Question:
I'm finding a lot of grubs about eight to twelve inches deep in my raised beds. Last year, I used nematodes to get rid of them, but it didn't seem to do the job. Is there another non-toxic chemical to use?Answer:
- Beneficial Nematodes are your best non-toxic control for grubs. These tiny, worm-like organisms are a natural means of biological control of soil insect pests.
- The first golden rule when applying Beneficial Nematodes is moisture. The nematodes will seek and hunt out soil grubs, with water being the carrier. So, I would water the beds thoroughly the day before or four hours before making your application. A watering or sprinkler can is your best distribution method for raised beds. The packaging should give you the coverage rate.
- Generally, grubs are near the soil surface, but that's not the case here, so I'd add a soil penetrant. When added to water, EZ Wet from Gro More or a similar product breaks down the surface tension around the soil particles, increasing the percolation rate.
- The nematodes are transported down quicker to where the grubs are active, and they'll do a better job of solving the problem. Next is when to apply Beneficial Nematodes. They're sensitive to light, so the sun mustn't be shining on the soil surface. So, early morning or evening would be the best time.
- I’d give them another try.
Question:
I purchased a bag of pure Mesquite charcoal for barbecuing. Can you tell me the origin of Mesquite? I'm just curious.Answer:
- Mesquite is an exciting large shrub or small tree indigenous to the southwest and the desert areas. There are three common species of the Mesquite: Honey Mesquite (Proposes gladiolas), Screwbean Mesquite (Proposes pubescens ), and Velvet Mesquite (Proposes velutina).
- Mesquite grows to forty feet high and is deciduous. It's a pea family member and has the characteristic bean pods, which humans, wildlife, and livestock have long used as a food source. It is estimated that over seventy-five percent of a Coyote's diet in late summer is from the mesquite beans.
- Native Americans relied on the Mesquite pod as a dietary staple from which they made tea, syrup, and a ground meal called Pinole. They also used the bark for basketry, fabrics, and medicine.
- A favorite of bees and other insects, the Mesquite flowers have a honey fragrance. Mesquite has a true tap root that can go down in the soil forty feet deep looking for moisture.
- The tap root can be more prominent in diameter than its truck. The tap root is used for firewood, while the above-ground parts are used for furniture or tool handles.
- The density of its wood fibers makes Mesquite an extremely hard wood. It's a favorite with those who like to grill because the density causes Mesquite to burn at temperatures higher than most other charcoals. It also burns slowly and is smokeless, sealing in the natural juices as the meat cooks.