Hello Gardeners,
Several Eagle Heights gardeners have reported finding jumping worms in their plots, and asked how they should get rid of them. According to Bernadette Williams, an invasive species specialist with the DNR, the worms should be removed from the soil, and put in a plastic bag, which is then put in the sun. The worms will be dead in 10 minutes or so, and then the bag can be put in the trash.
Also, the DNR and other agencies have developed a set
of Best Management Practices for minimizing the spread of this species:
- Arrive clean, leave clean. Clean soil and debris from vehicles, equipment, gardening tools and personal gear before moving to and from a work or recreational area.
- Watch for jumping worms and signs of their presence.
- Educate yourself and others to recognize jumping worms.
- Only use, sell, plant, purchase or trade landscape and gardening materials and plants that appear to be free of jumping worms.
- Only sell, purchase or trade compost that was heated to appropriate temperatures and duration following protocols for reduction in pathogens.
Another question from gardeners: What’s
putting holes in my plants’ leaves?
One answer is flea beetles, which
are tiny black insects that can be very destructive, especially to young
plants. But there are some organic controls. This is a link to a site with very
good information (you can ignore their ads.)
Please note that we do still have
row covers for sale, which protect plants from this kind of pest – they are 20
feet long, and we charge $5. Please let me know if you’d like to buy one.
A Beneficial Insect
Lastly, it has been reported that we
have a large population of blue damselflies in the 1200’s in the Eagle Heights
Gardens. Damselflies are similar to dragonflies, but they are smaller and
slimmer. They’re beautiful to look at, and they are voracious eaters of small
insects and insect larvae. Including, we hope, flea beetles.
Happy gardening, everyone.
Kathryn
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