Wa8kGBZfsTK18v_ISa8scX_kafwCmVH0CDsL3j6GPrFiaTbW9M0egi8MQotTlT4dsQRlerpxL3HQwxPn_63H-KN372fuygnpZhs9cbcNtHdzV-h2l/s629/grape%20infestation.PNG" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Spotted Lanternfly infestation on grapes." border="0" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="629" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgraSmPlwuOdWEbITuMjpKozSIz7yCzipMQCRnuQrPDAtCDa-TULnQIYeCCsVmINUQF6Y-wBP_Wa8kGBZfsTK18v_ISa8scX_kafwCmVH0CDsL3j6GPrFiaTbW9M0egi8MQotTlT4dsQRlerpxL3HQwxPn_63H-KN372fuygnpZhs9cbcNtHdzV-h2l/w268-h206/grape%20infestation.PNG" title="Spotted Lanternfly infestation on grapes." width="268" /></a><b><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://cals.cornell.edu/new-york-state-integrated-pest-management/outreach-education/whats-bugging-you/spotted-lanternfly" target="_blank">According to Cornell University</a></span></b>, SLF have yet to cause significant damage to agricultural crops. The exception to this is grapes, where they have proven to be a serious problem. SLF are swarm feeders, and they can quickly overrun an orchard with hundreds of individuals in multiple life stages on each vine. This will debilitate the vine, weakening it to the point that it produces poor or no blooms and fruit and loses its winter hardiness. These effects, as well as oozing, wilting and defoliation, can occur on any plant that SLF feed on. Plants are often unable to withstand the swarm and simply die. <p></p><p></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5uJ0yAI3eO3t0bDQE0Id_JKARnmq7XOyQUqWjlurfHKfvKZruEQkrn_x45lRun9HI-QyeZcEy_k7Nwqi0ZxOobz6qiIMYSJremG7R1o32Nhl0dEu_aM1xIzGwxlYKd6xjAz94lW4vXvEIqV9qPTGpf0zHkMQa0AHYK7TcRszv5obhhvxWHnmAmLg/s800/tree%20of%20heaven.jpg" style="clear: right; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5uJ0yAI3eO3t0bDQE0Id_JKARnmq7XOyQUqWjlurfHKfvKZruEQkrn_x45lRun9HI-QyeZcEy_k7Nwqi0ZxOobz6qiIMYSJremG7R1o32Nhl0dEu_aM1xIzGwxlYKd6xjAz94lW4vXvEIqV9qPTGpf0zHkMQa0AHYK7TcRszv5obhhvxWHnmAmLg/w256-h192/tree%20of%20heaven.jpg" title="Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)" width="256" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tree of Heaven (<i>Ailanthus altissima</i>)</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Since SLF do not sting or bite, they pose no direct risk to people. However, they do create significant trouble due to the copious amounts of sugary waste (known as honeydew), that they create. Some people report allergic reactions to honeydew, but this is not common. Mostly, it’s an unpleasant nuisance for people. It sticks on outdoor surfaces like porches, cars, benches and on clothing and pets. Honeydew also has an odor like fermentation that is unpleasant to most people but irresistible to many unwanted insects like ants and wasps. Bees are also drawn to it - they like to feed on the honeydew, especially when it is found on a <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://www.invasivespeciescentre.ca/invasive-species/meet-the-species/invasive-plants/tree-of-heaven/" target="_blank">Tree of Heaven</a></span></b> (Ailanthus altissima) – the preferred host of SLF and another invasive species. Apparently it creates a uniquely tasty honey for an interesting reason. Read more <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/unusual-honey-pennsylvania" target="_blank">here</a></span></b>.</p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvX-OvKJgfZFoMLguaiWeee1_2T5d29p9KhQH9baLeCBmgZmFMoR_TkfbHXRsg86nG3iljra9Hu5pUNKtx4W2NFS2IVhxn7H7NNvpiy5vwaVSuRMk1_6j6GoFCBrODMtlWl9zrMJXX4NlDi7N2HYTPc-xFZVwakQp0bwvgCaJQ5-s8Q20wgI0cqEX/s832/slf-sooty-mold-and-adults.png" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The bottom of tree showing sooty mold, honeydew and other damage caused by Spotted Lanternflies. There are also adults on the tree." border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="832" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvX-OvKJgfZFoMLguaiWeee1_2T5d29p9KhQH9baLeCBmgZmFMoR_TkfbHXRsg86nG3iljra9Hu5pUNKtx4W2NFS2IVhxn7H7NNvpiy5vwaVSuRMk1_6j6GoFCBrODMtlWl9zrMJXX4NlDi7N2HYTPc-xFZVwakQp0bwvgCaJQ5-s8Q20wgI0cqEX/w318-h178/slf-sooty-mold-and-adults.png" title="Spotted Lanternflies cause all kinds of damage." width="318" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SLF adults and damage to tree</td></tr></tbody></table><p>A significant issue with SLF is sooty mold. This fungus uses the honeydew as a grow medium and will quickly spread throughout the affected plant. Sooty mold spores and pieces of mycelia can be easily spread to other plants as well by splashing water or wind. Once there, the mold will exploit any weakness it finds to establish a foothold. More on sooty mold <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://gardenerspath.com/how-to/disease-and-pests/sooty-mold/#:~:text=Common%20fungi%20that%20cause%20sooty,transmitted%20in%20the%20same%20manner" target="_blank">here</a></span></b>.</p><p style="text-align: center;">So why is SLF so hard to control? Here are some reasons: <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTl_qxxtk29HDyUBGN-zOu1fAjRHTxsjEaKioFKfkpZ7Pqv7VveCuyc-Xihy18Mt5ESUtGmpQ7_g1rleIoD2NHFUj6_UXSNblWXxlnKOUaG8WclAT4HXkS216yqiIEVZHjt74z4YpIknsaN0tR0bHebfdbg8zknUUSrKgCSnITLV-U3TW8ucvPgvLz/s650/nymphs%20on%20wheel.PNG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Red 4th instar nymphs on a car heel." border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="650" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTl_qxxtk29HDyUBGN-zOu1fAjRHTxsjEaKioFKfkpZ7Pqv7VveCuyc-Xihy18Mt5ESUtGmpQ7_g1rleIoD2NHFUj6_UXSNblWXxlnKOUaG8WclAT4HXkS216yqiIEVZHjt74z4YpIknsaN0tR0bHebfdbg8zknUUSrKgCSnITLV-U3TW8ucvPgvLz/w234-h166/nymphs%20on%20wheel.PNG" title="No, those are not ladybugs." width="234" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4th instar nymphs on wheel</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">(1)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>They are such skilled stowaways that their most-used method of getting around is through human activity. They will jump into carts, fly into trucks, attach themselves to bags, hide in clothing – they’ll hide pretty much anywhere but in water. </div></span></div><p>(2)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>SLF are extremely mobile. As nymphs and adults, they are impressive jumpers. As adults they will fly short distances. They have been known to travel miles on their own by a combination of jumping, flying and walking. When you add their hitchhiking into the mix, it explains why they are spreading so quickly. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMSCJlzKauUoTfgb5aWn9I7FJwyNigYKh5o0fkvlgu10IsP3P38hVZSxBdHEtB97Yzp-It7R67b3AGcM5ag8UyR3p9-HYF_4A9G6X2khS6X_47AnXliXXTFcLHiA3aLxHZaE_ECmxuJITJHU71E5fGVX2H_rDC38DpOhdNvIByDZAZX-aw4XFx8U-/s672/apple%20infestation.PNG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Spotted Lanternfly infestation on apples." border="0" data-original-height="447" data-original-width="672" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMSCJlzKauUoTfgb5aWn9I7FJwyNigYKh5o0fkvlgu10IsP3P38hVZSxBdHEtB97Yzp-It7R67b3AGcM5ag8UyR3p9-HYF_4A9G6X2khS6X_47AnXliXXTFcLHiA3aLxHZaE_ECmxuJITJHU71E5fGVX2H_rDC38DpOhdNvIByDZAZX-aw4XFx8U-/w278-h185/apple%20infestation.PNG" title="Spotted Lanternfly infestation on apples." width="278" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span>(3)</span><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span>The needs of the swarm drive their behavior. Their mobility is necessary to meet the needs of all the members of the swarm, so they will move often to feed and affect new plants with each move. The swarm protects itself by quickly vacating an area that’s being sprayed and will often return when the spray dissipates.</span></div></span><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPv1ej50G6M9rWBUPwgKn3und3etMdZArYMGrFdJgUNiLrYbfhFiX4CogQospOS0zLcHfia3q5dfY87JHR8rW6TVnfjpdKjoNnL8HAJiYa-nz0MJQ9ft3BorINn9lOmv-a1klHD0wCqgfxD4kIKEz6APBdQ3f-H0lH-LTbYsbVzpn5xD7mCV3cmGEW/s1000/eggs%20on%20tree.jpg" style="clear: right; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Egg masses on a tree." border="0" data-original-height="815" data-original-width="1000" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPv1ej50G6M9rWBUPwgKn3und3etMdZArYMGrFdJgUNiLrYbfhFiX4CogQospOS0zLcHfia3q5dfY87JHR8rW6TVnfjpdKjoNnL8HAJiYa-nz0MJQ9ft3BorINn9lOmv-a1klHD0wCqgfxD4kIKEz6APBdQ3f-H0lH-LTbYsbVzpn5xD7mCV3cmGEW/w210-h152/eggs%20on%20tree.jpg" title="Egg masses on a tree." width="210" /></a></div></span></div><p></p><p>(4)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Their egg masses are hidden in plain sight. SLF females lay their eggs on all sorts of outdoor surfaces and items that are left outside (barbecue grills, folding chairs, etc.). She covers her eggs with a substance that’s white at first, but eventually it turns tannish-brown and cracks a bit. They look just like smears of dried mud, unremarkable and unnoticed. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw5saL4cxIEpT309tL4M5zueiEuHZqEIUP9FWzyIZDiWvw8QLPhtoOdEMpfp1aCQxPP8jGN4GSKlGGrEHiwqcwkpe1DQc-AuxAMxu4lnIxUolTekcfyQt21s82vvB7WoCmtnG6Uxn5Cckr6kWeg5Hwa3bX58o3QWOYXO9KzL2dyTiTVII3PDerOPoP/s700/SLF-life-cycle.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photos in a graph showing the life cycle of the Spotted Lanternfly." border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="700" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw5saL4cxIEpT309tL4M5zueiEuHZqEIUP9FWzyIZDiWvw8QLPhtoOdEMpfp1aCQxPP8jGN4GSKlGGrEHiwqcwkpe1DQc-AuxAMxu4lnIxUolTekcfyQt21s82vvB7WoCmtnG6Uxn5Cckr6kWeg5Hwa3bX58o3QWOYXO9KzL2dyTiTVII3PDerOPoP/w342-h242/SLF-life-cycle.jpg" title="Spotted Lanternflies look very different in their various life stages." width="342" /></a></div>To get a grip on these wily insects, it takes a multi-pronged, diligent effort that addresses each life stage. SLF produce one generation a year, which includes an overwintering egg stage, four nymphal stages (instars) and an adult stage (more <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://web.uri.edu/biocontrol/spotted-lanternfly/slf-distribution-identification-life-cycle/#:~:text=SLF%20Life%20Cycle,)%2C%20and%20an%20adult%20stage." target="_blank">here</a></span></b>). Egg cases need to be scraped off any surface they are found on and disposed of in such a way that they cannot survive. This can be done by putting them into a plastic bag filled with hand sanitizer or spraying them with suffocant like dormant oil. In the other stages, trunk, branch and foliar sprays will work to some extent but will probably need to be reapplied aggressively. Sticky traps and tree bands will work but must be monitored closely so that they don’t trap birds or other wildlife (more on that <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://turfmagazine.com/how-to-trap-spotted-lanternfly-not-other-wildlife" target="_blank">here</a></span></b>) and that they do not fill up and become a bridge for other SLF. Neem oil, horticultural and dormant oils, insecticidal soaps and pyrethrins can be used as sprays. Fungicides as a pro-active pretreatment are a good idea, especially biologicals like Burkholderia spp. strain A396 and Beauveria bassiana. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXoaAmeyN9BWpWM95zvGjrq6hozz6viz_L7k_EIWg2Z5f6rU2Nn7MUW2otbufza1bVO_yH2CZDaKCH4nsgpsmRcEJumT_Bq4yP-hwdJO9hPoSiOXZxD4PhT4TV6i0GwFpzFjtjsz1Ccrc-gLsJxGWZUh7fkP8Io5tpAsIlM0fy4LsC3ah1zt7V9LM/s773/covered%20sticky%20trap.PNG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Sticky trap on a tree covered with mesh." border="0" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="746" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXoaAmeyN9BWpWM95zvGjrq6hozz6viz_L7k_EIWg2Z5f6rU2Nn7MUW2otbufza1bVO_yH2CZDaKCH4nsgpsmRcEJumT_Bq4yP-hwdJO9hPoSiOXZxD4PhT4TV6i0GwFpzFjtjsz1Ccrc-gLsJxGWZUh7fkP8Io5tpAsIlM0fy4LsC3ah1zt7V9LM/w160-h207/covered%20sticky%20trap.PNG" title="Always cosider wildlife when installing sticky traps." width="160" /></a></div></div><div><br /><div>At this point, SLF have become part of our pop culture. They have appeared on <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://www.vulture.com/2022/10/bowen-yangs-spotted-lanternfly-is-unbothered-by-the-haters.html" target="_blank">Saturday Night Live</a></span></b>, which is the ultimate arbiter of pop culture. <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://nypost.com/2022/09/26/parents-go-to-war-with-pickleball-players-over-nyc-parks/" target="_blank">This article</a> </span></b>uses them as an insult (as in don’t be one) and there is no shortage of informational and creative ways to kill them online, like <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11216339/Americans-fight-against-lanternfly-invasion.htm" target="_blank">this one</a></span></b> with some yucky clips. Despite the entertainment value of these clips, it is important to remember that these are seriously invasive insects that the government is trying to control. If you come across them, they should be reported – <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/resources/pests-diseases/hungry-pests/the-threat/spotted-lanternfly/spotted-lanternfly#:~:text=Call%20866%2DNO%20EXOTIC%20(866,%40dnr.IN.gov." target="_blank">here’s</a></span></b> link that tells you how.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFTU-QHqWWxLFx39FsKAeZ1srENwJR_hz-RsDGl-KsB-Q_3Np3njFeD98ZNmxI96KVHcMIhokmJdQU-IZN5cfX2WAOXhUFonVdV1huT68eUNawe1RSoLeihYjZTtsQFq8NP1UJplqLwFEMsAmGg841CZftvvbxBn1H6lsPP38zelxSnNgi81C66zEe/s480/snl.gif" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Bowen Yang as a Spotted Lanternfly on Saturday Night Live." border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="480" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFTU-QHqWWxLFx39FsKAeZ1srENwJR_hz-RsDGl-KsB-Q_3Np3njFeD98ZNmxI96KVHcMIhokmJdQU-IZN5cfX2WAOXhUFonVdV1huT68eUNawe1RSoLeihYjZTtsQFq8NP1UJplqLwFEMsAmGg841CZftvvbxBn1H6lsPP38zelxSnNgi81C66zEe/w287-h151/snl.gif" title="Bowen Yang is hilarious;" width="287" /></a></div><div><p>Have fun squishing!</p><p>Submitted by Pam </p><div><br /></div></div></div></div>ARBICO Organicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09386607325944980825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888055146239050957.post-88478446937345198492023-05-02T08:46:00.003-07:002023-07-12T15:26:24.016-07:00Product Review: NemAttack Beads Offer Simple, Environmentally Safe Pest Control<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifbNKjjohY_oZqIJ3xCEBfwgK9L_tAi30AYQH9YPdYGgF-W5O906L9fQdWbzaws4Kpi1-H2muE-3NaACCJKj25sjFNewmtxvxKdBEFP76nus6g0BEKz0GtwmdSIx381BJx91VIoJVGISTPyOgIessYaHCfeaqkF-jpApUNyQ34byF72-KnCfxetzyT/s480/NemAttack-Beads-houseplants.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifbNKjjohY_oZqIJ3xCEBfwgK9L_tAi30AYQH9YPdYGgF-W5O906L9fQdWbzaws4Kpi1-H2muE-3NaACCJKj25sjFNewmtxvxKdBEFP76nus6g0BEKz0GtwmdSIx381BJx91VIoJVGISTPyOgIessYaHCfeaqkF-jpApUNyQ34byF72-KnCfxetzyT/w355-h266/NemAttack-Beads-houseplants.jpg" width="355" /></a></div>No matter if you grow indoors or outdoors, you have to be conscious of pests. If left unchecked, common nuisances like gnats, maggots, and types of fungal infections can devastate your carefully cultivated plants and crops. There are tried and true methods for keeping invasive populations down, such as making sure that your greenhouse is clean, draining any standing pools of water immediately, and using flypaper and sticky traps to trap harmful insects. However, a new product from ARBICO Organics has turned common pest control into a simple task that takes seconds to complete. NemAttack Beads Sf provide pest-killing beneficial nematodes in simple capsules that require no refrigeration to store.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJxo0mlu51ntBeu0WoOS9s37vkpZNGcQwtc51fJSZtD41N3by9w6cr0GSELejlCdTKj7i8D5IuIFua-0VFNHqY9QLCVjIff1Kyc0ol2-trwYCh_d0Q8z1scqKxV_3G0aKpmvwTStMskz50JwGRD4BRyXvvLU-LsMPGEUlY7EXOGYYCiieDsVWHJgDo/s1000/shutterstock_1751916185.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJxo0mlu51ntBeu0WoOS9s37vkpZNGcQwtc51fJSZtD41N3by9w6cr0GSELejlCdTKj7i8D5IuIFua-0VFNHqY9QLCVjIff1Kyc0ol2-trwYCh_d0Q8z1scqKxV_3G0aKpmvwTStMskz50JwGRD4BRyXvvLU-LsMPGEUlY7EXOGYYCiieDsVWHJgDo/s320/shutterstock_1751916185.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>So, what is a nematode? They’re commonly referred to as roundworms, which often develop parasitic relationships with animals. However, there are also certain types of nematodes that feed on plants. These nematodes are called eelworms. These microscopic creatures have adapted to every biome on earth, ranging from the bottom of the ocean floor to mountain peaks. Some nematodes cause grave diseases in humans while others benefit humanity by playing a crucial role in insect regulation.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_p5tpkDG2TtVyfjjv1HeM4EZ9WM35Ma-FNhfId8GHK_6-abmYmR9qrlJxU-DCPfcr4u4cThazVNNC4JixGBq_GfFn4FJFPCNIoa44F5CL3tr-WG0K_TuAjQ-3hYhR7HZCzn-MqBS4_z1vBLoajOlxocjAHh2OxJQazDqnQY5zB3iTKPIhrFHvQt_f/s450/20230221_105723-NemAttack-front-white.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="450" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_p5tpkDG2TtVyfjjv1HeM4EZ9WM35Ma-FNhfId8GHK_6-abmYmR9qrlJxU-DCPfcr4u4cThazVNNC4JixGBq_GfFn4FJFPCNIoa44F5CL3tr-WG0K_TuAjQ-3hYhR7HZCzn-MqBS4_z1vBLoajOlxocjAHh2OxJQazDqnQY5zB3iTKPIhrFHvQt_f/w278-h278/20230221_105723-NemAttack-front-white.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>This ability to kill insects without using toxic, environmentally damaging chemicals is what makes certain species of nematodes an extremely effective form of plant pest control. This specific type of nematode is referred to as an entomopathogen. Similar to how certain species of nematodes cause illness in humans or plants by parasitic infection, entomopathogenic nematodes disable insect populations by hampering growth, development, and reproduction.<p></p><p>NemAttack Beads Sf contain Steinernema feltiae, a species of nematode that disables several hundreds of different garden pests, including a large majority of common indoor pests in their soil developing stage. Using NemAttack Beads Sf is incredibly simple. The nematodes can be shipped directly to your door by ordering at Arbico-Organics.com. Once purchased, the nematodes arrive in resilient capsules. No refrigeration is needed to store the nematodes, simply storing them in a room temperature environment is more than adequate.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGmCvh4t1wexJW7SMG15QsWONusgRj2QJugNMqORCfL7LcZ5vbnFY2hWqEbizl0tZaMX07M_CHHoNTMzlq9hYTT-XUU0UcplzfkvDU3NG9C4X3ol-aQ-N3Zh4j7RuBWhm6vdDHyVZWo7dm2LEI87hwqAxzhjFEwAxhG6hGtMEnXTmh60I5G9xwXw6P/s1000/shutterstock_1387383110.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGmCvh4t1wexJW7SMG15QsWONusgRj2QJugNMqORCfL7LcZ5vbnFY2hWqEbizl0tZaMX07M_CHHoNTMzlq9hYTT-XUU0UcplzfkvDU3NG9C4X3ol-aQ-N3Zh4j7RuBWhm6vdDHyVZWo7dm2LEI87hwqAxzhjFEwAxhG6hGtMEnXTmh60I5G9xwXw6P/s320/shutterstock_1387383110.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Apply ARBICO’s NemAttack Beads Sf in any type of growing environment. They’re perfect for a simple houseplant to a professional greenhouse. If you’re growing in a soil medium, apply the nematodes to the top layer of soil. Do not pre-mix with water. After placing the beads on the soil, water the soil until it is moist. Nematodes flourish best in moist soil. For all growing mediums, introducing the nematodes at dawn or dusk produces the best results. <p></p><p>NemAttack Beads Sf are just one of the 10 beneficial nematode options offered by ARBICO for controlling pests in the soil.</p>ARBICO Organicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09386607325944980825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888055146239050957.post-82566972020796850682023-04-21T10:37:00.003-07:002023-04-21T13:12:13.260-07:00Earth Day 2023<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjak8XgxzvLAJde8reHR6ATRlvrNI4LJzWsoFvsMMHlPQdf0K4lH-em8C9R8GRMtZrGZ-QVPS9SgbpvvikQvZ19kaz2wmCcyBJvGEndNxpPfJp8w5U2PamQ7qYWB9HHqjmPw6J3abjyJSDB7NxzoOok5opXEy4spUXuI2uIyncnvi-Ncr4HkvrHl53v/s3840/collage.