Blog Category: Pest & Disease Management
Pesticides and human health risks
At In Harmony, concern about pesticide risks isn’t new. It’s been central to our work for more than 30 years. When we founded the company in 1994, our goal was to offer a natural, sustainable alternative to the chemical-heavy landscape practices that dominated the industry at the time. Today, research continues to link pesticide exposure […]
5 Reasons Ladybugs and Lacewings Are Garden Heroes (and How to Release Them Successfully)
If aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, or other soft-bodied pests are attacking your plants, nature already has a solution: beneficial insects. Two of the best natural pest fighters are ladybugs and lacewings. These tiny predators help restore balance in the garden without relying on harsh chemicals.
Building a Foundation with Soil and Companion Planting
A successful tomato harvest begins long before the first flower appears by focusing on the health of your soil and the community of plants around it. Tomatoes are high-energy plants that require a strong foundation to produce those heavy clusters of fruit.
Growing Rhododendrons
Rhododendrons are not only the state flower for our Washingtonian homeland, but they are perhaps the most widely planted shrub in our region. Now that we are in the heart of springtime in the PNW, Rhododendrons (and their cousins the Azaleas) are…
Think about summer pruning needs
Now is a great time to start thinking about your summer pruning plans. Our team is currently scheduling tree and shrub pruning for the summer season. While many people think pruning is a winter task, there are several excellent reasons to prune in summer. Here are six key benefits to consider. 1. Slow down growth […]
Tales Of Turf – Episode Two
Last week we began our journey in spring lawn rejuvenation, and as promised, I will continue down that lush green pathway this week. I mentioned controlling moss and weeds, applying lime as a pH adjuster and fertilizing with pure organic goodness. Now onto some more useful tips that will help you and your lawn become […]
For The Love Of Roses
One of the most frequent questions asked over my many moons of running garden centers (and will surely continue to be) is a simple one… What shrubs flower the longest? The two go-to shrubs for longevity of bloom are Hydrangeas and Roses – both of which provide…
How to identify and manage grubs and beetles in your lawn
Learn about the different types of white grubs affecting lawns in our area, including European chafer, Japanese beetles, and other species, and how to identify grub damage and manage these pests while keeping your garden ecosystem healthy.
Myth 5: Gardening sustainably means I can’t have a lawn
Can a sustainable landscape include a lawn? Lawns have major environmental impacts. Lawn care products, such as fertilizers, weed killers and gas-powered lawn mowers, can contribute to water, air and noise pollution. And over-watered lawns waste a precious resource. In addition, keeping a lawn healthy is an increasing challenge. Chafer beetles are invading local lawns, […]
Myth 3: Sustainable gardening costs too much
This month, in honor of our 30th anniversary and Earth Day, we’re busting myths about sustainable gardening. Myth 3: Sustainable gardening costs too much. We think this myth is widespread because some people make an initial financial investment in sustainable gardening. For example, they may build raised vegetable beds, contour an area for a rain […]
