Below is an archive of the past tips of the week.
Tip 1: When buying new plants ask a few basic questions:
Note: A good organic fertilizer is recommended.
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Tip 2: Natural Pesticides (you can make yourself)
Directions: Apply with a spray bottle to both the top and bottom of affected leaves and stems when the sun is not shining brightly. This will kill and deter whiteflies, mites, aphids, and scale.
Directions: Add 2 teaspoons of this mixture to 1 cup of water and apply the same as the oil soap pesticide.
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Tip 3: How to Balance the Ph of your soil.
Note: Soil Ph ranges from 1-14, 1 being acidic and 14 being alkaline. 7 Ph is neutral. Most plants prefer a Ph of 6.5-7.5.
To lower the Ph of the soil, use a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water. Mix 1 teaspoon of vinegar with 1 gallon of water. Spray the mixture on the soil around the base of the plant. Don't spray it directly on the plant.
To increase the Ph of the soil, use a mixture of sodium bicarbonate and water. Mix 1 tablespoon of sodium bicarbonate with 1 gallon of water. Spray the mixture on the soil around the base of the plant. Don't spray it directly on the plant.
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Tip 4: Compost Tea
* Compost that has been allowed to break down sufficiently
Step 1: Pour all ingredients into a 5 gallon bucket and fill it the rest of the way with non-chlorinated water.
Step 2: Add oxygen to the mixture for 24 hours using a fish aerator or something similar.
Step 3: Pour the liquid into a sprayer and water plants with it.
Note: 5 gallons of Compost Tea = 5,000 lbs. of compost
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