A Bugs Blog: NaturesGoodGuys to the Rescue!
Beneficial Nematode Chemical Compatibility
Beneficial nematodes are a powerful natural pest control tool, but their effectiveness depends on what else you're applying in your garden. This reference guide breaks down which common garden chemicals are fully compatible with nematodes, which require a one-week waiting period before introducing them, and which need two weeks to clear before it's safe to apply. When in doubt, checking the active ingredients on your product label, and cross-referencing this list, can make the difference between a successful application and a wasted one.
Save Big on Composting: DIY Worm Bin Setup for Rich, Organic Soil
Skip the expensive bags of compost and make your own at home. This post links to a NaturesGoodGuys YouTube playlist walking you through everything you need to know about setting up a DIY worm bin. From getting started to maximizing composting efficiency and dealing with common issues like fruit flies. Whether you're brand new to vermicomposting or looking to level up your setup, the video series covers it all.
Applying Beneficial Nematodes: Step-by-Step Videos
Applying beneficial nematodes is simpler than it sounds, and this post makes it even easier with step-by-step video guides for visual learners. Whether you're working with a hose-end sprayer for larger areas or a watering can for smaller spaces and indoor plants, the videos walk you through the process from start to finish to ensure your nematodes get applied correctly and effectively.
How to Apply Beneficial Nematodes: Hose End Sprayers, Watering Cans, and more
Getting beneficial nematodes into the soil correctly makes all the difference in how well they perform. This post points gardeners to NaturesGoodGuys' Beneficial Nematode YouTube playlist, which covers how to apply nematodes using a variety of methods, including hose-end sprayers for larger lawns and garden beds, and watering cans for smaller or indoor applications. A helpful starting point for anyone new to using nematodes for natural pest control.
A Guide to Managing Squash Bugs Naturally
Squash bugs are notoriously tough to deal with. Their hard shells protect them from most predators, and they tuck their eggs under leaves where they're easy to miss. Unlike many soil-dwelling pests, they aren't affected by beneficial nematodes, so a hands-on approach is the most effective strategy. The good news is that a simple combination of duct tape to lift and remove eggs, soapy water to drown dislodged adults, and either diatomaceous earth or neem oil applied to the plants can keep populations in check. Repeat weekly and stay consistent, and your squash, zucchini, and pumpkins have a much better chance of making it to harvest.
DIY Propagation Tray: Worm Farming, Seed Starting, & More
The propagation tray might just be the most versatile tool in a gardener's arsenal. Stack them to build a space-efficient worm bin, use them to harvest worm castings without the mess, sow seeds in neat organized rows, sift rocks and debris from garden soil, mix amendments evenly, or speed up composting by improving aeration and separation. Whether you're deep into vermicomposting or just starting seeds for the season, this simple stackable tray adapts to wherever it's needed most in the garden.
Ladybugs 101: Your Guide to Natural Pest Control
Ladybugs are one of the most effective and beginner-friendly tools in organic pest control, capable of consuming up to 50 aphids a day while also targeting spider mites, mealybugs, and other soft-bodied pests. This introductory guide covers everything a first-time user needs to know — from setting up the right habitat and ensuring a water source, to the best time of day for release (dawn or dusk), how to introduce them to your plants, and what to expect through their lifecycle from larvae to adult. A few pro tips on monitoring pest populations and scheduling maintenance releases round out this practical, chemical-free approach to keeping your garden in balance.