Common Summer Garden Pests

/in , /by

In summer, most pests proliferate. Flying and crawling insects and mice and rats cause tremendous damage every year throughout the world.

In Australia, the summer months can be greatly enjoyable when you’re spending time outdoors. At the same time, they can also be disturbing due to the proliferation of many garden pests such as mosquitoes, flies, fleas, ants, and even rats and possums.

1. Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes were once considered just annoying pests. Now, they are known for causing and spreading diseases that can even be fatal if left untreated by medical experts. Many mosquitoes come buzzing around in spring and mostly in the summer months because their eggs hatch and come out of hibernation during this season.

Controlling mosquitoes:

To make sure you enjoy the summer without these unwanted visitors, you have to keep all surfaces dry because their eggs hatch only on moist surfaces. Remove any stagnant or still, fresh water so they won’t have a place to lay their eggs. If you have a swimming pool or are living near swamps, take note that these are favourite breeding areas. Be sure to contact your town’s agents who are equipped to deal with pest control on a larger scale.

2. Flies

Flies, like mosquitoes, breed in damp places. They hatch in stagnant water, dirty garbage pails, animal refuse, overripe fruits, spoiled vegetables, and even piles of wet cut grass. They multiply quickly and become full grown within 10 days. One fly can produce 120 to 160 eggs at a time and these hatch into maggots within just a day. As such, never allow flies to survive in your property. Do not allow them to fly and crawl around your home because they are also known carriers of serious diseases like cholera, dysentery, and tuberculosis.

Controlling flies:

Remove all possible breeding areas. Clean and tightly cover all garbage bins. Dispose of grass clippings immediately.

3. Fleas

Fleas are also common in summer. These wingless insects are very tiny which make them hard to detect until they have multiplied enough to be seen and felt. These pests are not only annoying to your pets, but also to your entire household.

Controlling fleas:

While a professional pest control operator will have no difficulty getting rid of them, you can also prevent fleas from coming into your home on your own by keeping your pet and your yard clean regularly. Clean all areas where fleas could possibly leap onto hosts, like the lawn while you are mowing grass and trimming bushes.

4. Ants

Ants love living in warmer regions, but they are extremely adaptable and can live in any climate. They are likely to enter your house through any tiny opening, especially the slits under doors, in window sills, and around pipes leading into the house. Some ants live in the walls of houses. Once inside, ants will eat almost anything. There are certain ants that eat mostly sweets, while others prefer grease and fats.

Controlling ants:

Ants are untiring workers. They move in a constant stream to and from a food supply. The best way to eradicate them from your house is to follow their trail, locate their nest or anthill, and destroy it.

If you are not sure about the cause of any of these pest problems, or if the problem seems too difficult to handle, it is best to consult a competent pest-control operator near you. Also, avoid using homemade mixtures or any sprays without an expert’s recommendations as this may do more harm than good.

For more garden and landscaping tips, tune in for more Jim’s Mowing NZ blogs.

Your Garden Will Love Autumn Mulching

/in , /by

Autumn is a time for great changes; everyone can experience cooler nights and the transformation of outdoor scenery.

It is also the best time to get in your garden and start work. In addition to fertilising, pruning, and planting, mulching is an integral part of autumn gardening, too.

There are different types of mulch to choose from, the most common of which are the organic and inorganic mulches. A once-a-year mulching is usually enough to keep the soil and your plants healthy.

Why your garden will love mulching;

  • It conserves soil moisture – The most familiar benefit gained from mulching is soil moisture. Adding some mulch keeps the soil from drying out and cracking. Therefore, it also reduces the need for frequent watering.
  • It suppresses the growth of weeds – Weeds are considered one of the most crucial issues gardeners have to deal with. Through mulching, you can stop the growth of weeds and eventually kill them. Before you mulch, it would be helpful to pull out or cut overgrown weeds first. Then, apply the mulch deep enough to block sunlight from penetrating and to prevent the weeds from germinating.
  • It adds nutrients to the soil – Various types of mulch, over time, will break down into the soil. This will add nutrients to the soil and improve its quality and structure.
  • It improves the look of the garden – Mulching gives the garden a finished and clean look by filling in empty spaces. What is even better is that it is very easy to maintain and it doesn’t compete with your plants in the garden.
  • It maintains the temperature of the soil – Just as it conserves the moisture in the soil, mulch also maintains the temperature around the soil. It keeps the soil cool during warm days and warm during the cold nights.
  • It controls certain pests – The use of specific types of mulch, particularly the cedar bark, can help ward off pests because cedar barks release oils that are considered a natural insect repellent.
  • It prevents soil erosion – Not only does mulch keep water in the soil, but it also prevents soil run-off and erosion. The mulch breaks the fall of water, which in turn lessens the impact of the water when it falls on the ground.

