Organics

A word first on Integrated Plant Management.

Effective use of organics requires a solid strategy of integrated plant management. As opposed to focusing on the pest or pathogen in a traditional integrated pest management (IPM) program, integrated plant management focuses on identifying the right plant for the site and management strategies aimed at keeping that plant healthy. The backbone of integrated plant management includes carefully matching the plant to the soil type, sunlight levels and watering conditions; proper sanitation; appropriate fertilization and pruning, when necessary. All of these strategies work together to prevent disease problems from developing.

Fertilizers Soil Conditioners Activators Insecticides Fungicides Beneficial Insects


Notes and Helpful Tips

1. Label all sprayers with a garden pen that won't wash off.  Only use the herbicides in one sprayer and insecticides in another sprayer, and yet a another one for the foliar feeding.

2. It is best to spray in the early morning or the cool of the evening.  Do not spray when temperatures are above 80 degrees.  Your plants may burn.  Mornings and evenings usually have a calmer wind so overspray in limited. 

3. Always read and follow the directions on the packaging. In this case, MORE IS NOT BETTER.  If the directions are missing, check on line or call your favorite garden center to get the correct measurements.  

4. Generally speaking, organic fertilizers will not burn plants.  The exceptions are hot manures (not composted).  Fertilizers will activate when watered in but it is not necessary to water.  Apply fertilizers before a rain shower or the night before the sprinklers are set to water. 

5. Insecticides will kill the 'good bugs' while ridding your garden of the 'bad bugs' and you need the 'bad bugs' to attract the 'good bugs'. 

6. All things in moderation.

7. As in the case of fennel, parsley, rue and other host plants for the butterflies, please plant plenty for yourself and let them have some, too.

 

Fertilizers

 

In these clays soils we are plagued with here in Denton County, our plants need help in getting nutrients for proper growth and longevity in the landscape.  The following table lists the three key nutrients in any fertilizer, be it organic or manufactured.

 

Nutrient

Function

Signs of Deficiency

Nitrogen (N)

Promotes the growth of lush stems and foliage

Reduced growth; yellow leaves; red-tinged leaves

Phosphorus (P)

Promotes the growth of strong roots and stems, as well as flowering and fruiting

Week rooting; reduced flowering; weak stems; browning of leaves

Potassium (K)

Promotes vigor and resistance to disease, insects, and cold; also needed for strong leaves and stems

Reduced growth; browning of leaf edges; necrotic (dead) patches on leaves

 

The following table lists the various types of organic fertilizers.

 

Fertilizers

 

Rock Phosphate

Mineral-based. In addition to supplying phosphorous for blooming flowers and vegetable gardens, Rock Phosphate also provides calcium and small amounts of trace elements.  Since it contains no harmful acids associated with ordinary super-phosphates, it will not harm beneficial soil organisms and earthworms.

Bone Meal

Animal-based. A superior source of nitrogen and phosphorous that builds sturdy roots and beautiful blooms.  Bone Meal works exceptionally well with all types of bulbs, and can be used anytime as a supplement to a regular feeding program.

Fish Meal

Animal-based. Known for centuries as a fertilizer, Fish Meal also contains important trace elements making it a complete plant food.

Blood Meal

Animal-based. A slow-release nitrogen source for beautiful top growth and deep green leaves.  Blood Meal does not contain the high salt content like inorganic fertilizers, so it is safe to use during the entire growing season.  Works especially well on pansies.

Cottonseed Meal

Plant-based. Slow-release plant food contains nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium for a continuous supply of all the necessary primary plant nutrients

Bat Guano

Animal-based. Until the widespread use of inorganic fertilizers, Bat guano was the main source of fertilizer for the American farm.  Like other organic fertilizers high in nutritional value, Bat Guano is also and excellent soil builder with its high humus content.

Alfalfa Meal

Plant-based. Contains triacontanol, a known plant growth stimulant, while also containing nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, magnesium plus many other trace elements, sugars, protein and co-enzymes.  When soaked in water, makes an excellent “tea” for all plants, especially roses.

Feather Meal

Animal-based. A safe, non-burning nitrogen source for beautiful top growth and deep green leaves.  Feather meal is safe to apply anytime during the growing season

Seaweed/Kelp Extract

Plant-based. Seaweed Extract is an organic storehouse of naturally balanced essential plant nutrients, trace minerals and plant growth substances which provide a wide range of benefits for growers concerned with maximizing and achieving an overall healthier growing environment.
Chicken Manure Animal-based. Nitrogen rich
Cow Manure Animal-based. Provides potassium
Rabbit Manure Animal-based. Promotes strong leaves and stems
Horse Manure Animal-based. Leaf development
Corn Gluten Meal Plant-based. Derived from corn, this powder contains 9 percent nitrogen fertilizer. Apply it only to actively growing plants because it inhibits the growth of seeds. The manufacturer recommends allowing 1 to 4 months after using this product before planting seeds, depending on the soil and weather conditions. Use it on lawns in early spring, summer and fall to green up the grass and prevent annual weed seeds from sprouting.

