|
How Green Does Your Garden Grow? Natural and Organic Pest Controls
Identifying and treating pests in your garden can be overwhelming, even to those with the greenest thumbs. When pests attack fruits, vegetables and herbs the thought of applying synthetic chemicals to your edibles is not palatible. Fortunately, there are natural and organic pest controls that battle pests but don't contaminate your salad! We carry a selection of natural pest controls that contain the following natural chemicals. Please stop in to learn more about them and how your garden can grow green!
Natural Solutions for Insect Control:
Neem An oil derived from the neem tree, neem contains a chemical called azadirachtin that makes plant surfaces taste bitter and attacks soft-bodied insects such as aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs and mites.
Pyrethrin Pyrethrin is extracted from the seeds of Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium and is a neorotoxin, attacking the nervous system of soft-bodied insects.
Spinosad This chemical is derived from naturally occuring, soil-dwelling bacterium and is also a neurotoxin. Spinosad is most effective against worms, beetles, leaf miners and thrips. The granule form is effective against fire ants.
Insecticidal Soaps Containing potassium salts of fatty acids derived from plants, commercial insecticidal soaps are effective against soft-bodied pests such as aphids and mites and kill by penetrating the insect's cell membranes. You can easily create your own insecticidal soap by mixing 5 drops of liquid dish detergent to a quart of water in a small spray bottle.
Natural Solutions for Fungus Control:
Copper Available in a liquid concentrate, copper can be sprayed on plants to prevent and treat powdery mildew, black spot, rust and bacterial leaf spot, among other fungal diseases.
Sulphur This old-fashioned solution for unwanted fungi and insects in the garden can be applied as a dust or sprayed on plant surfaces. Sulphur works best when applied at the first signs of infection or infestation and controls black spot, leaf spot, powdery mildew, thrips and mites.
*Even natural chemicals can be toxic to bees and fish so care should be taken when applying them in your garden. Avoid applying any chemical to flowers where bees are actively feeding on nectar or where the chemical might run off into ponds or streams. | 
Discover one of Birmingham's best kept secrets and "get away" to the city! Established in 1977 as a "sanctuary for native species of plants and animals," the preserve now covers over 1,000 acres along a section of Red Mountain known as Ruffner Mountain. Kids of all ages will enjoy learning about Alabama's native plants and animals in the nature center, and 12 miles of well-marked hiking trails mean you can get up close and personal with them! Also, don't miss out on some of the absolute best views of the city from Ruffner Mountain's bluff lookouts. For more information, visit the