July in the Garden

Are Insect Pests Bugging You?

If you’re frustrated with pest problems, you’re not alone. In my latest article, How to Control Pest Insects Naturally, you’ll discover WHY plants attract pest insects so you can address the cause. It’s packed with loads of practical strategies to prevent damage without resorting to toxic chemicals. I share methods I use to control pest insects by working with Nature for a healthy productive garden. I think you’ll find some useful tips to dig into.

SHOW ME HOW TO PROTECT MY GARDEN FROM PEST INSECTS

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Your support of this site is appreciated!

Fight Pests, Diseases, and Improve Soil Health with Vermicast

Have you discovered the joys and benefits of employing worms in your garden? I’ve been utilising these soil workers to create healthy soil and produce rich fertilisers for my plants for years. Worm manure (also known as vermicast or worm castings) is a valuable product they provide for free!

Did you know worm castings boost pest-resistant enzyme production in plants? This increases their resistance to insect attack and helps fight soil-borne plant diseases like root rot.

Liquid worm leachate and vermicast from my worm farm are valuable products to build soil and plant health

In a 2004 study (Edwards and Arancon), 20% and 40% vermicompost was added to growing media for a variety of vegetables. The results showed statistically significant reductions in arthropod (aphid, mealybug, spider mite) numbers! There were also subsequent decreases in plant damage compared to the control.

In field trials, researchers also observed the suppression of plant-parasitic nematodes. The numbers of spider mites and aphids were significantly reduced when they applied worm tea. These results are especially encouraging for home gardeners.

“Earthworms are the intestines of the soil.” – Aristotle

Want to learn more about worms? I invite you to read my recent article in Garden Culture Magazine. I explain the difference between vermicast, vermicompost and vermicomposting. I also share the advantages of these amazing fertiliser factories.

Some interesting findings from the article. “When liquid vermicast leachate is applied as a foliar spray, it provides natural resistance to certain plant diseases without the need for chemical alternatives. Various studies confirm vermicast plays a beneficial role in stimulating seed germination, shoot and root development, and vegetative growth.”

Looking for a way to feed your garden and earn an income?

Learn how with the Worm Farming Secrets eBook.

NEW Easy Guide to Growing Microgreens Booklet + Bundle!

I’m super excited to announce my new ‘Easy Guide to Growing Microgreens Booklet‘ is now in print. I had great feedback on this Booklet from workshop attendees earlier this year and many requests for reprints. So it’s now available for just $7.

This easy-to-read but comprehensive hard copy printed Microgreens Booklet is a quick start guide to growing baby vegetables and herbs as fresh digestive-enzyme rich ingredients! This guide stands alone and is designed to complement the laminated foldout Microgreens Growing Guide Chart with additional unique tips and information.

I’ve written this booklet based on 9 years of experience growing microgreens and teaching classes. It’s designed to help gardeners get started quickly with shortcuts to success and little known tips in a condensed reference guide. It’s presented in a practical Q&A style format with tables for easy reference in a simple to understand layout.

The fold-out Microgreens Growing Guide Chart + Booklet Bundle is just $19 for both. Microgreens are also an easy way to grow an income from home!

Gardening Tips for July

July is one of my favourite months of the year in the garden. Here on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland Australia, we have a very short winter in June/July before spring starts usually early August. Grasshoppers and most pest insects are out of action. We have mild days and cool nights so I spend more time enjoying the garden and making sure it’s fully planted. For local gardeners in my climate, you can download what to do in your garden in subtropical Queensland, Australia. I share lots of tips and activities to do at this time of year.

Saving cosmos flower seeds from my garden is fun, easy and saves money

Subtropical SE Queensland – What to Plant Now

READ Gardening Tips for July for what to do now in SE QLD, pests to watch for and more. (Download PDF)

Subtropical Planting Guide – a laminated perpetual guide to the 5 seasons in SE QLD

A colourful rainbow of vegetables harvested from my garden

Not sure what to grow in your climate?

See What to Plant and When for resources to help you, wherever you live.

Northern Hemisphere Gardens

In the northern hemisphere, sow seeds for warm-season crops or take a shortcut by planting seedlings. Prepare your potting mix and garden for planting and remember to feed your plants during the growth cycle with compost and liquid fertiliser.

Helpful Articles

• Seed Starting Guide: Quick Tips for Starting Seeds Successfully
• Design Tips for a Productive Kitchen Garden
• Easy Food Gardening Guide for Beginners
• 17 Fast Growing Vegetables for Impatient Gardeners
• 40+ Best Shade Tolerant Vegetables
• Plants for a Survival Food and Medicinal Garden

Dig into my free online Article Library for more topics

Click here to VIEW ALL ARTICLES

Want more inspiring ideas?

Each week I share photos and videos of what I’m growing, harvesting and eating from my garden and ways I use my homegrown food. Follow me for more tips and inspiration in between newsletters.

I look forward to sharing more news and ways to grow good health next month.

Happy gardening!

Anne

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Your support of this site is appreciated!

Like this article?

Please share and encourage your friends to join my free Newsletter for exclusive insights, tips and all future articles.

© Copyright Anne Gibson, The Micro Gardener 2021. https://themicrogardener.com. All rights reserved.

Some links within this newsletter are affiliate links. I only recommend products or services I use personally or believe will add value to my readers. If you purchase a product via an affiliate link, I will earn a small commission (and I mean REALLY small)! There is no additional cost to you. It’s a way you can support my site, so it’s a win-win for both of us. You directly support my ability to continue bringing you original, inspiring and educational content to help benefit your health. Thanks! Please read my Disclosure Statement for more details.