 

 

Soil Conditioners

 

Green Sand

Mineral-based. For the soil conditioning of lawns and gardens.  Greensand also contains potash plus many more trace elements.  Valuable for growing strong, healthy plants, prolonging blooms, and improving the color of plants

Lava Sand

Mineral-based. Lava sand makes soil nutrients more available to plant roots while increasing the water-holding capacity of the soil and separating heavy clay particles.

Dolomite

Mineral-based. Acts as a soil sweetener (raises pH) while providing calcium and magnesium. Apply to acid soil and in commercial potting mixes.
Compost Plant-based. Decomposed organic material that is produced when bacteria in soil break down making organic fertilizer. Soil amended with compost holds moisture, produces an increased number of earthworms, and breaks up clay allowing plant roots to grow uninhibited.

Vitazyme

Mineral-based. A soil bio-activator and growth catalyst for soil microorganisms.  The resulting increased microbial activity promotes healthier plants.  Vitazyme enhances plant root development, improves availability of plant nutrients, and aids soil moisture absorption.

Expanded Shale

Mineral-based. A non-toxic, porous, ceramic material produced by expanding and vitrifying specially selected natural shale in a rotary kiln at very high temperatures.  It will not degrade or compress. It absorbs water and soluble nutrients enabling the root system with water, nutrients and oxygen indefinitely.

Earthworm Castings Mineral-based. An excellent soil-conditioning material with a high water holding capacity and a 'natural time release' for releasing nitrogen into the soil.
Humus Plant-based. Humus is use to increase soil microbial activity, improve soil structure, and enhance root development of plants. These products have no fertilizer value, but rather are used as stimulants to support soil microbial life that, in turn, support the plants. Use them as supplements, but not to replace proper soil building and nutrition.
Molasses Provides a food source for beneficial microorganisms that improve the health of soil.  Helps break down organic matter providing nutrients for plants and can be used in conjunction with natural fertilizers.
Peat Moss A highly water-retentive, spongy organic soil amendment, peat moss is the partially decomposed remains of any of several mosses. It is somewhat acid in reaction, adding to soil acidity. Difficult to re-wet after drying.

 

Activators

 

Root Activators

Mineral-based. Contains naturally occurring gibberelic acid which safely promotes regeneration of roots through increased elongation rates.  Stimulates fast root growth, reduces transplant shock, and speeds plant establishment.

 

 

Organic Insecticides/Fungicides/Miticides

 

These insecticides are safe for organic gardeners but still should be used with caution, as they are toxic to beneficial as well as pest insects. 

 

Insecticides

How It Works

Application

Target Pests

Diatomaceous earth  (DE)

 

Dehydration; works by its ability to absorb the insects’ body fluids, and removed their wax coatings due to D.E.’s sharp edges (must come in contact with insect).

Dust or spray; mix with soft water and add 2 tablespoons isopraply alcohol per quart of solution.

Mealybugs; sawfly larvae; spider mites. Pill bugs; soft bodied insects.

Insecticidal Soap

Membrane penetration, paralysis, starvation (must come in contact with pests

Spray; mix with soft water; apply early, late, or on overcast days to avoid burning foliage; repeat every few days.

Soft-bodied insects such as aphids; leafhoppers; mealybugs; mites; psyllids; thrips; whiteflies.

Horticultural Oil or Neem Oil

Suffocation (must come in contact with insect).

Foliar Spray.

Aphids; mealybugs; mites; psyllids; sawfly larvae; scale; thrips; whiteflies

 

Dormant Oil

Suffocation (must come in contact with insect).

Spray during dormant season in late fall or early spring, before bud swell.

Aphids; mealybugs; scale; numerous other insect eggs.

Bacillus Thuringiensis (BT)

A bacterium that parasitizes the caterpillars of some harmful moths and butterflies. These Bt proteins paralyze the digestive system, and the infected insect stops feeding within hours. Bt-affected insects generally die from starvation, which can take several days.

Wet-able powders, spray concentrates, liquid concentrates, dusts, baits, and time release rings.

Moth larvae (caterpillars), leaf rollers, leaf eating worms and Gypsy moths and mosquitoes.

