Nancy, the Bordeaux mix should only be used while the tree is still dormant - before bud break. It can be phytotoxic, which is why it's recommended to be used before the tree is in leaf. And you never want to spray during the flowering period when pollinators are present. Other than the Bordeaux mix, this is going to be a difficult problem to control just restricting yourself to organics......sad, but true:-( Cultural controls and good garden sanitation are critical and MUST be used together with any fungicides, organic or not - sprays alone will not do the trick. Part of the diffculty is that the fungal spores germinate and spread when the weather is warm, generally some time after bud break and one can't determine the degree of infection until the following year when the galls begin forming, so some sort of spray program is advised. Pruning out problem areas is most often advised but won't help a wit if the infection has progressed to major limbs or the trunk. You just need to remove the tree at that point. If I were in this situation, I might try using Neem oil for spraying any time after the trees emerge from dormancy and when the temperatures are close to 55F or above. If possible, spray when no threat of rain is present for at least 24 hours and don't spray when pollinators are present - Neem can harm them as well as any chemical. I'd repeat applications every 10 days to two weeks through shuck split (when the tepals fall off to expose any emerging fruit). Otherwise, there are very few fungicides that are registered for control of black knot (and most you wouldn't want to or can't use anyway) but if you use something registered for brown rot and follow a similar spray schedule, you should be OK.

John, my question was directed at those that appear to blindly accept whatever nonesense our government blabbers. The Food and Drug Administration was meant to be a consumer protection agency but rapidly evolved into a producer protection agency. These Genetically Engineered plants have never been tested for anything related to humans by the manufacturers because humans are no the targets of that modification, so not testing is required. Even way back when they were first grown outside the laboratory and forbidden from entering the human food chain and used as animal food (they would not enter the food chain for humans in the meat?) these GE products did get into that part of the food chain, and still no testing of any harm to humans was done. Today, since humans have been consuming these products for 40 or 50 years and no one has yet died from eating them (we have been the labratory rated for these companies) they are now presumed safe for human consumption. We have no idea what adverse affects on us these have.

Water will be no issue since I have a drip system that also goes to the citrus tree. I am thinking of a fan. I have some spare solar cells from my solar lanterns (got replaced by the company a while back). One has been converted to a battery charger (had 4 extra NiMH why not, lanterns do charge batteries). Maybe the other one can be used to drive a small 3V or less fan on the lid. Wet inside, fan on the top, could be interesting. As for winter, I'm thinking of making a mini-greenhouse enclosure around it (use the wood that was used for the bench when the bin was indoors :-( ). Only concern is not to fry them when the heat picks up. I heard someone mention use a wheat germ sock?? to help warm the bin or compost. Is this recommended. I have used Wheat germ before and boy does it get hot. I was thinking of packing a toilet paper role with wheat germ and newspaper (so it's not too anaerobic). Does this sound like a plan. The worms have plenty of space to hide in the bin (stacked OSRC JR). Oh Kelly, we had quick conversation on the stacking etc. Well definitely see some issues with my OSCR JR. Big issue is the weight of the top bin compressing unfinished items in the lower bin like newspaper. Thinking some shims on the side may help such that the bin sits nicely on the bottoms unfinished compost, then lower it slower as the bottom bin becomes more finished. I know the easiest would be to split the bin. Since they are outside I might do that, but in the spring when the weather is better. Right now the worms are hiding in the lower bin (a little warmer now).

I am not affiliated with this company but I am so pleased with how it works I thought I would post information for anyone else who might be interested. If anyone else has tried it, I'd be intersted to hear what you think. Wondering if there are any uses for it I haven't thought of yet. I purchased an 800 g container more than a year ago and went out to get a new one today. Lasts a long time and I would almost call it a "miracle cleaner". I have stainless appliances and this removes all the water/drip marks and makes the steel look new. It also cleans my black granite counters beautifully. No water marks. I use it in the kitchen and bathroom with great results. It polishes my polished nickel kitchen faucet as well. Removes the tarnish marks. I have used it to polish silver pieces as well. While I was getting a new container today I met a lady buying several. She runs a local cleaning company and said she uses it as their primary cleaner. She said her clients love it. I took the following from their website: The Universal Cleaning Stone 100% SAFE NATURAL CLEANER THAT WORKS ON ALMOST ANY SURFACE The Universal Stone, is a highly effective, non-toxic, low odor, long-lasting, all-purpose cleaner from Germany that cleans, polishes and protects almost every hard finished surface. It's hard, reminiscent of a stone; this means not a penny is wasted shipping water. Plus, with Universal Stone there's nothing to drip, spill, evaporate, dry out or freeze. We guarantee you'll be impressed. This is not a whimpy cleaner. It will outperform just about every other cleaner you own. But don't take our word for it; read the testimonials and watch the video. Non-toxic, acid free--100% safe for the chemically sensitive, children and pets Winner 2008 PTPA media Award--Parent Tested, Parent Approved (US and Canada) Made from six natural ingredients--earth/polishing clay, glycerin, green soap, soap flakes, natural vegetable oils and citronella. Gentle on the skin--will not dry or damage your skin Non-abrasive--Safe for silverplate or heirloom silver; you polish less often because Universal Stone effectively retards tarnish. Also this is the best DVD cleaner Easy to use--just add water to sponge and squeeze to make a foam Long lasting--depending upon use, lasts 6-24 months, saves even more money Unlimited shelf life--won't spill, leak, drip, dry out, evaporate or freeze Residential use--kitchen, bath, silverware, floors, windows, auto, boats, lawn furniture and much more Commercial use--schools, hotels, restaurants, cleaning services Here is a link that might be useful: Universal Stone