Irrigation or Wildlife Issues
"Get It Fixed" Online Maintenance Request for Garden Irrigation, Water Issues or Wildlife Removal
The Garden Areas are not Buildings for Storke and West Campus, so they can't be added as buildings; therefore, residents and staff can submit requests as shown in the photo screenshot and indicate the "Garden" on the description box. Please follow the graphic for proper input of fields for online submissions. |
Already offered or assigned a plot? Sharing a plot or supporting someone?
What's Next....
Please view the orientation powerpoint to have a shared understanding of garden policies, resources and practices for all participants to engage safely and enjoyably in this community space.
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Coastal Southern California Planting Calendar
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Flowers for Pest Management: Attracting Beneficial Insects to Your Garden
Various types of flowers can help control pests and attract more beneficial insects to your garden.
Some helpful tips may be found below: |
You can deter pest also through companion planting.
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What is an Olla?
How to Use Olla Irrigation to Water Efficiently An Olla is large bulging widemouthed earthenware vessel sometimes with looped handles used (as by Pueblo Indians) for storage, cooking, or as a container for water. To learn more about what Ollas are and how to use them in your garden please click here. |
Protecting Your Garden From Squirrels
If you’re willing to risk a little squirrel discomfort for the sake of your garden, there are a number of ways to apply hot chilies as a natural squirrel repellent.
Sprinkle cayenne powder or chili flakes in your garden beds to reduce digging and protect bedding plants.
Squirt some hot chili sauce on wooden structures that have been subjected to chewing damage to prevent further offenses.
You can also make a homemade repellent spray by simmering some cayenne powder, chili flakes or some fresh hot peppers in water. You could also add some onion or garlic for a more potent deterrent. Spray this on plants to stop Squirrels from eating all of your bounty.
Source: https://www.smilinggardener.com/organic-pest-control/how-to-keep-squirrels-out-of-the-garden/
If you’re willing to risk a little squirrel discomfort for the sake of your garden, there are a number of ways to apply hot chilies as a natural squirrel repellent.
Sprinkle cayenne powder or chili flakes in your garden beds to reduce digging and protect bedding plants.
Squirt some hot chili sauce on wooden structures that have been subjected to chewing damage to prevent further offenses.
You can also make a homemade repellent spray by simmering some cayenne powder, chili flakes or some fresh hot peppers in water. You could also add some onion or garlic for a more potent deterrent. Spray this on plants to stop Squirrels from eating all of your bounty.
Source: https://www.smilinggardener.com/organic-pest-control/how-to-keep-squirrels-out-of-the-garden/
Stopping Aphids in Their Tracks
So first things first – just what the heck are aphids? Well technically speaking they are a small bug that lives by sucking the sap from plants. They reproduce faster than bunnies and before youknow it they’ve suck the life out of your garden plant by plant.
Companion PlantingThe first weapon you’ll want in naturally controlling aphids are good companion plants. The best fight against aphids is the one that prevents them. Planting garlic, chives, onions and mint in and around your garden can act a a deterrent to the aphids ever setting up residence in your lovely organic garden.
Physical WeaponMy next go-to weapon against aphids is usually to take the hose out and blast ’em! I’ve even taken a paper towel and squished the little boogers. I don’t recommend killing them barehanded because it can get a little messy. Either of these methods can be amazingly effective – but generally only if it is the start of an attack.
So first things first – just what the heck are aphids? Well technically speaking they are a small bug that lives by sucking the sap from plants. They reproduce faster than bunnies and before youknow it they’ve suck the life out of your garden plant by plant.
Companion PlantingThe first weapon you’ll want in naturally controlling aphids are good companion plants. The best fight against aphids is the one that prevents them. Planting garlic, chives, onions and mint in and around your garden can act a a deterrent to the aphids ever setting up residence in your lovely organic garden.
Physical WeaponMy next go-to weapon against aphids is usually to take the hose out and blast ’em! I’ve even taken a paper towel and squished the little boogers. I don’t recommend killing them barehanded because it can get a little messy. Either of these methods can be amazingly effective – but generally only if it is the start of an attack.
Enriching Soil with Compost and Worm Tea
AS Department of Public Worms (DPW) is a resource for compost and worm tea. Compost bins are located in each community garden. DPW manages our compost piles and has signage placed in the compost that is ready to use. DPW delivers worm tea to each garden Worm tea is concentrated. Use as a 1:3 dilution of worm tea to water. Suggested use is 1 gallon worm tea to 3 gallons of water, or 1 quart worm tea to 3 quarts of water. May use a weaker dilution by adding more water for a lighter fertilizer. Water plants at the base of stem, applying fertilizer directly to the soil. Worm tea is not suggested for use on seedlings at full strength dilution, as it may cause fertilizer burn. Typically the first fertilizer treatment should not be applied until seedlings have been hardened off & transplanted after the first set of true leaves develops. Wait until seedling have been growing for 2-4 weeks, or fertilize at ¼ to ½ dilution every 7 to 10 days. Worm tea contains living microbes, so it can last up to five days in the refrigerator. Not advised for use if mold or film develops on top of the liquid, or if the liquid becomes overly cloudy. These are signs of rot. WARNING: NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION https://recycling.as.ucsb.edu/composting/ |
Natural & Inexpensive Insecticides
1. Neem | Ancient Indians highly revered neem oil as a powerful, all-natural plant for warding off pests. In fact, neem juice is the most powerful natural pesticide on the planet, holding over 50 natural insecticides. You can use this extremely bitter tree leaf to make a natural pesticidal spray.
