Galls are an irregular plant growth created by growth-regulating chemicals used by parasitic insects and mites. They infect plants early in spring when leaf buds are beginning to form. Here we have Maple Bladder Galls, a type of mite that that feed and lay eggs on silver and red maples. Once the galls have formed, as you see here, the mite is protected inside the growth and can not be treated but will not drastically affect overall tree health. It is best to treat for galls with a dormant oil or liquid lime sulfur early in the spring when new leaves are beginning to develop. . . . #whatsthatbug #galls #maplebladdergall #pestproblems #insectcontrol 
Along with pests come the pollinators! It is important to keep pollinators in mind while practicing pest management. Use natural alternatives to chemical pesticides that will do more harm than good long term. Horticultural oils and insecticidal soaps work well to kill pests on contact and will not harm pollinators once they dry. Spraying for pests early in the morning or at night when pollinators are not as active will reduce your risk of spraying those beneficial bugs. Here we have a Monarch caterpillar enjoying the day on their favorite plant, milkweed. . . . #monarchcaterpillar #pollinators #pollinatorgarden #pestmanagement #protectpollinators 
Pest season is upon us! Integrated pest management (IPM) is a great practice for keeping pests at bay BEFORE they reek total havoc in your garden. Monitor your plants often for any signs of pests or disease, use your resources to correctly identify any issues and find the proper course of action. Using natural preventatives like Neem Oil can help prevent pests and fungus from becoming a probem before they occur. Here we have an infestation of aphids sucking the life out of a gorgeous Golden Shrub Daisy (euryops pectinatus). Aphids are extremely tiny, nearly invisible to the eye, and come in all sorts of colors. A quick way to reduce the number of aphids on your plants is by hitting them with sharp sprays of water to knock them off (they hardly find their way back) then treat with a diluted mixture of insecticidal soap and neem oil. . . . #aphids #plantypests #pestmanagement #bugs #plantproblems 
Sunflowers are simply showstoppers with their larger than life flower heads, and are jam packed full of protein and vitamins. Eating sunflower seeds has a long list of healthy benefits that support your immune system and increase your energy! . . . #eatyourgarden #sunflower #mngrown #corcoranmn #mnsmallbusiness #flowers #sunflowerseeds 
Here at Heidi's we stand firm behind teaching and practicing sustainability. There are countless ways to begin incorperating sustainable practices into your lifestyle, and it could be as simple as adding a little mulch to your garden! . . . #quoteoftheday #gardenispo #sustainability #sustainablegardening #inspirationalquotes #gardenquotes #sustainablepractices 
Our strawberry rows are beginning to blossom! Be expecting farm fresh strawberries at our Farm Stand this season. . . . #farmgrown #mngrown #corcoranmn #farmfresh #strawberries #farmrows #strawberrycrops #gardening #strawberry #fragaria