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Earth Day 2023 collage drawing of various plants and animals, It says "Invest in our planet"." border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjak8XgxzvLAJde8reHR6ATRlvrNI4LJzWsoFvsMMHlPQdf0K4lH-em8C9R8GRMtZrGZ-QVPS9SgbpvvikQvZ19kaz2wmCcyBJvGEndNxpPfJp8w5U2PamQ7qYWB9HHqjmPw6J3abjyJSDB7NxzoOok5opXEy4spUXuI2uIyncnvi-Ncr4HkvrHl53v/w474-h267/collage.jpg" title="Invest In Our Planet" width="474" /></a></div>It’s Earth Day time again! This year it will be celebrated on Saturday, April 22nd, and people across the world are preparing to mark the day in interesting and inspiring ways. Earth Day is meant to be a highlight of a year of everyday practice of being earth-friendly and not a one-off day. This is easy enough for some people and harder for a lot more. For instance, I heard about a new housing development that features extra-large garages for recreational vehicles and their sales pitch was to come out and celebrate Earth Day with them. The message there is not only tone-deaf, but also blatantly hypocritical and turns a meaningful event into another commercialized pseudo-holiday. To resist such undermining, every day needs to be Earth Day to keep the mission alive.<p></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFlvwVAyBbs6D92S0fb9_Izr2XtU4-UCHB4QLx4_QYqjL4bfNqk45BwPMi_b1M1VVC084Isar_Y77joV1j1lYqDODHb6vMMbCJv5w5_RxV2LYtv-C-aOqgxo1Qc8oOigj60KyA7lYLoTY3FnHX0sxQiwtf9R08nmlY675lCgbgE1zibljLQbYUWA9/s1000/southern%20arizona.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A panoramic view of the area along the US-Mexico border in Southern Arizona." border="0" data-original-height="368" data-original-width="1000" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFlvwVAyBbs6D92S0fb9_Izr2XtU4-UCHB4QLx4_QYqjL4bfNqk45BwPMi_b1M1VVC084Isar_Y77joV1j1lYqDODHb6vMMbCJv5w5_RxV2LYtv-C-aOqgxo1Qc8oOigj60KyA7lYLoTY3FnHX0sxQiwtf9R08nmlY675lCgbgE1zibljLQbYUWA9/w418-h154/southern%20arizona.jpg" title="Southern Arizona is beautiful." width="418" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Borderlands of Southern Arizona</td></tr></tbody></table>Each year we here at ARBICO choose a local non-profit to feature on Earth Day. We look for a group that walks the earth-loving walk year-round and is dedicated to our homegrown environment. This year we are highlighting the <b><a href="https://www.borderlandsrestoration.org/" target="_blank">Borderlands Restoration Network</a></b> (BRN) and will be donating a portion of our proceeds on Saturday to them. The land surrounding our border with Mexico is not a barren space inhabited only by outlaws and immigrants. It is, instead, a fragile and highly complex ecosystem that needs loving care to stave off decline and keep it thriving. BRN is dedicated to meeting the needs of this unique land and the creatures that call it home (including <b><a href="https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-environment/2022/08/05/rare-jaguar-el-jefe-roamed-arizona-spotted-across-border/10251057002/" target="_blank">jaguars</a></b>!). These hardworking environmentalists hope to ultimately build a restorative, and not destructive, economy in the borderlands. <a href="https://www.borderlandsrestoration.org/" target="_blank">Visit their website</a> to learn more about the many programs they run – and please consider donating to this very worthy organization. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0uUndXNU3ltuxIvj3rFB3MXpbiJ1SqSdKEFNSH_pC3sNha6aralO7AfTKa_u31NuCHkMMrbQ4nWvfzddlPkqHUqQIoLodQdifsyK0DQP0R6neaEZIOj68fEzyG9y9HVKpRAeS6QDubBTVrhBzVeHA0YWtezbwN3NEFQ4sKoRnmQiDEY_MxARy3P3i/s1000/looking%20at%20tigers.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Scientists observing a Bengal tiger from a jeep on a sanctuary in India." border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0uUndXNU3ltuxIvj3rFB3MXpbiJ1SqSdKEFNSH_pC3sNha6aralO7AfTKa_u31NuCHkMMrbQ4nWvfzddlPkqHUqQIoLodQdifsyK0DQP0R6neaEZIOj68fEzyG9y9HVKpRAeS6QDubBTVrhBzVeHA0YWtezbwN3NEFQ4sKoRnmQiDEY_MxARy3P3i/w320-h213/looking%20at%20tigers.jpg" title="Scientists at a tiger sanctuary in India." width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3C-yGHYLFWZAtZgynt4edVvydpB-I-BzPeOAtHcMcwqymSah_dg4VT_Iz9RX7YN6wloDjgBZFWmyp37PloOIU92wNgzfMeQyG0ustyg9cerwoeRGOOadLKJOpcQMsuVnZaDM4E8fdAYAp0Lob-kw8tzugqSmH_6Cbi7m6k5PEeM863chl1Ib1ZXRh/s1000/GEN-Earth-Day-Circle.png" style="clear: right; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="A drawing of a cow and a pig, and other animals, in front of the Earth. It says "Go Vegan For The Earth Day"." border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3C-yGHYLFWZAtZgynt4edVvydpB-I-BzPeOAtHcMcwqymSah_dg4VT_Iz9RX7YN6wloDjgBZFWmyp37PloOIU92wNgzfMeQyG0ustyg9cerwoeRGOOadLKJOpcQMsuVnZaDM4E8fdAYAp0Lob-kw8tzugqSmH_6Cbi7m6k5PEeM863chl1Ib1ZXRh/w157-h157/GEN-Earth-Day-Circle.png" title="Maybe give it a try for just one day?" width="157" /></a>People around the world are gearing their Earth Day activities to fit their local needs. In India (which is on track to become <b><a href="https://apnews.com/article/india-worlds-largest-population-china-47bcd360aba6b7e3ecc4020702fa685f" target="_blank">the most populous nation</a></b> in the world this year) they have programs that are on-going, but they spotlight them on Earth Day. Some of their biggest concerns are clean water, plastic pollution and the protection of their many unique species of plants and animals (especially since many of them are endangered). They are also working to educate people in ways that pollution and habitat destruction hinders economic growth. In an over-packed and poor country, this is an urgent need. Read more <b><a href="https://www.earthday.org/india/" target="_blank">here</a></b> on all they are doing – it’s impressive. Australia, Spain, Japan and South Africa are just some of the other countries that mark the day in their particular way– <b><a href="https://www.greenmatters.com/p/international-earth-day-celebrations" target="_blank">this article</a></b> discusses seven of them.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAieU2jWLN0weDYfzCAIcTHqQF1vvbzzNyjOYlcI3f7kKJtj6mrswPaAa-Q0rh29zyrAMEahTuzJ0jx2VH67YVa8IMAfZjeXQ_bWoxEwAljfqKkn2JOFi-lF70bymJEB5M2TC-DMpJZUG5qeiAHHJhdo1dPKdHT8j2HcHxOLyybYGylg202EfPxIAx/s5000/bike%20rider.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Drawing of a bearded man with a knapsack riding a bike." border="0" data-original-height="5000" data-original-width="5000" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAieU2jWLN0weDYfzCAIcTHqQF1vvbzzNyjOYlcI3f7kKJtj6mrswPaAa-Q0rh29zyrAMEahTuzJ0jx2VH67YVa8IMAfZjeXQ_bWoxEwAljfqKkn2JOFi-lF70bymJEB5M2TC-DMpJZUG5qeiAHHJhdo1dPKdHT8j2HcHxOLyybYGylg202EfPxIAx/w122-h122/bike%20rider.jpg" title="Calling all hipsters to help save the earth." width="122" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4-PZJUOX0vb6rydpsMZZtxfSDO7cboEC51nHztYXe9Vki3hwzL7QXyYoa5Yk-NDtlz-xSjTk4cFa_F0igF-CDPUQ6IFAb2p_GwX081mnetdYFjrbX7xTvZEzq1A81yAamdfyqZlopGRbOD8Spno-A2gNml1uHB84Nh0h422WATcjkvmNXJ29BPMOD/s1000/on%20the%20beach.jpg" style="clear: right; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Silhouette of an adult in a cap, a child, and a dog looking at something on a beach." border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="1000" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4-PZJUOX0vb6rydpsMZZtxfSDO7cboEC51nHztYXe9Vki3hwzL7QXyYoa5Yk-NDtlz-xSjTk4cFa_F0igF-CDPUQ6IFAb2p_GwX081mnetdYFjrbX7xTvZEzq1A81yAamdfyqZlopGRbOD8Spno-A2gNml1uHB84Nh0h422WATcjkvmNXJ29BPMOD/w320-h190/on%20the%20beach.jpg" title="The beach is a wondrous place." width="320" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">If you are not the type to organize or join a community event on Earth Day, there are still ways to show your support (even if you’re just showing yourself). You could plant a tree – or plant any native plant for that matter. You could not use your car for the day and instead enjoy a bike ride or take the plunge and get comfortable with your public transport. If you don’t want to or can’t leave the house, you could read a relevant book or watch a move that deals with environmental issues with an eye to following up on what you learn. <b><a href="https://earth.org/best-environmental-films/" target="_blank">Here </a></b>are 21 of the best films out there (and they’re not all devastatingly grim – some are actually uplifting). You could remove your shoes, feel the earth beneath your feet and lift your head to the sky to absorb the energy of our world. Or take a walk on a beach or sit under a tree and gaze up through the leaves. Or you could simply change out any old incandescent light bulbs for new energy-efficient models. </div></div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGAvB_kqBYJygB6v93iCQBHVkqv0kGv0XPCGlPf1WiP3R2KKf9Ko2sg4ZdBYAdOBq_oVUUtkqj_vnEIWe2F-mpmESfGSvGZ0C0PIfJeckUF6b_Fgx77--DvrTcp91m4flO0MqSepOF6cFJNDYacP61_lFMvlQTE6_N0tBZyW7COrJqPpyr5d8Z6E44/s480/planet%20needs%20you.gif" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="A cartoon of a green-haired superhero saying, "The Planet Needs You!"" border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGAvB_kqBYJygB6v93iCQBHVkqv0kGv0XPCGlPf1WiP3R2KKf9Ko2sg4ZdBYAdOBq_oVUUtkqj_vnEIWe2F-mpmESfGSvGZ0C0PIfJeckUF6b_Fgx77--DvrTcp91m4flO0MqSepOF6cFJNDYacP61_lFMvlQTE6_N0tBZyW7COrJqPpyr5d8Z6E44/w142-h142/planet%20needs%20you.gif" title="Planet Man is talking to you." width="142" /></a></p><div style="text-align: left;">Earth Day has been created to build awareness of the needs of our mother planet, and to inspire people to become stewards of the natural world around them. We can all do more, and I invite all readers to find ways to do just that. And don’t forget to include, educate and inspire the children – after all, it's their future we need to protect.</div><p></p><p>Take Care Submitted by Pam</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p>ARBICO Organicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09386607325944980825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888055146239050957.post-70670021590238400802023-04-14T12:32:00.006-07:002023-04-14T14:17:57.047-07:00Flower’s Power<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha600xKXWsvUdmsP-kuGksgF1SX8pp1YE-APUK0SlDNA2vvN1lODvw2fW4E7piRcmmJCpOnlEUU4IigF6pvlXcZ-1XkWQMckVb-Tbe7CDlRxCZFrRzM2Ruan1Lp8vvW578_ipRBMoGrk7XuHkcXPF3RV8Xc93Dw_bghP_5OpAWbEMQEGvaDGq_WHNh/s6300/Black%20background.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mulr-colored psychedlic flowers on a black background." border="0" data-original-height="6300" data-original-width="6300" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha600xKXWsvUdmsP-kuGksgF1SX8pp1YE-APUK0SlDNA2vvN1lODvw2fW4E7piRcmmJCpOnlEUU4IigF6pvlXcZ-1XkWQMckVb-Tbe7CDlRxCZFrRzM2Ruan1Lp8vvW578_ipRBMoGrk7XuHkcXPF3RV8Xc93Dw_bghP_5OpAWbEMQEGvaDGq_WHNh/w275-h275/Black%20background.jpg" title="Flower Power" width="275" /></a></div><span style="color: #800180;"> <i><b><span style="font-size: medium;">“If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly our whole life would change.” – Buddha</span></b></i></span><p></p><p>Humans have an undeniable attraction, and even reverence for, flowers that is unlike our appreciation for other objects in our natural world. Throughout our history, people have been inspired by flowers to write poetry and songs, give them symbolic power, philosophize about their purpose in the world, add them to our folklore, paint and draw them endlessly and so much more. The famous German philosopher, Goethe, claimed that he could look at a flower and experience our whole cycle of existence. Leaves or grass or sand have never garnered such adoration. What is it about flowers that moves us so?</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6zu_HSqCz2iKVjJuiCORVR9_jqMetFJCnvp3hj0ijlfhP3W-jlB2LxtWILPEH_iKqhp5EXQWdeMzQ7dTI-cipujb4lPf_IIhgCbt0McAWDFKAUzCFpya32yMHYCqq1gvYLJp1fKcx-yDCImadhNtu_DdNYSCFTnUySkJQ20zuBXCziEquksp-yOo/s1243/sixteen-miles-out-0GoLpNP6zOA-unsplash.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Pink tulips with their bulbs still attached. Photo by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash." border="0" data-original-height="1243" data-original-width="888" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6zu_HSqCz2iKVjJuiCORVR9_jqMetFJCnvp3hj0ijlfhP3W-jlB2LxtWILPEH_iKqhp5EXQWdeMzQ7dTI-cipujb4lPf_IIhgCbt0McAWDFKAUzCFpya32yMHYCqq1gvYLJp1fKcx-yDCImadhNtu_DdNYSCFTnUySkJQ20zuBXCziEquksp-yOo/w142-h199/sixteen-miles-out-0GoLpNP6zOA-unsplash.jpg" title="Photo by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash" width="142" /></a></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK4ICsLM5DQRy2trX09G7541Mirb-3gAjVL7srCkrxm5EJXnUbQsgtwJblNPEYtsKIji1FQHg-p9YS6LSPm-d97OSz-fD-ygJg6RG_AEg7Ciu8oUGV-fJGaKovVpI1Xlq2L9JSlZx7f6Pea4gpaM8Vy7e2Ugj1i6slsR408aNet4Mo8uIQWty0VUwF/s1600/tudoe-rose-englnd-vector-illustration-tudor-isolated-icon-traditional-heraldic-emblem-england-war-roses-houses-lancaster-216499867.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Roses that represented the factions in the Wars of the Roses. From left: Red Rose of Lancaster, Tudor Rose and White Rose of York." border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1600" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK4ICsLM5DQRy2trX09G7541Mirb-3gAjVL7srCkrxm5EJXnUbQsgtwJblNPEYtsKIji1FQHg-p9YS6LSPm-d97OSz-fD-ygJg6RG_AEg7Ciu8oUGV-fJGaKovVpI1Xlq2L9JSlZx7f6Pea4gpaM8Vy7e2Ugj1i6slsR408aNet4Mo8uIQWty0VUwF/w320-h128/tudoe-rose-englnd-vector-illustration-tudor-isolated-icon-traditional-heraldic-emblem-england-war-roses-houses-lancaster-216499867.jpg" title="Roses that represented the factions in the Wars of the Roses. From left: Red Rose of Lancaster, Tudor Rose and White Rose of York." width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Roses of the Wars of the Roses</i></b></td></tr></tbody></table>Flowers have shaped human behavior throughout our history and the importance and symbolism given to them has caused great destruction and ruined millions of lives. The <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://www.britannica.com/event/Wars-of-the-Roses" target="_blank">Wars of the Roses</a></span></b> (1455–1487), is a good example. The rose plant had nothing to do with the conflict (it was a “who will be king” thing), but it became a matter of life or death if you identified with the white or red roses. And then we have <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/dutch_tulip_bulb_market_bubble.asp#:~:text=The%20Dutch%20tulip%20bulb%20market%20bubble%2C%20also%20known%20as%20tulipmania,of%20tulip%20bulbs%20to%20extremes." target="_blank">Tulipmania</a></span></b> in the mid-1600s in Holland. At that time, tulip bulbs became a highly desired commodity, and their cost became wildly inflated. There is some question of just how crazy things got, but there’s no doubt that people suffered for their flower obsession. Then there is the flower that caused a number of wars and assorted violence and is still destroying lives on a daily basis – <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://www.earth.com/earthpedia-articles/history-of-the-poppy-flower/" target="_blank">the opium poppy</a></span></b>.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6E97R3IIpBZLofJgq3r-nZIf8jKAPuNHKQg_KfBAOnLmeskHGf2_ZEETFiBGCIDjMtL1MtIKBhLQcQAc7zadk0ECdXUSPepNSB02SYotQEEdBZB_wuTZsBsFQiMV01shhofu9LGsy6UuI7CnUUWRmeH7VlyILwNtZQRDjiA6eQsiAEmp8_y9aVn11/s1000/Hanami%20Festival%20Kyoto.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tables of people earing and drinking at tables under blooming cherry trees. A Hanami Festival in Kyoto, Japan." border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6E97R3IIpBZLofJgq3r-nZIf8jKAPuNHKQg_KfBAOnLmeskHGf2_ZEETFiBGCIDjMtL1MtIKBhLQcQAc7zadk0ECdXUSPepNSB02SYotQEEdBZB_wuTZsBsFQiMV01shhofu9LGsy6UuI7CnUUWRmeH7VlyILwNtZQRDjiA6eQsiAEmp8_y9aVn11/w320-h213/Hanami%20Festival%20Kyoto.jpg" title="These extraordinary trees are worthy of worshipping." width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Hanami Festival - Kyoto, Japan</i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>The Japanese have tuned the simple act of admiring flowers into a cultural phenomenon. Known as <i>Hanami</i> (flower viewing) the tradition of gathering to contemplate flowers dates back to at least the Nara period of their history (710-794 AD). Over the centuries, this practice has become focused on the undeniably gorgeous cherry blossoms of spring. These flowers are so important to the Japanese that, in 1909, the mayor of Tokyo<b><span style="color: red;"> <a href="https://www.mofa.go.jp/region/n-america/us/cherry_blossom100/index.html#:~:text=In%201909%2C%20Mayor%20Ozaki%20made,Japan%20and%20the%20United%20States." target="_blank">gifted Washington D.C. cherry trees</a></span></b><a href="https://www.mofa.go.jp/region/n-america/us/cherry_blossom100/index.html#:~:text=In%201909%2C%20Mayor%20Ozaki%20made,Japan%20and%20the%20United%20States." target="_blank"> </a>as a token of friendship between the two countries. This gift is appreciated every year by the throngs of people who come to D.C. to see the glorious blooms. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #ff0090; font-size: medium;">“The rose is the flower and handmaiden of love – the lily, her fair associate, is the emblem of beauty and purity.” – Dorothea Dix</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIaAWv1ghHjsAv7GhrwieLXAPmSQkLRyTXeO_G1H8gfCY92YQGiG2FVip5CyrKAJGjVFokh3kgfZgS3WKGWmAk-EruLrTzewtYzaOe7pekfCGapzlY6VuU7JCd1XtHKX8JLRg_azA51ff9gKimPVb_5JY9_-qAd2XcCCGD6yOrphs_0v0SJdEDlhTL/s1244/famous%20photo.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Flower Power photograph by Bernie Boston, taken during the March on the Pentagon, October 21, 1967" border="0" data-original-height="916" data-original-width="1244" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIaAWv1ghHjsAv7GhrwieLXAPmSQkLRyTXeO_G1H8gfCY92YQGiG2FVip5CyrKAJGjVFokh3kgfZgS3WKGWmAk-EruLrTzewtYzaOe7pekfCGapzlY6VuU7JCd1XtHKX8JLRg_azA51ff9gKimPVb_5JY9_-qAd2XcCCGD6yOrphs_0v0SJdEDlhTL/w320-h236/famous%20photo.jpg" title="The Flower Power photograph by Bernie Boston, taken during the March on the Pentagon, October 21, 1967" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>The Flower Power picture - October 21, 1967</i></b></td></tr></tbody></table>We are all familiar with the term “Flower Power”, and for most of us it brings images of flamboyantly colorful hippies dancing dreamily while holding daisies. But the full story is much more intricately layered and features riots, the anti-war and human rights movements, and even the <b style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://hells-angels.com/" target="_blank">Hells Angels</a></span></b><span style="text-align: left;">. It begins in 1965 when the poet and activist Allen Ginsberg created a vision for street protests against the Viet Nam war. He saw a street full of flowers, theatrics and religious iconography (read more </span><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://1965book.com/2014/11/05/november-19-the-berkeley-barb-publishes-allen-ginsbergs-essay-demonstration-or-spectacle-as-example-as-communication-or-how-to-make-a-marchspectacle-which-extols-the-use-of-flowers-in-pro/" target="_blank">here</a></span></b><span style="text-align: left;">), that would answer violent authoritarian suppression with gentle words and deeds. While he didn’t specifically say “Flower Power”, in a very short time the phrase was an integral part of the late 60s zeitgeist. The ultimate expression of this is the beautiful song “</span><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: red; font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://youtu.be/bch1_Ep5M1s" target="_blank">San Francisco</a></span><span>"</span></span><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYOP6lO3dYttgdWA3NpXITRvPzcGRUGuuK-liKD7rhNYnMEnxOe52Zp63YOaSpgl0lgimB-byPKBz38WflUbqay-jtYrl9wbKU2O0hQXMeYDprsy2D76zYm8h0bgzgDYf9L2diZudY9YWJalevHc4rGayh5umF_h4Xj7ZZwr2T7785UexmTXlIetli/s3456/sharon-pittaway-iMdsjoiftZo-unsplash.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Multi-colored blossom. Photo by Sharon Pittaway on Unsplash." border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="3456" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYOP6lO3dYttgdWA3NpXITRvPzcGRUGuuK-liKD7rhNYnMEnxOe52Zp63YOaSpgl0lgimB-byPKBz38WflUbqay-jtYrl9wbKU2O0hQXMeYDprsy2D76zYm8h0bgzgDYf9L2diZudY9YWJalevHc4rGayh5umF_h4Xj7ZZwr2T7785UexmTXlIetli/w233-h233/sharon-pittaway-iMdsjoiftZo-unsplash.jpg" title="Photo by Sharon Pittaway on Unsplash" width="233" /></a></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1gCx82u5LAhyB2lkr41BSyYw1eZmi7q0TsZNWTEnsf105cxQnaplVD0Ne8s5i35p8exEjh1rubP4rc-V_T43QtvILa7UoqRNLOMllrzXxXsCQPXHkNSm-aPVtgC7-KF6S_icApo6VqpqeUkD643o5jsKxpmeS-38PShY11gzps_XVol9deOtV4zQl/s5824/apple%20green%20orchid%20_david-clode-De9i9YUAVKk-unsplash.