[Eric Vinje]

Hello –

Please check out this article for our recommendations on how to control Leaf Spot (https://www.planetnatural.com/pest-problem-solver/plant-disease/bacterial-leaf-spot/).

As for early blight, it thrives in warm, humid environments. Keeping water off of the leaves and watering the roots directly can help to mitigate early blight. Staking, pruning, and increasing the air circulation at the base of plants can also help to control the problem. Adding compost to the soil surface as a mulch and discarding infected plant matter (DO NOT COMPOST) are also great garden practices that can help prevent many soil borne diseases.

https://www.planetnatural.com/pest-problem-solver/plant-disease/early-blight/

Hope it helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Hey Jason,

We unfortunately don’t have any sort of protective sealant for your pool. We do, however, sell a granular spread aimed at keeping pests away called Shake Away as well as a Sonic Pest Chaser from Victor. You could use these products around your pool to keep pests from nibbling away. I’ve included links that should help.

https://www.planetnatural.com/product/rodent-repellent-granules/
https://www.planetnatural.com/product/sonic-pestchaser/

​Additionally, you can always try to catch the pests with an easy bucket trap method: http://gentlemanhomestead.com/diy-five-gallon-bucket-mouse-trap/

​Hope this brings you closer to a solution​!

[Eric Vinje]

Kerry –

Yes we can! Please call 1-888-349-0605 for a quote.

[Eric Vinje]

Hello,

Most nutrients will last for years if kept in a cool dark place. The only exception are nutrients inoculated with beneficial bacteria and fungi, which often have a shelf life of about two years.

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Hi Cindy –

Of course you can compost bread and tortilla chips. Both products will soak up moisture and break down quickly. Keep in mind that pretty much any food scrap can be tossed in the pile… just make sure to bury it. The biggest concern here is unwanted critters visiting the pile. You do not want to attract animals with an overly smelly bin. To prevent this, many composters prefer to toss non-vegetable food scraps into a worm bin or bokashi bucket. I’ve included a link to our page on what to compost… or not!

https://www.planetnatural.com/composter-connection/making/materials/

Hope it helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Hello Wayne,

Unfortunately, we no longer offer a specific trap for armyworms. However, trichogramma wasps and beneficial nematodes can help control the pest population organically. These beneficial predators will kill the eggs and newly emerged larvae.

At the adult stage, Azamax is a product that can effectively control this population. It is an naturally derived organic insecticide. Here’s a link to our Armyworm Control page.

https://www.planetnatural.com/pest-problem-solver/garden-pests/armyworm-control/

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Hi Donna –

Small, crinkled or deformed rose leaves are often the result of powdery mildew disease. Look for raised blisters on young leaves that cause them to curl and expose the lower surface. This common fungal problem will make plants and flowers look like they’ve been treated to an after-bath dousing of talcum powder, I’ve included a link to our Powdery Mildew Treatment and Control page.

https://www.planetnatural.com/pest-problem-solver/plant-disease/powdery-mildew/

Hope it helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Hello –

We weren’t sure so we sent you question on to our beneficial nematode producers. Here’s what they had to say…

“Nematodes are compatible with DE, they can apply anytime.”

https://www.planetnatural.com/product/beneficial-nematodes/

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Hi Suleyman –

It’s nice to hear from Uzbekistan! Fly Parasites are small beneficial insects that nature has programmed to attack and kill the immature pupal stage of pest flies. For goats, we recommend releasing 250 parasites per animal weekly, every other week, or even monthly. Multiple releases are important because the pest has a much shorter life-cycle than the predator and lays more eggs. Monitor the pest population closely and adjust releases as needed. Keep in mind that fly parasites do NOT attack adult flies so you should employ a combination of measures to achieve the best control. Here’s a few other recommendations.

• Sanitation is the most effective and important step in reducing pest numbers
• Seal garbage cans with tight fitting lids
• Use traps and baits outdoors and in shelters to reduce the number of adult pests during warm weather
• Follow proper manure management practices to reduce populations in animal facilities

https://www.planetnatural.com/product/fly-parasites/
https://www.planetnatural.com/pest-problem-solver/household-pests/fly-control/

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Hi Bob –

Non-Toxic fruit fly trap refills are now available. Please select from the drop-down menu at https://www.planetnatural.com/product/fruit-fly-trap/.

Go get them!

