[Eric Vinje]

Chris we will have them listed by the end of the week. Please check back at:

https://www.planetnatural.com/product-category/organic-gardening/garden-seeds/heirloom-vegetables/tomato/.

Thank you!

[Eric Vinje]

While primarily used to control spider mites, Phytoseiulus persimilis will feed on young thrips. Both Thripex® and Thripor® might be better choices. I’ve included a link to our thrips control page.

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

Hope it helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Corbin –

Beneficial nematodes would be your best bet for attacking root aphids with a biological control. Azamax or Azatrol — derived from neem oil — will also work to provide least-toxic control of this pest. If pest populations are high, we suggest using a pyrethrin drench for immediate control. Links are provided below:

https://www.planetnatural.com/product/beneficial-nematodes/
https://www.planetnatural.com/product/azamax-azadirachtin/
https://www.planetnatural.com/product/azatrol-ec-insecticide-azadirachtin/

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

We carry several enzyme-rich products! They work as follows:

• Break down dead roots and starches, turning them into compounds your plants can use
• Remove dissolved salts and other solids built up from nutrient supplementation
• Help root absorption of nutrients
• Provide better aeration and circulation
• Help prevent root disease and rot

Here’s the link:
https://www.planetnatural.com/product-category/growing-indoors/plant-nutrients/soil-flush-rinse/

[Eric Vinje]

Yes we do! Just mention that you would like us to ship now at checkout. If not, we will ship according to USDA zone charts.

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

[Eric Vinje]

Mike –

Just to be safe, check for your last frost date and plant after this has passed. With that said, wildflower seeds typically drop to the ground in late fall and remain dormant until spring (if temperatures are cool enough), then when the grounds warm they germinate.

[Eric Vinje]

Leah –

If you cannot use nematodes then I suggest Mosquito Bits for fungus gnal larvae. They can be sprinkled over the problem area as a top-dressing.

https://www.planetnatural.com/product/mosquito-bits/

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Jeff –

Because mantis are cannabalistic we prefer that they be set free shortly after hatching. With that said, they can be fed fruit flies or small crickets when young. Adults will eat just about anything, including hamburger!

[Eric Vinje]

Scanmask® nematodes are what’s known as insect pathogenic nematodes. They do not harm plants or vegetation of any kind and only work on insect pests that spend part of their life-cycle in the soil.

With that said, I do not think that nematodes will work well on grasshopper eggs as the egg cases contain a cork-like protective layer.

[Eric Vinje]

Ray –

Your order will be filled now if you specify a ship date — just put ship now for greenhouse use. If not, we will ship according to USDA zone charts.

[Eric Vinje]

Tommy –

You should be fine with the Age Old Kelp. Just good old fashioned organic goodness in there. And, because it’s a seaweed concentrate, there’s no smelly protein source — like fish — to attract your four legged friends.

[Eric Vinje]

Peter –

We just posted a few blog articles that should help. Please give them a look and let me know if we can help.

https://www.planetnatural.com/growing-seeds/
https://www.planetnatural.com/seed-starting-tips/
https://www.planetnatural.com/starting-seed/

[Eric Vinje]

Josh –

They do not list specific dilution rates on the label for disinfecting. I have written the manufacturer and will let you know when I hear something back.

[Eric Vinje]

David –

Monterey Garden Insect Spray is a relatively new organic insect killer that works very well on thrips. However, it will not work on flower beetles. For hard-shelled insects, like beetles, we typically recommend botanical insecticides. These natural pesticides are derived from plants which have insecticidal properties and do not persist in the environment. Botanical insecticides are not specific and will work on a broad range of insect pests, including thrips and beetles. As a result, we recommend spot treating with them to minimize harm to non-target organisms.

Bonide’s Garden Dust is specially formulated to control both insect pests and plant diseases making it particularly well suited for rose gardens. If you’ve had problems with rose diseases in the past, this may be the product you’re looking for.

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

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Tonya –

Praying mantis are in stock and shipping now. However, because they are gathered over the winter — not raised in insectaries — it’s difficult to stagger releases late into the growing season. The longer they are kept in storage — the higher the mortailty rate will be. We recommend getting them into your garden as soon as you can!

