Protecting the Field
Pests
Pests
Here is a question we get all the time.... How do you get rid of Japanese Beetles?
A great question and not an easy answer if you are growing ornamental flowers.
What we do, as of today:
- We apply a Systemic in the spring to curb the insect infestation.
- We use a 4 to 6 month grub killer in the spring.
- We use an instant grub killer early June, just before they turn to beetles and are still in the ground.
- We also apply Milky Spore in the spring, summer and fall.
What we don't Do:
- We DON'T use Japanese bags or traps. Those just tend to invite all Japanese Beetles in the area to the party!
We also deal with Aphids in the mid summer. We will be glad to show you what we do to control all of these.
The Iowa State Extension Office is also a great wealth of information.
Cutters and gloves are provided, or you can bring your own. We also send you home with flower food and instructions to keep your flowers fresh and long lasting.
Deer Pressure
Like other farms we battle the Deer pressure. In the past years we have tried deer repellent... pretty much worthless. On a small garden it might work but not very well on a large field.
This past year, we tried something new. Sonar with multiple flashing lights that look like fire. After we put them out we literally saw no more deer issues.
Freezing
Like everyone else we deal with Iowa spring time, where it is 70 degrees and then drops to 18 degrees at night.
To avoid pulling out young plants we use Agribon 19, which will keep plants warm and avoid frost damage down to about 2-4 degrees.