Organic Pest Control Research at Lafayette College by Julia Seidenstein

Hi folk,

During the summer of 2011, Julia Seidenstein ’15 was a Mellon Scholar working at the Lafayette Community Garden and Student Farm.  She focused on testing several pest control methodologies, many of them in Community Garden plots marked out with small flags.

Abstract: During the summer of 2010, much of the Lafayette College Garden had pest problems. Conventional farming uses pesticides and insecticides that kill the pests, and can also kill beneficial bugs and leave chemical residue on food and in the soil. This leads to possible health problems and pollution of water by run-off from farms. Organic pest control methodologies are different than those of conventional farming. During the growing season of 2011, organic pest control methods were implemented. Many of these methods showed positive results in reducing the amount of damage the pests caused. The results from the test plots and student garden of the 2011 summer growing season are to be discussed.

Here is her Bug Encyclopedia and here is her Implemented Organic Methods that she tried.

Click on Julia's research poster for a larger view.

Another Guest Post: Natural Springtime Allergy Remedies

Natural Springtime Allergy Remedies

It’s no secret; since spring has arrived the pollen levels have quickly jumped into almost unprecedentedly high territory due in large part to the mild winter that preceded this spring. If you’re like a large number of people in the country, being outside in all this pollen is enough to make your eyes water and your nose start running, not to mention the incessant sneezing and itching that go along with hay fever. And if you have allergies, you know it’s only going to get worse before it gets better, unless of course you find some kind of allergy remedy to block your body’s response to all this stimuli.

Although there are many over the counter and even prescription allergy medicines, they can all cause irritating side effects, so why not take  a look at the different all natural remedies that can keep you comfortable and productive in the garden all spring and summer long.

Here are 4 great natural remedies to try out to alleviate those annoying allergy symptoms.

  • Change your diet

This doesn’t just apply to those with food allergies; there is in fact a large amount of research that suggests that some parts of our diet can have an effect on whether or not we experience allergy symptoms. For instance, those whose diets are rich in omega-3 fatty acids are less likely to experience an allergic reaction, even when exposed to common stimuli such as pollen. The foods that contain these fatty acids should be part of any healthy diet anyway, and include cold water fish, walnuts, as well as lean meat and eggs. Although this won’t help with a sudden attack of allergies, it can reduce one’s susceptibility to them in the first place.

  • Use stinging nettles

It sounds weird but these plants actually have strong natural antihistamine properties. Of course that doesn’t mean you should go around looking for them to harvest yourself unless you have the expertise necessary to do so without being stung by the plants since that might trigger a reaction not unlike that of being stung by an insect like carpenter bees. Wearing thick gloves can help protect you while harvesting the plants if you’re trying to do it yourself. A better option might be to look for some of the commercially available freeze dried preparations that can help to alleviate allergy symptoms if taken according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

It can also be purchased freeze dried to use in teas and other preparations such as lotions and salves, while keeping intact the antihistamine properties that it is known for.

  • Butterbur

This weed, common in Europe, might be hard to find in the U.S, but it is effective at helping to get rid of allergy symptoms if used correctly. It has actually been shown to be as effective in fighting the histamine response of the immune system as the active ingredient in the allergy drug zyrtec. The primary method of use is to crush the leaves and use them orally. As an added bonus, studies have shown that using this plant as an anti-allergy treatment does not have the same side effects such as drowsiness that chemical preparations can have on many patients. However, you should be careful not to overdo it, as there have not been any conclusive studies done on the long term health effects of using butterbur for allergies.

  • Nasal rinsing

Although this is not a preventative measure, it can go a long way towards alleviating the sinus congestion that often accompanies allergy attacks. Using a device known as a neti pot, you can clear out your sinuses and nasal passages using warm water or saline. However a serious word of caution, it is always advisable to only use distilled water, or water that has been boiled, rather than regular tap water due to the possibility of parasites and amoeba being introduced into the nasal passages. This danger, although rare, can result in debilitating and life threatening illness, so it’s best to err on the side of caution and only use water that you can be assured is completely safe.

By doing this, in combination with the other methods listed, you should be able to avoid the worst of the springtime allergy season while still spending as much time as you  want in the garden or the outdoors in general. And also while keeping yourself healthy and free of the side effects that can accompany non-natural allergy cures.

 

Author Bio

Sam Gerald is an avid gardener and longtime allergy sufferer who usually writes about organic gardening and pest control products such as boric acid. He has put some of these tips to use to keep from suffering the worst that spring can throw at you, while still spending lots of time outdoors. He hopes you have success in using these same tactics wherever you may live.

Time to PLAN that garden!

Hey Gardeners,

Now is a great time to take a trip out to your garden–whether it is in your back yard or at Metzgar Fields and make a plan for the year!

Take some notes…
What do YOU want to grow?
Where will you grow it?
When will you plant it?
When will you harvest it?
Where will your walkways be?
Are there any bare spots that will get weedy?
Do you have things that need stakes, cages, or trellises such as peas, tomatoes, or pole beans?
Don’t forget to plant some flowers.  You and the bees will love them!

Take some time to make a sketch. The large community garden plots are 20×40 ft and the small plots are 10×40 ft and use seed packets for info on plant spacing. You can plant a lot in this space!!

Community Garden Open!

Hi folks,

The 2012 Community Garden is now officially open! The water is now on (although we need a good rainfall first), the plot signs are now up, and the tiller has arrived.

2012 participants will be getting an email in the morning with the map.

There are a few spots available, so if you know anyone at Lafayette that would like a spot, spread the word!

