[Eric Vinje]

Jean –

I don’t see that being an issue. Most fungicides and pesticides are compatible and can be combined together. In this case, Surround WP is mostly just kaolin clay and Green Cure is potassium bicarbonate. Both are naturally occurring substances and non-caustic.

Note: Several exceptions may apply — always read the product label for proper mixing instructions.

[Eric Vinje]

Diane –

This should help:

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

[Eric Vinje]

Michelle –

It looks like the larvae stage of the Asiatic Garden Beetle lives below the surface of the soil feeding on roots as they mature, therefore beneficial nematodes would be an ideal solution. Eggs also need an ample amount of moisture to mature, so restricting irrigation could be an ideal solution as well.

As for praying mantis, eat various types of beetles, so I don’t see how this one would be an exception. We have sold out of mantis this year, but will have more in stock after the new year.

https://www.planetnatural.com/product/beneficial-nematodes/
https://www.planetnatural.com/product/live-ladybugs/
https://www.planetnatural.com/product/praying-mantis-egg-cases/

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Derek –

We do offer wholesale pricing on many of our products. Please call 1-888-349-0605 to get signed up.

[Eric Vinje]

Wonderful to hear your enthusiasm for bokashi composting. Great questions.

I like to think of bokashi as the place where fermentation and composting meet. What makes the process so versatile is that the first stage of bokashi composting involves fermenting/pickling the food waste. Through the introduction of beneficial microbes, the food waste is naturally pickled (think pickled herring). The food waste changes in ph and does not putrefy or rot, but it is now stable and filled with beneficial microorganisms (think of how milk is changed into yoghurt through fermentation).

The beauty of the pickling process is that it allows you to bokashi all kinds of wastes. It can accommodate meat, dairy, fats and breads, vegetables and fruits. You can throw in newspaper, junk mail, hair, weeds and just about anything you want. You can chop everything up into little pieces for more uniform pickling in the first stage, but you don’t have to. It will speed up the second phase of decomposition in the soil. In the pickling phase you don’t need to balance green and brown materials. The first stage is simply pickling whatever you have gathered.

It is important in the initial bokashi fermentation phase that the waste is not too wet. For some reason, too much liquid can kill off the beneficial microbes. I like to add coffee grounds or a bit of newspaper to keep my bucket from being filled with water.

After the initial fermentation, the bokashied scraps can then be added to a compost pile or buried in the soil. I like to mix soil into the bokashi scraps so that the soil microorganisms can go to work. The smaller the pieces of bokashied scraps are, the more quickly the soil will be able to convert the pickle to microbial rich soil. Just be sure that you keep the scraps buried in the soil and not on the surface.

Currently I do not know of any online forums for bokashi, but I will be posting on the Bokashi Lotus Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/BokashiLotus) and hope to develop that as a global bokashi community forum.

Kathleen

[Eric Vinje]

Absolutely! Just make sure that you have some finished compost or soil in the tumbler before you add your fresh bokashi. Bokashi is a two stage process. The first stage is to bokashi/ferment your food waste. The second and final stage involves introducing it to soil or compost so that the soil microbes can go to work and convert the waste into microbial rich soil.

I would recommend starting slowly to find the right balance of soil: bokashi waste. You may need to add a bit of soil/compost along the way as you fill the tumbler to allow the soil to continue to transform the scraps.

Thanks!

Kathleen (https://www.facebook.com/BokashiLotus)

[Eric Vinje]

Herman –

That sounds like Blossom End Rot. Here’s a couple of links that will help:

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

[Eric Vinje]

Tawnya –

As I mentioned Semaspore is specific to grasshoppers… it will not harm anything else! You can thank the EPA for the scary information on the label, which includes their minimum label requirements for a microbial pesticide.

[Eric Vinje]

Megan –

While Bt israelensis — the active ingredient in Mosquito Dunks — will not harm people, pets, wildlife or fish, we cannot recommend using the product in a pool that is being used. The product label clearly states only unused swimming pools.

