Page 40 - Discover Summer 2020
P. 40
Weeder’s
Digest
By Bob Siren
What’s buggin’ you?
Now that our gardens, both edible
and decorative, are in full swing, keep a
vigilant eye on insect activity. Some of
it may be destructive, yet others will be
beneficial. Any action that you take, either
mechanically, by hand, or with the use of
pesticides can and will affect the outcome
of your investment.
There are millions of species of insects;
however, only several handfuls of them
are considered pests. Those need to be
eradicated, and with knowledge and
understanding, they can be managed
without upsetting the balance of nature.
Remember, it never hurts to seek professional There is a whole host of insects and also
advice. You can reach Bob Siren by email: birds that will help us to defend our
GardenGab@wslk880.com
www.facebook.com/Garden-Gab-on-WSLK gardens. These creatures rely on our prized
plants as they raise their own broods and
colonies.
When used responsibly, pesticides are
an invaluable tool in pest management,
but overuse can also harm the beneficial
insects, pollinators, and birds on which we
rely to produce the fruiting or flowering
outcomes that we expect. A healthy garden
has a diverse array of beneficial insects,
and also allows for some of those which
we deem destructive. Its difficult to have
one without the other, but by adhering
38 Discover Smith Mountain Lake SUMMER 2020
