| Author |
Garden Gate:  Organic Apples  |
|
|
Tabigirl
Farmgirl in Training
29 Posts
Tabitha
Kent
WA
USA
29 Posts |
 Posted - Mar 02 2007 : 8:37:59 PM
|
We are approaching our 2nd growing season here at the farm. We have almost 30 apple trees and I am wondering what to do for pest control. Last year we had a wonderful crop of very tasty apples, but the "worms" mad an appearance later in the season.
Does anyone have any suggestions for natural pest control?
Tabitha |
|
|
Huckelberrywine
True Blue Farmgirl
1607 Posts
Michelle
Rosalia
1607 Posts |
Posted - Mar 03 2007 : 10:54:07 AM
|
I'm no apple expert, but I'm in WA. and I have some new apple trees. I've kept in mind making a "tea" out of tobacco or other bitter natural substances. My trees are still in training and haven't blossomed yet (hopefully this spring...3rd year's a charm). I know tobacco you buy in a store is far from natural, but there must be wild nicotana plants, or something like that you could steep, then spray on the trees. You'd need to do it at the right time, when the eggs get laid on the blossoms. What does the local nursery say?
We make a difference. |
 |
|
|
Tabigirl
Farmgirl in Training
29 Posts
Tabitha
Kent
WA
USA
29 Posts |
Posted - Mar 03 2007 : 9:01:45 PM
|
Thank Michelle,
I have also heard of wrapping each individual apple in a paper bag or nylon bootie. That is apparently what they do in Japan. Not too practicle for the volume of apples we have, but maybe for some of the select few :>)
Where are you located in WA?
Blessings,
Tabitha |
|
|
|
Huckelberrywine
True Blue Farmgirl
1607 Posts
Michelle
Rosalia
1607 Posts |
Posted - Mar 04 2007 : 10:25:33 AM
|
I guess it depends on the kind of worm you are dealing with. I thought it was a flying insect that laid eggs on the blossom. As they develop, so does the apple, and then the eat their way out, which explains why the center may be wormy but no sign of worms when you look at the skin, if they haven't worked their way out yet. If you sack the blossoms, no pollenation will happen. But the thought of spraying bitter juice may not be so good either, I don't know what it would do to the blossom or resulting fruit.
I'm 30 miles south of Spokane, and there are orchards north of Spokane. Some are organic. Look up Greenbluffgrowers.com, I'm sure there are some helpful organic apple farmers that have a solution. I've seen little bait-balls or tent-looking lure type traps for the flying insects/worm propagators, but I don't know what is inside there, and if it is organic or not.
I'd be interested in knowing myself, since I'm hoping for blossoms and apples this year. Of course, if it's healthy enough for a worm, it's probably not bad for us either.
We make a difference. |
|
|
|
brightmeadow
True Blue Farmgirl
2045 Posts
Brenda
Lucas
Ohio
USA
2045 Posts |
|
|
Beecharmer
Farmgirl in Training
37 Posts
Kelly
Richland
WA
USA
37 Posts |
Posted - May 13 2007 : 11:47:20 PM
|
Talk to the dear woman at Jerzyboyz Farm (google it) She may help you identify the worm and give you an idea of how to take care of it. May be something as easy as a pheromone lure.
GrayHawk Farm
Prosser, WA |
|
|
|
Clare
True Blue Farmgirl
2173 Posts
NC WA State
USA
2173 Posts |
Posted - May 14 2007 : 06:10:35 AM
|
Here's a recent article by Master Gardener Chris Smith, from his Fruit & Vegetable column in the Seattle PI. It's a good article that lists a couple options, one being bagging the apples with nylon hose, as in the type women wear! Keeps the fruit safe from pests and allows for expansion of the fruit because it is stretchy. Have a read here:
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/nwgardens/315140_smith12.html
Humor is the prelude to faith and Laughter is the beginning of prayer. -- Reinhold Niebuhr
I want to be an "outrageous" old woman who never gets called an old lady. I want to be wiser, resonate love & peace and be earth-colored, till I fade away from pure joy!
http://farmstyle.blogspot.com
|
|
|
|
ddmashayekhi
True Blue Farmgirl
4738 Posts
Dawn
Naperville
Illinois
USA
4738 Posts |
Posted - May 14 2007 : 3:52:42 PM
|
I've seen at the Chicago Botanic Garden that they hang red wood balls coated in petroleum jelly to get the apple gnats. I haven't been able to find these red wooden balls, though I had seen them in a gardening supply magazine a few years ago.
Dawn in IL |
|
|
|
Bee Haven Maven
True Blue Farmgirl
1862 Posts
Beverly
Pennsylvania
USA
1862 Posts |
|
| |
Garden Gate: Organic Apples |
|
Organic Apples