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

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Randy –

To the best of my knowledge trichogramma evanescens is not commercially available. And while I have seen articles online recommending trichogramma for clothes moth, we do NOT advise it — they will NOT work. I’ve included a link to our Clothes Moth Control page.

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

Hope it helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Yes it is! The active ingredient in Semaspore is specific to grasshoppers and will not harm anything else.

[Eric Vinje]

Diana –

Kelp provides plenty of micronutrients to help against plant stresses and in my opinion is not used enough by organic growers. However, to stimulate root growth I suggest adding a root stimulator in liquid form that will provide the following:

• macro-nutrients
• trace elements
• organic compounds
• disaccharides
• beneficial microbes

I’ve provided links to two of my favorites below.

https://www.planetnatural.com/product/bushdoctor-kangaroots/
https://www.planetnatural.com/product/bioroot-root-booster/

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

William –

For an orchard you would do best specifying minutum at checkout. If not, we will ship a mixture, which is best for gardens.

[Eric Vinje]

Andrea –

Some fertilizers have an expiration date if they contain mycorrhizae fungi, which is a living organism. However, the NPK portion of your fertilizer does not expire and will continue to provide benefits.

[Eric Vinje]

Charles –

Your HEPA filter should be replaced after a year of use. In the meantime you can wash the filter to insure efficiency using a garden hose.

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Pat –

Water often and deeply, soaking the soil six to eight inches deep at least twice a week. Tomatoes do not respond well to letting the soil dry out between waterings. Keeping moisture levels in the soil even will help prevent the dreaded blossom-end rot, that small black spot on the bottom of the tomato which eventually can spread throughout the fruit. I’ve included a link to our tomato problems page below.

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

Note: A layer of mulch (straw, plastic, grass ) will help conserve soil moisture between waterings.

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Hello,

Hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizing agent which can have some effect of fertilizer. However, since the H2O2 is in water, I don’t think this oxidation effect would have a major effect in the short term. A bigger concern for me would be the health of your soil microbes. Beneficial bacteria and fungi are sensitive to this oxidation, however, if your not using large quantities in the soil this shouldn’t be an issue either.

Let us know if you have further questions.

[Eric Vinje]

We just received a fresh batch of ladybugs last week. If it’s hot make sure that you have them delivered to a work address if you will not be home during the day.

[Eric Vinje]

Max –

That’s a little alarming! What kind of soil is it? I’d be surprised if it is hypoapsis miles that you’re seeing… I’ve included a couple of links to some of the more common potting soil pests. Please take a look and let me know if that helps!

https://www.planetnatural.com/pest-problem-solver/houseplant-pests/root-aphid-control/
https://www.planetnatural.com/pest-problem-solver/houseplant-pests/springtail-control/
https://www.planetnatural.com/pest-problem-solver/houseplant-pests/fungus-gnat-control/
https://www.planetnatural.com/potting-soil-problems/

[Eric Vinje]

C –

The spider mite predators work great on the two spotted spider mite. However, timing is very important. For best results, make releases at the first sign of a problem. If pest populations are high, use the least-toxic, short-lived natural pesticide — Insecticidal Soaps, Botanical Insecticides — to establish control before releasing the predators. The idea is to get ahead of the pest numbers as the predators can only eat so many per day and the pest can reproduce quickly. You may also need to follow up with a second or third release to establish control.

https://www.planetnatural.com/product/predatory-mites-spidex/

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Meranda –

Look into Vectobac. We no longer offer the product as distribution was becoming an issue… but it seems like the ticket for what you — and your horses — are dealing with! The active ingredient, Bt-israelensis (Bt-i), is a highly specific biological pesticide that attacks mosquito larvae and will not harm you or your horses. If I remember correctly, it can be applied to pasture land.

Here’s a link to our page on Mosquito Control (https://www.planetnatural.com/pest-problem-solver/lawn-pests/mosquito-control/).

Hope it helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Trish –

I do not know if Butterfly Milkweed will grow near black walnut or not. I have read several articles and posts that suggest they will and others that suggest the will not. Please give it a try and report back!