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The apple-green Coelogyne mayeriana orchid. Photo by David Clode on Unsplash." border="0" data-original-height="5824" data-original-width="3776" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1gCx82u5LAhyB2lkr41BSyYw1eZmi7q0TsZNWTEnsf105cxQnaplVD0Ne8s5i35p8exEjh1rubP4rc-V_T43QtvILa7UoqRNLOMllrzXxXsCQPXHkNSm-aPVtgC7-KF6S_icApo6VqpqeUkD643o5jsKxpmeS-38PShY11gzps_XVol9deOtV4zQl/w136-h210/apple%20green%20orchid%20_david-clode-De9i9YUAVKk-unsplash.jpg" title="Photo by David Clode on Unsplash" width="136" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Coelogyne mayeriana orchid</i></b></td></tr></tbody></table>by Scott McKenzie. </span><div><p>People love to ascribe<span><b style="color: red;"> <a href="https://www.flowershopping.com/shop-by-color/FlowerColorSymbolism/" target="_blank">meanings</a> </b>to the different colors of flowers</span>. For instance, we send red roses to show passion or deep love, while pink is more playful. But some people say that colors also <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://liliumflorals.com/blog/flowers-contribute-to-emotional-health/" target="_blank">can influence emotional health</a></span></b>. In this theory, flower colors don’t just symbolize a message, they directly affect the person who is in the vicinity of them. Orange flowers bring optimism and sociability while blue ones invoke serenity. On a side note: Green is the most common color in the natural world, but green flowers are very rare (one exception is <span style="color: red;"><b><a href="https://myplantin.com/plant/2259" target="_blank">this</a></b></span> beautiful orchid). I wonder what the philosophers make of that?</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #ff0033; font-size: medium;">“In joy and in sadness, flowers are our constant friends.” – Unknown</span></i></b></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8xXHntudU1Myt-ImqaQa7I4JXm4Ml2vgF08gmkPSjpHuzVq_DcInqsXa-QWZY-31zK0Yra5Dgx3MQJN8bhvelZzsa8xR3vi_tdyDRKzj6CNVnvTV8IxQF_sU7c15vC1sL7J0jivHz0ckwpOWdZ2lPVeY5vJkwv3yxKr-BEVQ_S5jwnRrYacRbN4f/s915/amber-kipp-VuiJfDG8JWM-unsplash.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Orange and white flowers amid white table settings. Photo by Amber Kipp on Unsplash." border="0" data-original-height="915" data-original-width="653" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8xXHntudU1Myt-ImqaQa7I4JXm4Ml2vgF08gmkPSjpHuzVq_DcInqsXa-QWZY-31zK0Yra5Dgx3MQJN8bhvelZzsa8xR3vi_tdyDRKzj6CNVnvTV8IxQF_sU7c15vC1sL7J0jivHz0ckwpOWdZ2lPVeY5vJkwv3yxKr-BEVQ_S5jwnRrYacRbN4f/w156-h218/amber-kipp-VuiJfDG8JWM-unsplash.jpg" title="Photo by Amber Kipp on Unsplash" width="156" /></a></div>Over the years scientists around the world have researched the effects of flowers on people and these studies show what we all know instinctively – no matter the type or color, flowers make us feel good. In Tokyo, they learned that people experience physiologically measurable benefits within four minutes of looking at roses. In the Netherlands, they found that diners with flowers on their tables were in better moods. Read more <b><a href="https://www.countrylife.co.uk/nature/power-flowers-accompany-us-heal-us-make-us-gasp-pleasure-201618" target="_blank">here</a></b>. <p></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNELCykC1I1-DMzl7Ey4j55JY21lcnM_LEmdoCpeGndUSntr1xZlTnzTstyVy_VWymf58bwKsLVc6fAXRNMQVXKUpAE-0CtfSfbKk8bDVe2O3OtyaLkjZOEsI2XPvfbNwlwLBRKs6empBinl6PWMUQ_NsoCp3aI1IrvjzisPKtKr-Bb77n07CRl3Z/s1280/magnolia%20blossom.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Close-up of a white magnolia blossom." border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNELCykC1I1-DMzl7Ey4j55JY21lcnM_LEmdoCpeGndUSntr1xZlTnzTstyVy_VWymf58bwKsLVc6fAXRNMQVXKUpAE-0CtfSfbKk8bDVe2O3OtyaLkjZOEsI2XPvfbNwlwLBRKs6empBinl6PWMUQ_NsoCp3aI1IrvjzisPKtKr-Bb77n07CRl3Z/w219-h146/magnolia%20blossom.jpg" title="Click the link to the left to see how similar this is to the first flower." width="219" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Magnolia blossom</b></i></td></tr></tbody></table>In the course of writing this blog, I have concluded that the deep love that humans have for flowers is in our ancient DNA. During the Cretaceous period (145.5 to 65.5 million years ago) flowering plants burst on the scene and thrived spectacularly. Scientists believe the first flower looked very much like a magnolia blossom (see it <b><a href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/revealed-the-first-flower-140-million-years-old-looked-like-a-magnolia/#:~:text=Revealed%3A%20The%20First%20Flower%2C%20140,Like%20a%20Magnolia%20%2D%20Scientific%20American" target="_blank">here</a></b>). The advent of flowers brought changes to the world, including fine-tuning insect life, that allowed humans to evolve and prosper (more on all this here). So, perhaps somewhere deep in our souls we just get what flowers mean. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #0088ff; font-size: medium;">"One perfect flower says more in its silent beauty than all the voices in the world." - Me </span></i></b></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQRLKfHJuAbWhnf_AyxXwd2Ll0aGxnDjftgYSfYeBMPETdkpQq-iSNx89Z5icDM8X-IODquJ72pmXKuTBFOZR8JPC6Qqz0GDLOg4rR00do87J1ShO3vcPrFwGk0mKuWqmvLJESay5VRi6S-Bx_ctk17erktUqzDw07qByjvQyYLC51XPbebk4Ng-pj/s480/world.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Multi-colored flowers spewings from a blue Earth." border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="480" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQRLKfHJuAbWhnf_AyxXwd2Ll0aGxnDjftgYSfYeBMPETdkpQq-iSNx89Z5icDM8X-IODquJ72pmXKuTBFOZR8JPC6Qqz0GDLOg4rR00do87J1ShO3vcPrFwGk0mKuWqmvLJESay5VRi6S-Bx_ctk17erktUqzDw07qByjvQyYLC51XPbebk4Ng-pj/w320-h180/world.gif" title="Spread the Flower Power." width="320" /></a></div><div>Take Care</div><div>Submitted by Pam</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>ARBICO Organicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09386607325944980825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888055146239050957.post-35184334013991495082023-03-30T12:38:00.011-07:002023-03-31T09:55:11.915-07:00Sunflower Joy<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTrcST500DwJ4DN1owkKvss5cvrbSP9XMwXczveJ7sCtytREZCsghZuClr62zeML5ycOo8nXj9FyY-6PfrHANnyGpEF17h4NqcNQQ52ksDFXwmH4MRtZjcF17pOnBvw0REjEizDPLo71wK30I65zbdtPiQ-y1WCYb-QET1iffhrkspz5OT1Auvajf/s1000/blonde%20girl%20joy.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="A blonde girl in a field of sunflowers. Sunflowerr petals cover most of her face." border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTrcST500DwJ4DN1owkKvss5cvrbSP9XMwXczveJ7sCtytREZCsghZuClr62zeML5ycOo8nXj9FyY-6PfrHANnyGpEF17h4NqcNQQ52ksDFXwmH4MRtZjcF17pOnBvw0REjEizDPLo71wK30I65zbdtPiQ-y1WCYb-QET1iffhrkspz5OT1Auvajf/w393-h268/blonde%20girl%20joy.jpg" title="Sunflower Joy" width="393" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Who doesn’t like sunflowers? Sunflowers belong to the small group of plants that everyone seems to like and can identify, but they are much more than a pretty face. The sunflower plant has given people joy for tens of thousands of years, by virtue of its beauty but also for all the cool things it gives us. At this point in spring, it's time to plant sunflowers, so let’s dig into them a bit before planting them.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div></div></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvHA0J92ZR245UnlSVXgp0BWltkHPaKNgOdGdDexHDsERdjGGS57MfvYMKGWPYSfD6fTSl_TYHeARHcl88yCBBLC0jdZgAkEGMFgQo-9d5xij2YDgKUH38pv3qkaq-1gMRoAe-VEVfERjSS2jlX1OUV4RHJGwa5_OZ710ydu4JiBMmS0WGuOn7gXD/s4896/devi-puspita-amartha-yahya-m9gWLWV9qYU-unsplash.jpg" style="clear: right; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Sunflower seeds in a flat straw basket and grilled sunflower heads in a black bowl." border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="4896" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvHA0J92ZR245UnlSVXgp0BWltkHPaKNgOdGdDexHDsERdjGGS57MfvYMKGWPYSfD6fTSl_TYHeARHcl88yCBBLC0jdZgAkEGMFgQo-9d5xij2YDgKUH38pv3qkaq-1gMRoAe-VEVfERjSS2jlX1OUV4RHJGwa5_OZ710ydu4JiBMmS0WGuOn7gXD/w295-h174/devi-puspita-amartha-yahya-m9gWLWV9qYU-unsplash.jpg" title="Sunflower seeds and grilled sunflower heads - yum!" width="295" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">Sunflowers (<i>Helianthus spp</i>) were once just a pretty wildflower native to North America. But as early as 5,000 years ago, Indigenous people in modern-day New Mexico and Arizona were cultivating them. These ancient people didn’t just domesticate the sunflower plant, they selectively cultivated it to produce certain colors and specific amounts of flowers and seeds. Across the tribes, sunflowers had a great many uses beyond their value as a food source. Sunflower oil was used in cooking and to soothe skin and smooth hair, the flowers made great dyes for textiles and body applications, and their stalks could be used as building materials. Sunflowers were also used for ceremonial purposes and had extensive medicinal applications - they were used to treat snake bites, chest problems, wound treatments and much, much more. Read more about all this <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://walterborolive.com/stories/sunflowers-a-native-plant-with-an-amazing-history,32426" target="_blank">here</a></span></b>. </div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5FU63Ci67gAUUqMo2Ay2kg_XXmz5nIj6rBSM3oroXWKJCqEAREvxPnrA92gElRVOyUgdpMfPEzI0-vv1E8tOyeDOcL8bcl8H9j8XLEm_FihKa6Q9iNoOTgUsw4MeaLvZ22t4aU6RcbDAj35cYeZKfCBAMEqrp4GNG_1mPy6tX25kdwLMXpYkzzpYH/s1000/strong%20woman.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A brunette woman in a blue dress standing in a sunflower field. She is facing away from the camera an is wearing a blue dress and holding up a Ukranian flag." border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5FU63Ci67gAUUqMo2Ay2kg_XXmz5nIj6rBSM3oroXWKJCqEAREvxPnrA92gElRVOyUgdpMfPEzI0-vv1E8tOyeDOcL8bcl8H9j8XLEm_FihKa6Q9iNoOTgUsw4MeaLvZ22t4aU6RcbDAj35cYeZKfCBAMEqrp4GNG_1mPy6tX25kdwLMXpYkzzpYH/w320-h213/strong%20woman.jpg" title="Ukranian Strong" width="320" /></a></div></div></div>The Spaniards, and other colonists, took the sunflower to Europe beginning in the early 1500s. It was treated as an ornamental with tasty seeds until the 1700s when the Russian Tsar, Peter the Great,<span> </span><span>recognized its value as a food and oil crop</span> and initiated it’s commercial cultivation. Russia is still a leading producer of sunflowers, but <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://reliefweb.int/report/ukraine/ukraine-sunflower-oil-production-october-2022#:~:text=Since%202012%2C%20Ukraine%20has%20been,gross%20domestic%20product%20(GDP)." target="_blank">the top producer is Ukraine</a></span></b>. In 2021 it provided a 47% share of global sunflower oil exports. Since the Russian’s war on Ukraine, production of this vital crop has been disrupted, which has led to shortages. The sunflower is the national flower of Ukraine and it’s bright yellow is part of their flag. In the early days after the Russian invasion, a video got out of a Ukrainian woman giving sunflower seeds to Russian soldiers. As she handed them out she was telling the soldiers to put the seeds in their pockets so that when they die the flowers would grow on Ukrainian soil (watch it <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://twitter.com/i/status/1496866811110834176" target="_blank">here</a></span></b>). Since that remarkable act, sunflowers have become a symbol of peace, solidarity with Ukraine, and resistance. <div><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3hWjqJOCCgJXnhfmpgxA4WJFySYJ2gSkhUoBlxSto4F_fIg__46BhZj4brt5XKABTAH1S5w3Phu2bjhaOVDInUgWTEOJ-3riwmQG0E_vrSDIhKpPFQYV2pmbHg7tltVmUcBQpIneZRIeM-TxGt06lKciEo_tn8zUqU666LZ7V9omIHZTJh_RSGUwT/s466/sunflower%20varieties.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="A collage of 16 different species of sunflowers." border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="466" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3hWjqJOCCgJXnhfmpgxA4WJFySYJ2gSkhUoBlxSto4F_fIg__46BhZj4brt5XKABTAH1S5w3Phu2bjhaOVDInUgWTEOJ-3riwmQG0E_vrSDIhKpPFQYV2pmbHg7tltVmUcBQpIneZRIeM-TxGt06lKciEo_tn8zUqU666LZ7V9omIHZTJh_RSGUwT/w278-h282/sunflower%20varieties.jpg" title="Sunflower joy comes in many colors." width="278" /></a></p><div style="text-align: left;">The original wildflower would have looked very different from the sunflower we know today. Over the centuries since the Indigenous botanists first made changes to the plant, many growers have done the same. There are about 70 species in the Helianthus genus today and they range from little-bitty ones of about 1-2 feet to majestic, towering ones (the <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/tallest-sunflower" target="_blank">tallest was 30'1"</a></span></b>). There are numerous versions of the familiar cheery yellow flower, but there are also terra-cotta, orange, white, purple and pink varieties. <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://www.ftd.com/blog/share/types-of-sunflowers" target="_blank">Here</a></span></b> are some of them.</div><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLKDjrb1TYBrkYE4MXwVpiqbHkUa9d97YtddEAk88D-VrqmNcSPU1DFff4DcYHkI2xyzn5PsSkkdiMKisNeP_ks7oDdQVjryvTHElYpB8--AOXFDOQwNtE_mjjla5bIJ_v5JKuHJ7EG1nw7Dr_RYNgZrkckZznWxOyZUUMDTpzLN1P-GZMphZHDbQ1/s2560/aaron-burden-zpK28VGxkJw-unsplash.jpg" style="clear: right; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="A sunflower facing towards the sun. Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash." border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1920" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLKDjrb1TYBrkYE4MXwVpiqbHkUa9d97YtddEAk88D-VrqmNcSPU1DFff4DcYHkI2xyzn5PsSkkdiMKisNeP_ks7oDdQVjryvTHElYpB8--AOXFDOQwNtE_mjjla5bIJ_v5JKuHJ7EG1nw7Dr_RYNgZrkckZznWxOyZUUMDTpzLN1P-GZMphZHDbQ1/w190-h252/aaron-burden-zpK28VGxkJw-unsplash.jpg" title="Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash" width="190" /></a>With all the choices at hand, picking just one variety could be a bit difficult, but once you do it is essential that you pick the spot to plant your sunflowers carefully. These are <i>sun</i>flowers after all, so you’ll want to make sure that they have sun all day (at least 6-8 hours). As they grow you will be able to watch them exhibit a behavior known as <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://homeguides.sfgate.com/heliotropism-sunflower-75325.html" target="_blank">heliotropism</a></span></b>. This is when the buds and small blossoms face east in the morning and move with the sun throughout the day to maximize their light intake. As the plants mature, when the stems thicken and the heads become heavy with seeds, this behavior ends. </p><p></p><p>Another reason to pick your planting spot carefully is that sunflowers are <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;"><b><a href="https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/allelopathic-plants.htm" target="_blank">allelopathic</a></b>.</span></span> Plants that are allelopathic emit chemicals that can inhibit the growth of (or kill out-right) other plants. For sunflowers, this means that they will eliminate resource-competitors to give their seeds the best chance to germinate and grow. This doesn’t mean that sunflowers have to be grown alone, it just means that you should do a little research before you decide what to plant around them as some plants are more at-risk than others. <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://positivebloom.com/sunflower-companion-plants/" target="_blank">Here</a></span></b> are some helpful guidelines.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinuvDZHTl2Iqs8a6Z_Q7Pd-FmCL3aykREKJek2L2gU1UJWHDiYbH2tJmbKdnegzKKQCLIKxpq5ITyEmy_zI75SrXtUI8XrRtOE_kN9zRi4ufTF6phqFIMlzSNmcUkSmrQwLheL1AaNlKO40IMAQpYgMFtQAAxQxXQkdJjF6RHhbPyiB57E1vHZuW_a/s753/sunflowerhouse.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A group of sunflowers grown to form a sunflower house. There is a red wheelbarrow and wagon in front." border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="753" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinuvDZHTl2Iqs8a6Z_Q7Pd-FmCL3aykREKJek2L2gU1UJWHDiYbH2tJmbKdnegzKKQCLIKxpq5ITyEmy_zI75SrXtUI8XrRtOE_kN9zRi4ufTF6phqFIMlzSNmcUkSmrQwLheL1AaNlKO40IMAQpYgMFtQAAxQxXQkdJjF6RHhbPyiB57E1vHZuW_a/w285-h227/sunflowerhouse.jpg" title="A secret sunflower lair" width="285" /></a></div>If you have children, you may want to consider growing a sunflower house in your garden. This is simply a bower in the garden created by closely planted sunflowers. You can either leave the sunflowers to grow as they want or train them to grow over to form a “roof” for the sunflower house. <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://www.almanac.com/plant-sunflower-house" target="_blank">Here</a></span></b> are some super-simple instructions.<p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDk7aMWn01AQkBZDMlZTt3psvsX5glh-qfVnaQ1Yz78A6fkL4fJcHILTeCsFgpb8GhYL0WIYbeyEqRkFymjQ-FiAO67Q0j8Ove_kfvjni424gL9mxjQiVicy5yVmr0m6zznV2E0RK_Fa5ONLmfpPtC7yPyhgH0yqOrF7k_BduqAO5C8mGp7PioGMvP/s1280/chipmunk-g4516611d2_1280.jpg" style="clear: right; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="A chipmunk eating a sunflower head" border="0" data-original-height="857" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDk7aMWn01AQkBZDMlZTt3psvsX5glh-qfVnaQ1Yz78A6fkL4fJcHILTeCsFgpb8GhYL0WIYbeyEqRkFymjQ-FiAO67Q0j8Ove_kfvjni424gL9mxjQiVicy5yVmr0m6zznV2E0RK_Fa5ONLmfpPtC7yPyhgH0yqOrF7k_BduqAO5C8mGp7PioGMvP/w224-h150/chipmunk-g4516611d2_1280.jpg" title="Everyone loves sunflowers" width="224" /></a>In case you need another reason to plant sunflowers, consider the fact that sunflowers can remediate soil. They remove toxins and heavy metals and have even been used to absorb radiation around Fukushima and Chernobyl after the nuclear disasters there. Your yard may not have been the site of a disaster, but all soil could use a little freshening up and after growing sunflowers you'll have better soil for the next growing cycle. <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://hasanjasim.online/u-va-undergraduate-researcher-studies-sunflowers-power-to-clean-up-soil/" target="_blank">Here’s</a></span></b> the story of a young scholar who is working out ways to best utilize this awesome sunflower trait. </p><p>Sunflower lovers have no shortage of sunflower-related stuff they can surround themselves with (check out <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/s?k=gifts+for+sunflower+lovers&hvadid=338570941329&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9052608&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=10126608305691232588&hvtargid=kwd-556088433115&hydadcr=20667_9705446&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_8xru803el6_e" target="_blank">this Amazon search</a></span></b>), but the best way to love them is to plant them and watch them grow. Which will also let pollinators and other creatures show their love.</p><p>Take Care<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYp-F6bTYFi2VL-b0O8ovvF95bBQAazVWkFwI2ItNnvYKq-3T2CxlkLzKbttFSzz1c_GHpyw7AhWhhzi1ZVty3KgNWS_6jM4FiKIA27SHhWT8GzfN4IViL-AZyIgZXAuKQzba6WcUtQL3ue0_RQRvP-VobyGPXHF5XKV6tRjweTVuVRxLcnwWUvkHf/s480/bee%20&%20flowers.gif" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Sunflowers moving in the wind under a blue sky. There is a bee buzzing around." border="0" data-original-height="366" data-original-width="480" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYp-F6bTYFi2VL-b0O8ovvF95bBQAazVWkFwI2ItNnvYKq-3T2CxlkLzKbttFSzz1c_GHpyw7AhWhhzi1ZVty3KgNWS_6jM4FiKIA27SHhWT8GzfN4IViL-AZyIgZXAuKQzba6WcUtQL3ue0_RQRvP-VobyGPXHF5XKV6tRjweTVuVRxLcnwWUvkHf/w206-h157/bee%20&%20flowers.gif" title="It's a beautiful sunflower day" width="206" /></a></p><p>Submitted by Pam</p><p></p><div><br /><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />ARBICO Organicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09386607325944980825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888055146239050957.post-21973806368057379962023-03-10T10:11:00.004-07:002023-03-10T11:24:23.091-07:00What The Best Dressed Yards Are Wearing <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EUPllN2wcfIRrW3sRGCLe54yPzpGL0Thx7BA7rOJshynxXSnt62sEIa6IqlPxhG3BHkRm1fhIlLZIvrhYv04mpIS1FK2Q-t3TdRJX2vPGnvOvA9GAFb_0afwRcy60ETYJp47U8h_ayNAd73xocVyF5DJICAlg2lcfnLexxz1IlzWEJLZdNugcIyX/s1000/woman%20on%20balcony.