Good morning friends and neighbours. If you have ever stopped by Muddytoes Organics you know I am passionate about soil health, pollinators and blooms.
Today let’s chat about our hardest working farmhands the pollinators. From the beautiful Monarch to the tiny, but mighty, honey bee. They don’t just pollinate they provide a highly nutritious food, right from the hive. They truly keep our gardens lush and our plates full. Without them we would have no food security. We would loose the biodiversity and vibrancy of our food. It’s a sobering thought, but those buzzing insects keep our gardens full and colourful.
Over the years I’ve been asked how to keep these beneficial insects safe without using harmful chemicals and insecticides. My secret is, work with Mother Nature not against her. Here are a few tips to help you get started.
Plant some native flora. Plants like wild columbine, swamp milkweed, wild bergamot and goldenrod, help to feed and nourish the hardworking pollinators all season long. Next is companion planting. Let your plants mingle with beneficial herbs and flowers, like basil, chives, oregano , marigolds and borage, as deterrents and trap plants. These help to keep pests away from your prized crops. Finally ditch the chemicals and synthetic sprays. These do not discriminate, they kill our precious beneficial insects as well. Use natural sprays and powders to eliminate harmful pests.
Whether you have a countryside garden or a few pots on a porch, all blooms count ! If you want to learn more about pollinators and maybe grab some farm treats come see all the educators and vendors at The Glenngarry Honey and Pollinator festival, Saturday August 29th 10-4 island park in Alexandria. Parking and admission is free. It’s a family friendly day ! Let’s make our community a sweeter safe place to buzz around.
From my kitchen to your garden.
This all purpose spray targets soft bodied insects without causing harm to our friendly pollinators or soil.
1tbsp mild liquid Castile soap( unscented or peppermint)
1tbsp vegetable oil ( helps to stick to the leaves )
4 cups warm water
Mix thoroughly and put into spray bottle. Spritz onto plants ( do a test patch first ) in early evening to avoid scorching.
See you at the festival !!
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