[Eric Vinje]

Tracy –

Neem oil works on most insects as an anti-feedant, insect growth regulator and as a repellent. With that said, I do NOT think that it is your best choice for grasshopper control.

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

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Linda –

I think that an herb wall is a fantastic idea. I did a quick Google search for “kitchen herb wall” and came up with all kinds of neat ideas. As for light, indoor herbs require long periods of intense light. You will need something more than a standard shop light or fluorescent tube. I recommend either T5 fluorescent lights or LED lights (links below). Both types of light produce little heat and are very energy efficient. Most importantly, they produce the intensity required by herbs to produce the oils that give them their flavor.

https://www.planetnatural.com/product-category/growing-indoors/grow-lights/t5-lighting-fluorescents/
https://www.planetnatural.com/product-category/growing-indoors/grow-lights/led-grow-lights/
https://www.planetnatural.com/grow-herbs-indoors/

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Angeline –

Sulfur or copper fungicides are both broad spectrum fungicides that will work well on to protect the tree from spores being released in mid-spring. I’ve included a link to our Cedar Apple Rust Treatment & Control page:

https://www.planetnatural.com/pest-problem-solver/plant-disease/cedar-apple-rust/.

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Sandy –

Sulfur is not toxic to bees. However, I did find an article that suggests that it can repel bees for up to 48 hours, so it should not be applied while the tree is in flower. I’ve also included a link to our Peach Leaf Curl Treatment and Control page:

https://www.planetnatural.com/pest-problem-solver/plant-disease/leaf-curl/.

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Tamar –

Cedar oil is used as an insect repellent and is probably not specific to pest insects. I would think that it would also repel ladybugs and butterflies. Here’s a couple of links that should help:

https://www.planetnatural.com/pest-problem-solver/lawn-pests/chinch-bug-control/
https://www.planetnatural.com/pest-problem-solver/lawn-pests/sod-webworm-control/

Thank you!

[Eric Vinje]

We are waiting on our ladybug shipment to make the packs available. We expect ladybugs to be in within the next two weeks (maybe sooner!).

[Eric Vinje]

Ethel –

I have attached the Owner’s Manual (PDF) for the Green Cone that should answer all of your questions. Please let me know if this helps.

https://www.planetnatural.com/wp-content/uploads/green-cone.pdf

[Eric Vinje]

Amanda –

Yes, it is possible to get rid of dandelions without using toxic sprays. Here’s how:

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

Hope this helps!

[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/.

Thank you,

Eric Vinje
http://www.planetnatural.com
1251 N. Rouse Ave.
Bozeman, MT 59715
(406) 551-2240

[Eric Vinje]

Francis –

Box Elder Bugs are tough little buggers and an extreme nuisance. Currently, we are working on a Box Elder Bug Control page… but it is a couple of weeks out. Keep checking the Pest Problem Solver pages for an update (https://www.planetnatural.com/pest-problem-solver/). In the meantime, treat cracks and crevices with Don’t Bug Me spray to keep them outside. Treat hot spots around your house with Safer Yard & Garden spray. Here’s a couple of links to get you started.

https://www.planetnatural.com/product/dont-bug-me-insect-spray/
https://www.planetnatural.com/product/yard-garden-insect-killer/

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Jay –

You bet! I’ve provided links to a couple of articles that should help with trellising squash.

https://www.planetnatural.com/vertical-container-gardening/
https://www.planetnatural.com/square-foot-gardening/
https://www.planetnatural.com/growing-squash/
https://www.planetnatural.com/vertical-landscaping/

This will be a fun project. Good luck with it!

[Eric Vinje]

Sue –

Most people are using Horticultural Vinegar full strength, especially for tough weeds and grasses. However, you can cut it in half to make a 10% acetic acid concentration. To give you an idea of how strong this is… most vinegar purchased from a grocery store is 5% acetic acid.