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="A dark-haired woman in a black lace dress leanimg on a balcony looking out at the backyard." border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EUPllN2wcfIRrW3sRGCLe54yPzpGL0Thx7BA7rOJshynxXSnt62sEIa6IqlPxhG3BHkRm1fhIlLZIvrhYv04mpIS1FK2Q-t3TdRJX2vPGnvOvA9GAFb_0afwRcy60ETYJp47U8h_ayNAd73xocVyF5DJICAlg2lcfnLexxz1IlzWEJLZdNugcIyX/w281-h187/woman%20on%20balcony.jpg" title="Designer Duds - Designer Yard" width="281" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Many people, perhaps even most, tend to make a backyard plan and stick to it year after year. But, just as you would update a kitchen or bathroom, yards need a refresh every now and then. Unless the home is an historically accurate structure, no one wants a yard that looks like it was decorated decades ago. So, while you are waiting for the last of the winter to melt way, consider some of these 2023 trends:</div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p><b><span style="font-size: large;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGUIWTSNNa0r0stev5wMp9hYb718dmCILzHHN1NwlcrvAf4FRfUXmRQvyv1cp8St1Q2ZmNvQn2Ku4t90BzwVRG5Ca_zgmT70Ak1OgrJhUd7gabqRD0ss6qIQQ4H3aLue4TTGGLhyOQwQr2oRsN2VHxDdtiClPnpIGmtkKhgapnhbS96cnVtuz2nKY/s1080/matrix.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A house and small patio on left with flowers and grasses around it." border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGUIWTSNNa0r0stev5wMp9hYb718dmCILzHHN1NwlcrvAf4FRfUXmRQvyv1cp8St1Q2ZmNvQn2Ku4t90BzwVRG5Ca_zgmT70Ak1OgrJhUd7gabqRD0ss6qIQQ4H3aLue4TTGGLhyOQwQr2oRsN2VHxDdtiClPnpIGmtkKhgapnhbS96cnVtuz2nKY/w320-h213/matrix.jpg" title="Matrix Gardending (aka Meadowscaping) Design" width="320" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="font-size: large;">Matrix Gardening (aka Meadowscaping) – </span></b>This gardening style is the inevitable answer to an increased awareness of sustainability and climate change. <b><a href="https://www.hortmag.com/gardens/matrix-planting-garden-design" target="_blank">Matrix gardening</a></b> was developed in Germany as a way to revive urban landscapes after World War II and the concept has changed little since then. The idea is to populate areas (large or small) with plants that thrive synergistically to form a cohesive ecosystem that conserves water, naturally discourages weeds and requires minimal upkeep. In a backyard garden, instead of filling your planters and flower beds with annuals from the big box store, you’d choose plants and flowers that are native or at least compatible to your area. This concept can create a beautiful yard year-round. And since you’d be free from the limited supply at your local store, you’d be free to experiment with a wide variety of new-to-you plants. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVLRnp0o2zCFlNqkIfo4FgIHCQhje9n1sbZLh8BZ9x-LVJTa8t8UZHhdKC3KjKQXS-WygJ4GgAJFmVAobkxYIvzokAfiksEdPOjJ4X-l96n-XqN9zX9nfBHpIhdnk7mUC77LryMAZXakhrpiFfGxkvGW5d6ruNlBa0ltbm6fWyRpg6RU7R4pSjh-hw/s1000/monarch.jpg" style="clear: right; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="A Monarch butterfly on an echinacea flower." border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="888" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVLRnp0o2zCFlNqkIfo4FgIHCQhje9n1sbZLh8BZ9x-LVJTa8t8UZHhdKC3KjKQXS-WygJ4GgAJFmVAobkxYIvzokAfiksEdPOjJ4X-l96n-XqN9zX9nfBHpIhdnk7mUC77LryMAZXakhrpiFfGxkvGW5d6ruNlBa0ltbm6fWyRpg6RU7R4pSjh-hw/w178-h200/monarch.jpg" title="Monarch and Echinacea" width="178" /></a><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhl2dnJBuJKa_q4UMyoCEtpxDX9yHP9aLMatIKaEWrvq2kBMGzmHEENQ6pwxII8OFRuTapLhPOPeSYobUaSgW_SVSThv4ng3-tdoBk5jLwlmWZ1DMlrdGPVDbh2Rx8gm52qAF1igMpoYWfP6qJXgnD5c4L2bsGzZ3R2LBAaG_GA200AmaCT0JOI8F/s1000/bee.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Close-up of a bee in flight." border="0" data-original-height="868" data-original-width="1000" height="87" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhl2dnJBuJKa_q4UMyoCEtpxDX9yHP9aLMatIKaEWrvq2kBMGzmHEENQ6pwxII8OFRuTapLhPOPeSYobUaSgW_SVSThv4ng3-tdoBk5jLwlmWZ1DMlrdGPVDbh2Rx8gm52qAF1igMpoYWfP6qJXgnD5c4L2bsGzZ3R2LBAaG_GA200AmaCT0JOI8F/w100-h87/bee.jpg" title="A friendly neighborhood bee" width="100" /></a><b><span style="font-size: large;">Pollinator-Friendly and Allergen-Free Planting - </span></b>As an extension of the above ideas, planting with intention beyond the eco-friendly is gaining popularity. Many people want to consider bees and <b><a href="https://arbico-organics.blogspot.com/2021/06/not-all-pollinators-are-bees.html" target="_blank">other pollinators</a></b> when planning a garden, while others want to reduce seasonal allergy suffering by not growing plants that create allergens. A word of caution before deciding on plants: Sometimes the plants you may think are the problem allergies-wise are the same plants that pollinators love. Always research your area to make the proper decisions before planting or removing plants. <b><a href="https://www.stagrallergymap.com/" target="_blank">Here</a></b> is an interactive pollen map of the U.S. that can help. For additional information on pollinator-planting, <a href="https://arbico-organics.blogspot.com/2019/04/bring-all-pollinators-to-your-yard.html" target="_blank"><b>here’s</b> </a>a blog I wrote on the subject. By the way, Martha Stewart recommends <b><a href="https://www.marthastewart.com/8129715/how-grow-bee-balm-monarda" target="_blank">this</a></b> bee-friendly plant.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3XaoYXAE20eOB5881kLD_nlBhp5OkMn1N9ik_iStaxzpaWFwocc6-1o1o0uNruQkWBtAXEQTsZoUCEfuI3JZRD7cugQCfO5a5PsbUmBlcz3X7RFU0W5rdqPXiBQ3_aounOnnUAmm2iAqIx_KvE6QxkJfKjbPNNz6WKe04gtGNui1H35bQ1c8e_s8/s1000/vertical%20gardening%20how%20to.jpg" style="clear: right; display: inline; float: right; font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Green plants in black pots hanging on a wall." border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3XaoYXAE20eOB5881kLD_nlBhp5OkMn1N9ik_iStaxzpaWFwocc6-1o1o0uNruQkWBtAXEQTsZoUCEfuI3JZRD7cugQCfO5a5PsbUmBlcz3X7RFU0W5rdqPXiBQ3_aounOnnUAmm2iAqIx_KvE6QxkJfKjbPNNz6WKe04gtGNui1H35bQ1c8e_s8/w342-h240/vertical%20gardening%20how%20to.jpg" title="Vertical Gardening" width="342" /></a><span style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Vertical Gardening –</b></span><span> In our increasingly cramped and expensive world, this is a trend that’s here to stay. <b><a href="https://www.bhg.com/gardening/container/plans-ideas/vertical-gardening/#:~:text=In%20vertical%20gardening%2C%20use%20structures,space%20than%20traditional%20gardening%20requires." target="_blank">Vertical gardening</a></b> is a way for small-space dwellers to stretch their gardening space upwards to grow pretty much anything they want. For others, this is an exceptional way to delineate spaces in a garden or to jazz up an otherwise-boring privacy fence. Some vertical gardens are so beautiful and elaborate that they’re works of art, but the simple and not-fancy versions are just as cool and can be surprisingly easy – check <b><a href="https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/how-to/g1274/how-to-plant-a-vertical-garden/" target="_blank">these</a></b> out. This type of growing can also <b><a href="https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/gardens/planting-and-maintenance/accessible-gardening-techniques" target="_blank">make gardening accessible </a></b>to many disabled people<span style="font-size: large;">. </span></span></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipokE_5wnS4pNk0kMYeU-zt3C6SgB2mbIDzpHygfCI9yNotH94pQLv_L5ZYCsxrJGaW01IPGJqnAgyJ-_O6JxOoFWfXTs78Y-_8ozy7BAwLgswMb0B7hqxtThLKZ6Pzt5VFOobvJqUMMlfibG-_KVi2MxvM1XCuSrI4ou7A6d-zQVWUrDI6u2l9sis/s1526/inside%20out.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A path leading through a doorway and into a garden." border="0" data-original-height="1526" data-original-width="990" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipokE_5wnS4pNk0kMYeU-zt3C6SgB2mbIDzpHygfCI9yNotH94pQLv_L5ZYCsxrJGaW01IPGJqnAgyJ-_O6JxOoFWfXTs78Y-_8ozy7BAwLgswMb0B7hqxtThLKZ6Pzt5VFOobvJqUMMlfibG-_KVi2MxvM1XCuSrI4ou7A6d-zQVWUrDI6u2l9sis/w208-h320/inside%20out.jpg" title="Inside-Outside Path" width="208" /></a></div></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Garden Paths - </b></span> Once you know what plants you want in your yard, don’t forget the path. It doesn't matter iwhat it's made of, there are few things more inviting than a garden path. Paths can lead to intriguing or relaxing nooks and crannies or they can make a big ol' circle. They can be intentionally directive or deceptively rustic and you get extra points if you can make a path that goes from indoors all the way out into the yard. This creates an illusion of a larger space, is eye-appealing and is very much on trend.<div><p style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">White Picket Fences –</span></b> It seems the more forward-thinking and tech-y our world becomes, the more nostalgic people become. The “good old days” may not have been as good as people think, but there are some vintage garden elements that have undeniable appeal. Case in point: the white picket fence. Replacing your current fence with a new one may not be feasible, but these types of fences make excellent accent pieces and look great with vining flowers all over them. Add a few feet somewhere and feel the hominess of it all. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4COOI9uPHlwT6dWDUTHGtOrPwdkobMj8jljsmoGUnYYGemiIWhFifUMFDMvuq3PJxxxudoiOUZYKgn7zxOZ6w4_0kwuGFNVs9plPs4mCjX5xWc4CQk8IQ94uJZsyuL8ooWBZrGm25tpgJPPTV_Cv4Nqgwopu4xnMkL2yAA77n3Vwyt5dqaMKp9FE/s1411/Photo%20by%20Brad%20West%20on%20Unsplash.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="A Golden Retriever sitting in front of flowers and a white picket fence. There is a red tricycle to the left of the dog." border="0" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="1411" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4COOI9uPHlwT6dWDUTHGtOrPwdkobMj8jljsmoGUnYYGemiIWhFifUMFDMvuq3PJxxxudoiOUZYKgn7zxOZ6w4_0kwuGFNVs9plPs4mCjX5xWc4CQk8IQ94uJZsyuL8ooWBZrGm25tpgJPPTV_Cv4Nqgwopu4xnMkL2yAA77n3Vwyt5dqaMKp9FE/w293-h165/Photo%20by%20Brad%20West%20on%20Unsplash.jpg" title="An All-American Tableau" width="293" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Antique Pots – </span></b>This is another old-timey thing that has come back to be on trend. Instead of using regular plastic or terracotta pots, you could rummage around in antique and thrift stores and look for something that your grandmother or great-mother would have had in her yard. If that's not your thing, there are lots of pots to be had that are faux antique. <b><a href="https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1GCEU_enUS951US951&sxsrf=AJOqlzVZJJKMLfIoCNLjxuThlboJy1559Q:1678121798665&q=antique+pots&tbm=isch&source=univ&fir=_z_jg6mBbXPZTM%252Ckv-mF4q30FhvBM%252C_%253BfC8UBWAvQitLLM%252Cybo5LBbgK7TMwM%252C_%253B87SSc65OIX3v9M%252CWSEqWTeIIjBnwM%252C_%253BNx_iQBMP6UIuEM%252CfILGEm6bAUrUQM%252C_%253B88CJomn6qo24FM%252C9_wQwjQcwMoS6M%252C_%253BBo8ZrPxa1D02RM%252CC1Zgq1RtBgc4lM%252C_%253BXsn34l4160AdXM%252Cf3HTtODw9P25yM%252C_%253B31eZGgQt7eSuhM%252C_G6ZN8xJyqhiuM%252C_%253BtqODWnfv6pWpgM%252CjXhX2dlVTE5OuM%252C_%253B7LXZjhsYuwCUIM%252CiKG24wZ6AtQ77M%252C_%253BUKiqKDrhqLxp3M%252CZP8AmNIIhUcyKM%252C_%253B_6gtbrbrS6YuiM%252CB6lcBQNsbGk1qM%252C_%253BC_4xrTIC20bSFM%252CWUJ-7ZoWphgaoM%252C_%253BKQSfAnIyj9RK4M%252C0V1BaOSPokrX8M%252C_&usg=AI4_-kThmdHQgheBdkjV9Vqdp_UOY1kepw&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwioysvt4sf9AhXvj4kEHYg1CMIQjJkEegQICRAC&biw=1920&bih=937&dpr=1" target="_blank">Here’s</a></b> a quick google search to give you an idea of the virtually endless options.</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfARxaSPXOtSjZwPovP5Q_k2SUluqMZqRmoMfp_YxxoACvjSAFbckoDrSd1dt9q_W-gUxmQsr_npG6rKqUliD1ZWyD05OgKtgJrqxCUFopEfgx46sEqll7JY2PE9kO50LuJl3AVGa3Dk0l9tu82iAB7YSoBF9wi__Z7-bJv0qfWc-Mn-_g8IZbd5l/s5184/Photo%20by%20Ben%20Ashby%20on%20Unsplash.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A stone urn and pavers in a garden behind a white house with black trellis. Photo by Ben Ashby on Unsplash." border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3456" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfARxaSPXOtSjZwPovP5Q_k2SUluqMZqRmoMfp_YxxoACvjSAFbckoDrSd1dt9q_W-gUxmQsr_npG6rKqUliD1ZWyD05OgKtgJrqxCUFopEfgx46sEqll7JY2PE9kO50LuJl3AVGa3Dk0l9tu82iAB7YSoBF9wi__Z7-bJv0qfWc-Mn-_g8IZbd5l/w177-h266/Photo%20by%20Ben%20Ashby%20on%20Unsplash.jpg" title="Photo by Ben Ashby on Unsplash." width="177" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: large;">Statues, Arbors & Fountains –</span></b> These design elements have never really gone out of style and this year they’re especially hot. In the midst of your meadowscape, add eye-catching piece, or set a pair of statues at an entrance (pairs always look good). An arbor is almost-irresistible invitation to enter, and what a delight it would be to find a fountain at the end of that garden path.<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvgWsyuMZD0QUrH4MfsgDkObM63Ch4X_qs666mC2XJJl9Xvfa3IF9lovz0SqQ4Kl6YRbiK-6Y2CJdni2afZx7AIvW5K3CVriKXIkxct-xcS9_nLkGbtnd3WKJiNj1YwhxYaYHnepkpOoDOeRHIAYvKD6gXa0A3JxRZ_lMl7J-1e5eGvb9PE1wxLO5Z/s5184/gazebos.jpg" style="clear: right; display: inline; float: right; font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="A series of arbors covering a cement walkway." border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvgWsyuMZD0QUrH4MfsgDkObM63Ch4X_qs666mC2XJJl9Xvfa3IF9lovz0SqQ4Kl6YRbiK-6Y2CJdni2afZx7AIvW5K3CVriKXIkxct-xcS9_nLkGbtnd3WKJiNj1YwhxYaYHnepkpOoDOeRHIAYvKD6gXa0A3JxRZ_lMl7J-1e5eGvb9PE1wxLO5Z/w210-h140/gazebos.jpg" title="Arbor-Covered Path" width="210" /></a></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span>Whatever you choose to do with your outside space, try to keep in mind that the ultimate goal is to simply enjoy it. Spend less money and effort fixing it up and more time just sitting in it<b>.</b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span>Submitted by Pam</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQe1aG9g1aXwNBLG5ocQ-01ScE5x6Wz3opuQrQ9SZk4Ehg3KkI4okD0_TljpsYm_MwKY73NJe7Fu0niiWMh1AiCZGJsIrq6Y6Ik0NqR_5ocfzplCam7E5KX_eJNLLK5TxBF5QA9vgfgg53GAlts5IcrVJkUcAhDq1uKYw31LuhUF5db6mXInhggmUx/s480/patio-hidden.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A section of lawn moving back to expose a pool underneath." border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQe1aG9g1aXwNBLG5ocQ-01ScE5x6Wz3opuQrQ9SZk4Ehg3KkI4okD0_TljpsYm_MwKY73NJe7Fu0niiWMh1AiCZGJsIrq6Y6Ik0NqR_5ocfzplCam7E5KX_eJNLLK5TxBF5QA9vgfgg53GAlts5IcrVJkUcAhDq1uKYw31LuhUF5db6mXInhggmUx/w247-h185/patio-hidden.gif" title="Voila!" width="247" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div><br /></div><div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b><br /></b></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div><br /></div></div></div>ARBICO Organicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09386607325944980825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888055146239050957.post-51003194080963780712023-02-24T12:32:00.007-07:002023-02-24T14:36:36.551-07:00Indigo: A Plant, A Hue, A Phenomenon<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB99zLu_4f2TGBw8aIBFWx8xi1UkVjOWGQOOHVJQq-Y_F_Gznl9HrpYpYQ5_ubr5JQnaCO1P-8euG3gVP-xVcbQyqhclNffjc28lET7KBhpISN1HD_fu3TMXT6ScDOD8AmaP_RU5qK8bra7BruYbqzxwUMydhN-oPhlIjvdHQ660yMgydiS_RkGwV6/s387/Indigo%20leaves%20with%20yarn.PNG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Different blue hues of indigo yarn with green indigo plant leaves on top of them." border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="285" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB99zLu_4f2TGBw8aIBFWx8xi1UkVjOWGQOOHVJQq-Y_F_Gznl9HrpYpYQ5_ubr5JQnaCO1P-8euG3gVP-xVcbQyqhclNffjc28lET7KBhpISN1HD_fu3TMXT6ScDOD8AmaP_RU5qK8bra7BruYbqzxwUMydhN-oPhlIjvdHQ660yMgydiS_RkGwV6/w250-h388/Indigo%20leaves%20with%20yarn.PNG" title="Just some of the hues of indigo" width="250" /></a></div>We’ve all heard of indigo; some of us think of it as a color and some of us even know that it’s a plant that makes blue dye. But fewer of us know the length and breadth of the story of indigo. And no one knows the whole story. </div><div><br /></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoDbf29_LgU8vT6kOyjP5qKnBS0cUDPT519icMJPfUz3buqN28X_Ags_S1tz4coSOs-aPOWi57ttYCrhwqUeKoEWEHjVAq51-NL5z8zzenYcQmv8eX8YIoexlhPhKnw4KFX2koYUG5yrTlIcdXGF5LjytCKQveCfjZrlcbHbtwK6HNDKSs_ikAZ7h/s550/ancient%20fragment.PNG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A scrap of blue & white woven fabric - the oldest indigo cloth ever found." border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="550" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoDbf29_LgU8vT6kOyjP5qKnBS0cUDPT519icMJPfUz3buqN28X_Ags_S1tz4coSOs-aPOWi57ttYCrhwqUeKoEWEHjVAq51-NL5z8zzenYcQmv8eX8YIoexlhPhKnw4KFX2koYUG5yrTlIcdXGF5LjytCKQveCfjZrlcbHbtwK6HNDKSs_ikAZ7h/w162-h135/ancient%20fragment.PNG" title="This looks pretty good for being over 6,000 years old!" width="162" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oldest Indigo Cloth</td></tr></tbody></table>The use of indigo dye is an ancient practice that quite literally goes back as far as recorded history. For decades, scientists believed they had the oldest piece of indigo cloth. It was from the <b><a href="http://www.ancient-egypt.org/history/old-kingdom/5th-dynasty/index.html" target="_blank">5<sup>th</sup> Dynasty</a></b> (~2465-2323 BCE) in ancient Egypt. That changed when archaeologists discovered a fabric remnant in an excavation in Peru. That well-preserved piece, cotton dyed with indigo, was made more than 6,100 years ago. This meant it was roughly 1,500 years older than the Egyptian piece (<b><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://youtu.be/gigMmPJ1Vm4" target="_blank">here’s</a></span></b> video on the find). Not only did this expand the indigo timeline, but it also stunned the scientific world. The indigo plant grows easily and well in many parts of the world, and there are many native species, but getting that brilliant blue dye is a complex process. Had the knowledge of indigo popped up nearly simultaneously on both continents? Or had there been some sort of still-unknown trade between the two? Or was it aliens?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI2QVAUW4GcxLx7Jv5_XiFua7VAQT83WPlePQYP96RHxug-p7CWytzX9O5QBtCkk9wIk0_YnE6CJDuPk6I7Cu_u1kAhxdfMYOflGWzUXI7afO6gTgnvhRhsoln7A8nYTuYU_w1ybIBqLq0wNrvk_rEvuhjHbcCbOO_BhV7pdGdDBRR46nXKNcHS9Pl/s926/indus-life.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="An illustration of what life would have been like in ancient India. There are bits of indigo dye and fabrics in the foreground." border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="926" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI2QVAUW4GcxLx7Jv5_XiFua7VAQT83WPlePQYP96RHxug-p7CWytzX9O5QBtCkk9wIk0_YnE6CJDuPk6I7Cu_u1kAhxdfMYOflGWzUXI7afO6gTgnvhRhsoln7A8nYTuYU_w1ybIBqLq0wNrvk_rEvuhjHbcCbOO_BhV7pdGdDBRR46nXKNcHS9Pl/w301-h300/indus-life.jpg" title="An artist's version of life in ancient India." width="301" /></a></div></div></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Traditionally, it has been believed that the <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://www.worldhistory.org/Indus_Valley_Civilization/" target="_blank">Indus Valley - or Harappan - Civilization</a></span></b> (c. 3300-1300 BCE) was the birthplace of indigo. Situated
strategically the area of modern Pakistan and northwest India, this was a
highly-advanced trading culture that reached across their known world. They
were peers of ancient Greece and Rome and introduced indigo to that
Mediterranean world sometime in the 2<sup>nd</sup> or 3<sup>rd</sup> century.
