Ask The Expert
Our knowledgeable staff here at Garden-Ville are available to answer many of the questions you might have about gardens, landscaping, and trees. Many problems with plants, however, cannot be responsibly diagnosed other than in person. We're located in central Texas and may not be familiar with the details of gardening in very different climate or soil zones. One of the guiding principles of organic growing is adapting methods to the particularites of local soil and climate. With that in mind we'll do our best to answer your question, but if we can't we'll be happy to help you find the appropriate resources or professionals in your area.
Feel free to browse the topics below to see if we've already answered a question similar to yours. If you can't find the information you need, the question submission form is located at the bottom of the page.
I attended a seminar Malcolm presented a few months back at The Gardens of The American Rose Center here in Shreveport. If I recall correctly, Malcolm stated that Liquid Molasses could be used to kill fire ants. I believe he said that you poke a hole in the center of the mound and gently pour a mixture of water and molasses down the hole to kill the ants. Is this correct? Also what is the ratio of mixture you use to make the solution. I'm teach a gardening class for my church, and people are very interested to know if this works.
2/8/200911:30:25 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment
Liquid molasses can be used to repel ants in the way you describe. The molasses stimulates the growth of microorganisms that the ants don't like, although it doesn't necessarily kill them. Molasses alone is more useful in preventing them from using a particular area. We also sell a product called Anti Fuego, made of molasses, orange oil, water, phosphoric acid, urea, and humate. It works even better than molasses alone. The other ingredients have some insecticidal properties, so when used in conjunction with the molasses they are very effective in treating existing ant infestations and preventing new ones.
For the summer I put some of my plants outside and now that fall is here I will be taking them in, in the past when I have done this, I seem to bring in knats -- is there a way to get rid of them before I bring the plants in?
10/3/200811:32:49 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment
The gnats are probably living and laying their eggs in the soil of the plants. We sell a product called Anti-Fuego that is usually used to control fire ants but that will also kill any other soil-based insect. You'll use the Anti-Fuego diluted at a rate of 4-6 oz per gallon of water. Drench the soil with this mixture before you bring the plants inside. That should control the gnats.
I have White Fly infestation, what products do you carry that I can use to rid my gardens of this pest?
9/23/200811:53:54 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment
White flies are generally not a serious problem for plants--more of a nuisance for gardeners. I'd recommend you spray soap & water or neem oil on the foliage for minor infestations. The larvae live in the soil, so a soil drench with Garden-Ville's Anti Fuego (usually used for fire ant infestations) will offer better control on major infestations.
I have White Fly infestation, what products do you carry that I can use to rid my gardens of this pest?
9/23/200811:53:41 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment
White flies are generally not a serious problem for plants--more of a nuisance for gardeners. I'd recommend you spray soap & water or neem oil on the foliage for minor infestations. The larvae live in the soil, so a soil drench with Garden-Ville's Anti Fuego (usually used for fire ant infestations) will offer better control on major infestations.
Hi Any, We live in Northwest San Antonio and we have a lot of small ants in the yard, and the last few years these ants climb my veggie plants and take over. I guess they suck the plant juice. It has put me off gardening because I don't know how to control them. I see them all over the neighborhood and we even find them in the house. What would you recommend to treat these ants in the garden without poisoning our food in the process? They are not fire ants. In fact, all our fire ants disappeared. Thank you.
5/12/200812:37:15 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment
Anti Fuego, Garden-Ville Organic Insecticide
You can use Organic Insect Control mixed at a rate of 1 ounce of product per 10 ounces of water, spray the plants and soil to get rid of the ants. Another option is the Anti Fuego Soil Conditioner that you can spray at a rate of 4 ounces per gallon of water on the plants and soil. The Anti Fuego was designed as a soil conditioner and over the years we have had customers tell us that it helps with insect control on their plants.Hi, I have just purchased a new property and found that all the garden beds are lined with black plastic. The mulched looked as though it had not been moved for some years and was damp and wet. I have since removed the old mulch but whenever I disturb the soil there seems to be a bunch of insects below the soil mosquito looking insect that swarm around the soil. Are these insect good for my soil ? How can I get rid of them if not? Thanks
2/26/200811:42:12 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment
Jose,You will want to remove the plastic from the soil, the plastic will not allow water to pass through creating problems with your soil. There is a good chance that you may have mosquitoes and other insects as well as a fungus in the soil. Once the plastic has been removed you will want to turn some compost and the existing mulch into the soil, follow up with an application of Anti Fuego Soil Conditioner mixed at a rate of 4 ounces per gallon of water to get rid of the pests. After a couple of days apply beneficial nematodes to get rid of any larvae that are in the soil. If you want to put down a weed barrier below the mulch you can purchase landscape fabric from any home and garden center, the landscape fabric will allow air and water to pass through while keeping the weeds from coming through, if you put your mulch at a thickness of 4" or greater you should not need the landscape fabric. You can find the Anti Fuego on our website, if you would like to order the nematodes you can call or email me.I am growing roses in Florida, North Central Florida. I have 15 plants which I am growing with organic products, and this year I have had two major thrip attacks; one early and one about a month ago. I have finally managed to get over those and now I am told the thrips drop down into the soil and will attack the roses again next year. Is there a product I can use in the soil to iridicate the thrips?
7/23/200711:02:31 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment
We suggest trying our Liquid Seaweed or Anti Fuego as a foliar spray to control the thrips. You can also mix Anti Fuego at a rate of 4 ounces per gallon of water and apply directly to your soil which should also help.
I live in Georgetown, Texas on several acres. We have a big problem with fire ants, mosquitoes, and chiggers. Are their natural ways to keep these bugs out of the play area for our children?
5/8/200712:24:46 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment
Try using the Garden-Ville Anti Fuego at a rate of 2 ounces per gallon of water in a hose end sprayer and spray the whole area. One gallon will cover approximately 1000 square feet and will rid the area of the bugs while conditioning the soil at the same time.
Hi: I live in Minnesota and have an amazing amount of ant mounds around my sidewalk and even in throughout yard, but have a dog, is the anti fuego safe for my dog? Would you recommend another product? Also i am going to be putting in Tomatos soon, what is the best pest control for them. Thank you
5/8/200711:05:17 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment
Anti Fuego, Garden-Ville Organic Insecticide
The Anti Fuego is safe for pets it is made of orange oil, molasses, and humate (liquid compost). You might also try the Garden-Ville Organic Insecticide it too is safe for use around people and pets.
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