RECOGNIZING FRIENDS AND ENEMIES
Other enemies likely to be occasionally found in the minigarden include caterpillars (which are usually also allergic to the
Derris spray), earwigs, and millipedes. Less frequently, we hope,
slugs, snails, woodlice, wireworms and leather-jackets.
Ants and earthworms, which can do so much good in the
ordinary garden, should not be encouraged in the minigarden
because they disturb roots, etc.
Your friends, which feed on the various pests, include ladybirds,
dragonflies, centipedes, glow-worms and red velvet mites.
Two types arc frequently confused:
centipede, light in colour, is millipede, dull, brownish in
beneficial. It moves very colour, is harmful. Usually
quickly when disturbed. curls round when disturbed;
moves sluggishly.
red velvet mite, a tiny spider, red spider mite, tiny, flattish,
gay red in colour; dashes about slow moving. Greenish in
at high speed, and does good colour which tints to red in the
deeds. winter. Lives under leaves,
covering itself with a webby
film. Definitely unfriendly.
PLANT DISEASES
Most plant diseases arise from badly drained soil, stagnant
water, soured soil or soil which has turned too acid, or roots
allowed to get too dry. Good construction of the garden should
avoid most of these ills, and an occasional dose of lime (except for
those plants which do not like it) and perhaps a light mulch with
moist horticultural peat, should keep plants in first-class health.
The effects of badly drained soils are noticed by growths of
mosses on the soil and the appearance of mildew or rust on the
plants. The affected pieces should be removed and destroyed
and the plants sprayed with sulphur dust. (There are several
excellent proprietary brands.)
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