What's the deal with nematodes?
SeniorBalloon
2 years ago
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ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
2 years agoRelated Discussions
What to grow in a bed with root knot nematodes
Comments (1)Try this link, I think that there are only 200 or so plant including Nightshade plants like tomatoes, also Fig trees can be hurt by RKN. Clay soil & block walls make it hard for RKN. There is a predator Nematode that will help bring the RKN under control. Here is a link that might be useful: RKN resistant plants...See MoreNematodes- what plants do they affect ?
Comments (3)Here is a list of bedding plants and how they fare against nematodes. It also offers some advice about cultural practices. The list of unaffected plants is very short. :>( Here is a link that might be useful: Ornamentals and nematodes....See MoreNematodes---what would you do?
Comments (22)NHL, as an additional comment here, I know some gardeners are perfectionists and they deplore any type of disfiguration of their lovely plants, hosta and so on. However, after my first shock of learning about the nematodes and agonizing over treating them, I settled down a bit to a more realistic approach. I read that the chitin found in shell fish, like crab shells, and probably shrimp hulls too (but oh my those smell too bad) are the stuff which the GOOD organisms eat and those organisms also eat the bad nematodes. So I promptly ordered several bags of crab shells from a place in Glouster MA, called Neptune's Harvest. I use it as an additive in my potting mix, and even share it with my DH for his raised veggie beds. When I ordered two 50-lb bags of the crab shells (crushed, of course), I got early morning delivery from UPS. Why? Because they could not stand the bags to remain in their hot truck all day, and I got "preferential delivery" before the day got very hot. I thought that was worth noting, I guess my sense of humor is a bit off center....hehehehe. Kept outdoors, I haven't noticed any strong odors but I keep a lid on it. Once it is added to the beds or the containers, any lingering smell soon dissipates. Too soon to tell if it is effective, but when I see the nems waving little white flags I'll know they've given up and I will do my little victory dance. Oh yeah. While I thought those crab shells were helping the economy of the fishing village of Glouster MA, I discovered on the bag of crab shells printed plain as day, PRODUCT OF CANADA.....so somehow I'm contributing to the international economy....indirectly.... I provide a link to the "manufacturer" who offers free shipping to customers in the continental US. I first ran across the crabshells on Amazon though, And I ended up getting some kelp meal as well, since that was what my DH's family in Ireland used to fertilize their farm years ago, and it was a nostalgic purchase as much as anything. Here is a link that might be useful: Crushed crab shell..NeptunesHarvest...See MorePotting soil and nematodes in a raised bed, what to do?
Comments (4)These simple soil tests may be of some help,' 1) Soil test for organic material. From that soil sample put enough of the rest to make a 4 inch level in a clear 1 quart jar, with a tight fitting lid. Fill that jar with water and replace the lid, tightly. Shake the jar vigorously and then let it stand for 24 hours. Your soil will settle out according to soil particle size and weight. For example, a good loam will have about 1-3/4 inch (about 45%) of sand on the bottom. about 1 inch (about 25%) of silt next, about 1 inch (25%) of clay above that, and about 1/4 inch (about 5%) of organic matter on the top. 2) Drainage. Dig a hole 1 foot square and 1 foot deep and fill that with water. After that water drains away refill the hole with more water and time how long it takes that to drain away. Anything less than 2 hours and your soil drains’ too quickly and needs more organic matter to slow that drainage down. Anything over 6 hours and the soil drains too slowly and needs lots of organic matter to speed it up. 3) Tilth. Take a handful of your slightly damp soil and squeeze it tightly. When the pressure is released the soil should hold together in that clump, but when poked with a finger that clump should fall apart. 4) Smell. What does your soil smell like? A pleasant, rich earthy odor? Putrid, offensive, repugnant odor? The more organic matter in your soil the more active the soil bacteria will be and the nicer your soil will smell, to a point. Too much organic matter can be bad as well. 5) Life. How many earthworms per shovel full were there? 5 or more indicates a pretty healthy soil. Fewer than 5, according to the Natural Resources Conservation Service, indicates a soil that is not healthy. A lack of earthworms may simply mean they do not have the food they like to eat. While organic matter is needed things such as Peat Moss do little to encourage earthworms to hand around. Your University of Georgia charges $15.00 per sample for a good soil test. http://aesl.ces.uga.edu/soiltest123/Georgia.htm kimmq is kimmsr...See MoreSeniorBalloon
2 years agoSeniorBalloon
2 years agoSeniorBalloon
2 years ago
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ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5