What’s bugging your Garden, Part 1

We are at the time of the season when insects are out and doing more damage than you can handle. I don’t mind sharing, but when the entire leaf looks like a skeleton or seedling are eaten to the ground it is time to act. Since there are several insects that I would like to cover it might be easier to take one at a time, today it is aphids.

There are hundreds of different aphid species, and most attack specific kinds of herbaceous or woody plants, your perennials, shrubs and trees. 

Aphid damage can cause stunted growth, leaf curling, distortion and yellowing. The sticky honeydew that aphids produce promotes the growth of sooty mold, a black fungus that forms on plants and nearby surfaces. They can also spread viral diseases between plants.
Controlling aphids is easier when numbers are smaller, so prevention is important. Remember that stressed plants have a smell that attack pests, healthier plants are less susceptible. However, don’t over fertilize your plants, overfeeding with high nitrogen products will cause lots of lush growth that aphids love. Spraying the plant with a jet of water, or insecticidal soap bi-weekly is an easy and safe way to control aphids. I like the Bayer Tree and Shrub drench that only has to be applied once a year for systemic treatment. Prune infested limbs off and dispose of them, don’t put them in the compost pile. 

Aphid’s can also be controlled by using parasitic wasps, lacewings and ladybugs. 

Watering in the hottest weather

June has just arrived and we are already expecting 100° temperatures this week, it is a bit early for this to be sure. Let’s make sure we are all clear on how to water in the high desert. Make sure you continue to water regularly, and help your plants with extra water as needed. Water you lawns in the early morning, check emitters (hope you aren’t tired of hearing that), walk your gardens and landscape checking to see if you have stressed plants.

Here is a photo of my lilac that has a ‘flagged’ leaf; it is folded like a taco shell. The leaf will do this in the cool evening and that is normal. But if you should see this during the day the plant needs to be hydrated. 

The plant does this to protect itself from the sun. This is when a quick drench with your hose is very effective.

If you plants are dropsy, same thing get them some water. It is important to know newly planted items will droop more quickly than established plants.

There are 3 ways to get more water to plants, here they are.

Hand watering: You are allowed and should be done in the early morning, or late afternoon when is cools down. Containers and edibles will benefit nicely.

Adding emitters: As you shrubs and trees grow you will want to add emitters. I recommend that when planting any tree or shrub that is in a 5 gallon or larger gets 4 emitters. Place in the clock positions, 12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock. The root ball is round and so should the watering.  

Changing your system: If you see that your plants are struggling regularly you can change your system to either add time or add another day to your program; you can always change it back. I am changing my system as needed during the season, welcome to the high desert!