As we welcome the month of May we are finally bidding farewell to the unpredictable weather of early spring. Trees seem to have gone from brown and bare to green and leafy almost overnight. Everywhere you look, there is new growth as leaves emerge, buds form and flowers open. You have probably also noticed another, less welcome, sign that spring is here. The bugs and garden pest have returned. Now is the time to address this problem, taking control before the unwelcome invaders have the opportunity to make themselves at home and do what they do best, multiply and wreak havoc in your garden. Instead of a laundry list of tips for May, we are going to explore the earth friendly options for minimizing the arrival of annoying garden pest.
While planning a strategy to deal with the garden pest, look for the most natural, non-chemical, non-toxic and earth friendly methods to eliminate the unwanted insects. Unfortunately dangerous chemical pesticides have been widely used in the past, with little or no regard for the ecosystem. This practice had a negative impact on the soil, the plants they were suppose to protect, the local bird population, and eventually, the water we drink. Make it your goal to research and implement the techniques that are environmentally friendly.
There are numerous methods to win the battle with the bugs that are good for the earth, as well as simple and inexpensive. First, educate yourself to recognize a good bug from a bad bug. Every bug that inhabits your garden isn’t necessarily planning to do insidious things to the prize tomatoes or petunias. Some insects are actually an essential element in an effective defense from the unwanted insects. Ladybugs are one of nature’s most efficient methods of pest control. They feed on many of the plant damaging insects, and find aphids to be especially tasty. Applying a pesticide might curb the insect population, but it is indiscriminate and not only kills the unwanted pests, it also wipes out the helpful ones as well.
Another beneficial insect is the praying mantis. The praying mantis and ladybug are predatory insects and without going into lurid detail, attack the unwanted insects, have a tasty snack and move on to the next unlucky victim. Bees are obviously a plus for the garden. Wasps are also helpful in keeping down garden pest, especially caterpillars. They are considered to be parasitic insects, and while their methods of pest control differ from the ladybug and praying mantis, and they aren’t nearly as cute, you should encourage their presence in your garden.
By supplying their basis needs, you can entice beneficial, helpful insects into your garden. They need food, water and shelter. With very little effort, you can supply all of these requirements. The need for drinking water is easily remedied with a small pan or dish filled with water and enough small rocks or pebbles so the bugs can drink without drowning. Change the water at least two to three times a week to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in the standing water. When you are weeding and maintaining the flower beds and garden areas leave enough debris and leaves behind to provide shelter for the friendly insects. Rocks and decorative stones also provide a welcome habitat for the beneficial bugs. The pollen and nectar from small flowering plants are excellent food sources for the helpful insects; so consider planting Queen Anne’s lace, daisies, or sweet alyssum to provide food.
Wild birds are another ally in the assault on insect pests. May is the perfect time to attract birds into your garden with the addition of a bird bath and a well-stocked feeder. If your yard has a few tall trees and large shrubs, you are well on your way to having a bird friendly sanctuary. Wild birds are attracted to the sound of moving water. Incorporating a dripper or devising a method to agitate the water in the bird bath will attract more birds than a bird bath that is still and quiet. Wild birds also thrive on plants and foliage that produce seeds, fruits, nuts, berries and nectar.
Early May is the time to put up hummingbird feeders. There are several excellent commercial nectar mixes, or you can prepare your own. If you decide to make your own, just mix four parts water with one part sugar and boil for two minutes and allow the syrup to cool before filling the feeder. Don’t forget to keep the hummingbird feeder clean. Every few days dump the remaining portion, clean the container and add fresh nectar.
There are several occasions for celebration in May. The first to come to mind is very likely Mother’s Day, which will be on May 10th this year. Have you noticed that, thanks to your favorite florist or gardening center, Mother’s Day is one of the easiest holidays to buy just the right gift? A lovely arrangement or bouquet is always welcome and you can’t go wrong with a live plant, hanging basket, and flowering shrub or, if you want to go all out, purchase a tree.
A fellow gardener recently told me of a very special gift for his mother, who is quite elderly and no longer able to maintain the flower beds she always loved. Her son and his family have prepared and beautifully landscaped a flower bed in an area that is visible from her window. The grandchildren are composing a personalized card with their special memories and thoughts and a commitment to care for and tend the garden regularly. What a wonderful way to show his mother that she is loved and appreciated.
Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day are also observed in May. May 16th, Armed Forces Day honors all American actively serving in the five services, Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard. Memorial Day, which falls on May 25th this year, commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in military service to their country. Memorial Day has long been considered the unofficial beginning of summer. Families nationwide will be enjoying barbeques, picnics and family reunions as they kick off the season. Take a moment to thank our active duty military members and also remember those who gave their lives for our great country. We should always remember that their bravery ensures our freedom.