In fact, the Greeks gave indigo its name - “indikon”, meaning “from India. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieykk9X8UQjYmY5UbESvSL2Oa3S81aGsXxRK42IxRqn7DVmrxcIDSDRBxxy404Dg7CkKsgSDJyjcmCuvjFk7YnSjNavxazAMdBHVEaVQmHTO-tCoKCtzarcsCXSnMaGqDa9CTNMTaxNQ3beJ8zB0LrFNnZevmALF9_aFBDsJMd0l0oze3_mkmlzhrC/s388/indigo%20chunks.webp" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A hand holding indigo dye in a cake-like form." border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="344" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieykk9X8UQjYmY5UbESvSL2Oa3S81aGsXxRK42IxRqn7DVmrxcIDSDRBxxy404Dg7CkKsgSDJyjcmCuvjFk7YnSjNavxazAMdBHVEaVQmHTO-tCoKCtzarcsCXSnMaGqDa9CTNMTaxNQ3beJ8zB0LrFNnZevmALF9_aFBDsJMd0l0oze3_mkmlzhrC/w178-h200/indigo%20chunks.webp" title="Indigo in this form looks more like a mineral than a plant." width="178" /></a></div>The Indus Valley people didn’t just produce indigo; they elevated the weaving and dyeing of fabrics to an art form. This naturally made their textiles an in-demand commodity. They traded prepared indigo dye as well, but the knowledge of how to make blue from a green plant with pink flowers was a closely guarded secret within families. In order to transport the dye, and maintain their monopoly, the prepared indigo was shipped in hard, dry blocks that looked more like a mineral than a plant product. Even after the Indus Civilization died out, India remained the source of indigo; it was rare and highly prized elsewhere. It wasn’t until the<b><a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/age-of-exploration-1435006" target="_blank"> Age of Exploration</a></b> (1400s-1600s) that European nations were able to acquire a steady supply from India. And as they plundered the New World, the dazzling blue colors and quality of the indigo fabric there became nearly as desired as the golds and gems.Watch <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://www.pathsofjordan.net/indigo-1" target="_blank">this well-made short video</a></span></b> for more on the history and spread of indigo.<p></p>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4FCNlV8a7i4w_haBI18hLLeq-gH2UqHEtjnTiU__mp45V8yqnbOrig7_f-GFK0y45JyUkES3YwA13l8h2v_6tFdHguhuh_T_5HbbpMZqtNq6Gb_2vXuFlmI4_LIUHwLTo_rMX6WXkAOcDAN_ViHbaqyEluzgBFTligj38hAAZudOWFuuA8AK0VgL8/s1140/taureg%20man.jpg" style="clear: right; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="A portrait of a Taureg man with his face mostly covered." border="0" data-original-height="1139" data-original-width="1140" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4FCNlV8a7i4w_haBI18hLLeq-gH2UqHEtjnTiU__mp45V8yqnbOrig7_f-GFK0y45JyUkES3YwA13l8h2v_6tFdHguhuh_T_5HbbpMZqtNq6Gb_2vXuFlmI4_LIUHwLTo_rMX6WXkAOcDAN_ViHbaqyEluzgBFTligj38hAAZudOWFuuA8AK0VgL8/w200-h200/taureg%20man.jpg" title="In Taureg culture, it's the men who cover their faces." width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taureg Man</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">As indigo moved along the trade routes, people naturally learned how to make it with their local varieties of the indigo plant. People around the globe adopted the wearing of this color as a part of their identity. Many still do, like the <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://www.desertbrise-travel.com/the-blue-men-of-sahara/" target="_blank">Tuareg</a></span></b> (the Blue Men of the Sahara) and the <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://www.yorubaindigo.com/" target="_blank">Yoruba</a></span></b> of Western Africa, and the <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://www.fodors.com/world/asia/china/experiences/news/the-ancient-village-where-life-is-indigo" target="_blank">Dong</a></span></b> of China. When indigo reached Japan around the 10<sup>th </sup>century AD, they adopted it with their characteristic intensity. Indigo is known as<b><span style="color: red;"> <a href="https://www.japan.travel/en/japan-magazine/exploring-the-origins-of-aizome-traditional-indigo-dyeing/" target="_blank">aizome</a></span></b><span style="color: red;"> </span>there and the creation of indigo-dyed fabric is a highly-regarded, yet fading, artisanal skill</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuqlupjDL8nGxWXC5nAX9xyidE4stJwxW7P8XWjXuQOmr6MRi5d_CxK8u78gIDAG2yt9nUIM7HKSyZJ3LMsVpFXfgW8MI4o6QdMGc-suW8NnypKg7z2ctl5g28TommTOWmSnLbmeqJ1myWH5aGj3SesEwCCSanJ4s8lxE_GhZSnnNQC7YGJ_xTNK6/s1080/people%20dyeing%20by%20hand.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Three people hand dyeing indigo in China. The two on the left are reaching into vats full of blue liquid." border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1080" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMuqlupjDL8nGxWXC5nAX9xyidE4stJwxW7P8XWjXuQOmr6MRi5d_CxK8u78gIDAG2yt9nUIM7HKSyZJ3LMsVpFXfgW8MI4o6QdMGc-suW8NnypKg7z2ctl5g28TommTOWmSnLbmeqJ1myWH5aGj3SesEwCCSanJ4s8lxE_GhZSnnNQC7YGJ_xTNK6/w247-h176/people%20dyeing%20by%20hand.jpg" title="Hand dyeing in China - back-breakig and messy work" width="247" /></a></div>While growing indigo is fairly straight-forward, making the
dye is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. First the leaves are
fermented (not soaked) in vats, often in-ground to easily regulate the
temperature inside. Then additional components are added to warm up the mix and
oxidize the indigo. This is when the blue color begins to emerge. In can take
months to complete the fermenting and oxidation process, and then the wringing
out, drying and possibly re-emerging the fabric proceeds. The darker the
indigo, the deeper the blue, and the longer it takes. <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://www.georgeweil.com/blog/dyeing-with-indigo/#:~:text=The%20indigo%20dyeing%20process%20involves,period%20of%205%2D10%20minutes." target="_blank">Here</a></span></b> is much
more on the dyeing process.</div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div style="text-align: left;">So why have millions of people across millennia gone to all the effort it takes to make this dye? It creates undoubtedly beautiful colors, but it also imbues fabric with some amazing qualities.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #005eff;">It makes fabrics softer:</span></b> When added to cotton, it makes a fabric that gets softer with washing. Indigo only binds to external parts of the cotton, so each wash strips away a little of the indigo with some of the dye. The color fades a little, but the fabric is softer. People who spend a lot of time in the same clothes would find this especially desirable.</div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #004cff;">It has insect repellent properties:</span></b> The elites in ancient Egypt slept under indigo-dyed mosquito nets and in Japan field workers and arborists still wear traditonal indigo to keep the bugs away. </div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg5HZmAjNK8VMhUHMfCgRiCUNewSqZCT6rOtzDxPOQnOlJrYcl_RFzC7gdF7XV7uNaqExbsrTiwb1gdoSi7k2yYlCgTS8W-bavHjBxwi6mMnO6n4yc4qTqwMFG9g_SWuWJoypQ3AxItZbdNuDsTV6NbU6DVOp_WluOhmxxGa2-rqPuNBXC0niTESXc/s768/collage%20of%20people%20wearing%20indigo.png" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><img alt="A collage of different people wearing indigo cloth working outdoors." border="0" data-original-height="431" data-original-width="768" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg5HZmAjNK8VMhUHMfCgRiCUNewSqZCT6rOtzDxPOQnOlJrYcl_RFzC7gdF7XV7uNaqExbsrTiwb1gdoSi7k2yYlCgTS8W-bavHjBxwi6mMnO6n4yc4qTqwMFG9g_SWuWJoypQ3AxItZbdNuDsTV6NbU6DVOp_WluOhmxxGa2-rqPuNBXC0niTESXc/w334-h188/collage%20of%20people%20wearing%20indigo.png" title="Indigo cloth protects the skin and repels insects." width="334" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #004cff;"><b>It's antibacterial:</b></span> It has been widely used to soothe and treat skin condition like eczema. In Japan, samurai would wear it under their armor to stave off wound infections.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0055ff;"><b>It controls body odors:</b></span> This is clearly another advantage for someone who is wearing, and working in, the same clothes for long periods of time. It may also explain why they used it for shrouds in Ancient Egypt.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0055ff; font-weight: bold;"><b>It’s fire-retardant:</b></span> Japanese firefighters draped themselves in indigo for protection. Supposedly it works up to 1500°F. I wonder how they came to that conclusion 1000 years ago?</div></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0055ff;"><b>It dyes hair: </b></span>Because some ancient people were as vain as modern ones can be. </div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #0055ff; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi998eb_D7Sy3plVwxgDcthI9fCFEtdwNEWKs6SwINpUo9KzozhcLzGSHVoxgx9MOrR_tyuCIcBbeaQ9DOBgoUxrLLbCKJNvEs2AyJuzXzVNRroTN5mFSGFeqIVo0ltMeF68A7tKlVes4d45Mos_3NrCMy1lpHzMB7q70sTmPr2rG01qV7ugR2PbjAi/s2500/Japanese+Textile+Workshop+Fujino.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A variety of indigo cloth creations hanging outside to dry." border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="2500" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi998eb_D7Sy3plVwxgDcthI9fCFEtdwNEWKs6SwINpUo9KzozhcLzGSHVoxgx9MOrR_tyuCIcBbeaQ9DOBgoUxrLLbCKJNvEs2AyJuzXzVNRroTN5mFSGFeqIVo0ltMeF68A7tKlVes4d45Mos_3NrCMy1lpHzMB7q70sTmPr2rG01qV7ugR2PbjAi/w282-h212/Japanese+Textile+Workshop+Fujino.jpg" title="Indigo offers limitless design possibilities." width="282" /></a></div>And since there are always non-believers despite thousands
of years of practical knowledge, many of the above “claims” have been backed up
by modern scientific testing.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDLwJca3cG1vpPF-b1mweRMfYp5C6rrkXe_xazPLG2zYrrt-k-psiqo_SQcdPkcS8p_CfgBF24pAQDivcSCqXg3IYZpH1N_8bupIv4mLH5r6Ra4Fun16g66RNKfBVRBrm5lsayj9y3wr_L_sepFFSU6ZXbOINeo5aa0y70MiaWRn50ElrOOelE0n2/s220/anime%20girl.gif" style="clear: right; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="An anime cartoon character of a girl with blue hair and clothing." border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="220" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDLwJca3cG1vpPF-b1mweRMfYp5C6rrkXe_xazPLG2zYrrt-k-psiqo_SQcdPkcS8p_CfgBF24pAQDivcSCqXg3IYZpH1N_8bupIv4mLH5r6Ra4Fun16g66RNKfBVRBrm5lsayj9y3wr_L_sepFFSU6ZXbOINeo5aa0y70MiaWRn50ElrOOelE0n2/w164-h164/anime%20girl.gif" title="Even anime characters love indigo." width="164" /></a></div></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sadly, after so many years of people loving it, indigo finally went into decline when the German company BASF created a synthetic version in 1897. Thankfully it’s still appeciated by many people.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Submitted by Pam</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>ARBICO Organicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09386607325944980825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888055146239050957.post-26599033067422114952023-02-09T11:26:00.000-07:002023-02-09T11:26:39.287-07:00Plants With Romance <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYPT3lRB-qQesRHKV0ZzLyuMs4FcxGpO-r3a6B-l72USyKCGFouxgcl8bUZAAjcAUIQVmT3nGc8JYDIIq8WeD40UCo1jTW-Ms2GF47lGPmrHaM__3LhKrDaxPVRz9kUrXWFbK2cdTrlST-pTHiDk80k3ERRLGGQ0DZetquLISaF_ccSwHLxgrdmXw/s886/happy%20valentine's%20day.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="An illustration of a tree with black bark and pink and red hearts for foliage. It also says Happy Valentine's Day." border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="886" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYPT3lRB-qQesRHKV0ZzLyuMs4FcxGpO-r3a6B-l72USyKCGFouxgcl8bUZAAjcAUIQVmT3nGc8JYDIIq8WeD40UCo1jTW-Ms2GF47lGPmrHaM__3LhKrDaxPVRz9kUrXWFbK2cdTrlST-pTHiDk80k3ERRLGGQ0DZetquLISaF_ccSwHLxgrdmXw/w312-h229/happy%20valentine's%20day.jpg" title="Happy Valentine's Day!" width="312" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>The traditional plant gift on Valentine’s Day is, of course, the rose. More specifically, red roses. But, what about blazing a new trail and give a living plant? All these plants have love-related names, and they will last a lot longer than those cut flowers. After all, who can forget a Forget-Me-Not? <div><br /><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #cc0000;">Bleeding Heart (</b><i style="color: #cc0000; font-weight: bold;">Lamprocapnos spectabilis)</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJf9nvva-genLB1soP2opdEN5jm55XIFd61myMmCUM0of1cAG86Dl0et13X4aiUQGyTZRiCejVZmmPxfycDpCS6jzZAaDY2-Rn6SlaU5s5mylsmFTdY2GAaxUKQDmdI9TZw82JuqsEG0sfYVUbpkSrdoXEFYy59wgYtzGr4SlvNhlpBgCgZ0m2xU7O/s1000/bleeding%20hearts%20on%20whie.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="A close-up of the dangling, pink and white flowers of the Bleeding Heart plant." border="0" data-original-height="634" data-original-width="1000" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJf9nvva-genLB1soP2opdEN5jm55XIFd61myMmCUM0of1cAG86Dl0et13X4aiUQGyTZRiCejVZmmPxfycDpCS6jzZAaDY2-Rn6SlaU5s5mylsmFTdY2GAaxUKQDmdI9TZw82JuqsEG0sfYVUbpkSrdoXEFYy59wgYtzGr4SlvNhlpBgCgZ0m2xU7O/w285-h165/bleeding%20hearts%20on%20whie.jpg" title="AKA: Asian Bleeding Heart, Locks and Keys, Lyre Flower, Heart Flower, Lady-In-A-Bath and more" width="285" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">In early spring and summer, the delicate arching branches of this elegant perennial fill with puffy heart-shaped petals that have protruding white inner petals. Most commonly the outer petals are pink, but there are some all-white versions. The Bleeding Heart is native to countries in Northern Asia (Siberia, Korea, Northern China and Japan) and North America. <b><a href="https://youtu.be/7U790mVIpNI" target="_blank">Here</a></b> is a video with more information on this garden favorite.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOJWOX4m7fgv3Wtq8vYgXGru8pUimO0Hs2aDxDzbanf9sZ0cHxx0tfncU1AynWKF93Z8NPKTJGGAy7-XR1kZR9Ry1FBNF1NUe_UJXI6d11oBqb0ijHSUEwYmTKZXRDdlB7suoGXr3_HEAG9J1Q4NOa1O8-18O2kbgnuqQiLBkCPEl-UOPUedqwam5/s868/black%20box.PNG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hands with red nail polish holding a black laquer box with the Japanese kanji symbol for love on it." border="0" data-original-height="659" data-original-width="868" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOJWOX4m7fgv3Wtq8vYgXGru8pUimO0Hs2aDxDzbanf9sZ0cHxx0tfncU1AynWKF93Z8NPKTJGGAy7-XR1kZR9Ry1FBNF1NUe_UJXI6d11oBqb0ijHSUEwYmTKZXRDdlB7suoGXr3_HEAG9J1Q4NOa1O8-18O2kbgnuqQiLBkCPEl-UOPUedqwam5/w155-h118/black%20box.PNG" title="The Japanese kanji symbol for love" width="155" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #ff00b3;"><b>Fun Fact:</b> </span>In Japan there is a legend about a man who falls deeply in love with a beautiful woman and spends everything he has on gifts trying to win her. The hard-hearted woman takes the gifts but rejects him. Penniless and heartbroken, he stabs himself in the heart. The cool thing about this story is that it can be told by using the various parts of the flower – see that<b><a href="https://www.theoutspokenyam.com/bleeding-hearts-a-japanese-legend/" target="_blank"> here</a></b>.</span><p></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b>Forget-Me-Not (<i>Myosotis sylvatica</i>)</b></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTh0AkVO7Lm1nKhudJEFWthI98RzjH718Qm9u-pWRxbTxp-Nj1YV5Cj9YU43GDPZylvN5NolRgupnfVozjJS5e0efUCnIx5IWsHTcl1uApa8uRO3Smi0kO5w3azK8lk-A9IiAIUB3fn3phxBRG40Oue8NYKOF0vpMWv-iMCuUW431I3yDwywgAO3DX/s702/forget%20me%20nots.PNG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Freshly picked blue and yellow forget-me-nots." border="0" data-original-height="673" data-original-width="702" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTh0AkVO7Lm1nKhudJEFWthI98RzjH718Qm9u-pWRxbTxp-Nj1YV5Cj9YU43GDPZylvN5NolRgupnfVozjJS5e0efUCnIx5IWsHTcl1uApa8uRO3Smi0kO5w3azK8lk-A9IiAIUB3fn3phxBRG40Oue8NYKOF0vpMWv-iMCuUW431I3yDwywgAO3DX/w227-h218/forget%20me%20nots.PNG" title="AKA: Mouse Ears, Wood Forget-Me-Not, Woodland Forget-Me-Not, Field Forget-Me-Not and more" width="227" /></a></div>These popular plants have grey-green, hairy stems and an abundance of little flowers that can bloom throughout the growing season. To me, these flowers look like the typical flower that children draw; but their name comes from two Greek words: “mus” for “mouse and “otis” for “ears”, so others must think they look like mouse ears. These flowers are generally blue with yellow centers, but with 50 species in the family you’ll find pink and white variations as well. Forget-Me-Not flowers are relatively scent-free during the day, but at night they become very fragrant. This plant carries much symbolism, read more about it <b><a href="https://www.farmersalmanac.com/forget-me-not-blue-flowers" target="_blank">here</a></b>.<p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLWfqMpFNIQ6hGjPJ2PMO_-IF-0tryyfS1dhPCvTXC5D-Y2oXMSz97ImKXmfTTa5dYt_1QhBBBhrWyXqOdXPW7OkuB0okO3n_xt3LXPxViMtrHg5Im6Xbck8dGe4nG08d5tT6y7UOwd52nl7-f7j1Q5BXMsT-MZziKgyd_oHBFXKrORj1dzgJnD-X/s675/knight%20and%20lady.PNG" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="A man with dark hair wearing armor on the left and a wioman withe red hair wearing a red dress on the right." border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="520" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLWfqMpFNIQ6hGjPJ2PMO_-IF-0tryyfS1dhPCvTXC5D-Y2oXMSz97ImKXmfTTa5dYt_1QhBBBhrWyXqOdXPW7OkuB0okO3n_xt3LXPxViMtrHg5Im6Xbck8dGe4nG08d5tT6y7UOwd52nl7-f7j1Q5BXMsT-MZziKgyd_oHBFXKrORj1dzgJnD-X/w154-h200/knight%20and%20lady.PNG" title="Sir German Knight und his Shatz" width="154" /></a></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #ff00fb;">Fun Fact: </span></b>As the story goes, a German knight was strolling along the Danube River with his ladylove when he went to pick some of these little blue flowers for her. He ended up in the water and was taken by the strong current. As he was being swept away, he called out “Forget me not!”