Safe and Simple Pest Control in Aquaponics

Safe and Simple Pest Control in Aquaponics

          As the new fad becomes mainstream, farmers new and seasoned have the same issue in an Aquaponics garden. In this article we will focus on the one pest that seems to hit everyone all over the globe, summer and winter. It seems to make no difference the location of your Aquaponics System, indoors or out, this one pest is the one that at some point gets to us all at some point.

Infested Leaf

 Now understand, pest on your plants is perfectly normal, it is natures way of ridding herself of sick plants. So in short, if you have a pest issue, and I don't just mean a bug here and there but a full blown infestation, then you have sick plants. There is no doubt about it, your plants are lacking the key nutrients that help them stay healthy and fight off or at the very least, make themselves not very tasty to bugs.

Aphids infesting the bottom of a leaf.

In the above picture, they seem to be getting ready to give birth as well. The last thing we need is more of them on our plants. Quick action is needed when the infestation starts.

And speaking of them giving birth, aphids give birth to live baby aphids that are ready to eat as soon as their boots hit the plant.

Live birth of an aphid!!!

      I really don't have a clue how many young they bare per day, but it is enough to overrun a garden in no time. Once they start, fast action is a must. their are several ways to deal with the outbreak, some faster than others. Your choices are to purchase lady bugs and release them in your garden, which if you are indoors you may not want to do.The other is to use two tablespoons of the dish soap "Lemon Fresh Joy" to a gallon of water and spray the bugs.It kills on contact and is non toxic. Do not substitute other dish soaps, I can't tell you how many times I have been told that it did not work, only to find out they used the wrong soap.

     There is one way of controlling many pest including aphids that is not only easy, but it is wonderful for the overall health of your plants. Remember, most infestations happen because your plants are not getting the proper nutrients, causing mother nature to say "AH HA", send in the sick plant patrol and rid me of that plant!!!! Click on this link to view this wonderful nutrient supplement for your plants. TrueNute Potassium Silicate !!! Potassium silicate does so much more than just control pest, read below to see more. 

Fully water soluble potassium silicate power is just perfect for Aquaponics Systems.

• Provides resistance to mineral stress.
• Decreases climate stress.
• Improves strength.
• Increases growth and yield.
• Helps plants to resist toxicity from phosphorous, manganese, aluminum and iron.
• Increases tolerance to salt.
• Protect the plants from botrytis (grey mold) and powdery mildew (PM).
• Use as a foliar spray to prevent molds, bacteria's and fungi's
• Potassium Silicate is not a pesticide but when used as a foliar spray it is a wonderful pest deterrent.

All around, this is a truly great addition to your nutrient supplement set.

Ways to implement Potassium Silicate

• Can be used Safely as PH Up!
• Premix in water and use acid to lower the PH of the solution to where you want it to be and then add it to your system water.
• Foliar Spray!

Get your Aquaponics Grade Potassium Silicate Here!!!

"CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL OUR PRODUCTS!"

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Article by Roger Loper