Fungicide

Copper and Sulfur Products

Potassium Bicarbonate

Apple Cider Vinegar

Baking Soda Spray

Horticultural Cornmeal

Garlic Spray

 

 

Sprays, powder

Powdery Mildew, Rust and Blackspot  Plant diseases are characterized by wilting, moldy coatings, rusts, blotches, scabs and rotted tissue. They are often encouraged by wet weather, poor drainage or inadequate airflow. Some fungal problems can be controlled by reducing high moisture conditions and by cutting away diseased plant parts.
Iron Phosphate When the pests eat the pellets, the iron phosphate interferes with calcium metabolism in their gut, causing them to stop eating almost immediately. They die three to six days later. It is applied to soil as part of a pellet that also contains bait attractant. Snails, slugs and pill bugs

Cyfluthrin Imidacloprid - Spinosad

A naturally occurring soil dwelling bacterium that disrupts the nervous system when ingested by sucking insects

Granular or liquid

Grasshoppers

Pyrethrins

A botanical insecticide produced primarily from the flowers of  the chrysanthemum plant family. Pyrethrins affect the nervous system of insects and result in repeated and extended firings of the nerves.

May be applied up to one day before harvest of fruits and vegetables.

Aphids, caterpillars, whiteflies, thrips, fleas, ticks
Garlic Garlic water is only a deterrent, it is not an insecticide. The strong odor will help keep certain insects away from your plants. If you try this approach in your vegetable garden it's important to know that you should apply the garlic spray a few days before the flowers open because it can also deter pollinating insects such as honeybees.

 

 Aphids, cabbage loopers, grasshoppers, June bugs, leafhoppers, mites, squash bugs, slugs & whiteflies
Orange Oil              

 d-Limonene

 Contains cold press orange peel extract. Dissolves the waxy coating on an insects exoskeleton clogging the spiracles (how they breath) and they suffocate. On fire ants
use up to two ounces per gallon
of water and thoroughly drench mound.
Insects on plants use ½ to 1 ounce per gallon.
Tender plants can be burned when use in the
hot part of the day if used too strong. 		Fire Ants, Roaches, fleas, silverfish

 

Beneficial Insects    
Beneficial Nematodes When the nematode comes in contact with a pest, they attack by entering through body openings or simply by boring through the body wall. Once inside, the Nematode will release a bacteria that kills it's host within 48 hours.

Sold in packets, mixed with water. Spray or drench infected areas.

 Cucumber Beetle, Grubs, Gall midge, Strawberry Rootweevil, May/June Beetle, Masked Chafer, Cranberry Rootworm, Flea, Scarab and Japanese beetles, Straw- berry Root and Black-vine Weevils, Chafer, Squash Bugs, Leaf Beetles, Termite, Cutworms, White Grubs, Algae Gnats, Black Fly, Potato Tubeworm, Meal Worm, Bark Beetle, Corn Root Weevil, Fire Ant, sting Bugs, Pine Beetle, Gall Gnats, Gypsy Moth, Corn Root Worm, Billbug, Colorado Potato Beetle, Thrips, Ants and termites, and many other deep soil dwelling insects.
Lady Bugs Predators  Release them before sunrise or after dark - they navigate using the sun. Water the garden or area where you release them, they tend to "stick" a bit better and they will drink the moisture on the leaves. Aphids
Green Lacewing Both adult and larvae are predators. Adults feed on nectar, pollen, and aphid honeydew. Aphids; some soft-bodied insects, mites, and insect eggs
Praying Mantid Well known for their predaceous habits.  The mantid over-winters in the egg stage. The eggs are fastened to twigs or grass stems in a large egg case (ootheca), which may contain over 200 eggs. Indiscriminately prey on the 'good' bugs as well as the 'bad' bugs.
Assassin Bug   Caterpillars
Centipede   Slugs, snails and pill bugs
Bumblebee   Pollinator
Spider, Garden The garden spider eats whatever blunders into its web. The spider detects vibrations in the web from the captured insect’s struggles. Seizing the prey, the spider injects a poison that paralyzes and begins to liquefy the insect’s contents. At the same time, the spider wraps the prey in a shroud of silk. The hind legs pull out silk from the spinnerets and fasten the silk to the insect’s body while the front legs turn and spin the prey. Some garden spiders will then attach the encased insect to the web; others will carry it to the edge of the web and secure it there. Later, the spider returns and, with its fangs, sucks out the liquefied contents of the body. The empty shell is then cut out of the web and allowed to drop to the ground. Flies, mosquitoes, grasshoppers, flying insects
Spider, Wolf   Flies, mosquitoes
Daddylonglegs   Decomposing vegetative and animal matter
Spider, Jumping   All insects
Trichogramma wasps Tiny as a pencil point, these parasitic wasps inject their eggs inside the eggs of more than 200 species of moths.  Their developing larvae consume the host. Cabbageworms, codling moths, corn earworms, and cutworms.
Yellow Jackets   Flies, caterpillars, grasshoppers, and many larvae.