The Rural Voice, 1979-10, Page 49Don't bring
trouble indoors!
When you bring houseplants indoors,
make sure you're not bringing insects and
plant diseases inside, advises Bob
Fleming, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture
and Food horticulturist.
"During the summer outdoors, house-
plants are exposed to a variety of insects
and diseases. Once inside, these problems
can spread to other houseplants," he says.
Mildew is the most common disease
encountered by plants outdoors. Plants
infected with this disease have a white,
powdery coating on the leaves. To remedy
the problem, pick off and destroy the
affected leaves, and spray the plant with a
fungicide such as benlate or benomyl.
During the summer outdoors, house-
plants are also attacked by a variety of
insects. Most insects can be eliminated
with diazinon, says Mr. Fleming.
To check for whiteflies, tap the plant
gently. If these tiny pests are present, you
will notice a white cloud of insects
fluttering around the leaves.
Scale insects appear as varnish -like
mounds on the leaves, petioles, or the soft
part of the stem.
If you notice tiny, cotton -like balls in the
axils of the leaves, your plant probably has
mealybugs. These serious pests suck the
sap from the plant and reduce plant vigor.
Mites are microscopic and difficult to
diagnose. Moderately affected plants will
have a generally unthrifty appearance.
Severely affected plants will have damaged
papery leaves.
Since some of these problems are
difficult to identify, Mr. Fleming suggests
spraying with recommended insecticides
as a precautionary measure.
After moving plants indoors, isolate
them from other houseplants for a week to
10 days.
Gardening in October
Time to plant tulips and other spring
flowering bulbs.
Lift tender bulbous plants after the first
frost: dahlias, cannas, begonias, gladiolus.
Winterize garden roses.
Pot bulbs for forcing and place the pots
in cold frame or cool basement.
Sow seed of sugar maple, and nut trees
in prepared seedbeds. Water, and after
surface freezes, spread a mulch three or
more inches deep. Protect the surface with
window screening to protect seeds from
birds and squirrels, until the ground is well
frozen.
Mulch the strawberry patch with straw.
Mulch the bulb beds and flower borders
with peat moss, compost and leaves.
FAMILY PARADISE
Our dance hall is
now available for:
• Weddings
• Anniversaries
• Banquets
• Private Parties
Except Saturday nights
Catering is also available
Our campgrounds feature
year-round outdoor
activity
SUMMER:
WINTER:
R.R. 4 Walton
• Swimming
• Camping
• Picnics
• Snowmobiling
527-0629
THESE ARE FACTS:
• Coast to Coast Endurance Champion
• Tops In Reliability • 1,000 Mile Endurance
• 24 Hour Record Setter • Tops in Owners Survey
1980's are here!
Come & see the display at the Suncoast Mall at Goderich or
Ray Potter & Sons Ltd. in Clinton.
Scorpions the 1980 choice of the O.P.P.
) SCORPIOfl
RAY POTTER & SONS Ltd.
275 Huron St. Clinton Sales 8 Service 482-9997
THE RURAL VOICE/OCTOBER 1979 PG. 47