Indoor Plant Pest Management

Indoor plants typically attract pests such as white fly, spider mites, mealy bug and scale. These pests are easy to control without the use of harsh chemicals provided you pay attention to your plants. The first step to take is to inspect the plants leaves when you water. If you see signs of spider webs, cottony looking balls or other signs of pests, take the plant to a sink or other area where water can be freely sprayed. The first step is to remove the pests by hand. You can use a Q-tip with or without a dab of alcohol on it. For scale that has a hard brown shell, use your fingernail to carefully remove it from the leaves and stems. Be sure to dispose of any pests that you remove or they will simply find their way back to the host plant. Once the pests have been removed, spray the plant with warm water. Be sure to spray the underside of the leaves as well as the stems and top of the leaves. You can submerge the plant foliage under water for a few minutes if you prefer.

Here are a few pest specific tips:

Spider mites are tiny red bugs that build a web on the plant. The best way to control spider mites is to use a solution of soapy water made by adding two drops of soap to a quart of water. Be sure to test a small area of the plant with the soap solution first to make sure there is not a problem. Should the solution cause a problem it will be easily to see, as the leaves will turn brown. Spraying a stream of water strong enough to knock the pests off the plant is another option for dealing with spider mites.

Mealy bugs are white and can look sort of like a small piece of cotton. First, remove adult mealy bugs by touching them with the tip of a Q-tip dipped into diluted rubbing alcohol. Be careful not to touch the leaf of the plant. Rubbing alcohol can dry leaves and stems up quickly. A mixture of soap and water, prepared as directed above, is an alternative to the rubbing alcohol. Either option will dissolve the protective waxy coating on the mealy bug and kill it.

White fly is a little harder to control and is best dealt with by using a combination of spraying and trapping. Yellow sticky traps can be hung above your plants. These will catch a variety of pests including white fly and gnats. A strong spray of water, on a regular basis, will eventually get rid of the white fly. White fly can be found under the leaves of plants.

End Of The Season Harvest

The first frost is over in many areas. While most of the garden is done once frost hits it, there are still some plants that can be harvested and are actually better after they have been hit by a light frost. Kale, brussels sprouts and rose hips are just a few of the items that can still be harvested.

Rose hips are high in vitamin C. They can be eaten fresh, used to make wine or jelly which can be canned and used throughout the winter months.

Kale and brussels sprouts will last in the garden at least until a hard freeze. With protection, they may last longer. This gives you the advantage of picking them as you need them or picking them all at once and precerving them for use throughout the winter.