Predatory nematodes are tiny, worm-like organisms that feed on other soil-dwelling creatures such as insects and mites. These microscopic predators have been gaining popularity in the agricultural industry as a natural and effective way to control pests without the use of harmful pesticides.

The agricultural use of predatory nematodes involves introducing them into the soil to target specific pests that cause damage to crops. There are different species of predatory nematodes that are effective against different pests, and their effectiveness depends on factors such as temperature, moisture, and soil type.

One of the most commonly used species of predatory nematodes is Steinernema feltiae. These nematodes are effective against a wide range of soil-dwelling pests such as fungus gnats, root aphids, and thrips. They work by infecting the host pest with a bacteria that kills it, and then feeding on the decomposing pest.

Another species of predatory nematode used in agriculture is Heterorhabditis bacteriophora. These nematodes are effective against a variety of soil-dwelling pests including grubs, weevils, and other beetle larvae. Heterorhabditis bacteriophora nematodes have a unique behavior where they release bacteria that kill the host pest before feeding on it.

Predatory nematodes are typically applied to the soil as a liquid solution or powder that is mixed with water. The nematodes can be applied directly to the soil or injected into the soil around the base of the plants. Once introduced to the soil, the nematodes will seek out their target pests and begin their hunt.

One of the benefits of using predatory nematodes is that they are completely natural and do not harm beneficial insects, plants, or the environment. They also do not leave any harmful residues on crops, making them a safe alternative to traditional pesticides.

Another advantage of using predatory nematodes is that they are highly effective at controlling pests. They are able to target pests that are difficult to control with other methods, such as those that live deep in the soil. Predatory nematodes are also able to attack pests in their early stages of development, before they cause significant damage to crops.

Overall, the use of predatory nematodes is a promising alternative to traditional pesticides for pest control. They offer a natural and effective solution for farmers and growers, while also promoting sustainable agriculture practices such as no-till gardening and farming. As more research is conducted on the effectiveness of different species of predatory nematodes, we can expect to see them play an increasingly important role in pest management strategies for agriculture.

You can purchase predatory nematodes from naturescontrol.com Use coupon code Drew10 and save 10% on your order.

The-powers-that-should-not-be are pumping carbon dioxide from the atmosphere; compressing it into liquid; and pumping it across the country in decommissioned natural gas pipelines. Then, it is pumped underground.

The intended consequence of this is a constraint on the supply of natural gas and a reduction in CO2 that will reduce crop production as plants crave 4x more CO2 than is in the atmosphere.

If you are a prepper or homesteader, you must get Masterblasterpilled and focus on producing feed, food, and fuel. You must develop new skillsets to survive and thrive. You also must learn how to prioritize as well.

Right now, you need to prepare for fall and winter crop production with reduced CO2. Plants need about 1200 ppm of CO2 for photosynthesis. Air has about 300 ppm. In a greenhouse, plants use up almost all of the CO2 in the air within the first hour of daylight. Then, photosynthesis slows substantially until a door is opened or a fan pulls in fresh air.

Stacking functions is the key to effectively utilize your resources. To create an ongoing supply of CO2 inside of your greenhouse, you need something to generate it. This can done with fish in an aquaponics system, small livestock such as rabbits, or fermentation. Today, let’s focus on fermentation as this is an easy way to get carbon dioxide production going in your greenhouse.

To begin with, you need a vessel like a bucket. I like 7 gallon buckets. Fill the bucket with 5 gallons of room temperature water. Mix in 2 pounds of sugar per gallon of water. Mix it up really good. Then, sprinkle in a packet of dry yeast. It can be baking, brewing, or wine making yeast. If you have access to it, I’d use EC-1118 winemaking yeast. Cover the bucket with a towel or a loose fitting lid and place it in the greenhouse. It will ferment vigorously for about 10 days and produce lots of carbon dioxide. If you have a big greenhouse, add more fermenter buckets. In hillbilly jargon, this is called a “sugar wash” or a “sugarhead”.

When it’s done fermenting, you will have a sour tasting beer that is about 13% alcohol by volume. Make sure to add more fermenters to your greenhouse each week for a continuous supply of gas. Your crop production will increase by about 1/3. I’m speaking from experience.

In this video Drew discusses using temporary electric fencing to keep bears and deer out of your fruit trees.

Pruning indeterminate tomatoes is a key practice to manage their growth, improve air circulation, and enhance fruit quality. Here’s a detailed guide on how to prune indeterminate tomatoes effectively:

1. Understand the Growth Pattern:

Indeterminate tomato plants continue to grow and produce fruit throughout the growing season until frost. They have a vining growth habit, meaning they will keep producing new shoots and branches. Pruning helps manage this growth, prevent disease, and direct energy to fruit production.

2. Identify Suckers:

Suckers are the shoots that grow in the leaf axils, the junction between a leaf stem and the main stem. They can turn into full-fledged branches with leaves, flowers, and fruit, which can overcrowd the plant.

To identify suckers, look for small shoots or leaves emerging from the space between the main stem and a branch or leaf stem.

3. Decide on a Pruning Strategy:

Single Stem Pruning: Remove all suckers and side shoots, leaving only the main stem. This method is ideal if you want to keep the plant contained and focus on fewer, larger fruits.

Two or Three Stem Pruning: Allow one or two additional suckers to grow, typically those closest to the main stem. This approach increases fruit production while still maintaining control over plant size.

4. Remove Lower Leaves:

As the plant grows, remove the lower leaves that are close to the ground. This helps prevent diseases like blight, which can splash up from the soil onto leaves. Removing these leaves also improves air circulation around the base of the plant.

5. Pruning Process:

Start pruning when the plant is about 12-18 inches tall.

Use clean, sharp pruning shears or simply pinch off suckers with your fingers.

Remove suckers when they are small (about 2-4 inches long). Smaller suckers are easier to remove and cause less stress to the plant.

If you’re removing suckers with shears, cut as close to the main stem as possible without damaging it.

6. Pruning Frequency:

Check your plants regularly (every 1-2 weeks) to remove new suckers and monitor growth. Consistent pruning ensures the plant doesn’t become too bushy and maintains a manageable size.

7. Deal with Large Suckers:

If a sucker has grown too large, you can leave it, as removing it might stress the plant or reduce yield. If you decide to remove it, do so gradually, taking a little off at a time over a few days.

8. Tie the Plant:

As you prune, tie the main stem and any chosen secondary stems to a stake, trellis, or support structure. This helps keep the plant upright, improves air circulation, and makes it easier to prune and harvest.

9. Monitor Plant Health:

After pruning, keep an eye on the plant for any signs of disease or stress. Make sure to water consistently and provide adequate nutrients to support healthy growth.

10. End-of-Season Pruning:

Towards the end of the growing season, remove the growing tips of the main stem and any remaining suckers. This directs the plant’s energy toward ripening the existing fruit rather than producing new growth.

By following these steps, you can effectively manage the growth of indeterminate tomato plants, leading to healthier plants and potentially better yields.