[Eric Vinje]

Hi Dave –

For clay soils broadcast 30 lbs Elemental Sulfur per 1000 sq feet is recommended to drop the soil pH by one full unit (7 -> 6). I would recommend mixing it with compost or topsoil to help add organic matter to your soil. It should be noted that sulfur will take time to act, don’t expect your pH to drop overnight. Elemental sulfur will work quickest if incorporated to the soil, but can also be applied with a spreader on established lawns. Here’s a link:

https://www.planetnatural.com/product/elemental-sulfur-50-lb/.

Happy Summer!

[Eric Vinje]

Deborah –

The following is from Woodstream, the manufacturer of Concern Weed Prevention Plus.

We do not conduct any testing regarding GMOs in Weed Prevention Plus.

That being said, corn gluten is not a seed and will not grow into a plant. There is no risk that this product will infiltrate any nearby fields or crops. Corn gluten breaks down in the soil and acts as a natural fertilizer.

I hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Cali –

Tanglefoot is back in-stock…

https://www.planetnatural.com/product_brand/tanglefoot-company/

Go get `em!

[Eric Vinje]

Mike –

It’s back!

https://www.planetnatural.com/product_brand/tanglefoot-company/

Good luck!

[Eric Vinje]

Here’s 25 of our favorite tips:

https://www.planetnatural.com/organic-lawn-care-101/lawn-tips/

Hope it helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Here you go Dave!

https://www.planetnatural.com/product/fruit-fly-trap/

Happy hunting!

[Eric Vinje]

Hi Vladmir –

I would recommend a compost inoculate or activator over blood or cottonseed meal. Bokashi or Compost Starter will get your pile heated up and going much quicker than a soil amendment. Check ’em out here!

https://www.planetnatural.com/product/compost-starter-organic-22/
https://www.planetnatural.com/product/bokashi-compost-starter/

Hope it helps!

[Eric Vinje]

We’ve got it!

https://www.planetnatural.com/product/scarecrow-motion-activated-sprinkler/

[Eric Vinje]

Chandra –

Several fungi can cause decay of seeds and seedlings. However, I feel that the culprit is most likely damping off disease. This soil borne fungal problem affects seeds and new seedlings and is characterized by rotting stems and root tissue. In most cases, infected plants will germinate and come up fine, but within a few days they become water-soaked, fall over at the base and die. I have attached a link to our treatment and control page.

https://www.planetnatural.com/pest-problem-solver/plant-disease/damping-off/

Hope it helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Patti –

Thanks for checking with Planet Natural. Unfortunately, at this time we do not carry Pediobius foveolatus. I have attached a link to our Mexican Bean Beetle Control page.

https://www.planetnatural.com/pest-problem-solver/garden-pests/mexican-bean-beetle/

Hopefully it helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Hey Mo!

Cutting up the rosy periwinkle and moistening it will help to make the weed/ plant easier to break down. Adding shredded cardboard may also help speed the process. I would suggest adding a little to your vermicompost bin right off the bat, and seeing how the worms tolerate it. If they eat it, add some more a little at a time. As long as the Vinca is consumed, I would not be too concerned about seeds persisting in the castings.

Happy Composting!

[Eric Vinje]

Hi Bob –

For indeterminate (vining type) tomatoes I would recommend a 7-gallon pot.
Determinate (bush type) Tomatoes and Pepper would work well in a 5-gallon pot.

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Lucretia –

The white mold on plant leaves that you described sure sounds like Powdery Mildew. It’s the most common and widespread of fungal diseases attacking all kinds of different trees, ornamentals and vegetable plants. Common symptoms include patchy, gray, talcum-like dust that covers both the leaves and stems. Fortunately there are several organic are natural controls that work on powdery mildew. Here’s a link that should help.

https://www.planetnatural.com/pest-problem-solver/plant-disease/powdery-mildew/

Happy growing!

[Eric Vinje]

Hi Carol –

The Light Rail 5.0 Kit comes ready to go with a drive motor, crossbar for hanging lights, hardware, instructions and an 8 ft. long section of rail. To cover 12 ft. you would need to purchase the 4 ft. extender rail that will extend the standard 8-foot track to 12 feet.

https://www.planetnatural.com/product/light-rail-5-light-mover/

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Hi Steve –

There are several different species of Bt available for controlling insect pests. Bt israelensis (Bt-i) works to control mosquito, black fly and fungus gnat larvae. While Bt kurstaki (Bt-k) — The Monterey Bt product — is ideal for use against leaf eating caterpillars like tent caterpillars, cabbageworm, gypsy moth and tomato hornworm. I’ve attached a link that will explain the different types of Bt, as well as a link to our most popular Bt for mosquitoes.

https://www.planetnatural.com/bacillus-thuringiensis/
https://www.planetnatural.com/product/mosquito-dunks/

Hope it helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Hi Tom –

Yes they do!

