Pest Management

Pest management is an important factor is reducing the risk of the spread of disease among your plants. Unwanted pests will show up. It is wise to have plan on how you will get rid of them. Here at Kale Lane Dahlias we use as many organic, soil wise, gardening practices as possible. We prefer to use beneficial insects instead of chemical sprays to remove pests.

Aphids

Green Lacewing larvae are excellent aphid eaters. You can release adults or larvae to the canopy of your plant and then walk away. A few days later you should see your aphid problem go away. Lady bugs are another option for aphid management however there is some more recent discussion on the efficacy of their use in home gardens.

Thrips

Cucumeris Mites are an affordable and effective way to eliminate thrips on flowers. Release them within the canopy of your plants and they will do the job for you. Minute Pirate Bugs are another excellent thrips hunter. They are more costly and a bit more noticeable in your garden.

Wireworms

If you have wireworms in your soil, consider releasing beneficial nematodes on a schedule to help reduce their presence. There is other speculation that growing mustard immediately prior to dahlia season as a biofumigant is an effect wireworm management practice.

These are the three main pests we deal with at Kale Lane Dahlias. I know there are many others. Contact your local supplier to identify the right solution for you.