Tyler Ring, Author at Ritchie Feed & Seed Inc.

Here are the slides from our garden problem solver seminar. Thank you to everyone who attended please feel free to contact us with any further questions. Weed Identification Insect Identification Disease Identification

Aphids

Aphids Aphids are green, brown, red or black soft-bodied insects that suck plant juices causing stunting and deformation of leaves and blooms. They are found on the underside of leaves, usually on the newer, more succulent growth. They deposit sticky honeydew on the leaves, which can lead to sooty mold. They reproduce quickly and may

Spider mites

Spider mites Spider mites are tiny sap sucking insects found on the underside of leaves. Warm temperatures and low humidity will cause them to spread more rapidly. They usually go unnoticed until fine webbing is evident. Control: Increase humidity by misting or placing a pebble tray under the pot. Rinse plants with water to remove

Mealybugs

Mealybugs Mealybugs are white, oval and usually covered in a white substance that looks like cotton fluff. They are found individually or in clusters on stems, leaves and where the leaf joins the stem. They suck plant juices and weaken the plants over time. They crawl slowly and leave sticky honeydew behind. Control: Use an

* Scale Insects

Scale Insects: These are sap sucking insects which will weaken a plant over time. They appear as hard round “bumps” on the underside of leaves and along the stems. They can also emit sticky honeydew, which can be followed by sooty mold. Control: These can be difficult to treat at the adult stage because they

Whiteflies

Whiteflies: Whiteflies are small flies with white wings that fly up in large numbers when the plant is disturbed, which can make them difficult to control. These insects multiply quickly and can spread to other plants rapidly. They are most commonly a pest of indoor plants and are usually found on the underside of

Birds in your garden

Birds in Your Garden What attracts birds to your garden? There are several factors that will make a garden attractive to birds. These factors are the availability of shelter, food and water. If you want to attract birds to your garden, it is best to cater to all of these factors the best you

Nematodes

Nematodes Controlling Lawn Pests Naturally Nematodes are naturally occurring, microscopic worms that are applied to lawns for control of White Grubs. They infest and kill their prey within 24 – 48 hours and take 7 – 21 days to clear the area. They continue to reproduce, with the young seeking out new pests to infest.

Lawn care

Lawn Care Preparing the soil for a new crop Turn over the soil to a depth of 10-15cm. Add soil amendments such as black earth and topsoil. Rake well and level the soil, creating a gradual slope away from the house to prevent drainage problems. Roll the area to firm up the soil. Water the

Hardy Shrubs

Hardy Shrubs Zone 3 or less Evergreens: Abies balsamea Balsam Fir Juniperus communis ‘Depressa’ Prostrated Common Juniper Juniperus horizontalis Creeping Juniper Juniperus horizontalis ‘Bar Harbour’ Bar Harbour Juniper Juniperus horizontalis ‘Icee Blue’ Icee Blue Juniper Juniperus horizontalis ‘Plumosa Compacta’ Dwarf Andora Juniper Juniperus horizontalis ‘Wiltonii’ Blue Rug Juniper Juniperus sabina Sabin Juniper Juniperus scopulorum ‘Blue