[Eric Vinje]

Hi Trevor –

Harvesy-Guard is available in larger sizes but not what I would consider to be commercial lengths. The largest size we can get it in is 40ft. x 50ft. You may want to do a search for Reemay row covers for large rolls of the fabric.

As for using them in a hot climate, I would not suggest it unless the ends and sides are kept off the ground. Keep in mind that Harvest-Guard traps heat in and will raise temps even higher.

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Hi Matt –

To the best of my knowledge, the statement “DO NOT FEED TO RUMINANTS” is over concerns that Blood and Bone Meal may have been responsible for the spread of mad cow disease. U.S. Food and Drug Administration officials are obviously concerned and want to minimize the chance of animals eating the feed ending up back in the cattle food chain.

Hope it helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Hi Ken –

Ground Cherries – Both Baker Creek and Seed Savers packets contain a minimum of 50 seeds.

[Eric Vinje]

Hi Helen –

No, you will not need to add any top soil into the Mel’s Mix.
According to Square Foot Gardening’s website (founded by Mel Bartholomew), the growing media mixture contains the following:

1/3 Vermiculite
1/3 Peat Moss
1/3 Compost from:
– Chicken manure
– Leaf & wood mulch
– Algae
– Garden & kitchen scraps
– Other

Many growing mediums or “potting soils” do not actually contain any soil, but rather a mixture of various other soilless media and fertilizers.
However, when you do mix up this particular recipe, you will also need to incorporate a manure based compost in addition to the leaf compost. Each type of manure will play a different role, so it is important to have both. Just be sure that they still only make up one-third of the mixture.
Manure based compost contains loads of beneficial bacteria and micro-nutrients. It is very high in nitrogen and will aid in water retention.
Leaf based compost will help to improve the structure of your medium by adding drainage and aeration. Additionally, it is highly mineral rich – containing many trace elements.

With the addition of manure compost, you should have all of the elements to create a great growing media mix!

[Eric Vinje]

Linda –

We have several recommendations for getting rid of apple maggots that will vary depending on the time of year. I’ve attached a link to our apple maggot control page below. Please let me know if this helps and let me know if you have additional questions.

https://www.planetnatural.com/pest-problem-solver/tree-pests/apple-maggot-control/

Hope it helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Hi Craig –

Praying Mantis egg cases can take 6-8 weeks of warm temperatures, 65-75 degrees daytime, no lower than 45 degrees at night, to hatch. I show that we shipped on —- and recommend that you give them some more time. It is rare when an egg case does NOT hatch. Please be patient!

To speed up the hatch, we recommend placing egg cases — still in the bag — on top of a refrigerator, or some place that is consistently warm, but not hot. Do not place them on a windowsill as temperatures fluctuate too much.

Note: Tiny praying mantis nymphs will emerge through the narrow slits of the egg case. Unless you can find the small nymphs (1/8 inch), it is impossible to tell if the egg cases have actually hatched — the egg case will NOT change in appearance.

If there’s no sign of the nymphs after 6-8 weeks, please feel free to contact us. Here is a link to our website for more information on praying mantis:https://www.planetnatural.com/product/praying-mantis-egg-cases/.

[Eric Vinje]

Hi Ben –

How’s things going up there in the Great White North? Aphids can be a big problem especially on peppers, so the big question is what beneficial insects do we recommend to combat them? Both the lacewing and ladybugs are good general predators, meaning that they eat most soft bodied insect pests that aren’t too quick for them. Since you are new to gardening — and using beneficial insects — I recommend the ladybugs. Most people are familiar with ladybugs and are satisfied when their shipment arrives alive and healthy. Lacewing are a bit trickier since they are most often shipped as eggs and very small — 1/16 in. — when they hatch. A common complaint is, “I never saw them!” It doesn’t help that lacewing larvae are gray and green in color and spend most of their time hanging out under plant leaves. With that said, most people that are familiar with beneficial insects prefer lacewing to ladybugs because they tend to stick around longer.

