Think about the little guy

 Maramataka


Mutuwhenua

We are still in our closing down period, the time of completing tasks and preparing for days of rest. A time for planning the cycle ahead and reviewing what we have achieved in this past cycle.
An unproductive day and a dark night, stay warm and cosy surrounded by good food, things you like and whānau.

Me whai whakaaro!

W and I are definitely on our right path for this, staying at home with only a small burst of running around in the backyard. I have also ticked off the first module of the plant health course so I am on track with this phase also.
Visiting "the zoo" while completing pest activities

More little critter learning

This last section of this module was focused on Pest Identification and Control. 
Personally I am only interested in the natural control of plant pests, why use something synthetic where nature provides natural answers (beneficial predators and plants).

The use of predators, that I have used in the past, is Biological Control. This also includes pathogens and parasites that are used to combat a pest problem.

The use of companion planting is Cultural Control. This also applies to the use of traps, crop rotation and spacing. Effectively controlling the pest by controlling the environment it would desire.

The use of sprays, both synthetic and organic is Chemical Control. This also covers the homemade remedies that you can create such as the garlic and chilli sprays for aphid control.
This section had a few activities that meant W and I needed to investigate potential pests in our māra and also what we would do to treat and/prevent.

In the past I have used herbs such as rosemary and lavender to deter the biting bugs of summer and I will continue to use this method with our new plants growing as we speak. The use of herbs (and any lemon scented plants) are helpful to mask the scent of any plants that pests are a fan of. A great example of companion planting for cultural control.

My favourite predator bugs - the Ladybird and the Praying Mantis, are a great example of predator use for biological control.

The chemical control is the final activity for this section that I need to look further into, specifically the advantages and disadvantages.

Honestly I am pretty biased here and see any use of synthetics (and some organic sprays sold commercially) as a disadvantage purely for the sake of our bee buddies, fish life and the lungs of tamariki.
Sprays can drift through the air and affect any beneficial bugs flying through. 
Rain can leech these chemicals into our waterways affecting marine life.
Residue can remain on surfaces and be consumed by a number of eaters - humans and animals.
Constant chemical use will build resistance and have the potential to create super pests.
Really the only advantages I can see (in a commercial growers aspect) is they work super fast and will ensure your crops are meeting the requirements for export.

I don't see a use for chemical and (non-homemade) organic sprays in my personal māra, however I do reluctantly understand that they have a place for larger crops and commercial growers.

I was happy to see that the use of biological and cultural controls were more common in control of these pests on the large scale and I now know where to access these options should I require them moving forward.

Daily Mindfulness

Gratitude:
  1. Birds
  2. Bees
  3. Budding flowers
The awesome of today:
  1. Finished Module 1
  2. Found a moro I had stashed and forgotten about
  3. The rhododendron is in full bloom
What do I need to do to make today great:
  1. Paint with W
  2. Really try to start that book
  3. Order more seeds online




Finding busy bumbles to end our day.

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