[Eric Vinje]

Jad –

There are strong opinions both ways when it comes to repurposing old tires in the garden (or for composting). While I generally like with the idea — more than 290 million scrap tires are generated each year in the United States — I don’t feel comfortable using them for growing food or for making compost that will be used to grow food. In my opinion, the risk from toxic metals leaching into your soil/ compost or being absorbed by your plants is just too great.

[Eric Vinje]

Susan –

Aphids — a soft-bodied pest — are relatively easy to control using natural controls… the problem is they reproduce quickly! I recommend spot-treating with something short-lived in the environment (Insecticidal Soap, Diatomaceous Earth, etc) to provide a quick knockdown when necessary. This will also reduce the chances of your “good bugs” being harmed that are out there working to keep the pest population in check. Here’s a couple of links that will help!

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

“When we kill off the natural enemies of a pest, we inherit their work.” – C.B Huffaker

[Eric Vinje]

Robert –

Smart Pots were originally developed for the nursery business and would support crepe myrtle. However, I would suggest a more permanent pot/ planter for a shrub that can grow 10′ tall and 6′ wide — maybe a large terra cotta pot on a movable plant caddy. Size up 2-3 times the width of the plant’s original container.

https://www.planetnatural.com/product/plant-caddy/

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Suzanne –

The same microorganisms that “eat” the organic materials in your compost also “eat” the BioBag, so we recommend changing thems every 3-4 days, depending on the content and also the bin you are using. Wet, hot scraps will affect the bags integrity quicker.

[Eric Vinje]

Hi Judy –

Feed dwarf citrus with an all-purpose, slow-release organic fertilizer before new growth appears in spring. The following dry fertilizers are recommended:

https://www.planetnatural.com/product/all-purpose-fertilizer/
https://www.planetnatural.com/product/fruit-tree-fertilizer-organic-9/.

If you would prefer to use a liquid organic fertilizer, Dr. Earth Premium Gold will work well indoors.

https://www.planetnatural.com/product/premium-gold-fertilizer/

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Gnatrol is a very effective product and similar to the Mosquito Bits we recommended.

We offered Gnatrol for years when it was sold in smaller containers. However, it is now only sold in large sizes and is relatively expensive. There are a few hydro stores online that are breaking the Gnatrol packaging down into smaller sizes — but this is highly illegal, actually a federal offense, and we do NOT recommend purchasing from them.

I feel confident that you will get rid of the fungus gnats with the recommendations discussed above.

[Eric Vinje]

You should be fine with the Yellow Sticky Strips and the Beneficial Nematodes. However, you may want to have some Mosquito Bits on hand too. They will attack the larvae differently and will not harm the nematodes.

[Eric Vinje]

Kyle –

Give us a call and we will order the bulk seeds in for you early this spring.

[Eric Vinje]

David –

Critter Ridder is not labeled for mixing with birdseed. The product works by irritating animals that touch or taste it and therefore is not recommended. However, creating a border/ barrier around your feeders is recommended to keep squirrels away.

https://www.planetnatural.com/product/critter-ridder/

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Judy –

I’ve provided a link to our fungus gnat cotrol page for you to read. My suggestion is to stick with the yellow sticky traps – they will capture the egg laying adults and use Beneficial Nematodes to fight the larvae in the soil.

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

[Eric Vinje]

We have a couple of articles about commercial compost ingredients. Here you go:

https://www.planetnatural.com/compost-sewage/
https://www.planetnatural.com/commercial-compost/

[Eric Vinje]

Eliot Coleman’s New Organic Grower is very good. Here’s the link:

https://www.planetnatural.com/product/the-new-organic-grower/

[Eric Vinje]

Hello –

According to the manufacturer you can use any where from 1/2 oz to 4 oz Great White mycorrhizae depending on the size of the compost pile.

For the watermelon and melon plantation, use the soil rate for application when the frost is gone for the season. That rate is 1 tsp per 2 gallons of water and drench into the root zone. If you have heated greenhouses you can apply earlier to younger plants at the same rate.

Hope it helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Dave –

Spray infested plant surfaces thoroughly including lower leaf surfaces, to point of runoff. Re-spray in one week if pests persist. For aphid and mealybug control, re-spray after 2-3 days to control high populations. May be used up to the day of harvest on food plants.

