Organic Gardening Shop March 2007 Newsletter

Migration is one strategy for escaping the killing temperatures. The Monarch Butterfly is the foremost example of this maneuver, but other insects migrate into northern areas from the southern states in the Spring. Crop pests are the most obvious of these migrants.

Overwintering as Larvae. Many insects successfully pass the winter as immature larvae. The protection of heavy covers of leaf litter or similar shelters protect the woolly bear caterpillar, while other insects replace the water in their bodies with glycerol, a type of antifreeze! Some grubs simply burrow deeper into the soil to escape the cold.

Overwintering as Nymphs. Not many insects are active in the winter, but the nymphs of dragonflies, mayflies and stoneflies live in waters of ponds and streams, often beneath ice. They feed actively and grow all winter to emerge as adults in early spring.

Overwintering as Eggs. Lesser numbers of insects lay eggs which survive the winter. The most prominent insects in this category are Praying Mantids, and the destructive Corn Rootworms also engage in this strategy.

Overwintering as Pupae. Some insects overwinter in the pupal stage, then emerge as adults in the spring. Moths in the Silkworm Family, Saturniidae, may be found attached to food plant branches as pupae in the winter.

Hibernation as Adults. Many insects hibernate as adults. Lady bird beetles are a well-known example, and are sometimes seen in great numbers in the fall as they congregate at high elevations. Many large wasps seek shelter in the eaves and attics of houses or barns. Tree holes, leaf litter, and under logs and rocks are common shelters for overwintering adult insects. The Mourning Cloak Butterfly is usually the first butterfly that is noticed in the Spring, and this is because it hibernates in tree holes or other shelters during the winter. As in some insect larvae, it reduces the water content of its body, and builds up glycerol which acts as an antifreeze. Honey bees stay in hives during the winter, and form clusters when temperatures fall. They also are able to raise the temperature by vibrating wing muscles.

March Gardening Tips

Plant:
- Vegetables: Sow broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, early carrots, and spring onions; Plant new potatoes
- Fruits & Herbs: Bare-rooted apples, cherries, pears, and plums; Plant strawberries in late March
- Color: Petunias, pansies, verbena
Fertilize:
- Bulbs: Balanced organic fertilizer
- Shrubs & Ground covers:
- Specialty: Clematis, peonies, and irises with bone meal
- Evergreen & Deciduous Trees: Bloodmeal, cottonseed meal, or a granular organic fertilizer
Prune:
- Trees: All dead branches, fruit, and ornamental
- Flowers & Shrubs: Blueberry bushes, summer-flowering before buds begin to swell
Pest Control:
- Use horticultural oil for scale and overwintering aphids
- Control increasing spider mite populations with neem oil
- Ants and flies will start to appear indoors and can be controlled by numerous organic products.
Odd Jobs:
- Repair/Replace garden tools
- Order compost, fertilizer, and other soil amendments to have on hand for spring soil preparation
- Start digging beds for tomatoes, French beans, and sweet corn

*This advice is based on north Texas regional climate. Check with your local extension service for more details pertaining to your local climate.

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