. </div><p></p><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Love Lies Bleeding (<i>Amaranthus Caudatus</i>)</span></b></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNsUEzDXmlvBQqGzaUt0l3eWDlrpKqFxJRrlVofmjAp5t36th-LQrfgazFs4qKO4tRm0-5JWV3FXXKjJ-qQumm-E9AXWaQqt1q1eI6J1hmnwk0ioHWYcC1Nwc25tOWiMaM25IhBsUf-q_5NJxBaIMSIfi8UrjhlgGLcZVl_9myvAAczO12cQftiki/s1000/love%20lies%20bleeding.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="A close-up of the red flowers spilled from green leaves." border="0" data-original-height="740" data-original-width="1000" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNsUEzDXmlvBQqGzaUt0l3eWDlrpKqFxJRrlVofmjAp5t36th-LQrfgazFs4qKO4tRm0-5JWV3FXXKjJ-qQumm-E9AXWaQqt1q1eI6J1hmnwk0ioHWYcC1Nwc25tOWiMaM25IhBsUf-q_5NJxBaIMSIfi8UrjhlgGLcZVl_9myvAAczO12cQftiki/w229-h184/love%20lies%20bleeding.jpg" title="AKA: Lovelies Bleeding, Tassel Fower, Foxtail Amaranth, Quilete, Pendant Amaranth" width="229" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtUqTtOkDOrkdXceSaRBRw3oYqekRAb1ACn3Guci-cxZpNoHQJKvn3IPOCMXKyCA5FDnApafLoZmchuN2mIaojAANRcz8iImz0KQJlI6sFSuEJAFxSB9LgjVRdYtGFEz1HUUkrLQNjuxtOQIIUpCjKluNUk2Kht-CYkgugnqnhuFwwM7JfGSfps00I/s824/Aztec%20Dancer%20in%20Mexico%20City.PNG" style="clear: right; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="An Aztec dancer in Mexico City wearing elaborate regalia." border="0" data-original-height="824" data-original-width="633" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtUqTtOkDOrkdXceSaRBRw3oYqekRAb1ACn3Guci-cxZpNoHQJKvn3IPOCMXKyCA5FDnApafLoZmchuN2mIaojAANRcz8iImz0KQJlI6sFSuEJAFxSB9LgjVRdYtGFEz1HUUkrLQNjuxtOQIIUpCjKluNUk2Kht-CYkgugnqnhuFwwM7JfGSfps00I/w218-h283/Aztec%20Dancer%20in%20Mexico%20City.PNG" title="Formidably beautiful Aztec dancer in Mexico City" width="218" /></a>And since the path of love is anything but smooth, I present the Loves Lies Bleeding. This large annual has small, blood-red flowers that spill out from bright green leaves. This show-stopper makes a great ornamental plant, but it is also edible and has a plethora of medicinal uses. A native of the western hemisphere, It be traced back 7-8,000 years and was a domesticated grain crop 6,000 years ago. Watch<b><a href="https://youtu.be/JPq4cw2hzSY" target="_blank"> this video </a></b>to see how to cook amaranth. To the Victorians, this plant symbolized hopeless love, while others have seen it as a representation of Christ’s wounds on the cross.</p><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: #ff00e1;">“Fun” Fact:</span></b> </span>Amaranth was a staple food of the Aztecs, but it was also used ritualistically. They would honor their god of sun and war, Huitzilopochtli, by making little statues of him from human blood and amaranth grains. Which were then considered a real treat and gobbled down enthusiastically. Read mire about the Aztecs and amaranth <b><a href="https://www.thebendmag.com/the-forgotten-grain-of-the-aztecs/#:~:text=Amaranth%20was%20a%20staple%20food,of%20Huitzilopochtli%2C%20the%20sun%20god" target="_blank">here</a></b>.</div><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcP_5Pjvr_SUFVgB3svlXnMdYTqslH-VzlMo6uZObkG7HusBsfBAJLkYhkJty1jF9QpzMhbXTsg4faA8_FZkEAcRoH4GJogbvZCuOx0bi2Nk6Q4UcwsmNpNMq6Nd2pwPJ2HDbPR2k_1GcyK-Njt1tOncK0EB5M_O2E8laC09Wtyt-I3fc3_xNNcpl5/s600/heart-a-bursting.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Closeip of the bright pink and orange berries of th Hearts-A-Bursting plant." border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="600" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcP_5Pjvr_SUFVgB3svlXnMdYTqslH-VzlMo6uZObkG7HusBsfBAJLkYhkJty1jF9QpzMhbXTsg4faA8_FZkEAcRoH4GJogbvZCuOx0bi2Nk6Q4UcwsmNpNMq6Nd2pwPJ2HDbPR2k_1GcyK-Njt1tOncK0EB5M_O2E8laC09Wtyt-I3fc3_xNNcpl5/w175-h159/heart-a-bursting.webp" title="AKA: Strawberry Bush, Bursting-Heart, Hearts-A-Bustin'-With-Love and more" width="175" /></a><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"></span></b></div><p style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Hearts-A-Bursting (<i>Euonymus americanus</i>)</span></b></p><p></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6xkMWsD3JQzv8aUlJOo6frcWHumPH8P7Ejdqg3kZtoZ1fPpJDOCV4pXmSx3nyjo3wRnPbZPK0nd-itSDAuTg1Uo7XA2a87db5AvDsRQgk-aj1bCsHM7Nt0idWtfZ6aZid2x3i_uHgSt1QVpsroUGRyW068rN6QHGdMGwTwzLAqId2dW5JzshooHD/s1166/spindle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="A drawing of a finger hovering over a spindle with threads in it." border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="568" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6xkMWsD3JQzv8aUlJOo6frcWHumPH8P7Ejdqg3kZtoZ1fPpJDOCV4pXmSx3nyjo3wRnPbZPK0nd-itSDAuTg1Uo7XA2a87db5AvDsRQgk-aj1bCsHM7Nt0idWtfZ6aZid2x3i_uHgSt1QVpsroUGRyW068rN6QHGdMGwTwzLAqId2dW5JzshooHD/w134-h273/spindle.jpg" title="The moment before everything changes for Sleeping Beauty." width="134" /></a>This deciduous shrub is native to the east coast of the US, from Florida all the way to Canada. The flowers of this plant are fairly non-descript; it’s the showy fruit that gives it is name. When the fruit appears it’s glossy red, with a warty strawberry-like texture. As it becomes mature, the fruit opens to expose a glossy, almost neon-orange berry. All parts of this plant are poisonous and should not be ingested by humans. It is a favorite of wildlife, however, and they can eat it with impunity.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: #ff00d9; font-size: medium;"><b>Fun Fact: </b></span>The European version of this plant, <i>Euonymus europaeus</i>, is known as the Spindletree because its spines were used to make the sharp spindles on spinning wheels. In the tale of <b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleeping_Beauty" target="_blank">Sleeping Beauty</a></b>, she pricks her finger on her spinning wheel and falls asleep - or into a coma. This came from the once-popular belief that the wood was so poisonous that even the smallest cut could cause comas and death.</p><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Lad’s Love (<i>Artemisia Abrotanum</i>)</span></b></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOBQpzNbTpHgK5dmLpmdKqYHgACeq4BJa4gx16qP156E_aeAXrOYGJFhzCHRvjRg_7IVROzkLLy79jgjNgghbxVwXTxQ529bqJcLyOzXRIfYzVsFc-ER_SzdHFjtDWWKeuPdRjD2I1urUlNMgf4aGC72Js3LxPJygsuThXDwgArQ6T7gkDsfJTe3v/s1000/grinding%20herbs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Cloe-uo of hands grinding herbs with a mortar and pestle." border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOBQpzNbTpHgK5dmLpmdKqYHgACeq4BJa4gx16qP156E_aeAXrOYGJFhzCHRvjRg_7IVROzkLLy79jgjNgghbxVwXTxQ529bqJcLyOzXRIfYzVsFc-ER_SzdHFjtDWWKeuPdRjD2I1urUlNMgf4aGC72Js3LxPJygsuThXDwgArQ6T7gkDsfJTe3v/w200-h133/grinding%20herbs.jpg" title="Making magic" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimcxJuSLlDy24nMNrCW0HygDg8BKvAGbypWb5OFhM5ZPJsSJbMupWo_WSYP_mWM9S6-8qNWQwQnct0MlDW9WRDVM4pJDDZFM8z2EDhgGRVU-hSaQo6VxCkwQvlCbj1B2cXn5UpjB4MDa6vDkC17i5tIfm7qF9sJxikUrmF90rbEA3gc6yL9nxob0PN/s1000/Lad's%20Love%20closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Close-up of the foliage from a Lad's Love plant." border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimcxJuSLlDy24nMNrCW0HygDg8BKvAGbypWb5OFhM5ZPJsSJbMupWo_WSYP_mWM9S6-8qNWQwQnct0MlDW9WRDVM4pJDDZFM8z2EDhgGRVU-hSaQo6VxCkwQvlCbj1B2cXn5UpjB4MDa6vDkC17i5tIfm7qF9sJxikUrmF90rbEA3gc6yL9nxob0PN/w215-h161/Lad's%20Love%20closeup.jpg" title="AKA: Boy's Love, Garderobe, Old Man, Maid's Love, Slitherwood and more" width="215" /></a>This herbaceous shrub grows to be about 3’ x 3’ and has aromatic and bushy fern-like leaves. Lad’s Love is originally from southern Europe, but it was first introduced to our continent way back in the 1600s. This plant has a ridiculous number of common names, but Southernwood is one of the most widely used. People enjoy this plant just for its lemony, camphor-like scent and lovely foliage, but over the years it has been used for everything from pest control to medicine. One if it’s common names is “Maiden’s Ruin’, which reflects one of its rumored qualities – it’s supposed to be an aphrodisiac. Check out <b><a href="https://youtu.be/8WVwssDZy6E" target="_blank">this video </a></b>for one man’s adults-only take on the smell.</p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdBsM_o5SmN2I5ou96dZ0GkOfZlK8BlPRTkVTvfldaKl43H_b1imjE8CNTiVIN9NtbInBi108wFybUjil3ouwln1XkP2JO7krvpuVCSBz9K-KEZm1rEBdN2_neos01oXAxQyvJPxALgagOI6j39KjZuxV-n_N4mKFRAgEpPAPDMY9p0E5aT8MlQmG/s220/love-heart.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A gif of hands planting, watering and growing hearts in a flowering pot." border="0" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="220" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdBsM_o5SmN2I5ou96dZ0GkOfZlK8BlPRTkVTvfldaKl43H_b1imjE8CNTiVIN9NtbInBi108wFybUjil3ouwln1XkP2JO7krvpuVCSBz9K-KEZm1rEBdN2_neos01oXAxQyvJPxALgagOI6j39KjZuxV-n_N4mKFRAgEpPAPDMY9p0E5aT8MlQmG/w200-h162/love-heart.gif" title="Love grows easily" width="200" /></a></div><b><span style="color: #ff00ea;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Fun Fact:</span> </span></b>According to folklore in southern Europe along the Mediterranean, teenage boys can kickstart their beard growth by using a facial ointment made from the ashes of this plant, olive oil and rosemary.<p></p><p></p><div><br /></div>Happy Valentine’s Day to one and all!<p></p><p>Submitted by Pam</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>ARBICO Organicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09386607325944980825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888055146239050957.post-19233181479071038172023-01-26T12:36:00.002-07:002023-01-26T13:26:05.906-07:00Creepy-Crawlies In Your Firewood<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHfvOBC5TFmdJXkYr2Y6rwjX4vjQQ6T75jPf5gu5BqhhV77482TkLrkY8gpb9nNkGqT5E4my1bDnxoiqX2N3XHQVbe_d-bNBz6i7YGpCYLtd0OzBbMQHsLNs1pCe-ubnQ9GOeB1bMK2ZYxi0BKirUCphb7MMgt4AAU0gBSPnOoNRoqFnCiN-Ooq_I8/s1000/carrying%20wood.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A man and boy carrying firewood. They are in front of a house with a yellow door that has a large front porch with firewood underneath it." border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHfvOBC5TFmdJXkYr2Y6rwjX4vjQQ6T75jPf5gu5BqhhV77482TkLrkY8gpb9nNkGqT5E4my1bDnxoiqX2N3XHQVbe_d-bNBz6i7YGpCYLtd0OzBbMQHsLNs1pCe-ubnQ9GOeB1bMK2ZYxi0BKirUCphb7MMgt4AAU0gBSPnOoNRoqFnCiN-Ooq_I8/w335-h223/carrying%20wood.jpg" title="Just the ticket for a snowy day!" width="335" /></a></div>This is the time of year when millions of people are reaching for firewood on a regular basis. For some of these people, wood is a necessity to keep warm and cook food, for others it is a source of comfort and coziness on a wintry day. In any case, firewood can harbor insects that no one wants inside their dwellings.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBcKxYs9Q8cx7MhyjfUrAB-RfXo8_7NZ2cY-0P7YO7G5WJ5rWcKT_5gL2jJa1mmkdDpKnGwMWXmJ3sktdUuEBRrdKkd4dnO7j8AlWEUdqDoCTfJOpPA3rbUfreCxlYNntlYwQxh95i3uS_Mg7zBAitKE9b8zfVzDwoQt6FbBGEkNqLzTJbiGqSJ6lp/s1000/Carpenter%20Ants.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Close-up of carpenter ants in wood." border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBcKxYs9Q8cx7MhyjfUrAB-RfXo8_7NZ2cY-0P7YO7G5WJ5rWcKT_5gL2jJa1mmkdDpKnGwMWXmJ3sktdUuEBRrdKkd4dnO7j8AlWEUdqDoCTfJOpPA3rbUfreCxlYNntlYwQxh95i3uS_Mg7zBAitKE9b8zfVzDwoQt6FbBGEkNqLzTJbiGqSJ6lp/w227-h151/Carpenter%20Ants.jpg" title="Carpenter Ants" width="227" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carpenter Ants</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>There are two basic types of insects that dwell in firewood - those that burrow into and feed on wood (beetles and borers) and those that use the firewood as shelter (sometimes short term, sometimes overwintering). Any type of insect popping out of your wood can be an unpleasant surprise, but neither of these types pose any real threat to your home. <b><a href="http://npic.orst.edu/pest/carpenterant.html" target="_blank">Carpenter ants</a></b> and termites, on the other hand, can be found in firewood and they have the potential to infest a home. Keeping those two damaging pests at bay begins with the proper storage of firewood – up and off the ground. Wood placed directly on the ground makes it simple for termites to annex your woodpile as an addition to their underground lairs. These insects can also use a woodpile stacked against the house to gain access to the structure, so don’t do that either. </p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-1l42cloER8HUZ7_7x6QO-4SINlg_qLgvX3cBJKreXYKjeQvCaZE5lK1U3nwxOZnJrDexpTEDEuvCiAGWdXAeXfEDIztoASpSJi5TqpwLQXep7E1o3eaQ7F1zbss2Ux0bMDIMFStH0huPA71X7iRJa0eDxEVrbx-KIfU-TImbJfj98QsyvH-PB2mv/s1000/Face-first%20Metallic%20Wood-Boring%20Beetle.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Close-up of Metallic Wood-Boring Beetle" border="0" data-original-height="665" data-original-width="1000" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-1l42cloER8HUZ7_7x6QO-4SINlg_qLgvX3cBJKreXYKjeQvCaZE5lK1U3nwxOZnJrDexpTEDEuvCiAGWdXAeXfEDIztoASpSJi5TqpwLQXep7E1o3eaQ7F1zbss2Ux0bMDIMFStH0huPA71X7iRJa0eDxEVrbx-KIfU-TImbJfj98QsyvH-PB2mv/w200-h133/Face-first%20Metallic%20Wood-Boring%20Beetle.jpg" title="Metallic Wood-Boring Beetle" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Metallic Wood-Boring Beetle</td></tr></tbody></table>There are many species of insects that infest wood like <b><a href="https://texasinsects.tamu.edu/woodborer-metallic-woodboring-beetle/" target="_blank">metallic wood-boring beetles</a></b>, <b><a href="https://www.fwpest.com/blog/what-is-it-wednesday-powderpost-beetles" target="_blank">powderpost beetles</a> </b>(aka shothole borers), <b><a href="https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7421.html" target="_blank">bark beetles</a></b> and <b><a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5343829.pdf" target="_blank">roundheaded wood borers</a><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7HDlToZM03-eC5r5Tdt3AkrsqtKHIXdaj90hbaNGAXl4tw_0iN3xuAr8bCtzSHeiWsfuMKw7xuH7DWmPpZ1RxxJ4TVmlsw3Lqocen_qQ8r9JAENav8jh7UBxhOZdAOGecrymvQ-FSxnLt6pcn3OuUdmp8VpWAqHkXPjMdnCESg1oNzaD8hELGEWZ/s1000/Horntail%20Wasp.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Closeup of a horntail wasp - also called wood wasps." border="0" data-original-height="515" data-original-width="1000" height="103" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7HDlToZM03-eC5r5Tdt3AkrsqtKHIXdaj90hbaNGAXl4tw_0iN3xuAr8bCtzSHeiWsfuMKw7xuH7DWmPpZ1RxxJ4TVmlsw3Lqocen_qQ8r9JAENav8jh7UBxhOZdAOGecrymvQ-FSxnLt6pcn3OuUdmp8VpWAqHkXPjMdnCESg1oNzaD8hELGEWZ/w200-h103/Horntail%20Wasp.jpg" title="Horntail Wasp (aka Wood Wasp)" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horntail Wasp</td></tr></tbody></table></b> (aka longhorned beetles). However, there are some wasps (<b><a href="https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7407.html" target="_blank">horntail or wood wasps</a></b>) that attack wood as well. These types of insects will have been in the wood before it was cut into logs. If you are doing the cutting, you will no doubt see the damage caused to the wood or the insects themselves. If you use commercially cut wood, and most of us do, you should be aware of what to look for. These types of insects feed on and bore into wood throughout their lifespan, which can be a couple of years. If you don’t see the actual insects, you will see the tunnels and other damage they make. For instance, you’ll know you have powderpost beetles by the small piles of sawdust dripping from small holes. There are also wasps that go for dead and dying wood – horntail wasps (aka wood wasps). Generally speaking, these types of insects prefer a moist wood, so you should allow your firewood the dry out thoroughly before bringing it in.<p></p><div class="separator"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLzFOWJuszw0cPQcjJpodA1MPA_Po7bLiBZuRtO7JCHc8GrXNlOlCwzViznBlMi2jh-FdbzrzyAvZpm37rnwxtC5owmCWgBrAqROCW9Bnlqgy2Fw-ZIROXcVFucQKQH4toe9z2WgGQ2sWaW4Jkl47grMR19v6D3it9xthdIYUEC84UYnv8lwBO2ayG/s853/Evidence%20of%20Powderpost%20Beetles.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Evidence of a powder post beetle infestation-piles of sawdust below small bore holes in wood." border="0" data-original-height="573" data-original-width="853" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLzFOWJuszw0cPQcjJpodA1MPA_Po7bLiBZuRtO7JCHc8GrXNlOlCwzViznBlMi2jh-FdbzrzyAvZpm37rnwxtC5owmCWgBrAqROCW9Bnlqgy2Fw-ZIROXcVFucQKQH4toe9z2WgGQ2sWaW4Jkl47grMR19v6D3it9xthdIYUEC84UYnv8lwBO2ayG/w200-h134/Evidence%20of%20Powderpost%20Beetles.jpg" title="Evidence of Powderpost Beetles" width="200" /></a></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx3HnZC82vStR-RQC8X7VKkbB0cTTNPPsPDlBYIK5133mAr7AhFQ80s9T-xiUWkmY5ZSkwR-vDi2e9OCDAYMZFXXhzNEe1B7FNGY6DdJ5uMXF3c57p0dzmNTk6KBFCJ6oV2BqScVsq0Y30y1fvQoK3mlnUXckqBHmtkX0bNIRqRft41OpNJ-GMwlYh/s1000/bark%20lice.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A closeup of a bark louse." border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="1000" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx3HnZC82vStR-RQC8X7VKkbB0cTTNPPsPDlBYIK5133mAr7AhFQ80s9T-xiUWkmY5ZSkwR-vDi2e9OCDAYMZFXXhzNEe1B7FNGY6DdJ5uMXF3c57p0dzmNTk6KBFCJ6oV2BqScVsq0Y30y1fvQoK3mlnUXckqBHmtkX0bNIRqRft41OpNJ-GMwlYh/w200-h121/bark%20lice.jpg" title="Bark Louse" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bark Louse</td></tr></tbody></table>There are a lot of different kinds of beetles that make their homes inside firewood, but there are even more creatures that use the woodpile for shelter. These include <b><a href="https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/pests-and-problems/insects/sowbugs-and-pillbugs" target="_blank">sowbugs</a></b>, wood cockroaches, mice, scorpions, spiders, millipedes and centipedes and <b><a href="https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/bark-lice-tree-info.htm" target="_blank">bark lice</a></b>. All of these can inadvertently be brought into your house and most pose very little threat to people. The problem is that you don’t want any of them popping out of a woodpile and joining you for a cozy night around the fire. The best way to avoid this is to give the logs a visual once-over to check for webbing or cocoons. After that, shake or knock the logs together to dislodge anything hiding.