Many gardeners struggle with plant health issues that appear insect-related, like mealybugs or wilting foliage, but the real culprit is often hidden beneath the surface—hydrophobic soil. When soil becomes water-repellent, it prevents moisture and fertiliser from reaching plant roots, leaving them vulnerable to stress and pest infestations. Even the most diligent watering routine may not be enough. Soil wetters and re-wetting agents are essential tools to restore soil hydration, improve plant health, and prevent nutrient loss. In this guide, we explore how hydrophobic soil forms, the surprising role of ants in this problem, and the best solutions to keep your garden thriving.
Here are a list of some of my favourite bee attracting plants. When I say bee I mean all bees. Some plants will attract European bees and some will attract native bees. I don’t discriminate, I love them all and want all of them visiting my garden! This list is not exhaustive it’s just a list to get you started.
Bees pollinate over a third of the food we eat. Unfortunately, bee populations all over the world are declining which in turn is affecting the availability of our food.
As a way to help combat Lantana an evasive weed, a Bio-control called Aconophora compressa (Lantana Treehopper) was introduced in 1995 throughout Queensland and New South Wales.
At the moment I am finding that aphids are having a feast in my garden. With the warm days many of my plants have tender, yummy, new shoots appearing, just what aphids love. There are many different species of Aphids; they are all small sap sucking insects that vary in colour from green to yellow and black.
