Somehow my house and garden got tiny gnats that killed my fuchsia plant and fly everywhere. I have tried ALL the Web recommendations – soap and oil dishes, sand in th… See more
My marigold plants are growing. I heard that pinching the buds until Autumn will allow them to grow without killing the plant. Is this true?
I know that opinions vary, but whats your opinion?!I have great luck w Rosemary plants. Green all year long.
Suggestions on how to get rid of termites naturally are appreciated however if there is only a chemical solution for these pests please share as well. Thank you!
I thought maybe a rabbit was burrowing in my yard, but its almost dead center of my lawn (not a very smart rabbit). The hole is not very deep, and I replanted it onc… See more
Are sparrows pulling off the leaves of pea plants a new thing?
Although I had just talked about it with a gardening friend the day before, this was new to me. She was complaining to me when I went to her place about the birds eating her lettuce and peas, so she had to cover them with baskets and other sturdy coverings. When I first noticed the sparrows removing the leaves from my own purple pea plants, I thought it was strange.
Looking at the leaves and not witnessing the sparrows in flight, I would have assumed slugs or some other insect was to blame. If I didn’t know better, the leaves appeared chewed, but chunks up to an inch in diameter had been torn away. Though I never imagined that pigeons, pheasants, and geese would actually tear off pieces of the leaves, I have witnessed them devour recently emerged plants, removing whole patches of corn, carrots, and bean plants.
It surprised me especially because most birds eat insects to meet their nutritional needs, especially during this time of year. Yet some have a penchant for plants. Sunflower leaves are particularly popular with goldfinches, and other birds like these sparrows clearly enjoy the new growth.
I thought maybe a rabbit was burrowing in my yard, but its almost dead center of my lawn (not a very smart rabbit). The hole is not very deep, and I replanted it onc… See more
Somehow my house and garden got tiny gnats that killed my fuchsia plant and fly everywhere. I have tried ALL the Web recommendations – soap and oil dishes, sand in th… See more
I am aware that opinions differ, but what are yours? I have had amazing success with rosemary plants. Green all year long.
We welcome suggestions for natural termite removal, but if there is only a chemical solution, please let us know as well. Thank you!.
My marigold plants are growing. I’ve heard that you can allow the buds to grow without harming the plant by pinching them until autumn. Is this true?.
Keeping birds out of the garden
Although using owl decoys or other raptor deterrents is advised, keeping the birds from ever getting there is the most efficient method of discouraging them. My friend used baskets and big jugs with the bottoms cut off, like gallon milk containers or juice bottles. Water wasn’t a problem because she had drip irrigation installed underneath everything.
I opted to bring out the handy floating row cover. Id hoped not to need it since the deer werent an issue this year, but it did the trick to keep the birds from eating my plants. The only drawback was when I watered. Since I use the overhead misters, I needed to remove the row cover in order to reach the plants. The birds took advantage of the situation since they were more than happy to dash into the water to grab a bite.
Luckily, the plants grew large enough that the birds stopped using them after just a few weeks of covering them. The plants are happy and healthy right now, so I should have my purple peas soon.
FAQ
How do I keep birds off my pea plants?
Will birds eat peas?
Do sparrows eat peas?