[Eric Vinje]

Hello Phoebe,

The best way to remove sodium and excess minerals is to filter your water with a reverse osmosis system (RO). This system uses a membrane with pores small enough to only allow water molecules through, while leaving minerals behind. Using RO is a good idea regardless if you high high levels of sodium because excess metals in the water can detrimentally interact with molecules in soil and water based systems. However, due to the removal of minerals, the waters buffering capacity is reduced; therefore, the pH of a system can be more prone to fluctuations.

Another way to reduce the sodium in your water is to use potassium chloride (KCl) rather than sodium chloride (NaCl) when treating. This will incorporate potassium rather than sodium, which is a macronutrient for plants.

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Ennia –

Honestly, we’ve never really thought much about composting tomatoes… So, we wrote a blog post on the subject! Here it is:

https://www.planetnatural.com/composting-tomato-plants/.

Enjoy!

[Eric Vinje]

Hi Katy –

We will have praying mantis in stock early this January. You can place your orders then and have them shipped at a later date if you prefer.

[Eric Vinje]

Raye –

The product we sell –Yellowstone Brand — is made in Billings MT and OMRI listed for use in organic production. It is a combination of sulfur (90%) and bentonite that breaks down quickly in the soil. The source is listed as virgin production from Claus Sulfur Recovery.

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

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Rebeccah –

We have many customers — including grocery stores — that release Trichogramma inside to control Pantry Moths. I’ve included a link that should help.

https://www.planetnatural.com/pest-problem-solver/household-pests/indian-meal-moth-control/

[Eric Vinje]

Malread –

Ladybugs will go after the immature stages of whitefly and are very effective. If the problem is severe, knockdown the pest with something short-lived in the environment and then release ladybugs for long-term control. Here’s the link:

https://www.planetnatural.com/product/live-ladybugs/.

[Eric Vinje]

Hello Mary –

Hold down the toggle switch in the order box and select the replacement filters.

https://www.planetnatural.com/product/compost-pail/

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Charles –

Please send letters to:

Eric Vinje
Planet Natural
1251 N Rouse Ave.
Bozeman, MT 59715

Thank you!

[Eric Vinje]

Brian –

CANNA Coco is one of our best available and is known for its homogeneous structure. It’s a favorite!

https://www.planetnatural.com/product/canna-coco/

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Peggy –

Our lightest and smallest reel mower is our Econo-Mower which I think would be perfect for your needs. It has a smaller cutting width (14″), which makes it easier to push, and is made with quality components. Here’s the link:

https://www.planetnatural.com/product/economy-reel-mower/.

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Hello Kelly –

Currently, there are no organic herbicides that are specific to weeds and not kill grass. As a result we recommend the following approach:

1. Apply Weed Prevention Plus in the early spring and late fall to prevent new weed seeds from germinating (25 lbs/ 1500 sq ft).

2.) Spot treat or hand dig existing weeds..

The links below should help.

https://www.planetnatural.com/product/weed-prevention-plus/
https://www.planetnatural.com/product/avenger-weed-killer/
https://www.planetnatural.com/product/horticultural-vinegar/
https://www.planetnatural.com/organic-lawn-care-101/

[Eric Vinje]

Hello Ed –

The soil is probably depleted of silicon and maybe trying to supplement with a granular form of silicon, such as the RAW products we offer? I’ve also attached a link to our Tomato Problems page.

https://www.planetnatural.com/product/raw-silica/
https://www.planetnatural.com/tomato-gardening-guru/pests-disease/

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Karina –

You may want to try Actinovate. It’s OMRI Listed for organic use and works with a concentrated beneficial microorganism (Streptomyces lydicus) that establishes itself on plants’ roots and leaves. Here’s the link:

https://www.planetnatural.com/product/actinovate-lawn-garden/.

[Eric Vinje]

Hilda –

I hope this helps!

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

[Eric Vinje]

Hope this helps!

https://www.planetnatural.com/product/actinovate-lawn-garden/

I’ve also included a link to our Verticillium Wilt Treatment page.

https://www.planetnatural.com/pest-problem-solver/plant-disease/verticillium-wilt/

Good luck!

[Eric Vinje]

Shelby –

We are not the producer of Seaplex. I’m sure that Botanicare can get you the information that you’re looking for.

http://www.botanicare.com/

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

We can… but you will need to get a permit from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture before we can ship live insects to the islands. I found the following online:

Permits: All agricultural permits are required in advance of importation by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture. For specific information on restrictions, write or call the Branch at 701 Ilalo St. Honolulu, HI 96813, Ph. (808) 586-0844 or 836-3827.

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

MB –

We sell an 11 oz bottle of fertilizer called orchid-pro that should help to fix your orchid problems. It has a variety of macro and micro nutrients essential for healthy growth. The idea with fertilizing orchids is the weakly, weekly routine. You want to feed them regularly, but too little fertilizer is better than too much. It’s also best to fertilize after watering to prevent potentially burning the plant.

