Outside is fine. Inside is not. (Sorry, Charlotte.)
Hello, again!
I always enjoy visiting with my friend Piet, our Dutch bulb supplier. He always has a good perspective on most everything from sports to politics and world events, which is where our conversation touched on recently. But of course, our conversation was mostly about the fall gardening season and the cool down in the weather. We are very fortunate to be able to enjoy this beautiful time at the garden center. With our homegrown mums, pumpkins, winter hardy pansies, fall seeding supplies and spring flowering bulbs, needless to say the stores have been busy. Piet does a good job of selecting our bulb assortment. As always, I asked him to bring down something for my yard next time he’s in town.
It’s interesting how on these cooler mornings, not only humans, but all sorts of creatures love staying inside. Insects such as crickets, spiders and ants, as well as rodents, are looking for the warmth of our homes. In this week's Johnson’s Garden Time show, Jeremy made a comment about home invading pests, saying, ‘A good defense is a good offense.’ His point was, there are a few things we can do to keep pests away before they come inside.
By using a perimeter barrier with Hi-Yield Turf Ranger II granules, we can control insects in and around our homes.
On paved surfaces, I’ll spray with Hi-Yield Indoor/Outdoor Broad Use Insecticide as my offensive attack. I do this about the same time of year I’m bringing in houseplants that have been outdoors for the summer. (Note, if you haven't brought your houseplants in, it's almost time!) Indoors,
I’ll spray ferti-lome Indoor/Outdoor Multi-Purpose Insect Spray, which is also safe for use on most houseplants.
As a prevention for rodents, I’ll use Bonide Mouse Magic or Rat Magic containing essential oils to keep mice and rodents away. Inside my teardrop camper, I’ll place a couple of the tea-bag-sized packets of Mouse Magic, containing peppermint and spearmint, to keep mice away during the winter.
Whatever pests you’re wanting to keep outside this winter, come see us. We'll be your ‘offensive coordinator’ as we transition seasons. See you soon!
Your friend in the garden,
Marty Johnson
Owner - Johnson's Garden Centers
