LAWN & GARDEN

Photo courtesy of Pixabay

STOP USING PESTICIDES

Because of the harm that can be caused by

pesticides, it's best to simply stop using them. If you have

nuisance insects in your yard, there are natural approaches to

curbing them.

Pesticides kill both harmful and beneficial bugs, so you miss

out on the benefits many "good" insects provide. Good bugs

include dragonflies, honeybees, ladybugs and butterflies.

"Bad" bugs like grasshoppers, aphids, fire ants, grubs, snails,

chiggers, centipedes and mosquitoes can harm your plants

and annoy humans.

How can you reduce bad bugs without pesticides, while

helping the "good bugs"?

} Plant flowers to support pollinators } Provide fresh water for good bugs and bug-killing birds } Add mulch to offer shade for plant-friendly insects } Use apple cider vinegar or cedar oil as bug repellent } Spray neem oil on infestations } Repel mosquitoes with crushed parsley, rosemary

oil or citronella candles } Grow insect-repellent plants like marigolds,

lemongrass, fennel, basil or thyme } Hang a bird feeder for bug-eating birds } Hose visible bugs like aphids and caterpillars off plants

BILLY’S Tips

One of the biggest concerns this time of year is blight and fungus which spread rapidly in hot, humid weather. Try copper fungicide or neem oil, made from the seeds of the neem tree, to address blight and fungus issues before they even start. The best part? They’re completely safe for you and your plants. To prevent blight and fungus, remember to water your plants in the morning, directly on the soil, to keep them hydrated in the hot afternoon sun. Contrary to popular belief, watering at night can actually be detrimental to plants as they’ll stay wet all night long, breeding blight and fungus.

If insects are bothering your plants, there are a variety of products that eliminate pests without the use of harsh chemicals. Pyrethrum, insecticidal soap, and neem oil all kill pests by attacking the insect’s digestive system. But did you know pyrethrum and neem oil both occur naturally in the environment? Pyrethrum effectively kills most insects while insecticidal soaps and neem oil are commonly used to control pests like mites and aphids. Insecticidal soap can also be used as a leaf wash to control mold. But before you spray, be sure to check the label as certain plants, like Japanese maples and azaleas, can be sensitive to these soaps. Bacillus thuringiensis, commonly known as Bt, is naturally found in soil and targets specific insects, like earworms. Spinosad is also a bacteria in soil and can be used to control a variety of insects, including caterpillars and fruit flies. Spinosad is available in spray, dust, granule, and pellet form. Whichever pesticide you choose, remember to treat your plants early in the morning or at night, as it should not be applied when plants will be exposed to direct sunlight.

Other options, like beneficial nematodes and cheesecloth, can help address pest issues naturally. Introduce beneficial nematodes into your soil to kill immature stages of garden pests. In the event of an insect invasion, cover your plants with cheesecloth to protect your plants from harmful insects while allowing water, air, and sunlight to get through.

When in doubt, stop by your local garden center. We’re always happy to help! Edited by: Jamie Bowman

Canfield’s Pet & Farm

SHOP NEW. SHOP VINTAGE. SHOP LOCAL.

It’s not just a day of shopping here in the Pocono Mountains—it’s an experience. Wander our historic streets. Explore our art galleries. Find unique local goods. And stop for a bite at one of our top-rated neighborhood restaurants along the way. Discover all of our shopping and sights now at PoconoMountains.com.

"To achieve a lush lawn without chemicals, it helps to understand what grass needs to grow its best."

TEST YOUR SOIL

Most people apply lawn products without first determining what the soil actually needs. Testing helps you discover the right balance, so your soil won't be too acidic or too alkaline.

Many universities provide soil testing services at reasonable prices. Check your nearest university's website for details.

Or turn soil testing into a fun family project. All you need is red cabbage, distilled water and the directions at Stonyfield.com/ playfree/change-your-own-backyard.

SWITCH TO ORGANIC FERTILIZERS

Synthetic fertilizers are manufactured with fossil fuels and are salt-based. They directly feed plants, and can harm your soil. Organic fertilizers feed the life in your soil, and the soil in turn will feed your grass or plants.

} Following these approaches can make your lawn beautiful as well as safer for your entire family. For more helpful organic backyard gardening tips, visit Stonyfield.com/PlayFree.

Photo courtesy of Pixabay

USE EFFECTIVE ORGANIC LAWN CARE TACTICS

To achieve a lush lawn without chemicals, it helps to understand what grass needs to grow its best.

} Feed soil - Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and micronutrients help your grass grow. But don't feed without testing - the soil test will determine if your grass is getting what it needs from the soil.

} Mow high - Short grass is stressed grass. Most grass grows best at around 3 inches. This allows your grass to efficiently produce its own food, develop deep roots and withstand drought conditions.

} Mulch with grass clippings - Healthy soil will turn the grass clippings into the nutrients it needs.

} Water deep - Lawns love about an inch of water each week. In many areas, rainfall is plenty. Less frequent but deeper watering builds heartier, healthier roots. Water as needed but aim for no more than 3 times per week, and water in the early morning.

} Overseed - Spread a layer of grass seeds across your existing yard to help grow a green and lush lawn.

} Weeding - The best weed prevention is a healthy, thriving lawn. Thick grass blocks out sunlight that weeds need to grow.

www.farmers-basket.com

StrunkC. TreeService

570 - 350 - 3966 24/7 Emergency Service - Fully Insured Tree Removal - Tree Trimming- Stump Grinding Cabling- Bucket Truck Service - Landscaping

bu

Ken’s Auto Service Center Quality Repair

With a Price That’s Fair Rte. 447 & Brushy Mt. Rd., East Stroudsburg, PA 18301 570-424-2258 www.kensautoservicecenter.net Oil Change Maintenance

State Inspections Tune Ups Brakes Tires

for struggling pet owners HELP IS OUT THERE

In uncertain times, there is one source of comfort we can all agree upon, and it is the unconditional love provided by our beloved four-legged friends. Pets are family and are there for us when we need it most. And when tragedy strikes a family member, whether through a natural disaster, domestic abuse, a health problem or job loss, we do everything we can to help.

Bringing animals out of crisis and into care and strengthening the bond between humans and animals is at the heart of everything RedRover does. Through emergency sheltering, disaster relief services, financial assistance and humane education programs, we are able to unite our community of pet lovers to help make the world a better and safer place for pets and their people. No matter the crisis, people and their pets can stay together whenever possible, or be reunited when separation is unavoidable.