 

When spreading mulch on your garden, it is also important to learn how to do it, where to apply it, and what materials to use. All of these will determine the success of mulch application. For more garden and landscaping tips, tune in for more Jim’s Mowing NZ blogs.

Spring Garden Care Tips

/in , /by

In Australia, there are different fruits and vegetables that you can grow in your garden, and spring is the best time to plant most vegetables. However, this is also the best time for diseases and pests to proliferate.

Common Garden Pests During Spring

Carrot Fly – Carrot flies can attack celery, parsley and other similar plants. The larvae burrow into the roots, thereby killing the plant. You can control them by removing infected plants and burning them.

Aphids – Otherwise known as greenfly, aphids can attack beans, cabbage, carrots, celery, corn, lettuce, potatoes, radish and eggplant. They sit on soft plant tissue and suck sap from plants, causing wilting and rotting. Aphids can transfer viruses and other diseases from plant to plant. Control them with garlic spray.

Nematodes – Known as “Eel Worms,” nematodes are microscopic worms that attack the roots of vegetables. These pests can cause swelling, dwarfing and yellowing of the foliage. To control them, always keep your gardening tools clean and opt for resistant plant varieties. Also, plant marigolds in between vegetables — marigolds emit a chemical that can deter nematodes.

Tips for Making Your Garden Healthy in Spring

Fertilise – Now is the best time to feed your plants with the right fertilisers because everything will begin to grow again. Since most garden plants start their main growing period in spring, fertilising them will promote healthy growth and stronger disease and pest resistance.

Weed and Mulch – Before the sun begins to cause the soil’s moisture to evaporate, mulch the garden beds. Apart from conserving soil moisture, mulch will also insulate the soil against the heat. Also, it will help suppress weeds and provide essential nutrients to the soil, most especially when you make use of an organic mulch.

Watch out for pests – Spring is the best time to check for pests on new growth. Aphids, for instance, begin to get active, eating up all the new shoots. As such, keeping an eye on these pesky pests is a must. When dealing with pests, do not immediately opt for pesticides as these chemicals may also kill the beneficial predators. Rather, opt for organic or DIY solutions first.

Tidy up the garden – Spring gives you the opportunity to tidy up the areas in the garden that did not cope very well during the winter months. Bring back some vigour to your plants by properly pruning them.

Plant vegetables – If you live in one of the colder Australian regions, wait until the frost lifts before planting summer crops. Consider planting in October because by this time, the soil has started to heat up a bit. Some of the summer veggies you can sow include corn, cucumbers, beans, zucchini and pumpkin.

If you need help making your garden thrive, you can always get expert help from Jim’s Mowing NZ.

Free Mulch From Autumn Leaves

/in , /by

Is it autumn yet? Do you feel excited about the coming of this season?

Colourful leaves of autumn aren’t just lovely to see; they’re also rich in essential minerals. If processed properly, they provide countless benefits to your lawn and garden.

For one, you can use them as fertilisers for shrubs, perennials, ferns, trees and other wood-plants. Second, you can use them as mulch for your pots and garden beds. Third, you can use
them as topdressing for your lawn. Fourth, you can use them as additional organic matter by digging them into the soil before planting. And fifth, you can also use them as seed-raising mix or as potting mix along with garden compost, washed sand, and loam.

How do you take these minerals from the leaves?

