I love to put bird seed out and watch the backyard birds enjoy the delicious meal. What isn’t so great, that same food is an attractant for mice and rats. A few tips to consider if you want to enjoy the feathered garden visitors but not the rodents. If you see indications of rodents around […]
Feeding Birds and not Rodents Read More »
Vinegar is an effective household cleaning solution for windows, counter tops, cutting boards and much more. But how about as a weed killer? Acetic acid, also known as vinegar, is used in products for weed control. Many people choose it because it is natural. However, acetic acid can damage skin and eyes, especially at concentrations
Is Vinegar Safe to use on Weeds? Read More »
Fall is for planting! And no better time to add some native plants to your garden. Why natives? There are lots of reasons including conserving water, reducing chemical usage (no pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers are needed with natives) and encouraging wildlife. Want a colorful garden and don’t think you can do it with mostly natives?
Fall is for Planting Natives! Read More »
Air quality is measured for the amount of pollutants in the atmosphere, either indoors or out. Pesticides in agriculture and urban settings have the potential to contaminate our air, affecting human, animal and plant health. Some pesticide ingredients stay in the atmosphere for only a short period of time, while others can last longer. Pesticides
Pesticides in the Air? Read More »
Many of us gardeners fertilize based on the calendar, but is it necessary? Do you know if the nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium levels are actually low in your soil? You can save yourself time and money by testing your soil with simple soil test kits. If you find that one of these main nutrients is
Some Thoughts about Fertilizer Read More »
Thursday, September 22 is the autumnal equinox, astronomically the day when the sun crosses the celestial equator heading south. From this point until the first day of winter, days will get shorter. The time of the year usually ushers in cooler weather, which is a good reminder to start cleaning up the garden. Referred to
End of Season Garden Cleanup Read More »
Think you might have a rat problem? The pitter-patter of little feet across the roof at dusk or dawn, birdseed that disappears overnight, holes in food packaging, chewed electrical wires, or trails of large comma-shaped droppings – all are indicators of rats. As they’re generally creatures of the night, staying hidden to avoid predators, if
September is National Mushroom Month. Time to celebrate this extraordinary class of organisms. They are so much more than the things you put on salads or see springing up in your lawn. Mushrooms are the reproductive part of fungi that we can often see. Sadly, fungi don’t get the respect they deserve, since most of
Want to kick the chemicals? One BIG way to reduce the use of insecticides through biological control. Simply put, it’s a pest management strategy that enhances the role of natural enemies, reduces reliance on pesticides, and helps to protect the environment, people, pets, and wildlife. One of the key steps is to encourage natural enemies,
Becoming Beneficials Read More »
In spring our hillsides can be covered with brilliant soft yellow flowers that are beautiful to behold. And yet – they are an incredibly invasive plant that grow in dense stands that outcompete many native plants. These dense stands are highly flammable and increase the risk of wildfires. The most common species found in California
Don’t Let the Pretty Flowers Fool You! Read More »