Proper timing is a crucial aspect of natural pest control when releasing beneficial insects. If no food is available for the predators to eat they will simply move on in search of food, On the other hand, if you have too many pests your beneficial insects will not be able to eat them up as quickly as the pest can multiply.

Note: If pest populations are high, use a least-toxic, short-lived natural pesticide — Insecticidal Soaps, Horticultural Oils, Botanical Insecticides — to establish control before releasing predators/parasites for long-term control.

Here’s a couple of links that should help.

https://www.planetnatural.com/using-beneficial-insects/
https://www.planetnatural.com/ladybugs-pest-control/

Good luck!

[Eric Vinje]

Hello –

The biggest difference in azomite and glacial rock dust is the micronutrients they contain and what they are derived from. Glacial Rock Dust is derived from glacial moraines in Canada and has a guaranteed analysis which contains Calcium, Magnesium, Cobalt, Iron, and Sodium. Azomite is a volcanic ash product that comes from Utah. It does not list specific micronutrients, nor does it have a guaranteed analysis beyond 0-0-0.2. However, it does contains 67 plant macro and micro nutrients. Overall, both are great for replenishing soil micronutrients and remineralizing soil. Glacial rock dust contains fewer micronutrients, but can help to improve the soil structure overall. Azomite contains more micronutrients but does not help improve soil structure. I would recommend mixing the two together for optimal results. Based upon the recommend application rates, I would think a 1:1 ratio would fit the average person’s needs.

Happy Planting!

[Eric Vinje]

I’d think that the change in light, heat or humidity is likely causing the legginess in your tomato plants. Tomatoes like pretty even temperatures, if it gets quite cold at night, 90 degree weather can stress out your plants. The soil/fertilizer you are using may also be the culprit if it contains high amounts of nitrogen. The miracle grow you are using likely contains high amounts of nitrogen, I’d refrain from using it on plants which you are trying to improve fruit or flower production. Consider adding a liquid fertilizer that is low in nitrogen and high in phosphorus to your weekly or bi-weekly watering regime.

Wind would not be the culprit of legginess. With proper support structures, wind can actually help build the resiliency of tomato plants by strengthen the stems. These winds may actually be helping your tomato plants.

The mold on your potting soil would not be of concern to me unless you noticing negative side effects on your plants. If anything, the mold indicated to me that your soil is “living” and a thriving ecosystem that’s encouraging healthy vegetative life. If you still would like to get rid of it, consider decreasing the humidity in your greenhouse. What kind of ventilation do you have in your greenhouse? Adding fans that will blow air below the plants can help decrease residual humidity near the soil surface. A top dressing of a copper sulfide based product would also help the problem. Bonide Garden Dust should fit your needs perfectly, find it here! https://www.planetnatural.com/product/garden-dust/

Good luck growing!

[Eric Vinje]

Hi Helen –

In a raised bed plants can be grown more closely together than in a traditional row garden. When growing vegetables stagger your rows so that a plant in one row is between two plants in the other row. This creates an almost continuous leaf cover that shades out weeds. I’ve attached a link to our Growing More In Less Space article that lists how closely different seeds or seedlings can be planted in a raised bed garden.

https://www.planetnatural.com/square-foot-gardening/

Hope it helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Hello Helen –

A beautiful, green lawn takes time, effort and maintenance. Below I have listed a few steps that should help.

Test Your Soil: The first step in creating a healthy lawn is to test the soil.

Watering: How much you water — and when — will depend on your soil and climate conditions. Pay attention to your lawn, water only when necessary and then do it deeply. Understanding your soils pH and the nutrients needed is important to getting green grass.

Fertilizer: There are several fine organic lawn fertilizers available. These products not only provide nitrogen and other nutrients in perfectly balanced formulas, they may also contain beneficial microbes and fungi to enliven the health of your soil. Using them in conjunction with compost helps guarantee that your lawn will be able to take full advantage of the nutrients it provides.

Mowing: A properly trimmed lawn will encourage grass to grow deeper roots, thus enabling it to draw nutrients and moisture from deeper in the soil and protecting it from drying out. Organic lawns will benefit from being kept at a slightly taller height; say 3 to 3-1/2 inches. Grass at this height will shade out weeds.

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Hello C –

I have been told that the greensand mine in NJ has been sold and will be turned into a housing development. We have had a very hard time locating any this year.

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Welcome Adam!