Quick List of What-To-Plant-When from Mother Earth News

Here’s a summary of which crops to plant early, and which ones not to plant until after your last spring frost date:
Very early spring (as soon as the ground can be worked)

Onions
peas
spinach

Early spring

lettuce
beets
carrots
radishes
dill
cilantro
cabbage
broccoli
celery
kale
potatoes

After last frost date

beans
corn
melons
cucumbers
squash
tomatoes
peppers
pumpkins
eggplant
basil

Read more: http://www.motherearthnews.com/Organic-Gardening/How-to-Find-Average-Last-Spring-Frost-Date.aspx?page=2#ixzz1ocbPCoiE

Photo Updates

The first shipment of our 2012 seed order for the student farm from the great folks of High Mowing Organic

Brian Peacock ’12 installed a sign today designed by Society of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (SEES) students.

 

Is it Tilling Time?!

We will be purchasing a brand new tiller for the community gardeners in the next couple weeks. Stay tuned for an email with further instruction, but no need to rent one this year!

We are getting a: Troy-Bilt 208 cc 16″ Rear-Tine Tiller.

Stay tuned for an email with more info!

Getting Ready for Spring: an article for Community Gardeners and all!

Hey folks,

Let’s face it, it’s been warm this winter and we may be able to plant early this year without problems. Our usual average early crop planting date is around March 17th when we can start early crops without the threat of freezing our seedlings, but it may be sooner this year. Why not give it a try?

Here’s a few tips for starting your season off right:

1.) Find a good source of seeds and plants. Cheap seeds can often result in lower quality plants and produce which have a higher threat of disease, cracking, or pest susceptibility. A list of organic seed companies are in a previous post below. These are trusted companies with high quality organic seeds. For plants, buy them from a trusted retailer and make sure each one is healthy and strong. If you buy and plant a diseased or pest-infested plant, you may have problems all season long.  Talk to the retailer about their sanitation methods and how to pick a healthy plant.

2) Sterilize your tools, planters, stakes, etc. I can’t stress the importance of sterilization enough!! If you want to prevent disease spreading:  clean everything that touched last year’s soil that will be touching this year’s soil. Wooden stakes especially harbor disease from year to year.  Because of how wet things were last fall, this is particularly important this year.

3.) Prepare your soil. Now is the time to prepare your soil even if you’re not planting yet. Spread some organic compost and let it sit until you are ready to till or plant.
Note to 2012 Community gardeners: we will be purchasing a new tiller this year for you to use. I will send an email with more info soon.

4) Start Seeds indoors. Have you ever tried it? Now’s your chance. Here’s an article from Organic Gardening.

5) When to plant what?? Overwhelmed by all the veggies and when to start it all indoors or out? This is a great, quick resource I use all the time by Mother Earth News: What to Plant When.

If YOU have any questions, or would like to write on a certain topic, send me an email and we can add a post.

2012 Community Garden Forms Available Today!!

Hi Folks!

Here is the Community Garden 2012 Sign up Sheet and Contract!

To learn more about it, browse around our website or contact Jenn Bell, Garden Manager at bellj@lafayette.edu and (610) 330-5754.

If you would like to participate, send your check and form to Jenn Bell in Van Wickle Hall ASAP.  Spaces are filling quickly and they are given on a first come, first served basis!

Note: There are two sizes of garden spaces this year: (10×40) or (20×40, like in the past)

Look forward to seeing you at the garden!

Free Beginner Gardening Classes put on by the West Ward Neighborhood Partnership in Easton!

What: Beginner Gardening Series

When: Tuesday Night, February 21, through April 10, 2012

Where: Easton Area Community Center 901 Washington Street

Free Classes will be held on Tuesday nights from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Schedule: Dinner 6:30 to 7:00

Class 7:00 to 8:00

Questions and discussion 8:00 to 8:30

 

Class Schedule: classes are taught by Penn State Master Gardeners

  1. 1.     Introduction to Gardening 2/21  Welcome and Introductions. Information about WWNP’s community and backyard gardening program. Getting Started
  1. 2.     Planning and Design 2/28

Planning where to put your garden is the first step to success, do you have good sun exposure and access to water? This class will teach the basics of design and planning.

  1. 3.     How to Make Compost 3/6

Compost adds beneficial microbes and enriches the soil. Everyone can make their own compost. Here’s how!

  1. 4.     Soil Preparation and Soil Testing 3/13

Preparing your garden soil is the first step in successful vegetable gardening. Learn how to test your soil and understand the results.

  1. 5.     Seeds and Transplants 3/20

Buying plants for your garden can be costly, learn how to start your own plants from seed and how to care for and transplant them successfully to your garden

  1. 6.     Bug Begone (IPM) 3/27

Your plants are in and your garden is flourishing, but wait, what is that little yellow and black striped bug on the cucumbers? This class will tell you how to check for bug problems before they get out of hand and what to do about them.

  1. 7.     Garden maintenance 4/3

How to keep going over the long haul and still enjoy the fruits of your labors.

  1. Growing Flowers and Using Containers 4/10

You don’t need to have a big space to grow a garden, learn how to successfully use containers. Flowers attract beneficial insects to the garden and add diversity, beauty and color.

Why:  Community and backyard gardens are a way to get involved with your community, live healthier, and create a better environment.

You don’t need to know how to be a gardener to do it. People of all levels of experience are welcome, and that includes kids.

The West Ward Neighborhood Partnership is offering classes to teach people the basics of gardening. If you want to start gardening, but don’t know how, these classes will help you get started.

Sign up now by calling or emailing Sophia Feller,
Urban Agriculture Coordinator 610-515-0891 or sfeller@caclv.org to register. Childcare will be provided. Registration is limited with priority given to West Ward residents.

Don’t delay – Sign up today!