Gardening & insect panic?

Freddy Shutler: Not at all. I am a gardner who learned from my mother, and I know better than to fret over organisms such as earthworms and insects. These creatures are needed to maintain a symbiotic relationship in the garden. What does that mean, you say? Well, let's talk about soil for a minute. Soil needs earthworms living in it to break down decaying material (like old leaves) and turn it into compost (which is a mixture of soil, earthworm excrement, and humus). This compost is needed to make flowers grow, and look as healthy and beautiful as they can. That whole relationship between the soil, earthworms and flowers is a relationship where each thing helps each other out. It's called a symbiotic relationship. As a gardner, you need all of that to have great flowers. As for insects, they mean you no harm. They generally want to get some nectar from flowers, and they won't bother you if you don't bother them. Have fun! I hope you grow great flowers!...Show more

C! laudio Drullard: Gardening education takes many forms and the Internet has a wealth of information on it. Your local county extension office may have a list of courses and most schools have some sort of adult education services that offer gardening courses. Any time you spend learning something new is never wasted time.Insects and worms are an integral part of gardening. Learning the good insects (spiders, lady bugs) from the bad (aphids, cutworms) are all part of the learning experience. Earthworms are never a bad thing. If these things frighten you or make you squeamish, you might be better suited to buying your vegetables and flowers.On the other hand, there are few hobbies that are as relaxing and rewarding as gardening, bugs and all. I would try to get over these baseless fears, there are a lot of more important things to worry about!Look at our website for some basic gardening advice and info-Gardening advice for the beginner and intermediate gardener-http://www! .gardening-at-the-crossroads.com...Show more

Kenneth Thu! esen: Not having any green fingers myself I am not great in the garden but I do know not to worry if your spade cuts a worm in half as both ends will grow.Slugs and snails need eradicated and you need to identify the good creepy crawlies from the bad.My gardening lessons came from my father, father in law and the dragon lady herself.Specialised gardening lessons need not be a waste of money if it is covering the area of gardening you are interested in.Roses, Dahlia's and Veges are mine so it wouldn't be a waste.Companion gardening would be one I would like to know more about.Roses love onions growing around them. Why? no idea myself, but that is what I have been told....Show more

Derick Kinnard: Listen, if you're going to garden you're going to see some worms and bugs. I suggest you go to the library and get a book about bugs. then you won't be so afraid once you know what to expect. Personally, I love seeing earth worms in my garden because I know they are doing gre! at things for my flowers. They won't hurt you at all.