Pest, Weed & Fungus Control

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Garden pests come in all sizes.

Few things can kill your plants faster than pests or fungal diseases. Unfortunately, if you have a beautiful landscape, chances are that you have these at some time throughout the year.

We can’t control nature, but we can try to maintain a healthy and attractive home landscape. With the increase of pests, weeds and fungus are in our urban environment it can be overwhelming to keep up with everything happening around us. Here at Buchanan’s Native Plants, we specialize in helping you take care of your lawn and garden so you can enjoy your home.

Seasonal Garden Issues

Pests
Black Spot
Powdery Mildew

With spring comes pest problems.

Worry not! The plant care shed has tons of solutions for uninvited bugs.

Caterpillars:

Some gardeners want caterpillars in the garden, others don’t. Caterpillars will munch through your garden if you let them. Try using Neem Oil or B.t. to eliminate this issue from the garden!

Aphids:

An aphid infestation can quickly wreak havoc on your garden. Luckily they have a predator that can be found in the plant care shed! Ladybugs are one of the best lines of defense against aphids in the garden. Release the ladybugs at night, and watch the aphids disappear.

Scale:

Scale can make your indoor jungle go from lush and beautiful to dead and gone. Scale bugs can be both hard and soft-bodied making them a double threat. We recommend using Neem Oil or Insecticidal Soap to kill of the houseplant killers.

What is Black Spot?

Black Spot is one of the most common dieaseses that plague roses. Leaves will show irregular black spots before slowly wilting and falling off.

How do I treat black spot?

Treat affected areas with Bonide Copper Fungicide. Remember to dispose of infected leaves that fall to the ground. Do not place in compost.

What is ‘Powdery Mildew’?

Powdery Mildew is a fungus caused by temperature fluctuation and high humidity.

How can I treat powdery mildew?

Treat affected plant with Copper Fungicide

Mosquito Solutions

There is something about the summer that brings out mosquitoes more than any other time of year. Not just our opinion, but supported by research. Some studies show that it’s the warmer weather, and some show higher humidity in the summer attracts them more. Either way, it can be a torturous time of the year for those of us who are really sensitive to mosquito bites.

They’re everywhere during the warmer months. You get in your house and suddenly your hands, arms, and legs have all these itty bitty red bumps. It’s an annoyance that comes with enjoying the outdoors.

We’re here to help! The Bungalow and Plant Care Shed has tons of options to keep you safe from mosquitos.

One of our favorite wearable options is Parakitos, a refillable wristband that lasts for up to 15 days and comes with extra pellets for extended use.

Looking to sit outdoors? Murphy’s has a fantastic line of citronella candles and incense that use essential oils instead of harmful chemicals.

Orange Oil

Orange Oil is one gardening tool that is overlooked by many, but loved by a cult following! This nifty oil has multiple uses and is a holy grail to many gardeners when it comes to pest problems.

So what exactly is it good for you may ask? Let’s dive in! We highly recommend orange oil for eliminating fire ant issues. Saturate the entire mound with orange oil to rid your yard of those pesky ants. Orange oil effectively breaks down the exoskeleton of hard-bodied insects which makes it a great organic pesticide! For this treatment, you’ll want to mix 2 oz. of orange oil into one gallon of water, then apply.

You can also use orange oil to destroy any mold or fungus that has appeared on your houseplant leaves. So what exactly is it good for you may ask? Let’s dive in! We highly recommend orange oil for eliminating fire ant issues. Saturate the entire mound with orange oil to rid your yard of those pesky ants. Orange oil effectively breaks down the exoskeleton of hard-bodied insects which makes it a great organic pesticide! For this treatment, you’ll want to mix 1/4 oz. orange oil with 2 qts. water, then apply.

Indoor Plant Care

Let’s talk houseplant care!

Just like outdoor plants, indoor plants need fertilizers from time to time to help give them an extra boost!

Freshly potted plants should not be fertilized as they are working through the nutrients from their fresh soil. You’ll want to wait at least two to three months after potting to fertilize your indoor plants. We recommend using MicroLife Seaweed!

As with any form plant care, make sure to research the needs of your specific plant before implementing a fertilization schedule. We’re happy to advise in the greenhouse, over the phone or via direct message on social media!

You may also face pest issues with houseplants. Mealy bugs and fungus gnats are two of the most common pests. For mealybugs, you’ll want to apply Insecticidal Soap or Neem Oil to your affected plant. Apply generougously until you no longer see mealy bugs. Fungus gnat larvea can be erraticated with Mosquito Bits. We suggest either mixing bits into the soil, or soaking mosquito bits in water then watering your plants with the water. To rid your home of adult gnats you can set up sticky traps near the plant or place vinegar traps. To make vinegar traps, mix 1/2 cup of water, 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp of sugar, and a few drops of dish soap together.

Have other plant care questions? Feel free to stop by the plant care shed or greenhouse to talk to one of our gardeners!