Thursday, April 26, 2012

Organic Controls For Pests

Below are some of the best home remedy to get rid of aphids:

The best way is organic control of aphids. Bring in predators that feed on aphids and this will solve your problem. Predators of aphids include lacewings, lady bugs, aphid predator (which is actual bug called that) and hoverflies.

You can also plant companion plantings like mint, fennel, dill, yarrow, clover and dandelions in garden which attract aphid predators to your garden and thus keep your gardens aphid-free naturally.

Mix the following ingredients: 1 cup vegetable oil or white mineral oil, 1 ½ cups water, 2 teaspoons of dish soap or Murphy’s soap. Spray this on aphids attacked areas for few days. Aphids will run away of suffocation.

Alternatively, I’ve used a half baking soda and half water solution with a couple of drops of Dawn dish detergent which creates a dusty paste that the aphids do not like and sends them packing for more scrumptious goods. After you are sure they are gone, you can simply rinse off the powder with your garden hose. More stubborn dustings may need to have you fill a small bowl or plastic baggy and immerse and swirl gently until the baking soda dissolves.

Another remedy is to avoid over fertilization of plant. Aphids are attracted to over growth in overly fertilized plants and attack whole plant.

Fighting Japanese Beetles and Aphids at the same time? Spray the plants with the oil solution, and then purchase a Japanese Beetle Trap and attach fly paper to the top to catch the aphids! But be sure to put these traps at least 15 feet away from your plants you are trying to protect. It is important to empty the traps daily and ensure the bait is fresh. Beware: full bags can attract raccoons who will gladly eat your trappings.

If you get to the point where you want to grab a blow torch, you can always call the Garden Nanny for help!


Garden Technology

Do you love the idea of gardening but don’t know where to start? Burpee has developed a few mobile applications that may make this task a little easier.

http://gdncoach.mobi/mydesigner is a simple garden designer which will tell you which plants are available in your color scheme and suggests how to plant them in either a garden bed or container. It’s limited but a great start to help you know which plants can work together! Alternatively, you may also choose a favorite plant, add that to the garden designer and they will suggest companion plants. It’s a great little gadget…

http://gdncoach.mobi is a garden coach service that you can submit questions and get great advice from the experts at Burpee. You can also sign up for their newsletter and seasonal reminders for garden tasks and ideas.

Did you know?

That many plants in your favorite nursery’s now have Q Codes or QR Codes which you can scan with your smart phone and get instant access to information about that plant? It may save you a lot of headaches and a bit of money by helping you select appropriate plants for your different growing zones within your garden.

Find more great gardening ideas at Blooming Rails Garden Nanny.


Garden Nanny for Mother's Day

Give mom the gift of gardening this Mother's Day. Now's your chance to give something special and different. Mom will love it!

  • Watering
  • Weeding
  • Planting
  • Trimming
  • Ornamental and Vegetable Garden Maintenance
  • Container Garden Design and Installation


Setting up and maintaining a garden takes a lot of work and mom could use a break. Garden Nanny will care for mom's garden year round or for short periods while she' away on business or vacation.

Blooming Rails Garden Nanny - New Video

View our new video for Garden Nanny Services - Discover how Blooming Rails Garden Nanny can become the answer you've been looking for. Residential Services, Commercial Services, Commercial Partnership, Garden Design and Creation.

Blooming Rails Makeover

Blooming Rails (www.bloomingrails.com) has undergone a complete makeover. The company is now going by the name Blooming Rail Garden Nanny and has added a whole new assortment of services. As the name describes, new gardening services are now being offered. However, our services go well beyond typical casual gardening support.

Our new services include residential gardening, commercial gardening, commercial gardening partnerships, and container garden design and installation. We are based in the Chicago area, Schaumburg to be specific, and provide a solid solution for plant care or plant sitting if your heading out of town. If you need gardening maintenance on a regular basis, Blooming Rails Garden Nanny is the place... no contracts!

Blooming Rails also has industrial relationships with Riggers, Machinery Movers, Electricians, Builders, Plumbers, Handyman, and HVAC contractors. For roof top gardens and beautifully elaborate garden creations, we have the resources to make your vision come alive.

For more information view www.bloomingrails.com/services.shtml or watch their video at www.bloomingrails.com/videos.shtml