You don’t literally take out the minerals from the leaves. You break them down using a special composting process called leaf mould heap. Unlike the traditional compost where you need to balance and turn it, and keep it warm to enable fast-action bacteria to faciliate decomposition, leaf mould simply requires piling up the leaves, soaking them, and then just letting the fungi do the job of slowly decomposing the leaves.

 

For best results, take note of the following:

  1. It is crucial to have a compost bin strategically located near a shed to shelter the bin, and at the same time to allow rain to reach the leaves. You can use the bin bag method, but it is much better to build a bin since this process takes at least six months to as long as three years, depending on your goal. To make a rich soil conditioner, let it rot for two to three years. To make a rich mulch, six to twelve months will do.
  2. It is also equally important to choose the kind of leaves to include in the leaf mould. Leaves from deciduous trees are the best, like those from maple, oak, birch, elm, poplar, beech, ash, and liquidambar trees. Leaves that break down more slowly, like those from the evergreen trees as well as sycamore trees, must be kept to a minimum.
  3. To facilitate the process, it is best to shred leaves finely, particularly larger ones and those that takes longer to rot. Before putting in the bin, cut them into tiny pieces using a lawnmower.

You can have as much free mulch as you can with fallen autumn leaves. Pile them up as high as you can. If there is more room for two or three leaf bins in your yard, then you can even have well-rotted leaf mould for enriching the soil.

For more garden and landscaping tips, tune in for more Jim’s Mowing NZ blogs.

Beneficial Garden Pests

/in , /by

Often, they are known for their destructive nature, but did you know that some garden insects are also considered beneficial? Some homeowners and gardeners are unaware of the benefits these insects and animals bring.

For starters, these bugs and insects prey on the bad critters that destroy your plants and garden. They are also a natural and cost-efficient solution to your pest infestation problems. Some of the good bugs you should invite in your garden are:

  1. Lacewings

Both the lacewing and its larvae work hard and fast as they prey on bugs, aphids, mites, moths, and caterpillars. To attract them and help them stay around, grow flowering plants and herbs such as coriander, dill, and fennel.

  1. Parasitic Wasps

Parasitic wasps are a variety of tiny wasps that do not sting. They spend their entire life being parasites and end up killing their host. Parasitic wasps help control pests by invading the eggs of their host and laying their eggs on the bodies of insect pests like caterpillars, aphids, whitefly, and mealybugs.

To attract parasitic wasps in your garden and help them grow, it is good to have flowering plants such as marigold, thyme, alyssum, and cosmos.

  1. Ladybirds or Ladybugs

There are over 500 species of Ladybirds found in Australia. Both the young larvae and adults eat pests. However, the larvae feed more than the adult does, doing more damage to garden pests. They eat aphids, mites and mealybugs.

Plant goldenrods, asters, marigold, and fennels to attract them. Feed them well and they will not leave you.

  1. Hoverflies

Hoverflies, also known as flower flies, feed on aphids and most soft-bodied pests. They look like little bees and hatch eggs. Their larvae gobble up aphid colonies and mealybugs. Plant thyme, lemon balm, alyssum, cosmos, and spearmint to attract them and maintain them in your garden.

  1. Tachinid flies

Tachinid flies are commonly known as parasites of caterpillars, bugs, moths, grasshoppers, and earwigs. They lay their eggs near or in the host; the larvae then burrow their way into the body of the host, sucking its bodily fluids and eventually killing the host. The adult Tachinid flies feed on nectar and pollen. Plant thyme, asters, and parsley to attract these flies into your garden.

Inviting and cultivating beneficial insects in your garden will help eliminate pest infestation. It will also give your garden an array of colours since you can plant different herbs and flowering plants that attract beneficial garden insects.

For more garden and landscaping tips, tune in for more Jim’s Mowing NZ blogs.

Basic Techniques for Controlling Weeds

/in , /by

One of the persistent enemies of a beautiful garden is the weed. And why not? Weeds compete with the plants for water, sunlight, and soil nutrients. Every gardener or property owner with a garden will definitely tell you that weeds are on top of their list of invaders. They probably spend the largest portion of their time and energy controlling weeds and any plant that is growing where it is not wanted.

How should you control weeds?

When weeds have already started getting into your garden, the best way to fight them is by implementing an “early attacks” technique.