[Eric Vinje]

Hi Stefan –

The Bumblebee Hive that we offer will treat an area up to 5,000 sq ft and can be used effectively for the pollination of a variety of crops like tomatoes, sweet peppers, eggplants, melons, strawberries, apples, pears and cherries. While this is more than what you need for your growing area — 720 sq. ft — it is the smallest size available.

Hope it helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Paul –

I’ve provided a link to our Early Blight Treatment and Control page.

https://www.planetnatural.com/pest-problem-solver/plant-disease/early-blight/

Hope it helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Linda –

Predatory Mites (Phytoseiulus persimilis) are an effective biological control for use against the two spotted spider mite. The predatory mite can only survive on two spotted spider mites (Tetranychus spp). I have included a link to our Spider Mite Control page below. Hope it helps!

https://www.planetnatural.com/pest-problem-solver/houseplant-pests/spider-mite-control/

Note: On severely infested plants it is important that you reduce the pest infestation prior to releasing predators. Consider spraying with an insecticidal soap or other non-residual insect control. If only a few plants are infested, consider removing them.

[Eric Vinje]

Hello Gwen –

Without high quality pictures or a plant sample, it may be nearly impossible to give you an exact answer​ as to what is wrong with your plants. My best guess would likely be over watering or over fertilization. Overfertilization will cause the plant to “burn” and has the potential to create an imbalance in the nutrient uptake of your plants. Consider flushing with water to remove any excess fertilizer solubles. The yellowing may also have something to do with the pH of the soil. Nutrient uptake is maximized when the soil pH is between 6.2 and 7.3. Keeping your soil pH within this range will encourage the plant to uptake nutrients quicker. Additionally, you could add a product such as Azos to help nutrients break down quicker into a more readily plant available form. Find Azos here! https://www.planetnatural.com/product/azos-nitrogen-fixing-microbes/

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Karen –

I don’t feel comfortable with any of the “liners” that are out there. I suggest using redwood or cedar to build your frames and have included a couple of links that should help.

https://www.planetnatural.com/raised-bed-gardening/
http://www.sunset.com/garden/perfect-raised-bed

Hope it helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Sharene –

At this point we cannot. The Tanglefoot Company was sold last year — at this point we’re lucky to get what they send us.

Thanks for checking!

[Eric Vinje]

Hi Darrin –

We do still sell insect packages. Here is a link to their page:

https://www.planetnatural.com/product/garden-variety-pack/

Have a wonderful day!

[Eric Vinje]

Kathy –

We do! Please call 1-888-349-0605 for wholesale pricing.

[Eric Vinje]

Allen –

It looks like they sent you the wrong adapter. I recommended the BAASP adapter to get you up and running, but you mentioned receiving the BAASR adapter. Please call 1-888-349-0605 and ask for Coby. He will get you the correct adapter ASAP.

[Eric Vinje]

Hello from Planet Natural –

Praying Mantis egg cases can take 6-8 weeks of warm temperatures, 65-75 degrees daytime, no lower than 45 degrees at night, to hatch. I show that we shipped on —- and recommend that you give them some more time. It is rare when an egg case does NOT hatch. Please be patient!

To speed up the hatch, we recommend placing egg cases — still in the bag — on top of a refrigerator, or some place that is consistently warm, but not hot. Do not place them on a windowsill as temperatures fluctuate too much.

Note: Tiny praying mantis nymphs will emerge through the narrow slits of the egg case. Unless you can find the small nymphs (1/8 inch), it is impossible to tell if the egg cases have actually hatched — the egg case will NOT change in appearance.

If there’s no sign of the nymphs after 6-8 weeks, please feel free to contact us. Here is a link to our website for more information on praying mantis:https://www.planetnatural.com/product/praying-mantis-egg-cases/.

[Eric Vinje]

Gina –

Bt-k is a naturally occurring soil bacteria ideal for controlling tent caterpillars, gypsy moth, cabbage looper, tomato hornworm and other leaf eating caterpillars on trees, shrubs, tomatoes and other vegetables. Bt-k is most effective when applied to caterpillars during their 1st and 2nd instars, when they are still small. It must be ingested by the insect, as it is a stomach toxin. Harmless to humans, animals and beneficial insects. Bt-k biodegrades quickly in sunlight and may require reapplication under heavy insect pressure. To maximize effectiveness apply in the late afternoon.

Happy growing!

[Author]

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