To make your own neem oil spray, add 1/2 an ounce of high-quality organic neem oil and ½ teaspoon of a mild organic liquid soap (I use Dr. Bronners Peppermint) to two quarts of warm water. Stir slowly. Add to a spray bottle and use immediately.
2. Salt Spray | For treating plants infested with spider mites, mix two tablespoons of Himalayan Crystal Salt into one gallon of warm water and spray on infected areas.
3. Mineral Oil | Mix 10-30 ml of high-grade oil with one liter of water. Stir and add to spray bottle. This organic pesticide works well for dehydrating insects and their eggs.
4. Citrus Oil and Cayenne Pepper | This organic pesticide works well on ants. Mix 10 drops of citrus essential oil with one teaspoon cayenne pepper and 1 cup of warm water. Shake well and spray on the affected areas.
5. Soap, Orange Citrus Oil, and Water | To make this natural pesticide, simply mix three tablespoons of liquid Organic Castile soap with 1 ounce of Orange oil to one gallon of water. Shake well. This is an especially effective treatment against slugs and can be sprayed directly on ants and roaches.
6. Onion and Garlic Spray | Mince one organic clove of garlic and one medium sized organic onion. Add to a quart of water. Wait one hour and then add one teaspoon of cayenne pepper and one tablespoon of liquid soap to the mix. This organic spray will hold its potency for one week if stored in the refrigerator.
7. Chrysanthemum Flower Tea | These flowers hold a powerful plant chemical component called pyrethrum. This substance invades the nervous system of insects, rendering them immobile. You can make your own spray by boiling 100 grams of dried flowers into 1 liter of water. Boil dried flowers in water for twenty minutes. Strain, cool, and pour into a spray bottle. Can be stored for up to two months. You can also add some organic neem oil to enhance the effectiveness.
8. Chile Pepper / Diatomaceous Earth | Grind two handfuls of dry chiles into a fine powder and mix with 1 cup of Diatomaceous earth. Add to 2 liters of water and let set overnight. Shake well before applying.
If you know some easy recipes for making your own organic pesticides, we would love to hear them.
Source:https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/organic-pesticides/
1. Neem | Ancient Indians highly revered neem oil as a powerful, all-natural plant for warding off pests. In fact, neem juice is the most powerful natural pesticide on the planet, holding over 50 natural insecticides. You can use this extremely bitter tree leaf to make a natural pesticidal spray.
To make your own neem oil spray, add 1/2 an ounce of high-quality organic neem oil and ½ teaspoon of a mild organic liquid soap (I use Dr. Bronners Peppermint) to two quarts of warm water. Stir slowly. Add to a spray bottle and use immediately.
2. Salt Spray | For treating plants infested with spider mites, mix two tablespoons of Himalayan Crystal Salt into one gallon of warm water and spray on infected areas.
3. Mineral Oil | Mix 10-30 ml of high-grade oil with one liter of water. Stir and add to spray bottle. This organic pesticide works well for dehydrating insects and their eggs.
4. Citrus Oil and Cayenne Pepper | This organic pesticide works well on ants. Mix 10 drops of citrus essential oil with one teaspoon cayenne pepper and 1 cup of warm water. Shake well and spray on the affected areas.
5. Soap, Orange Citrus Oil, and Water | To make this natural pesticide, simply mix three tablespoons of liquid Organic Castile soap with 1 ounce of Orange oil to one gallon of water. Shake well. This is an especially effective treatment against slugs and can be sprayed directly on ants and roaches.
6. Onion and Garlic Spray | Mince one organic clove of garlic and one medium sized organic onion. Add to a quart of water. Wait one hour and then add one teaspoon of cayenne pepper and one tablespoon of liquid soap to the mix. This organic spray will hold its potency for one week if stored in the refrigerator.
7. Chrysanthemum Flower Tea | These flowers hold a powerful plant chemical component called pyrethrum. This substance invades the nervous system of insects, rendering them immobile. You can make your own spray by boiling 100 grams of dried flowers into 1 liter of water. Boil dried flowers in water for twenty minutes. Strain, cool, and pour into a spray bottle. Can be stored for up to two months. You can also add some organic neem oil to enhance the effectiveness.
8. Chile Pepper / Diatomaceous Earth | Grind two handfuls of dry chiles into a fine powder and mix with 1 cup of Diatomaceous earth. Add to 2 liters of water and let set overnight. Shake well before applying.
If you know some easy recipes for making your own organic pesticides, we would love to hear them.
Source:https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/organic-pesticides/