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Q. Cats use our garden for a bathroom, can this system somehow prevent this
A. Cats look for dry soil, set up an automatic watering system to keep the soil damp all year . Another helpful hint option is to place Thorny Rose or Blackberry stems in the entrance area. Then there are times when you have that rogue cat where nothing seems to work.
Q. We are told that Rain causes Tomato Blight, is this true?
A. No not exactly, The blight is caused by a fungus which its spores in a certain times of the year (usually mid July into October in the Pacific North West) float in the air. The role the rain plays is it makes the Tomato leaves wet allowing the Spores to stick. The trick is to keep the leaves dry by covering the plants from July on. It is also a good idea to remove the lower 10" of stems at this time and spread mulch at the base of the tomato. when watering keep well away from the tomato plant so there will be no splashing.
Q. My hanging Baskets look great initially but they lose their appeal
in the Summer,
What causes this and would using rainwater help?
A. Hanging baskets need watering more often than plants in the ground,
in the summer
depending on temperature, baskets often need watering every day. This
causes the nutrients to be leached out so nutrients have to be added
more frequently. Here is an idea that I use.
Move the hose tubing to a small Trash Can, add fertilizer (weak solution
of dissolving type e.g. Kelp or 20/20/20 powder type.)
This allows you to fertilize ‘ the easy way ’ using rainwater.
Try this and you will be impressed with your baskets.
Q. Is there a good organic insect and Mold control available
A. Yes try this recipe
Homemade Organic Fungicide/Insecticide/Fertilizer
2 oz. of liquid seaweed (kelp)
2 tbsp. baking soda
1 tsp. liquid hand dish washing soap
1 quart (litre) water
Mix the ingredients above and spray on your Roses, or other plants,
once a week.
Explanation
Liquid seaweed provides nutrients to keep the plant healthy
Baking Soda changes the leaf surface PH to Alkaline. Fungal
Molds need an Acidic base to grow
Soap helps the solution stick to the surface and acts as a mild
insecticide
Q. I heard that Mildew on roses can be controlled by a milk/water solution, have you ever tested this?
A. Yes we have and believe it or not it works. We mixed 8 parts water to 1 part milk (any kind even skim) sprayed once a week and no mildew. Adding a drop of liquid soap would help the liquid stick to the leaves. Caution however, it does not work on black spot.
If you have a question ask us at - dan@gardenwatersaver.com
* Periodically check this web site for updates.
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