356 Q&A - Controlling Fruit Tree Pests, Soil Solarization around trees, The Asian Garden Beetle

We talk with fruit tree expert Ed Laivo today about how to control the four-legged varmints (as well as the winged ones) that get to your backyard fruit before you do. Plus, he has recommendations for potting mixes to grow fruit trees in containers. Is it safe to solarize soil with clear plastic to kill weeds or a lawn, if there’s a fruit tree in the middle? Debbie Flower tackles that one. And in parts of the midwest and all along the East Coast, there’s a pest on the loose that feeds on over 100 different plants - the Asiatic Garden Beetle. We discuss controls. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. Let’s go!Previous episodes, show notes, links, and transcripts at the home site for Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, GardenBasics.net. Pictured: Squirrel Eating an Apple (Photo: Joe Mabel)Links:Farmer Fred’s Ride for the Kids. Donate Now! Subscribe to the Beyond the Garden Basics Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/Dave Wilson Nursery HeirloomRoses.com (with the FRED discount link)Other links mentioned in today’s podcast:Ed-Able Solutions (Fruit trees)GroPower FertilizerDown to Earth FertilizerCoir (chunks)Acid Based soil mixesSoil Test KitsSoil Testing Services: UMass/Amherst Colorado State U Texas A&MAsiatic Garden Beetles (UMass, NC State, U-KY, U-FL, U-NHSoil Solarization for Gardens and Landscapes (UCANR)Got a garden question? • Leave an audio question without making a phone call via Speakpipe, at https://www.speakpipe.com/gardenbasics• Call or text us the question: 916-292-8964. • Fill out the contact box at GardenBasics.net• E-mail: [email protected] All About Farmer Fred: The GardenBasics.net websiteThe Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter, Beyond the BasicsFarmer Fred website:   http://farmerfred.comAs an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases from possible links mentioned here.Thank you for listening, subscribing and commenting on the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast and the Beyond the Garden Basics  Newsletter.