Collops Bipunctatus
Hairy Vetch
BENEFICIAL INSECTS
There are many naturally occurring predatory and parasitic insects (and related species) that can help reduce pest populations on farms and in gardens. These biological control agents include various parasitic wasps and flies, minute pirate bugs, hoverflies, green lacewings, ambush bugs, and ladybird beetles.
Pocket Guide to the Beneficial Insects of New Mexico
INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT (IPM)
Integrated pest management (IPM) is an approach to managing pests that seeks to limit or suppress pest populations by using a variety of compatible tactics that minimize potential harmful effects on human health and the environment. Chemical controls (e.g., insecticides) are used only as a last resort.
Bee Precaution Pesticide Ratings
COVER CROPS
While much of the literature will be addressed to commercial agriculture, an area of a few square feet will benefit from the addition of a winter cover crop.
BEFORE YOU AMEND, PLANT, OR WATER,KNOW YOUR SOIL!
What Type of Soil Do I Have? March 2017 Newsletter article
Send a sample to:
INSECT PESTS
WINTER WATERING
Less than one-third of New Mexico is naturally forested. The rest of the state is natural grassland or desert, with small areas of tundra. Thus, trees planted in our cities and around our homes must grow under climatic conditions and in soil that does not naturally support tree growth. Yet trees are valuable in our environment, making our surroundings more pleasant and ameliorating the effects of development and other human activity.
In addition to maintaining a regular schedule of winter watering, be sure to protect trees from sun scald and frost cracks due to dramatic temperature fluctuations in winter. The Crabapple shown above was wrapped in November and will be unwrapped in April.
High-Low temperature and rainfall by month are available at US Climate Data
Landscape Water Conservation - Principles of Xeriscape
Drip Irrigation for Small Plots and Urban Landscapes
Colorado State University tree care tips
WEEDS
What is a weed, exactly?
Weed - A plant out of place and not intentionally sown. A plant growing where it is not wanted. A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered (R.W. Emerson). Plants that are competitive, persistent, and interfere negatively with human activity or management.
Noxious Weed - Any plant or plant product that can directly or indirectly injure or cause damage to crops (including nursery stock or plant products), livestock, poultry, or other interests of agriculture, irrigation, navigation, the natural resources of the United States, the public health, or the environment.
Small Acreage Management, Colorado State University Extension