(Image credit: Tunatura)
A vertical garden can brighten up any space, indoor or outdoor. They are especially great for small spaces or for adding a pop of greenery to an urban area. But like all gardens, vertical gardens need to be maintained correctly in order to thrive. This includes pest management.
In this blog post, we will be focusing on spider mites and how to prevent and treat them in your vertical garden.
What Are Spider Mites?
Spider mites are tiny spider-like creatures that are harmful to plants. They suck the sap out of plant leaves, which can cause the leaves to turn yellow or brown and eventually drop off. Spider mites are especially fond of plants that are stressed, so it is important to keep your vertical garden healthy in order to prevent an infestation.
(Image credit: www.canna.com.au)
How to Prevent Spider Mites Infestation
There are a few things you can do to prevent spider mites from damaging your vertical garden.
The first is to keep the garden well-watered, our automated drip irrigation system will do this for you. Spider mites like dry conditions, so by keeping the plants hydrated, you make it less inviting for them. It is also important to fertilise regularly and prune dead or dying leaves promptly as Spider mites are attracted to these as well.
Next, you want to make sure that your garden is getting enough air circulation. Good air circulation will help prevent mold and mildew growth, which attract spider mites. That's why our vertical garden system was designed to allow air circulate between plants.
Finally, you want to check your plants regularly for signs of spider mite activity such as leaf discolouration or webbing. If you see any signs of that, it’s likely that spider mites are affecting your vertical gardens.
How to Get Rid of Spider Mites?
If you do find that your vertical garden has become infested with spider mites, don’t worry! There are a few things you can do to get rid of them.
You can use predatory insects such as californicus which will feed on the spider mites. These insects are available for purchase from suppliers such as Bugs for Bugs in Australia.
Making a homemade spray with water and dish soap is another option. Just spray it directly on the plants, and if the infestation has spread, add a few drops of tea tree oil and peppermint oil. Just make sure it is not too strong and don't use it in direct sunlight. If you don't want to leave it on the plants, you can spray a hose on them to wash off the spider mites.
You will want to check your plants every few days and treat them as necessary until the spider mite problem is gone. This is because adult females usually lay eggs on their host plants. The eggs hatch in days to weeks into the first stage, called a larva.
Spider Mites — Easy to Get Rid of, If You Know What You’re Doing
By following the tips outlined in this article, you should be able to prevent and treat a spider mite infestation in your vertical garden with no problem!
Just remember to keep an eye out for signs of trouble and take action right away if necessary. With a little care, you can have a beautiful and healthy vertical garden that will last for years to come.