submitted by Plantnut nerdus written by Lloyd Eighme, retired entomologist Washington State University You may have wondered what insect cuts such neat circles from the edges of leaves on your rose bush. It makes the leaves look a bit ragged, but I hope you will forgive the little leafcutter bees that do that because they are […]
Our Broken Food System
Posted by Roger M. Our food system is the most unhealthy system in the world because of subsidies that benefit major corporations, not farmers – and certainly not the American population. We could use those subsidies to raise healthy food, which in turn would raise healthy children. http://action.ucsusa.org/site/Ecard?ecard_id=3161&autologin=true
Soil Health and the Importance of Mycorrhizal Fungi
By Dr. Mercola One of the most important strategies for improving your health is to grow your own food. However, that may not be so easy if you’re unaware of the importance of soil microbes. Wendy Taheri is a research microbiologist, to whom I was introduced via Gabe Brown, a farmer in North Dakota, […]
Using Rain Barrel Water on Garden Edibles
Ever wonder how safe that water running off of your roof is to use? Read on; http://daily.sightline.org/2015/01/07/a-green-light-for-using-rain-barrel-water-on-garden-edibles/
Common Raspberry Problem
My first hunch was A virus and then I got off the track thinking soil amendments. The client had fertilized with both fish emulsion and regular fertilizer. Crazy trick of the brain because the symptoms would show up with lack rather than too much. Madame Parsley My question to WSU: Hi Jenny, The client came […]
Seed Bugs
These bugs are new to our area. I first saw them last fall around the back door of a farm house in Chimacum by the hundreds. They are much like lady bugs or box elder beetles, if you are familiar with either of those species. They just want to get warm and find a place […]
The Evolution of a Rain Garden
written by Madame Parsley This rain garden was a cost share project with WSU, City of PT, 10,000 Rain Gardens, and Watershed Stewards . My part was some of the sweat, the plants at planting time and the ongoing maintenance. This rain garden take the excess water from our roof and the property. […]
The Great Sunflower Project
Do you want to help the bees in your garden and everywhere? Join with gardeners around the country who are planting Lemon Queen sunflowers in the name of research. Choose seeds not treated with the pesticide neonicotinoid which has been linked to honey bee colony collapse disorder. Then, count the bees that are attracted to this […]