controlling scales on most plants

The simple way to control scales is 1st to not let them get out of control. The sooner you begin destroying them the easier it is. Common sense right. Well try using about 1 Tablespoonfull of liquid dawn dishwashing soap diluted in 1 gallon of clean water. Using any empty spray bottle washed clean first, including spraying fresh water thru the system, and filling it with the soap solution and spray it directly on the scales, under the leaves. The soap acts as a spreader allowing the water solution to flow smoothly covering the stems and leaves, and don't forget the growing tips and new shoots. And please water plants first so you do not wash off the soapy spray defeating the purpose of smothering the scales. For those really hard to kill infestation add 1 drop of tabasco hot pepper vineger sauce. Shake it well as if it is towards the end of the bottle the small pepper particles can clog the nozzle tip. One drop only as it can burn the tender plants especially where it kills the scales. Test on a small area the day before you spray everything just to be safe.

For larger areas using a garden hose syphon spray applicator with the tube that extends to the bottom of the quart container works excellent. Experiment with rates of soap but depending on the ratio of syphon of you setting, I use two Tablespoons per gallon rate and then I can add about seven tablespoons of dawn dishwashing detergent to the quart container mixed with water. The suds let you see clearly where you are getting complete coverage of the scale. It also works on mealy bugs, thrips, especially the larva stages, as well as aphids, mites, get the undersides of the leaves and repeat applications until the plants are healthy. Repeat about every three to four days for a week or two and then say a prayer and thank Jesus, for such a safe and simple, non caustic means of growing healthy food and ornimental plants. For best results spray in the evening so it drys slowly overnight and then as the critters move a bit the actually condem themselves to a more speedy dehydration and smothering within a few days.

It helps to always be honest to yourself and of course to others because the plants are sensitive and the ones with the "green thumbs" are those who treat the plants like children who need TLC. After all, they can not go and spray themsleves,or water themselves just the right amount. Not too much, not to little. Best to water before mid day to allow most plants to pass the nite with moist but not soaking roots. They need air in the root zone during their growing cycles in order to effectively to transpire. That is for the moisture and nutrients to be uptaken into the growing tissues, and then they give off Oxygen and Moisture, H2O, from the bottoms of their leaves.

Hope this helps increase your profitability. Waste not anything which you have been entrusted with and everyone benifits in a sense. Think about it, we are all sharing this one small planet and it was in very excellent shape until we started becoming excessive about the time WWII ended. We all need to learn how to recycle and make each nickle count. Even pennies add up to dollars, and by propogating properly and selling healthy plants, happy customers and happy plants make for a happy community. And we need to thank Mike and hs family and friends for all they have shared. May the One Lord of All life, matter, energy, space and Spirit Bless the world with Peace and Love.
Aloha, Ken

A signed copy of my book, "Easy Plant Propagation" is a great gift idea!