[Eric Vinje]

Our logo is painted on the bottle. Here’s the link.

https://www.planetnatural.com/product/water-bottle/

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

We have several options that will fit into your $300.00 budget. I think the biggest question is if you need to vent the light or not? I’ve put a couple of options together below:

XtraSun HPS Ballast, 600W = $141.95
Standard 600W HPS Bulb = $53.95
XtraSun Reflector (no vent) = $65.50
XtraSun 6 Reflector (w/ vent) = $84.95

https://www.planetnatural.com/product/xtrasun-high-pressure-sodium-ballast/
https://www.planetnatural.com/product/high-pressure-sodium-lamps-hps/
https://www.planetnatural.com/product/xtrasun-6-ac-reflector/

If you want to go digital, I suggest the Hydrofarm Special (Bulb & Ballast Combo) for $266.95 with one of the XtraSun Reflectors.

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Sandra –

Scale insects are tough little buggers… but they can be controlled without using toxic sprays and systemics. I’ve provided a link to our Scale Control page here:

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

Hope it helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Bill’s Perfect Fertilizer is a non-chemical, organic-based formula. The following is from the manufacturer’s website:

“Made of hydrolyzed fish, seaweed, humus, sugar cane, calcium & vitamins.”

The product does not look like it is certified organic. Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Joe –

I like the Dr. Earth Organic Vegetable Garden Fertilizer for tomatoes and just about everything else. However, I’m not sure about the sulphur content… you may need to add that separate. I’ve provided a couple of links that should help:

https://www.planetnatural.com/product/tomato-vegetable-herb-fertilizer-organic-5/
https://www.planetnatural.com/product/elemental-sulfur-50-lb/
https://www.planetnatural.com/product/soil-acidifier-5-lb/

[Eric Vinje]

There is a 1-year limited manufacturer warranty on the Compost Wizard EZ Tumbler.

[Eric Vinje]

Francis –

We suggest not spreading the bait if rain is expected within 8 hours. However, if you have a large number of grasshoppers they will eat the bait in much less time than that. If you have a good weather window at all I suggest getting the bait out there, especially if they are still small.

I like your feeder idea, but feel that you will be limiting the number of grasshoppers that actually find the bait. It’s a numbers game when using Semaspore Bait — the more you can infect initially the better your results will be.

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Ecobran is not perishable and will last indefinitely, provided it is kept cool and dry.

[Eric Vinje]

You can release the predators as soon as the soap dries. There is no residual effects to insecticidal soap!

[Eric Vinje]

Insecticidal soap works via dehydration and is short lived in the environment. However, it is not specific to aphids. If you could spot treat the aphid colonies, rather than blanket spraying, you would minimize any damage to the monarch butterflies, larvae and eggs. In fact, once insecticidal soap dries it is no longer effective. I’ve included a link to our Aphid Control page.

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

Hope it helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Erwin –

You can add vermiculite to soil if you want a very light potting mix… but I’m not so sure it’s necessary. All of our organic potting soils are excellent straight out of the bag. Your plants will love them!

https://www.planetnatural.com/product-category/organic-gardening/soil-care/potting-soil/

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Julie –

The manufacturers website states that the UCT-9 is made from 100% HDPE recycled plastic (food grade) and then goes on to say, “It is made from recycled plastic that does not rust when left exposed to the elements.”

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Hi Paul –

I’m wondering if you might be dealing with some kind of fruit fly problem. Take a look and let me know.

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

Hope it helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Karen –

Sounds like you’re doing well with soil and nutrients, except maybe to add some nitrogen to the mix. Try some alfalfa meal! I hope these links help:

https://www.planetnatural.com/product/alfalfa-pellets-50-lb/
https://www.planetnatural.com/pest-problem-solver/plant-disease/late-blight/

Thank you!

[Eric Vinje]

Donald –

Yes, Bt will work on Spruce Budworm… but we can’t ship it to Canada (wish we could). I’ve included links that will help:

https://www.planetnatural.com/pest-problem-solver/tree-pests/spruce-budworm-control/
https://www.planetnatural.com/product/monterey-bt-kurstaki-bt-k/

Thank you!

[Eric Vinje]

At the moment we only offer them in the retail store… but feel free to give us a call at 1-888-349-0605 and we’d be happy to send you some. They are $9.95 ea for the 15 in. platforms $8.95 ea for 10 or more.

[Author]

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