Scrape the weeds using a hoe.

Use a hula hoe to scrape the weeds out of the ground before they flower and drop seeds. A hula hoe is also called a stirrup hoe, oscillating hoe or scuffle hoe. It is by far the most efficient tool for the job, with its blade cutting through the weed roots without displacing or harming the soil. Just make sure you use it when the soil is dry. Do not hoe your garden when the soil is wet because doing so will change the structure of the soil and will cause large clumps and cracks to form.

Pull the weeds by hand.

When there are only a few of those unwanted plants, simple hand pulling is best way. You may use a hand weeder particularly when dealing with small garden areas. Hand weeders are like miniature hoes and they make quick work of weeds.

Use special weeders for deep-rooted weeds.

When there are deep-rooted weeds, you must use special weeders. These forked tools reach deep into the soil below the long roots and lift out the weed completely. Depending on the kind of weeds you need to remove, it is crucial to ensure that not one piece of the root is left in the soil.

Implement a special mulching technique.

For one, weeds will not have a chance to seed and grow if the ground is covered with mulch. You may even plant a “living mulch” of low-growing creepers, like what some gardeners do. This includes thyme, chamomile, isotoma, and other spreading plants that effectively discourage weeds.

When dealing with a large garden area, the best technique to implement is to let the weeds grow for one week then starve them to death through a special mulching technique. Moisten the soil. Cover the soil and weeds with thick sheets of newspaper — thick enough to keep the sunlight away but also allow air to reach the soil. On top of the newspaper, lay any kind of organic mulch, at least 100mm thick. Leave untouched for 3 to 6 months to make sure no seeds will survive and take on a new life.

For more garden and landscaping tips, tune in for more Jim’s Mowing NZ blogs.

Have You Installed The Right Gutter System For Your Home?

/in , /by

Rain will pour down on the roof and to the ground. If your home does not have a proper guttering system, the water will just flow down the roof in random patterns, and into the house — and this can pose a danger to people and the immediate surrounding landscaping and buildings.

An excellent gutter system will prevent house leaks and reduce erosion by minimising water exposure. Indeed, having the right gutter system properly installed in your home is very important.

A Guide to Choosing the Right Gutter

Determine which type of gutter best suits your property – You can choose from half round gutters, square fronted gutters, quad gutters, and box gutters. Say, for instance, you have a modern-style home; your best option would be the half round gutters since they have a high

capacity and do not easily collect debris. But if you want to hide your gutters, then it’s best to opt for the boxed type.

Determine what colour is right for your home – Your gutters will be visible, so you must choose the right colour. Apart from picking a hue that matches the colour of your roof, it is also a great idea to find a colour that complements your door and windows well. This will definitely be visually appealing.

Check what the gutter is made of – Gutters can be made of zincalume, steel, copper, zinc aluminium alloys, PVC and Colorbond. Of course, you must opt for a gutter that is compatible with your roofing.

Consider the annual expected amount of rainfall in your area – In Adelaide, for instance, residents can expect an average of 540mm of rainfall every year. During the months of June and July, residents can expect high rainfall totals. The more rainfall you get, the bigger your gutters must be.

Seamless System Vs. Sectional System

Which provides more value to your money, a seamless system or a sectional system? Seamless gutters are often installed by professionals and are pre-cut to size. These are actually the top choice on the market nowadays. And since these have fewer sections, there will be fewer chances of springing a leak or a broken seam.

On the other hand, sectional gutters vary in lengths, which are patched together on site or upon installation.

If you are still confused as to which of the many gutter systems is best for your home, you can get expert help. A reliable gutter installer or supplier can assist you in making the right decision. For you to get an objective opinion, you need to go for a guttering service that offering all guttering types and has been in the business for decades.

For more garden and landscaping tips, tune in for more Jim’s Mowing NZ blogs.

Does Your Insurance Cover Damage From Blocked Gutters?

/in , /by

Dirt build-up in the gutter system causes a myriad of problems when neglected. Not only does it cause roof and gutter damage, but it also leads to serious structural damage. This is why it is essential to have the gutter system cleared up at least twice a year.