Here’s a couple of links:

https://www.planetnatural.com/product/orchid-pro-liquid-plant-food/
https://www.planetnatural.com/product-category/growing-indoors/orchid-care/orchid-fertilizer/.

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Lois –

Is it scale?

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

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Margarett –

We have no way of knowing what the other 30% ingredients are. That portion of the product is proprietary information and does not have to be disclosed by the company. However, the EPA knows what the “other ingredients” are and has approved them for the uses stated on the label, which I’m sure doesn’t give you a whole lot of confidence. The biggest thing here is that OMRI also knows what the “other ingredients” are and they have approved them for organic use. My guess is that the “other ingredients” are most likely water and some kind of agent that helps it mix with water.

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Hi Sandy –

In regards to succulent care- As a general rule you should water succulents thoroughly, then let them dry out in between waterings to avoid root rot. Succulents generally prefer full sun, so a south facing window would suit them well.

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Penelope –

We have several available here:

https://www.planetnatural.com/pest-problem-solver/plant-disease/corn-smut/

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

We will have praying mantis early this winter. Orders can be placed then with a later ship date specified. Most orders ship in early May.

[Eric Vinje]

Where are you located? Please call 1-888-349-0605 for a price quote.

[Eric Vinje]

Tyler –

Call your order in Monday morning and they can look at your pricing 800-289-6656.

[Eric Vinje]

Hi Shane –

SUPERthrive is a pretty good choice! It’s also extremely concentrated, so a little goes a long way. I’m not sure your going to find a better product for your needs at that price. Are you using kelp?

[Eric Vinje]

Hi Bob –

Contech — the maker of the Fruit Fly Traps and Bait Refills — recently sold. We are waiting on purchasing information from the new company. They have asked us to be patient why they sort out their current inventory and get things back in order.

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Hmmm! That could be a couple things. I’ve included some links here that may help.

http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/r3101811.html
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/r3100211.html
http://www.almonds.com/growers/pests#tc-navel-orangeworm

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Cheryl –

You can purchase EcoSMART Ant & Roach Killer from us at

https://www.planetnatural.com/product/ant-roach-killer-2/.

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Hi Jen –

The oxalic acid from rhubarb is mostly broken down, diluted and pH balances relatively fast from and remaining oxalic acid from decomposing rhubarb stalks. The level of acid does not inhibit the microbial action of composting.

Also, it’s best not to harvest your rhubarb in the first growing season to give your plants a chance to become established. Harvesting should be done when plants are 12 to 18 inches long.

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Michelle –

Here ya’ go!

https://www.planetnatural.com/pest-problem-solver/lawn-pests/mosquito-control/

All the recommended products will not harm birds or beneficial insects. except for the last two. However, the Mosquito and Tick Killer by Safer is OMRI Listed for organic use and will not persist in the environment for more than a week.

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

While we offer several rooting hormones none, to the best of my knowledge, are certified organic. I also could not find any listed with OMRI.

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Brittany –

We’ve got them https://www.planetnatural.com/product/alfalfa-pellets-50-lb/. Please call 1-888-349-0605 for a quote.

[Eric Vinje]

I am not sure who is making Bt-sd anymore. In fact, I just checked and the product we offered, called Colorado Potato Beetle Beater, now uses spinosad as the active ingredient. You can use Monterey Garden Insect Spray on potato beetles if you’re interested. Here’s a link:

https://www.planetnatural.com/product/monterey-garden-insect-spray-spinosad/

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Joanneh –

The first thing that comes to mind is spacing. How close together are your radish plants? If that’s not it I’ve provided a couple of links below that should help.

https://www.planetnatural.com/radishes/
https://www.planetnatural.com/garden-thinning-seeding/
https://www.planetnatural.com/growing-radish/

Thank you!

[Eric Vinje]

Ben –

Planet Natural carried them along time ago… but there was some concern with them feeding on young plants too! I am not sure if they are commercially available anymore.

[Eric Vinje]

Hello Pat –

Orchids start to grow more rapidly in the Spring, so generally that is best, or just after they have finished flowering. If you start to notice new growth on the base of the branches, its a good time to re-pot, however, new growth is very delicate and can easily be damaged, so great care should be taken when re-potting. When the roots begin to produce branches, they are past their initial growth stages and are less delicate. Fertilize once a week AFTER blooms have dropped off when the orchid is in it’s rapid growth stages. After growth has slowed, fertilize once a month. Water on days you don’t fertilize to flush out any nutrient build up.

Orchids such as cattleyas and oncidiums should be allowed to dry completely between waterings while orchids such as phalaenopsis and paphiopedilums that have no water storage organs should be watered before dryness occurs. It is best to water your plant in the morning to give the moisture on the leaves time to dry during the day. If any water remains in the crown (where the leaves join in the center) use a paper towel to blot the water to avoid crown rot.