<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7S4ELTboVHnMD9tIUtzg89_MgXWfLxesDp3bqXJoEUHmowu4LieKWYb-3ylTFtsdBLjQBeg_3FcPcluHsTd13X4Uc2wBuroW9oPeGWTm7_8k77pHa1zPoHlMKSe28TOhFRYyfR4NN_sOHJzP14tN3jvQGpaAav1Rd13EZD5VJFYwVlnBMu1Y26ye/s1024/Emerald%20Ash%20Borer.webp" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Closeup of the invasive Emerald Ash Borer" border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7S4ELTboVHnMD9tIUtzg89_MgXWfLxesDp3bqXJoEUHmowu4LieKWYb-3ylTFtsdBLjQBeg_3FcPcluHsTd13X4Uc2wBuroW9oPeGWTm7_8k77pHa1zPoHlMKSe28TOhFRYyfR4NN_sOHJzP14tN3jvQGpaAav1Rd13EZD5VJFYwVlnBMu1Y26ye/w200-h133/Emerald%20Ash%20Borer.webp" title="The invasive Emerald Ash Borer" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emerald Ash Borer</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uYzeGlFLMaQEbpUIvkWfJpTVvkTc9280QfPAt9aXgdqtcIfFtnx4IuuTQAdlzfA14j6gO5D44rsQ62v2CcsGoS1dZtPY4OfMzmJXY6vNT4ZByrgkjg78Hdoy9iaBpf2qG6RJYvgDbtVUG-0-s35PS8ryh3C_VFXZx5wVi_XAlhcdkLZPajFqvbht/s440/Asian%20Longhorned%20Beetle.gif" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="An invasive Asian Longhorned Beetle in motion." border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="440" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uYzeGlFLMaQEbpUIvkWfJpTVvkTc9280QfPAt9aXgdqtcIfFtnx4IuuTQAdlzfA14j6gO5D44rsQ62v2CcsGoS1dZtPY4OfMzmJXY6vNT4ZByrgkjg78Hdoy9iaBpf2qG6RJYvgDbtVUG-0-s35PS8ryh3C_VFXZx5wVi_XAlhcdkLZPajFqvbht/w224-h171/Asian%20Longhorned%20Beetle.gif" title="The invasive Asian Longhorned Beetle" width="224" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asian Longhorned Beetle</td></tr></tbody></table>There are two invasive pests that can be found in firewood that you should be on the lookout for. These are the Asian longhorned beetle and the emerald ash borer. These pests are threatening our native trees and need to be contained. Take a minute to familiarize yourself with these pests so that you will recognize them. If you find any, take the proper steps. <b><a href="https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/resources/pests-diseases/hungry-pests/the-threat/asian-longhorned-beetle/asian-longhorned-beetle" target="_blank">This article</a> </b>gives guidance on the Asian longhorned beetle and <b><a href="http://www.emeraldashborer.info/" target="_blank">this one</a></b> addresses the emerald ash borer. Only buying local firewood (within 50 miles) and not transporting firewood are two easy steps you can take to stop the spread. <br /><p></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHq7_dKtGA56dPF_MG_-LGivKvNGwijZBe2ro-Ml_6ZAPOaamqMVXiCTa3w9s5VCSIO1Qq3-EhoUoSb-DYsBuDl5E_n2KEKoGqM25-Tx3scnZfwnkCXvHWZAIwcGSz_udH05LBvV0vWt3VwDXQ4lvRn8YIxaikawxQsGbeTOP2IoPdIOjm96ukttG7/s1000/Mantids%20with%20ootheca.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A closeup of a Praying Mantis ootheca (egg case) with several baby mantids are it." border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHq7_dKtGA56dPF_MG_-LGivKvNGwijZBe2ro-Ml_6ZAPOaamqMVXiCTa3w9s5VCSIO1Qq3-EhoUoSb-DYsBuDl5E_n2KEKoGqM25-Tx3scnZfwnkCXvHWZAIwcGSz_udH05LBvV0vWt3VwDXQ4lvRn8YIxaikawxQsGbeTOP2IoPdIOjm96ukttG7/w282-h188/Mantids%20with%20ootheca.jpg" title="Baby Mantids and their ootheca" width="282" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Mantids & Their Ootheca</td></tr></tbody></table>A word about praying mantids: Over this past Christmas season, there was a lot of chatter about mantid egg cases on Christmas trees. Such a thing is clearly possible, but unlikely. The same can be said for firewood. Praying mantids place their egg cases on trees and bushes, and while they appear quite sturdy, they are not invincible and can be dislodged or damaged by transport. These are some things I’ve learned here at ARBICO from purchasing tens of thousands of wild-gathered <b><a href="https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/praying-mantid/praying-mantid-egg-cases" target="_blank">mantid oothecas</a></b> each year. If you do come across an egg case, you should put it outside or in a jar with teeny-tiny holes in it. When it hatches you'll have dozens of baby mantids running amok.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifYSjlm1DH3w0V60twhw2h5cQs1W8kmC9o3b3EZFg-aEucSpsAlz7QBDA4kAmtygkknmf6_4iPWmUOtzoJrRmMNpNAaApa4CcXK_AStNQINhM3MZ6FQq23TY9AwzamNfhlLNRp-VALKWOKrNV45QGirswvTv8sQQ3V-WZT8CtUYMYo6q6IQuyHzeyi/s933/coffee%20cup.PNG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A woman sitting in front of a fireplace with wool socks on holding a coffee cup . She is only visible from the shoulders down." border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="933" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifYSjlm1DH3w0V60twhw2h5cQs1W8kmC9o3b3EZFg-aEucSpsAlz7QBDA4kAmtygkknmf6_4iPWmUOtzoJrRmMNpNAaApa4CcXK_AStNQINhM3MZ6FQq23TY9AwzamNfhlLNRp-VALKWOKrNV45QGirswvTv8sQQ3V-WZT8CtUYMYo6q6IQuyHzeyi/w233-h157/coffee%20cup.PNG" title="A hot beverage by the fire" width="233" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">At this point, you may be considering spraying your firewood with insecticide to avoid any unwanted visitors. But this is an absolute “NO”. Firstly, most insecticides will not penetrate the wood deeply enough to actually be effective. Secondly, insecticides can emit highly toxic fumes that are especially intense when burned. So, just don’t do it. </div></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjmz0prUMiNWNYOPk5_0A-_He7FWWC3AWBSRYzsxXlSm5qWeyJw7CaMW_7RMj-IyNfQBvLwX1uecmstYlc4nCn_GMqOSmgudCb_eZGy4QqCFM8X3XXrDghUAm1Gz-JnAuTxxTfzGHdlLQ9I2OuweuM-9ywv4wN0h-ZgiGRfb-Yr96CSq5Oopb9sMK/s356/giphy.gif" style="clear: right; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img alt="A cartoon cat on a chair in front of a fire. It's moving its head and twiiching its tail." border="0" data-original-height="356" data-original-width="356" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjmz0prUMiNWNYOPk5_0A-_He7FWWC3AWBSRYzsxXlSm5qWeyJw7CaMW_7RMj-IyNfQBvLwX1uecmstYlc4nCn_GMqOSmgudCb_eZGy4QqCFM8X3XXrDghUAm1Gz-JnAuTxxTfzGHdlLQ9I2OuweuM-9ywv4wN0h-ZgiGRfb-Yr96CSq5Oopb9sMK/w190-h190/giphy.gif" title="Everyone enjoys a cozy fire." width="190" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have given you some actions to take to reduce the likelihood of pests in your firewood, but <b><a href="https://www.thespruce.com/tips-for-control-of-firewood-pests-2656342" target="_blank">this article</a> </b>gives more detailed directions. And their recommendations are easy to do.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Take Care </div></div></div></span></div></div><p>Submitted by Pam</p><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div>ARBICO Organicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09386607325944980825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888055146239050957.post-76708507611647059302023-01-03T11:54:00.002-07:002023-01-04T10:23:57.933-07:00Six Simple Ways to Start the New Year Right<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__2LzUvDs5fAHfge8BnSJKXLQN7XvEiKNtST4J3tp2TZLJwatdKzjQM4d5zM9eJ8VNay59OI1H-mGiJTpbnPtF1MiOAUweOTzZvxFj0Cn3xKld_u98exKJ9IJ1qwfDwYilYKY328mFEg_b4khQ0Uoq6GskoMSXPyVpOv7t-6lJ1AAesjy5XdvCdMb/s3000/2023.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Happy New Year 2023" border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="3000" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__2LzUvDs5fAHfge8BnSJKXLQN7XvEiKNtST4J3tp2TZLJwatdKzjQM4d5zM9eJ8VNay59OI1H-mGiJTpbnPtF1MiOAUweOTzZvxFj0Cn3xKld_u98exKJ9IJ1qwfDwYilYKY328mFEg_b4khQ0Uoq6GskoMSXPyVpOv7t-6lJ1AAesjy5XdvCdMb/w369-h172/2023.jpg" title="Happy New Year Wishes to You!" width="369" /></a></div><br />As we start 2023 with all the hopes and dreams we have every new year, I’d like to propose a different way of looking at resolutions. Many of us are highly ambitious at this time of year – we want to lose weight, get a better job, start working out, spend more time with the family, etc. However, as the reality of life sets in, these resolutions begin to slide away. As a way to avoid the self-loathing of failed resolutions, I propose mini-resolutions. These are tasks that need doing and that aren’t difficult to do but are, nevertheless, often neglected. If you knock out a few of these at the beginning of the year, you’ll feel like you’ve accomplished something. And the more you do, the better you’ll feel about yourself. Here are some suggestions to get you started:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2JMYwtzxd8IErgkIFRZJUktwrgLgrjtCnjU42OzsiyIDXV9xekNV31IBFPmjvFdxf6wBN8ANxeuTqtCqgqoLRZ1l6tBiEcEgKP3zufEqH9DbuUjYN9KOZCAMSfJertTY9MzoUXAdbQQgNCPoDZFoDnckoxCqCkLTYw_s22cGE7pWFMCjWTKmonWQJ/s1000/car%20repair%20guy.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="A young mechanic leaning into the engine of a car." border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="688" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2JMYwtzxd8IErgkIFRZJUktwrgLgrjtCnjU42OzsiyIDXV9xekNV31IBFPmjvFdxf6wBN8ANxeuTqtCqgqoLRZ1l6tBiEcEgKP3zufEqH9DbuUjYN9KOZCAMSfJertTY9MzoUXAdbQQgNCPoDZFoDnckoxCqCkLTYw_s22cGE7pWFMCjWTKmonWQJ/w184-h268/car%20repair%20guy.jpg" title="Every car can benefit from a checkup." width="184" /></a></div><p></p><p>1)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Get Your Car Serviced – Get that oil change done, or even better, get a complete checkup done. Make sure all your systems are running well. An additional advantage is that you’ll know your car is ready for any winter weather coming your way. Be sure to look for coupons and sales; these businesses know that people have less money for their services after Christmas, so you can find really good deals.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguIsBtpdAX99FKuteH2FVITL67CPsrDWWNrR6Is4VhOd6oEAZXgYolxbr1Uz7EpAaue4YZJF27sgCjzHwkm7hiNaxiotUNMuOuRpMNN10HrLbf8UEVcHCX-OsjEYVJY2AhtfI_xdycba0CCTDDi8nZMm7IaA_xm0HopVXVtC90FfHjxMrAqRbQdCXw/s1000/first%20aid%20kit.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Items that fill a first aid kit - bandages, scissors, pins, etc." border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguIsBtpdAX99FKuteH2FVITL67CPsrDWWNrR6Is4VhOd6oEAZXgYolxbr1Uz7EpAaue4YZJF27sgCjzHwkm7hiNaxiotUNMuOuRpMNN10HrLbf8UEVcHCX-OsjEYVJY2AhtfI_xdycba0CCTDDi8nZMm7IaA_xm0HopVXVtC90FfHjxMrAqRbQdCXw/w287-h191/first%20aid%20kit.jpg" title="When was the last time you refilled your first aid kit?" width="287" /></a>2)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet and Bathroom Drawers – If you are pushing old stuff aside to get to the items that you really want, you need to de-clutter your bathroom supplies. Check expiration dates and throw out old over-the-counter remedies. For prescription medications, edit them as well but first look into the protocols for disposal as many types cannot be thrown directly into the trash or flushed down the toilet. Old makeup or cosmetics that you bought once upon a time and never used need to go. This is also a good time to get rid of those sample sizes you brought home from vacation three years ago. All in all, when in doubt, discard it. Oh, and maybe refill your first aid kit while you’re at it. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVeeGXmn7H_3TmcFeq6N-KficpgXoDx2WOuCsGqKSyK65rahZpmJXDbvl-osRTe1lIs5NtiqlCIci2QtKHT--kjyR9quIMtJTV9PtnR5R4OLyIC3VwZGUjnIOeq2PEGkdIs0urlcLB_gtFwT1ta8GohDutDB-y-VjLISyqsxIiK9Z7PQWLikbhpNP/s640/IMG_2364.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="The toes of someone looking down onto a vision board. There is a stack of magazines, scissors and a tape dispenser on the ground by the board." border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJVeeGXmn7H_3TmcFeq6N-KficpgXoDx2WOuCsGqKSyK65rahZpmJXDbvl-osRTe1lIs5NtiqlCIci2QtKHT--kjyR9quIMtJTV9PtnR5R4OLyIC3VwZGUjnIOeq2PEGkdIs0urlcLB_gtFwT1ta8GohDutDB-y-VjLISyqsxIiK9Z7PQWLikbhpNP/w320-h240/IMG_2364.png" title="Magazines are the go-to spot for vision board ideas and items." width="320" /></a></div></div><p></p><p>3)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Make a Vision Board – I know that some readers will think this is a bunch of hooey, but I also know that many ambitious and successful people use them. Sometimes just calmly contemplating what you want makes it easier to see the path to your goal. And for creative projects, having visual inspiration nearby is a wonderful thing. Whether or not you’re a true believer, vision boards can be a lot of fun to make so why not? <b><a href="https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/a29959841/how-to-make-a-vision-board/" target="_blank">This article</a></b> from <i>Oprah Daily</i> has great guidelines and ideas.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWW4uhfDLPBPy_R8yj3nJwKqPP53lK5yw9ZF0kwm-4o6f6Gv3JVkqZeJTpT4UJ9HOvTQB379FOs6hJ3PDgPR7otGao18FXLFeWeWwaSgZKzztfYITsgDZQp-8ApJvTFN7e1VLdhJlQXP-HlTm6YRsoePMuLcO-ZMBOdVFUN5RhFVuCb5aG7tXgXAj-/s728/messy%20pantry.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Very messy shelves in a pantry." border="0" data-original-height="728" data-original-width="563" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWW4uhfDLPBPy_R8yj3nJwKqPP53lK5yw9ZF0kwm-4o6f6Gv3JVkqZeJTpT4UJ9HOvTQB379FOs6hJ3PDgPR7otGao18FXLFeWeWwaSgZKzztfYITsgDZQp-8ApJvTFN7e1VLdhJlQXP-HlTm6YRsoePMuLcO-ZMBOdVFUN5RhFVuCb5aG7tXgXAj-/w215-h278/messy%20pantry.jpg" title="There's some work to be done here." width="215" /></a></div><p></p><p>4)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Clean Out Your Pantry – Now that the holidays are over and many of us are determined to eat better, it’s time to approach your pantry or kitchen cabinets. Remove and store or discard those things that are holiday-related. If you won’t be using it until next Christmas or Hanukkah, get it out of there. Old spices lose their oomph, so throw out the old stuff. When one is cleaning out their closet, it’s said that you should discard anything you haven’t worn in a year. I think the same is true in a pantry – if you haven’t eaten or used it in a year it needs to go. While you’re throwing out things, consider eliminating as much processed food as possible. While you may not be ready to make a full commitment to changing your diet, your chances of eating badly go way down if that kind of food is not readily available. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWOgcPiIrkBYIOzp3CqxNCDbQNxeUA2tudpov-yiJLpaP7ZEi2UxWFDLvcFM2MSfB-7YqStGMOfdrhGpjw1T-TcJUpM5UW2V1cxSlDpyl5t7iyuQZyxHQ9hf3CXnJmhyLRiektZU9jYPi50Scs0JQ7wegw3Q2NXgXpa1o4NBia7ZPBnnEpIZR2NNK/s1000/Santa%20mending.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Santa Claus sitting on a bed mending his red suit." border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWOgcPiIrkBYIOzp3CqxNCDbQNxeUA2tudpov-yiJLpaP7ZEi2UxWFDLvcFM2MSfB-7YqStGMOfdrhGpjw1T-TcJUpM5UW2V1cxSlDpyl5t7iyuQZyxHQ9hf3CXnJmhyLRiektZU9jYPi50Scs0JQ7wegw3Q2NXgXpa1o4NBia7ZPBnnEpIZR2NNK/w249-h166/Santa%20mending.jpg" title="Santa's job is hard on his suit." width="249" /></a></div>5)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Do Some Mending – Do you have buttons that need to be sewed on, a pulled thread in a sweater or some tears in clothes that need fixing? Maybe a little repair work on your Christmas outfit? Now is the time to do these little chores. Grab everything that needs to be mended and settle down to get it done. This sort of work is perfect to do while bundled up on the couch watching TV on a cold day. And once it’s done, and you have some “new” stuff to wear, you’ll get immediate validation.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7zugyfrRW1goMIAVRiQy8Cx7LFjzj4xaFZgQs1GzuLnF2p-FG4IAWHFVApzuW-QrHx5lKzu4K36SV4FsfMj1ht1peQnQMSvK6y0R7axs-RA3LfYquQzplNQW0GsH9Vs5AujW3RNbig4gcH6mR48rGuWWvp1H95J4M-CTWfcE-43eIOciRL0qRgzi/s980/messy%20desk.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A very cluttered desk with the keyboard pulled out underneath it." border="0" data-original-height="653" data-original-width="980" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH7zugyfrRW1goMIAVRiQy8Cx7LFjzj4xaFZgQs1GzuLnF2p-FG4IAWHFVApzuW-QrHx5lKzu4K36SV4FsfMj1ht1peQnQMSvK6y0R7axs-RA3LfYquQzplNQW0GsH9Vs5AujW3RNbig4gcH6mR48rGuWWvp1H95J4M-CTWfcE-43eIOciRL0qRgzi/w320-h213/messy%20desk.jpg" title="You know what they say about a cluttered desk..." width="320" /></a></div>6)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Clean Out Your Desk or Office Clutter – Now that the holidays are in the rearview mirror, tax season is upon us, and the weather outside is frightful it’s the perfect time to clean up your workspace at home. You can organize your important papers, send out those thank-you notes (yes, people still do this), put up and fill out your new calendar, and evaluate your work and finances from the past year as you go. Right after the holidays is the best time to figure out whether you spent the right amount, or if those credit card bills will affect how much of a vacation you take in the summer. While you’re at it you could beautify your workspace with some new desk décor. <b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/market/cute_desk_accessories" target="_blank">Here</a></b> are some cute/useful/silly options from Etsy. And if you do this on <b><a href="https://nationaltoday.com/national-clean-your-desk-day/" target="_blank">National Clean Your Desk Day</a></b> on January 9th, you will get extra points.