Ozarks Gardeners Prepare for Bug Battle After Milder Winter – Lawn & Garden Show

Ozarks Gardeners Prepare for Bug Battle After Milder Winter
Broadcast on KOLR 10 February 17, 2012
Prepared by Lindsey Clein, post on OzarksFirst
Video link here> http://ozarksfirst.com/fulltext?nxd_id=605422

(Springfield , MO) — Another mild February day added to an already warmer-than-normal winter. But could that good news end up being bad news when it comes to bugs later this year? “They devour my roses, azaleas, and other things,” says gardener Jean Broberg.

That very question was on the minds of those packing into the Ozarks Empire Fairgrounds for the 22nd annual Lawn & Garden Show this weekend. “That they’re gonna be worse because nothing died off because the winter has been so warm and crazy,” adds Broberg. “Absolutely,” agrees Greg Hansen. “Major concern.”

Conditions during the winter often affect the survival of insects. “I actually had a member tell me the other day they pulled two tics off that were alive,” says Nancy Hopkins, president of Friends of the Garden. “I think we can expect to see the Japanese beetles come back this year.” And this year, the mild winter could make for hard times for the greens.

“It’s hard to say exactly what the Japanese beetles’ population will be in 2012,” says Patrick Byers, a horticulture specialist. “We had a lot in 2010 and 2011. We’ll see what happens in 2012.” Experts say the insects here have broad tastes.

“We’ve done sprays, powders, 7, which is a powder, and it’s just awful,” adds Broberg. She says so many plants can be affected. “They just eat ‘em like crazy.”

But there are things you can do to help your garden survive. “There are also ways to manage insects without using sprays, like trap crops, which lure insects away from the particular plant you want to protect,” adds Byers. “Of course, insecticides. That can give some relief.” Byers also says that insects are less attracted to healthy plants, so make sure you take good care of your garden.

Several experts at the Lawn & Garden Show say since we’ve had less snow and rain this winter, mosquitoes may not be as much of a problem. Be sure see the Lawn and Garden Show in the E-Plex at the Fairgrounds, two more days, Saturday and Sunday.

Related Story: Preview of 2012 Lawn & Garden Show