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Rodney –

Naturally-occurring elements push soil toward either end of the scale. Forested areas with plenty of rainfall like the East Coast and the Pacific Northwest tend to have acidic readings (4.0- 6.0), while the low-moisture Mountain West trends alkaline (above 7.5). The Midwest is generally neutral, with readings between 6.0 to 7.5.

Most plants have adapted to a wide pH range, and some even prefer environments that lean one direction. Blueberries, azaleas and rhododendrons are acid-loving, and clematis, lilac and peony prefer to be on the alkaline side.

When your garden is in that neutral sweet spot (7.0), essential elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron and manganese dissolve easily, which lets the roots deliver them quickly and easily to your plants.

To lower your soil pH from 8.0 to 7.0 we recommend adding elemental sulfur, sometimes called split- pea sulfur at a rate of 10 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. You can also add plenty of compost — especially if you have poor soil conditions — to help neutralize pH.

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

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

AJ –

We list the approx. number of seeds per packet on each product page.

https://www.planetnatural.com/product/arugula/

[Eric Vinje]

Pat –

I’ve provided a link to our Mealybug Control page. Please let me know if it helps.

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

Thank you!

[Eric Vinje]

Thomas –

Predatory mites (Phytoseiulus persimilis) will attack a variety of pest mites and work very well providing pest levels are not high. However, from your description I cannot tell what type of mite you are trying to whack. I have provided a link to our mite control page below and hope it helps.

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

Thank you!

[Eric Vinje]

Hi Tracy –

From what I can tell, these white grubs are the immature stage of scarab beetles.Yes, our Beneficial Nematodes will work very well on them.

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

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

After some quick research…

A 14 hour on 10 off light cycle seemed to fit the needs for both of these plants the best. If you wanted to simulate nature you could match the timer to sunrise and sunset.. depending on latitude summer day length can be anywhere between 14 and 18 hours. Anything over 12 hours should induce flowering for vegetable crops.

Hope that helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Hello-

All of our weed killers are non-selective and used as a spot treatment for weeds. Mostly, they work by dehydrating or burning the weed and work best when applied on hot, dry days. They are completely ineffective when dry and will not harm animals that eat the grass. Their active ingredients usually consist of d-limonene — citrus peel extract — potassium salts of fatty acids — soap — or clove oil.

https://www.planetnatural.com/product-category/organic-gardening/lawn-landscape/weed-control/

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Janet –

Tanglefoot Tangle-Trap Sticky Coating is OMRI Listed for use in organic production. The company that manufactures this product recently sold. We are waiting on shipments from the new owner, which may be a while as they sort through their inventory.

[Eric Vinje]

Francis –

Our Organic Weed & Feed is derived from corn gluten meal which inhibits the growth of a seed’s tiny feeder roots. This causes the weed seedlings — actually all seedlings — to die before their roots ever have a chance to become established. It is important to note that this product only works on new seeds that may be in your lawn. It does not work on perennial weeds — like dandelions — that may already be established. However, it will prevent new dandelion seed from becoming established.

Avenger Weed Killer is non-selective and works via dehydration. As a result, it works best when applied during the heat of the day and during warm dry weather. I suspect that the product worked best around your bocce court because the weeds/ grass were allowed to dry out. Unlike the weeds in your flower beds that were most likely getting water. In this case, several treatments may be necessary to control weeds.

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Carol –

It sounds like you’re seeing blossom end rot.

If your ripening fruit develop a dark spot at the lower end, a spot that gradually widens and deepens, you’re looking at blossom-end rot. It’s an environmental problem most often caused by uneven watering or by calcium deficiency. (These can be related; uneven watering can interfere with the uptake of calcium.) The simplest treatment is therefore pre-treatment: make sure soil is rich in all necessary nutrients (including calcium), and water regularly. Mulches also help maintain even moisture levels.

https://www.planetnatural.com/pest-problem-solver/plant-disease/blossom-end-rot/

[Eric Vinje]

We do not. Unfortunately, I do not think that they would survive the shipment.

[Eric Vinje]

Linda –

Try a nice organic fertilizer blend for your perennial flowers. I’ve provided links to a few that I think are best for your gardens.

https://www.planetnatural.com/product/all-purpose-fertilizer/
https://www.planetnatural.com/product/bud-bloom-booster-organic-8/
https://www.planetnatural.com/product/flower-garden-fertilizer-organic-6/
https://www.planetnatural.com/product/fruit-flower-fertilizer/
https://www.planetnatural.com/product/rhododendron-azalea-maple-fertilizer-organic-4/

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Carolyn –

Those dots on the squares are parasitized moth eggs with developing trichogramma inside. The trichogramma wasps will emerge from the eggs too seek out and destroy the immature pantry moth. The dots on the squares will remain after the trichogramma hatch. However, if you look closely — using a magnifying glass or lens — you will see a tiny exit hole in each egg where the tiny trichogramma emerged.

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