Gutter cleaning and maintenance will help prevent significant damage to your home. Whether or not you have to spend to have your gutters regularly cleaned, in the long run, it actually helps prevent the need to spend on more expensive repair and renovation tasks. In addition, proper gutter maintenance done regularly is your ticket, should you need to claim your insurance.

Home insurance, also known as homeowner’s insurance, is a type of property insurance that aims to protect an individual’s house and other related assets against unwanted incidents. While most homeowners are aware of the extent of coverage of their insurance, some are just not well informed.

One of the most commonly asked questions about home insurance is, “Does it cover damages caused by blocked gutters?” The simple answer is yes. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you are covered when you make a claim.

Hence, it is important that when you decide to pay for a homeowner’s insurance, make sure to go through and understand your policy’s Product Disclosure Statement. This document contains the details of your policy, inclusions, and exclusions.

The Extent of Coverage

Up to what extent do insurance providers cover damages caused by clogged gutters? They cover loss or damages that are outside your control. This means that any damage that could have been prevented through regular maintenance will not be covered.

If you have been regularly cleaning or maintaining your gutters and a loss or damage is incurred, then it will be easier for you to make a claim and get paid. But if your insurance provider finds that you have not been doing maintenance work, they can decide to reject your claim.

Protect Yourself and Your Investment

The best way to protect yourself and your investment is with regular gutter cleaning. If you are familiar or experienced with this kind of work, then this is something that you can do yourself. On the other hand, if this is something that you cannot do, it is always best to hire professionals to the job for you. They are trained and have the right tools to accomplish the job. The important thing is that your gutter system is regularly cleaned up and maintained.

For more garden and landscaping tips, tune in for more Jim’s Mowing NZ blogs.

Tips For Reducing Fire Hazards In Your Gutters

/in , /by

The bushfire season of 2015-2016 is said to have been the most destructive in recent years. Statistics showed that 408 residential properties and at least 500 non-residential ones were lost or damaged during this season, costing locals millions of dollars. There were also a number of reported injuries and human fatalities. The states that suffered the most from the last bushfire season included Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales, and Western Australia.

Keeping Your Home Safe From Bushfires

Although bushfires can be hard to prevent, you should still take the right steps to protect your home from being a statistic of this year’s bushfire season. This is especially true if you live in a place that is surrounded by a forest or vegetation including paddocks, bush, and grasslands.

The particular area of your home that you should pay attention to is your gutter system.

One of the main reasons why bushfires are so destructive is because they quickly escalate. As the fire moves or spreads, burning leaves and twigs are carried by the wind and get fresh oxygen for combustion. Because of this, embers and other burning materials can spread to dangerous and unpredictable lengths.

Embers can easily land on gutters. If your gutter is clogged with fallen leaves, twigs, and other types of debris, they can easily ignite if embers land on them. If this isn’t discovered and stopped immediately, the resulting fire can burn your house to the ground.

To prevent this dangerous situation from happening in your home, follow the useful tips below:

  • Install a gutter protection system that is fire-proof or has zero-flammability features. The right gutter guard product can effectively reduce the risk of embers starting spot fires around your home. Gutter guards will also ensure that flammable leaves do not remain on your roof and start a potential fire.
  • Getting a gutter protection system is just a start; proper installation is just as important, too. Aside from the gutters, the valleys must be covered with a non-combustible material as well. In addition, the gutter guards must be securely fixed with materials that can withstand extreme heat.
  • In case you do not opt to have gutter guards installed, make sure you clean the gutters thoroughly and regularly. Remove all debris completely so that embers won’t have anything to ignite if they land on the gutters.
  • Lastly, make sure your lawn, including all paths on the sides of your house, are free from flammable materials including dead branches, dry leaves, and twigs. If there are tree branches that are really close to your home or roof, have them removed or trimmed immediately.

Gutters are important features that help control water flow from the roof during the rainy season. But during bushfire season, they can easily become the part of your home where fire can ignite. By taking the necessary precautionary steps, you can reduce the risk of fire happening in your home.

For more garden and landscaping tips, tune in for more Jim’s Mowing NZ blogs.