All gardens have pests, they are usually an abundant source of food and a great place for them to reproduce. A community garden with all it's variety of foods is especially attractive to insects and rodents.
It can be quite challenging for a community garden like ours that is devoted to using organic gardening methods, to combat the infestation of pests and the substantial damage they can do if not kept in check.
The use of chemical pesticides is avoided at all costs. This helps reduce the toxicity of the soil and the plants that we harvest. The risks to our health from eating foods tainted with chemicals is well documented, so we strive to avoid using by employing a safe and sustainable gardening techniques.
It can be quite challenging for a community garden like ours that is devoted to using organic gardening methods, to combat the infestation of pests and the substantial damage they can do if not kept in check.
The use of chemical pesticides is avoided at all costs. This helps reduce the toxicity of the soil and the plants that we harvest. The risks to our health from eating foods tainted with chemicals is well documented, so we strive to avoid using by employing a safe and sustainable gardening techniques.
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Sustainable Gardening Australia: Wisegardening App |
Sustainable Gardening Australia (SGA) has developed a handy reference app for phones and a website page to help you identify the chemical constituents of various products on the market that are used to control weeds, pests and disease. You can get the app and educate yourself about the risks of a product before you use it, or find this information on their website. Go to the link below:
https://wisegardening.sgaonline.org.au/risks-of-garden-chemical-products/
https://wisegardening.sgaonline.org.au/risks-of-garden-chemical-products/
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Tomato Russet MiteThe tasty areas of our gardens are a beacon for insects, and tomatoes can be an irresistible target for them.
It is important in a community garden that when pests like tomato mites are discovered that they are reported to the committee and other members so that we can get the pests under control. Tomato mites are sap suckers that drain the plant of its nutrients and weaken it. This can cause the tomatoes to be low in quality and can even lead to the plant dying. An indication of tomato mite infection is the damage they they cause to the leaves, first appearing silver and then turning brown. It starts from the base of the plant and progresses towards the top. An article from ABC's Gardening Australia was shared to us by one of our members. We recommend having a look at it to learn how best to deal with these pests. |