<br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPXG-Mp6bsApgKYV0tMH6NC_eJnjedxa5IFxqYcgyvA56ALoNhSya-PCiddH-cojj5ZCxN6F839u0lD_XaJtsjpUlhJV391JIU8y6MYfP1esGhrTjPd2OzxW99Kt4ufNtPGsNRnOYY9FLLRTtGM44D62ZNdxLjNzTIpXWQ8ZP1TOLbsi6rC_-Fns9J/s480/giphy.gif" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Resolutions are a social construct - you are fine. Happy New Year 2023." border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPXG-Mp6bsApgKYV0tMH6NC_eJnjedxa5IFxqYcgyvA56ALoNhSya-PCiddH-cojj5ZCxN6F839u0lD_XaJtsjpUlhJV391JIU8y6MYfP1esGhrTjPd2OzxW99Kt4ufNtPGsNRnOYY9FLLRTtGM44D62ZNdxLjNzTIpXWQ8ZP1TOLbsi6rC_-Fns9J/w235-h235/giphy.gif" title="You do you for the new year." width="235" /></a></div>If the above projects don’t resonate in your world, consider what you may have “pending” that needs doing. It could be cleaning out the basement, going through and donating baby clothes, getting the carpets cleaned, or updating all the apps on your phone. The important thing is to accomplish something, what that is exactly is less important. Finishing these projects may not ensure a happy and fruitful 2023, but it will assure that you go into it feeling better about yourself. And that makes nearly everything better.<br /><p></p><p>Happy New Year</p><p>Submitted by Pam</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>ARBICO Organicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09386607325944980825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4888055146239050957.post-30319462638402316892022-12-22T08:23:00.008-07:002023-01-04T11:56:30.638-07:00Reusing Christmas Trees for Any Skill Level<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQNoNL2cOKbZ87PXEIvqTXRgOgowOAxvrgGfSqsyVh2cunbVnF6gR-ITx6vPVK0Ct7npfP-3d1Frfrh0G212rZ6kzhk50_VM0vO4U7c-MWLwUcsqEJApMwR1Qe3JUY0FNGK5kjCSIe4meOqe4Z6XxGrHxoTIJG7xJRk0XAiDEq8LfOlIoTk9JU0d8K/s1000/lady%20holding%20tree.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="A woman in a blue puffy coat holding a spindly Christmas tree." border="0" data-original-height="687" data-original-width="1000" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQNoNL2cOKbZ87PXEIvqTXRgOgowOAxvrgGfSqsyVh2cunbVnF6gR-ITx6vPVK0Ct7npfP-3d1Frfrh0G212rZ6kzhk50_VM0vO4U7c-MWLwUcsqEJApMwR1Qe3JUY0FNGK5kjCSIe4meOqe4Z6XxGrHxoTIJG7xJRk0XAiDEq8LfOlIoTk9JU0d8K/w295-h203/lady%20holding%20tree.jpg" title="Charlie Brown trees are always a good choice." width="295" /></a></div><p></p><p>Whether you are a person that takes down their Christmas tree before New Year’s Eve or someone who waits until way into January, you still have to decide what to do with it once it’s stripped bare. If your tree is artificial you most likely just stuff it in the box, but real trees have to be disposed of somehow. There are a lot of ways to do this; some are easy, but others require tools and motivation. Here are some ideas based on just how much work you want to do.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>- The</span><span> Simplest Ways –</span></span></b></div><p></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hx350S59S1jAZAo8BQdgi42dqnHJJMBajnVY72XJypHqH3nq8ug1ufi9I5--apeq2qnJxT7WsHTaqyL55JGdKlcVgZqBv1EZxvnEbAj8eLoPtLEDtYMYc41k7WNZqU6ixxTd9h2L9TeWNJnceIqklcWXFaU55nrhqrykGZyDc99TyRYcEK-Te0ln/s1000/christmas%20tree%20recycling.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A sign saying Christmas Tree Recycling." border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hx350S59S1jAZAo8BQdgi42dqnHJJMBajnVY72XJypHqH3nq8ug1ufi9I5--apeq2qnJxT7WsHTaqyL55JGdKlcVgZqBv1EZxvnEbAj8eLoPtLEDtYMYc41k7WNZqU6ixxTd9h2L9TeWNJnceIqklcWXFaU55nrhqrykGZyDc99TyRYcEK-Te0ln/w203-h135/christmas%20tree%20recycling.jpg" title="That-a-way" width="203" /></a></b></div><b>Recycle It</b> - Most communities in the U.S. have some sort of tree recycling program and it’s usually available to both apartment dwellers and single-family homes. They usually offer curb-side pickup or some equally convenient way to get your tree to them. You really can’t get much easier than hauling your tree to the curb when you are taking out the mountain of packaging and other garbage that Christmas creates.<p></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPBRQBoOSlkWptc4CQ838Rh80m7xQPnmmUT1ABhGcdG97qyLnwG0J5IP8dCey9SxtK2hE06wVAYce3R4vbnTmG5V1RE0wTtSv-zPbW32wWwLCtSMcVIH-I3W9rCxrs8-oqmKvtuiikIYtc5Tcfs6v86dXPBuabcTTQLHd7CJ1W32z4DbrU_wTVDwR/s1000/in%20the%20woods.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="A man dragging a Christmas tree through the snow." border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPBRQBoOSlkWptc4CQ838Rh80m7xQPnmmUT1ABhGcdG97qyLnwG0J5IP8dCey9SxtK2hE06wVAYce3R4vbnTmG5V1RE0wTtSv-zPbW32wWwLCtSMcVIH-I3W9rCxrs8-oqmKvtuiikIYtc5Tcfs6v86dXPBuabcTTQLHd7CJ1W32z4DbrU_wTVDwR/w253-h169/in%20the%20woods.jpg" title="He's done with this tree." width="253" /></a></b></div><b><br />Leave It Outside</b> – If you live where you can pull it off, just leave your tree in your yard or nearby fields or woods. Natural Christmas trees are 100% biodegradable, and the soil will appreciate the donation of organic matter. Shelter can be hard to come by in winter, so all types of animals and will appreciate the added protection the tree offers. Additionally, both insects and animals will feed on the tree. You should only dispose of a tree this way if it is chemical-free and everything artificial has been removed, down to the last bit of tinsel. If you are leaving it anywhere but your own property, be sure there are no regulations prohibiting it and that you are not trespassing on someone else’s property. <p></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9iF5D8Bz3JOEsMDFn28jHPsw37Y05YcNyim_PEIzQIwKrYvUAI734350RhQiGZorkgJuDeRipvDpAGAbtvVeYmO2Asq5F-0xRCGAeabom1O-szOd_DndB6GAvCC5uQbqGcB8fB7v7jhwlJ24lxPVnvgZysxT7flvTTd4sgHGYMsLpqLgQW0ziTv0/s1000/around%20the%20fire.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Four young people gathered around an outdoor fire pit." border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9iF5D8Bz3JOEsMDFn28jHPsw37Y05YcNyim_PEIzQIwKrYvUAI734350RhQiGZorkgJuDeRipvDpAGAbtvVeYmO2Asq5F-0xRCGAeabom1O-szOd_DndB6GAvCC5uQbqGcB8fB7v7jhwlJ24lxPVnvgZysxT7flvTTd4sgHGYMsLpqLgQW0ziTv0/w230-h153/around%20the%20fire.jpg" title="Friends around a fire is always a good time." width="230" /></a></b></div><b>Add It To A Firepit</b> – Some people may argue that this is not the best choice since burning them adds CO2 to their air. However, if you have regular fires at this time of year, one single tree will not increase your emissions in any significant manner. Never burn a tree in an indoor fireplace; they are an extreme fire hazard in many ways (more details <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://tjschimneyservice.com/why-you-shouldnt-burn-your-christmas-tree-in-your-fireplace/#:~:text=The%20dried%20needles%20can%20burn,roof%20or%20landscaping%20on%20fire" target="_blank">here</a></span></b>).<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPlpbZN5fCRjFVevKl_6ck-oU9jY2jpqTvdoWz9ODp6GFo_PEtJrlP2RrgpeVbvNhYWuyWFI6aedXNOeqHdThhLNGpasaNbgYUzS_ta2hWsLtGTbLn3ZBrqFoJZm370U-uH4AtSbDXf4QzM4FgTxDXYSZalGoIRBHC1NieTLVZZEWnCzNaFilrMok/s680/chickens%20with%20tree.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Chickens in the snow looking at a pine tree." border="0" data-original-height="521" data-original-width="680" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPlpbZN5fCRjFVevKl_6ck-oU9jY2jpqTvdoWz9ODp6GFo_PEtJrlP2RrgpeVbvNhYWuyWFI6aedXNOeqHdThhLNGpasaNbgYUzS_ta2hWsLtGTbLn3ZBrqFoJZm370U-uH4AtSbDXf4QzM4FgTxDXYSZalGoIRBHC1NieTLVZZEWnCzNaFilrMok/w209-h160/chickens%20with%20tree.jpg" title="Curious chickens" width="209" /></a></div><b style="text-align: left;">Give It To Your Chickens </b><span style="text-align: left;">– Giving your Christmas tree to your chickens offers multiple benefits to them. Not only do they like the taste of pine, but it is a nutrient-rich snack. Additionally, having the tree in their run will provide hours of stimulation as they root around in it, which will also spread the refreshing smell of pine around. Goats also love pine, and it’s been shown to reduce intestinal worms and support overall digestive health for them (more <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://www.wormx.info/pinebark" target="_blank">here</a></span></b>). So, when you go out to feed your animals,</span></div><div style="text-align: left;">drag your tree out with you. <br /></div><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">- A Little Work Is Needed –</span></b></div><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQPLUKrSe1VXZ21JwQwqiM1TSdy5HTc-dFueP7Ahdz98nGCdsLRkm-VCVfh_ZV4SwU_5n55hmblW7mB_6mfkKhUhO3Bo0X9JgSGpnRJcfmgO63DWgWE0ubiCGzM8o63rjkMVyBTqsWvzf_28PSbJ3LLCnaHIryEZW24jhG2fWrLX5xGtjcX7zVmqa/s1024/Recycled-Christmas-Trees-Outer-Banks-in-NC-1-1024x683.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Brown pine trees on a sand dune in the Outer Banks, North Carolina." border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQPLUKrSe1VXZ21JwQwqiM1TSdy5HTc-dFueP7Ahdz98nGCdsLRkm-VCVfh_ZV4SwU_5n55hmblW7mB_6mfkKhUhO3Bo0X9JgSGpnRJcfmgO63DWgWE0ubiCGzM8o63rjkMVyBTqsWvzf_28PSbJ3LLCnaHIryEZW24jhG2fWrLX5xGtjcX7zVmqa/w320-h213/Recycled-Christmas-Trees-Outer-Banks-in-NC-1-1024x683.jpg" title="In the Outer Banks, North Carolina" width="320" /></a></div><b>Use It’s Ashes</b> - Wood ash is nutrient-rich, so after your tree is burned you can dig it out of the firepit and add its ashes to your garden. They can also be composted. <p></p><p><b>Find A Place That Wants It</b> – There are municipalities that use donated trees for projects like landscaping and erosion control. For instance, many seaside communities are using them to strengthen their sand dunes. There are also some zoos that take trees to give to their animals to eat or play with (see lions living it up with their trees, <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://youtu.be/dJvWWOutseI" target="_blank">here</a></span></b>) Do a little research to find what’s around you and who might want your tree.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPYfwBu9K3rLKHakWSq3ee04_K4NV9ZjB5Xn-JZj0bs6uGSY9dIYgE59leOVEol420wuQsXKejIh59MOV8w0KVt1hkWdsFIb_nVDR5l2WZDlClAiO1QaUD5dV-ViVXXZOtL_xiamjd5BSB8c5pemUZOfFULWpkXP7m0bwiqg-agbg8rgLHXoef1NOQ/s1000/girl%20with%20tree.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="A fark-haired woman wearing a Santa suit underwater decorating a Christmas tree." border="0" data-original-height="527" data-original-width="1000" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPYfwBu9K3rLKHakWSq3ee04_K4NV9ZjB5Xn-JZj0bs6uGSY9dIYgE59leOVEol420wuQsXKejIh59MOV8w0KVt1hkWdsFIb_nVDR5l2WZDlClAiO1QaUD5dV-ViVXXZOtL_xiamjd5BSB8c5pemUZOfFULWpkXP7m0bwiqg-agbg8rgLHXoef1NOQ/w299-h158/girl%20with%20tree.jpg" title="Mermaid Santa" width="299" /></a></div><p><b>Sink It In A Lake</b> – Just as land animals would appreciate the shelter of the tree, overwintering fish will also. While this is as simple as tossing the tree in water, unless you have a pond on your land you will need to find a location that will allow this, and you will need to transport the tree to that site. As mentioned before, your tree will need to be chemical-free and completely bare before you dispose of it in water. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPclJnupbiDlnFQOBbEAx0z7iHDhipZmrILi3EKyM5rvXULFREwLScNKMKZXZf6_VAs_ecwDWaxfo1CUSA4lgzyBi3aeJpkZi59tq5lwco_Cf9cy1CwvzneWfo2e8t8ISUN_YJWtGW1p9QC7idQLvyxSlVagW-ucEgZKH6U7dCBXIGqiWDtNAhEAMz/s2133/boughs%20in%20a%20raised%20bed.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pine boughs in a wooden raised bed planter." border="0" data-original-height="2133" data-original-width="1600" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPclJnupbiDlnFQOBbEAx0z7iHDhipZmrILi3EKyM5rvXULFREwLScNKMKZXZf6_VAs_ecwDWaxfo1CUSA4lgzyBi3aeJpkZi59tq5lwco_Cf9cy1CwvzneWfo2e8t8ISUN_YJWtGW1p9QC7idQLvyxSlVagW-ucEgZKH6U7dCBXIGqiWDtNAhEAMz/w149-h198/boughs%20in%20a%20raised%20bed.jpg" title="Easy plant protection" width="149" /></a></div></div><b>Put It On Your Beds</b> – Break off some boughs and lay them over your perennial beds. This will provide some insulation as well as a barrier protection from snow. It will also help reduce <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/pests-and-problems/environmental/winter-injury/frost-heaving" target="_blank">frost heaving</a></span></b>. You don’t have to limit yourself to bedding areas, put them anywhere you feel could benefit from that extra layer.<p></p><p><b>Use It As Plant Stakes </b>– Break off small branches, strip the bark and use them to support your plants. Since this is a super-adaptable process, this will work for everything from bushy small indoor plants to leggy seedlings. Look around and you may find another way that this break-and-support thing would work for you. </p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> -</span></span><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> You’ll Need Tools For These-</span></b></div><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmTR40EpJWB2Zir6jP7qCoUnofuw0QdUmf0U0PrDI4uB8CPTd-BxkKtA_KqvkHzO7Na3LzEnhwyXx-RQxhbjvkqvs5Xi6aMhGmbm4FV4RWgCbI0ZkyURsYC9tOTri_KTuSP_Hn0pqoy87THOGd34oeHOjDEbC-Q0Lt4OgzQcTnOETVHZpte1fjpi8/s1000/mulch%20with%20ornaments.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Several shiny ornaments with some pine branches on wood chips." border="0" data-original-height="578" data-original-width="1000" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmTR40EpJWB2Zir6jP7qCoUnofuw0QdUmf0U0PrDI4uB8CPTd-BxkKtA_KqvkHzO7Na3LzEnhwyXx-RQxhbjvkqvs5Xi6aMhGmbm4FV4RWgCbI0ZkyURsYC9tOTri_KTuSP_Hn0pqoy87THOGd34oeHOjDEbC-Q0Lt4OgzQcTnOETVHZpte1fjpi8/w261-h151/mulch%20with%20ornaments.jpg" title="Shiny and chippy scene" width="261" /></a><b></b></div><b>Chip It Up</b> – Rent or borrow a woodchipper and feed your tree to it. You can use the resultant chips as mulch right away or save them until spring. Pine mulch will suppress weeds and add nutrients to the soil as it decomposes. The acidic nature of pine mulch makes it an excellent additive for acid-loving plants like blueberries, hydrangeas and potatoes.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFdo1IL0L615cvaRK5O4Z5UuyfrSGZSwtJJ8VaDJHORbdEGaWnB5-Igsy0-bKKJUYuh1z3IuzbrdMweBVujr5MxuLgtzzWpjCCJEWTWgxPHZwCDEtcx55rHAZVS-QWd8LYHQ9LeakstSnN6R_RVlbGXkNEoIXKmJ2wVVjRRvLlNZW6Y0nhCYlig7cB/s752/twig%20gnomes.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Gnomes with white beards and red hats painted on sticks." border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="564" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFdo1IL0L615cvaRK5O4Z5UuyfrSGZSwtJJ8VaDJHORbdEGaWnB5-Igsy0-bKKJUYuh1z3IuzbrdMweBVujr5MxuLgtzzWpjCCJEWTWgxPHZwCDEtcx55rHAZVS-QWd8LYHQ9LeakstSnN6R_RVlbGXkNEoIXKmJ2wVVjRRvLlNZW6Y0nhCYlig7cB/w196-h261/twig%20gnomes.jpg" title="One way to do gnomes" width="196" /></a></div><b>Make It Into Twig Gnomes</b> – This is an exceptional tree disposal solution if you have small children. You’ll probably not be able to get rid of a whole tree by making twig gnomes, but you’ll have plenty to play with. And they couldn’t be easier to make : Cut off some branches, sand them down a little and add hats, beards and faces. The hats can be painted on or made with felt, fabric and cotton balls. <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="http://twigandtoadstool.blogspot.com/2010/07/family-of-twig-gnomes.html" target="_blank">Here’s</a></span></b> how one lady makes them . <br /><p></p><p><b>Edge Things With It</b> – If you strip off the branches and cut the trunk into disks (2” is a good size), you can set them in the soil as a border. This would be especially effective along flower beds, walkways and driveways.</p><p><b>Make It Feet</b> – In much the same way as you’d make the edging, you can make pot feet for your outdoor container plants. Lifting outdoor plants off the ground helps reduce insect problems, improves drainage and air circulation around the pot and lessens the chance of staining your wood or concrete surfaces. Make them any size you want and make extra to hold onto and use when the originals deteriorate.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">- Master Level Crafts –</span></b></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEWR8A-jnch8LA4vr07II1nRgiOE9bfOdalftUKAnXqI91ZtNf1UYJjqIfWHJkZJQ5oGhUBrEoASzkotl5Re8x_DpYpXhKycCY9LhSMuTaDc4FRLlk4IIHB57IRuJKKMwnK-WgDtj40l8l3fxj91pf-ZoaXZFdIKP1Zb37pT1rFRIQKtNXY0_wPvi7/s3000/clock.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="A modern woodern clock." border="0" data-original-height="2318" data-original-width="3000" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEWR8A-jnch8LA4vr07II1nRgiOE9bfOdalftUKAnXqI91ZtNf1UYJjqIfWHJkZJQ5oGhUBrEoASzkotl5Re8x_DpYpXhKycCY9LhSMuTaDc4FRLlk4IIHB57IRuJKKMwnK-WgDtj40l8l3fxj91pf-ZoaXZFdIKP1Zb37pT1rFRIQKtNXY0_wPvi7/w249-h192/clock.jpg" title="Time is abstract and so is this clock." width="249" /></a></div>There are innumerable ways you can use your tree in crafts. At the end of the day, Christmas trees are wood, and one can make nearly anything from wood. These types of crafts can be pretty easy, like the ones I’ve talked about, but others require more tools, time and finesse than most of us have (i.e., clocks, musical instruments). <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://empressofdirt.net/repurpose-xmas-trees/" target="_blank">This article</a></span></b> has a lot of ideas and even gives instructions on how to prepare a tree to reuse.<p></p><p>No matter how you recycle your tree, remember to first enjoy it thoroughly in all its sparkly, shiny decorated beauty. Christmas with loved ones around the tree can be magical, and we all need a little magic in our lives.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclOwqx3C2c3jqkfFbO36Op6HD1Y4JKtFDifZ_r2C96hJfTBbA5IUnknAXluZU9lnPppcHQkHd3guojf5ZJD5sAQiDKQPe90Ta0ZjRZH3kj9rel8SX_ULv9O4fL0S2woMWjM3TTPpmp1XuM6pKEd3cSh0ffoOY-TCEwG6MMbGyNCa9WyIB6CGkrK5f/s379/lion.gif" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A lion rolling around with a Christmas tree with snowlfake ornaments." border="0" data-original-height="208" data-original-width="379" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclOwqx3C2c3jqkfFbO36Op6HD1Y4JKtFDifZ_r2C96hJfTBbA5IUnknAXluZU9lnPppcHQkHd3guojf5ZJD5sAQiDKQPe90Ta0ZjRZH3kj9rel8SX_ULv9O4fL0S2woMWjM3TTPpmp1XuM6pKEd3cSh0ffoOY-TCEwG6MMbGyNCa9WyIB6CGkrK5f/w320-h176/lion.gif" title="The mightly lion likes a little Christmas tree catnip." width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Happy Holidays!</p><p>Submitted by Pam</p><div><br /></div>ARBICO Organicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09386607325944980825noreply@blogger.com1