Question:
Six months ago, I purchased a Philodendron plant, and now I have little flying gnats all over the house. They're in my morning coffee and going up my nose. What a pain! How do I eliminate them without the plant or using any chemicals?Answer:
- It sounds annoying, but the good news is that this problem can be easily corrected without chemicals.
- These flying gnats, or fungus gnats, are harmless, non-biting nuisance pests. Although, they have nothing to do with a fungus problem. You usually first notice them when the adults fly around the house, gather at a nearby window, or invade your personal space.
- The adult gnats are not strong fliers, have a short life span, and multiply quickly, much like fruit flies. This makes the liquid gnat sprays a pain because you constantly have to spray the endless new generation of gnats.
- Once you understand their life cycle, they can easily control it without chemicals.
- The gnats breed and thrive in rich, moist, organic conditions; hence, the top layer of any potting soil is an ideal breeding ground.
- The adult female lays eggs in the organic layer, which then hatch—starting the life cycle again.
- The larva feeds on the root hairs and other organic materials before it emerges as an adult. The larva feeding on the roots usually doesn't do much damage.
- Interrupting the lifecycle by creating a dry, sterile environment is your solution, as it stops the breeding.
- You remove the top quarter to half-inch layer of soil and replace it with Growstone Gnat Nix.
- Gnat Nix is a very porous recycled glass material, so water drains and dries quickly. Another solution is a small decorative or Aquarium rock.
- The dry, sterile conditions stop breeding practices within a few days and end the problem.
NOTE: Growstone Gnat Nix is available online at https://www.htgsupply.com/products/growstone-gnat-nix/ and https://www.planetnatural.com/product/gnat-nix/
Question:
My container roses are still blooming. Should I prune them now or wait? Also, should they be sprayed with a dormant spray after pruning?Answer:
- I wouldn't delay pruning my roses just because they're in bloom. We are at the mid-point of the winter pruning season, so you can wait if you choose.
- Copper Fungicide or Horticultural Oil is recommended for roses and other dormant plants. They are excellent organic controls for the pests and diseases of roses.
- Before spraying and after pruning, clean up all the debris around and under the bushes, and strip off any foliage on the canes that remain from the previous year.
- Finally, loosen or relocate the metal name tag. The wire griddles the stem all too often, causing it to die. So you don't lose the tag, I'd attach it to a nail at the top of a wooden stake and place it in the container(s).