There are no recommendations on the label pertaining to rain. Here’s a link to the label.

https://www.planetnatural.com/wp-content/uploads/bon-neem-rtu-label.pdf

Hope it helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Graham –

I think your best approach for barley and other grains would be Botanicare’s Pure Blend Pro Nutrient series. Please see the links below:

https://www.planetnatural.com/wp-content/uploads/botanicare-feed-chart.pdf (PDF)
https://www.planetnatural.com/product_brand/botanicare/

Hope it helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Hi Jerry –

Mycostop has been used for 20 years successfully in NFT systems.

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

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

We do not. Nicotine is a very toxic chemical and works as a broad spectrum poison. In other words, it kills all insects that it comes in contact with including beneficial insects. It is also a known carcinogen.

[Eric Vinje]

Hello –

Yellow leaves could be a plant disease symptom (see link below). However, a number of problems could lead to yellowing plant leaves. Here are a few:

• Chlorosis – Commonly caused by a deficiency of iron or manganese, both of which are present but unavailable in high pH soils (pH>7.2).

• Overwatering – Check the soil around the root zone to see if it is damp and only water as much as the plant needs.

• Insect Pests – Inspect carefully, especially on the underside of leaves.

• Too Little Light – Has the plant been moved recently? Are the leaves on the side away from the light source affected?

• Plant Disease – Fungal problems are responsible for a great deal of damage and are characterized by wilting, scabs, rusts, blotches and rotted tissue. Here’s a link to help identify some of the more common plant diseases. We offer earth-friendly remedies too!

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

[Eric Vinje]

Hi Ryan –

Our Beneficial Insect Flower Mix is a combination of perennial and annual flowers that like full or partial sun and rich, well-drained soil. It’s an easy mix to grow and will tolerate average to slightly poor soils. Preparing garden areas with generous amounts of organic compost or well-aged animal manure will improve the health of plants tremendously.

For best results, use as a garden border or plant between rows. It is helpful to mix a carrier such as clean, dry sand with the seed; sand adds volume and aids in even distribution. We recommend using a ratio of 1 or 2 parts sand to 1 part seed. Rake in lightly, covering seeds to a maximum depth of 2-3 times their thickness.

https://www.planetnatural.com/product/beneficial-insect-seed-mix/

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Hi Marcia –

Since worms are quite sensitive to light, noise and temperature, a corner of the basement or garage often works best for their home. They thrive at temperatures between 55°-77°F (13°-25°C) which means that most basements should fit the bill. If left outside or in a cold garage there are a few things you can do to prevent raising a bunch of worm-sicles. Mary Applehof has several good recommendations over at WormWoman.com:

https://www.wormwoman.com/acatalog/winterize_01.html.

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Matt/Indy –

Most plants thrive in well-drained, slightly acidic, soils that are rich in organic matter. The challenge, however, is that most of the world’s soils do not exist this way and they must be balanced, or amended, to provide the conditions necessary for robust plant growth.

Always start with a soil test, amend accordingly and add plenty of organic matter in the form of compost (no sludge/ biosolids) or well aged animal manure. Yes, worm castings work well here too! Here’s a couple of links that should help you get off to a good start:

https://www.planetnatural.com/soil-testing/
https://www.planetnatural.com/fall-soil-prep/
https://www.planetnatural.com/starting-a-garden/
https://www.planetnatural.com/compost-sewage/
https://www.planetnatural.com/garden-soil/

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Christine –

Garlic is very hardy and will survive once cold weather arrives. You did good by mulching heavily. I’ve include our article on growing great garlic.

https://www.planetnatural.com/growing-garlic/

Hope it helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Beneficial nematodes will not attack root-feeding nematodes. Here’s a link from the University of California that should help:

http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7489.html.

[Eric Vinje]

It is not. Trichogramma wasps parasitize the eggs of moths and butterflies that are leaf eaters in their caterpillar (larval) stage. I’ve included a link to our Mealybug Control page.

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

Hope it helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Tiny trichogramma wasps will emerge through a hole in each egg. With the help of a scope you should be able to see the tiny exit holes.

