In the Garden - Beneficial Nematodes
Ants bit my foot yesterday - bad. I also found grubs in my garden when I was using the wet weather as a lazy time to plant in some summer veggies. I think mother nature was trying to remind me that I need to put down some beneficial nematodes. These little microscopic critters are great to get rid of grubs, fleas, fire ants and other bothersome garden pests. They are a great non toxic way to support the health of your yard and garden, but they are a little finicky. They like to be cool, dark and wet. Right now, here in New Braunfels and the surrounding areas, is the perfect time to water some into your garden. I had already caught several 5 gallon buckets of rainwater before I hatched my last minute nematode plan, so I used them to mix my nematodes into. Then I spread them out with my watering can over all of my existing beds, plantings, known ant mounds, and any areas of my front yard that looked "grubby" (visible bare patches). Some considerations when you are watering in nematodes is to keep them cool until you spread them, spread them right away after you mix them with water, and stir your container with the nematode in it often because they tend to sink to the bottom. I got my nematodes at the Plant Haus for $28 - they had three types, I chose the combo. My son who works at Maldonado's Nursery said they have them over there too. Best to get them in soon so the rainy weather can continue to support their colonization and movement into the soil. Also - be prepared to answer questions when your neighbors see you watering your garden in the rain. Happy Gardening!
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