Episode 5, Pests and and Diseases (and their natural enemies)

This is all about pests and diseases.  About the good, the bad, and ugly insects.  We will be talking about some diseases which are prevalent in kitchen gardens.

https://www.greenlifeindustry.com.au/Attachment?Action=Download&Attachment_id=1975#:~:text=Aphids%20are%20relatively%20small%2C%20bulbous,to%20be%20present%20in%20Australia.

https://www.sustainablefarms.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Powerful-Pollinators_NSW-and-NE-Vic_SF-brochure-6.3-ONLINE.pdf

https://www.bhg.com.au/how-to-attract-ladybugs-to-your-yard

https://www.facebook.com/healthyyardsinternational/photos/a.367647497006552/1463130807458210/?type=3

The backyard organic garden, Keith Smith, Australia, 1990

https://www.flowerpower.com.au/garden-advice/gardening/how-to-identify-good-bugs-in-my-garden-7-beneficial-insects-that-help-plants/

https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/pest-insects/citrus-pests?nopaging=1

https://www.abc.net.au/gardening/how-to/know-your-weeds/9430076

Organic recipes from https://gardenerdsking.com/organic-control/

• White oil

Traditionally used against aphids, tiny caterpillars, leaf miners, mealy bugs, mites, and scale.

• 500 mL Vegetable oil
• 100mL dishwashing detergent (organic would be best)

Mix the two liquids in a large far or bottle with a tightly secured lid. Before each use, shake vigorously. Keep it in a cool area. Use 1 tablespoon to 1L water.

• Chili
• 125 mL BURNING hot Chili
• 480 mL water
• 29 mL dish soap (organic/natural is best)

Puree chili; add water; leave to sit overnight. Strain this mixture (Be careful – it could burn!) and mix in soap and wa-la- a potent homemade, ready-to-use pesticide!

• Fungal Spray

3.5 L Water

0.5 teaspoon (mild) liquid soap

1 tablespoon baking soda

NB. This needs to be used straight away as it cannot keep.

Don’t spray in the heat of the day and make sure the plants have been watered a few days before application.

Herbicides

There are simple ways to make your weed spray w