[Eric Vinje]

Now is the perfect time to start a vermicompost bin — just keep it from freezing! This is also a good time for shipping worms (they do not do well in heat). Here’s the link.

https://www.planetnatural.com/product/red-wiggler-worms/

Hope it helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Sarah –

Many food co-ops across the country use our trichogramma wasps indoors to control Indian meal moths with great success. These small, parasitic wasps do not bother humans and have a wingspan of 1/50th of an inch. In most cases, you will not notice them as they search out and destroy moth eggs. For what it’s worth, Indian meal moth has become a big problem now that many grocery stores are open 24 hours per day. It used to be that these stores sprayed for meal moth when they were closed — liability issue now prevent this.

Trichogramma wasps are an effective, natural control that can be used to control Indian meal moths without toxic sprays. Here’s a link that should help:

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

[Eric Vinje]

While we haven’t used Spinosad for controlling Codling Moth ourselves, it is listed on the Garden Insect Spray label. Monterey recommends applying it no more than six times per season with a minimum of ten days between applications. Please let us know how it works! Also, we’ve provided a link to our codling moth page in the Pest Problem Solver.

https://www.planetnatural.com/pest-problem-solver/tree-pests/codling-moth-control/

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

Note: Spinosad is a biological product that is SAFE for most beneficial insects, but toxic to bees exposed to treatment for 3 hours following application. Do not apply this pesticide to blooming, pollen-shedding or nectar-producing parts of plants if bees may forage on the plants during this time period.

[Eric Vinje]

Pam –

The coconut coir should work fine… but you are right about blueberries requiring a lower pH. You could always adjust pH by adding pine needles or a little soil acidifier to the mix. Hope this helps!

https://www.planetnatural.com/product/soil-acidifier-5-lb/

[Eric Vinje]

Mariana –

You can reduce the number of egg laying adults now by applying grasshopper baits in the fall. However, we recommend applications in the spring — when grasshoppers are still in their hatching beds — for the best bang for your buck. This pamphlet should help:

https://www.planetnatural.com/grasshopper-bait/

Hope this helps.

[Eric Vinje]

Hello –

If you’re planning on using a lot of coco coir and want to purchase in bales we suggest ordering a pallet of either the ProCoir Bales or the Roots Organics Coir Fiber Bales. We can send you pallet quantities, pricing and shipping, if interested. Here’s a couple of links:

https://www.planetnatural.com/product/roots-organics-coco-fiber/
https://www.planetnatural.com/product/procoir-coconut-coir-fiber/

Note: 5 kg bale (12-1/2″W x 12-3/4″H x 5-1/4″ D)

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Mosquito Dunks will work well. The active ingredient — Bt-i — is specific to mosquito and black fly larvae and will not harm people, pets or the environment. However, the manufacturer has not registered their product with any of the organic certifying agencies.

[Eric Vinje]

Yes, ideally your Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick would be planted in a space that allows for a spread of 8-12 feet. But, it’s Gramma’s garden and at 93 I say, “what Gramma wants, Gramma gets!”

Please, let us know how it works out.

[Eric Vinje]

Nadine –

I am not certain if the cottonseed meal we offer is GMO-free and have forwarded your question to the mill to get an answer. I will post their response as soon as I hear something.

As for how cottonseed meal containing GMOs will effect your garden… The answer is: I don’t know. In the search for answers, I contacted a handful of experts who study horticulture at major universities and those that replied said pretty much the same thing. They couldn’t comment because they’re just wasn’t enough, or any, research. One of the more distinguished professors we asked hazarded a guess: that the act of decomposition would probably take care of any genetically manufactured plant material and would most likely break down any by product it produced. But he couldn’t say for sure.

https://www.planetnatural.com/product/cottonseed-meal-50-lb/

Hope this helps!

[Eric Vinje]

Ryan –

We receive our praying mantis egg cases around the first of the year and can ship them to you anytime after that. In addition, praying mantis eggs can take 6-8 weeks of warm temperatures, 65-75 degrees daytime, no lower than 45 degrees at night, to hatch. Plan ahead and hatch them early so that they are around when caterpillars arrive.

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.

Once the tiny mantis hatch, you should put them outside immediately. Praying mantis nymphs are cannibalistic.

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