Maintaining a lawn in garden can be a big responsibility and it could be expensive as well. That is why I always try to do everything I can to protect my investment. I will give you an example.
Several years ago I planted this hedge. I started with small plants so the cost was minimal but now that they have grown they become an important part of my garden structure. So we are placing a cypress this size now would be almost impossible, but the only problem I have with this hedge is the occasional infestation of bagworms. You see, these are the little caterpillars that hang on limbs and a little pointed cocoons or bags.
Whether it is an ornamental hedge like this or vegetables in your garden, caterpillars can do a lot of damage to your plants by eating the tender new growth on them.
I am trying to get a handle on this problem by spraying with the product called BT. Now BT stands for Bacillus Thuringiensis. This is a bacteria that can be used to control of many caterpillars, everything from tomato hornworms, to bagworms, to gypsy moth caterpillars.
The active ingredient in BT is actually a toxin produced by the bacteria that kills caterpillars but it would not harm other beneficial to the garden such as bees and earthworms. It is best to spray as soon as you see or suspect any damage and it may require several applications before you get them under control.
Now with our gardens growing at full speed, it is important to protect your hard work as well as the beauty and health of your garden. From the garden, I am Allen Smith.
If you would like more information on this topic or any other gardening topic just check out my website, pallensmith.com.
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