Ladybug, ladybug please make a home...

Yesterday Dante and I went to the local nursery and picked up a container of ladybugs (1500 apparently) to put in our garden and hopefully keep away our unwanted pests. This was a fun project for him and he was quite excited to get the ladybugs at the store. I of course knew nothing about the process of releasing ladybugs until now. Since it was so windy yesterday we decided to wait to release them until tonight, I was worried they might have blown away yesterday? We put the container of ladybugs in the fridge for the night because when we bought them they were in a fridge so I figured they like to be cold at night? So here is what I learned:

1. Release the Ladybugs in the evening out of direct sunlight and after you have watered area


2. Ladybugs do not fly at night so they should have a chance to settle down and search for food and water


3. Release them in an area with some plants and leaves so hopefully they will find food


4. After a few days they should start laying clusters of eggs under leaves


5. The eggs will then hatch into larvae which look like little black alligators with orange spots (who knew?)


6. In about two weeks they should become adult ladybugs
   

Just before bedtime tonight, Dante and I went to perform our release...we both really hope they decide to stay in their new home.

Wind, Mildew & Aphids

Yesterday we had winds of up to 50 mph...our little farm did not like that at all. Today I discovered our artichoke plant had bent and blown over, the Pea Vines had blown so hard they were sadly hanging in their place looking miserable. Lots of sticks, debris and leaves everywhere - it was a clean up...today I was reminded of how Mother Nature helps our veggies grow but can also do damage. Must be tough being a real farmer! After cleaning up and trying to secure the artichoke and peas, I discovered some of the pea leaves had a sort of white dust on them thinking I must have some kind of pest. After researching and matching images online I realized it is mildew and most likely caused from planting the vines too close together which doesn't allow vines to dry properly when it rains. We still have peas and new flowers, just dusty looking leaves. After tending to the peas I moved on to what is left of our winter broccoli and discovered some uninvited guests all over the stalks - Cabbage Aphids! There is not much left of the broccoli except some of the flowering pods so I decided to clear out the pondering pests and open the veggie bed for something new. Lots of work to do!