Mosquitofish? Is it is fish? Is it a mosquito? And why would anyone want mosquitofish in the garden? The western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) is our friend. Any place there is a pond, fountain, rain barrel, or some other water feature in the garden, you need mosquitofish. I use mosquitofish in a kiddy wading pool that is enjoyed by my feet and my dogs all summer long.
Mosquitofish are small freshwater fish that love to eat mosquito larva. They also eat beetles, mites, mayflies, and tiny zooplankton. Females can reach over 2-1/2" in length and males are smaller, at 1-1/2". Vector control with mosquito fish Vectors are disease-carrying insects and animals, and mosquitoes are one of the worst. Mosquitoes have been the bane of humanity for a really long time. Currently, it is estimated that 700 million people worldwide get sick or die every year because of the diseases carried by mosquitoes. The newest threat to human health, the Zika virus, is another mosquito borne disease that can cause brain damage and death. And it can be found locally. We’re not messing around here. This is serious stuff. Adding mosquitofish to water features in the garden is an effective method of reducing those risks. And who wants an itchy mosquito bite anyway? Mosquitos can breed in a bottle cap's worth of water. Every place that water can collect is a potential breeding ground. Here are many commonly overlooked mosquito breeding grounds:
One way to reduce standing water in planter pots is to add a tail. Tails can be any absorbent material with one end tucked between the pot and the saucer and the other end placed on nearby soil. This eliminates excess water and it also prevents soil-saturated water from staining patios. Free mosquitofish! Santa Clara and many other California counties offer free delivery of mosquitofish to home gardens. A click of a button is all it takes to protect everyone from several mosquito borne diseases. If a mosquito breeding ground problem is suspected, phone 408-918-4770 to request a service call. Wherever you live, if there is standing water nearby, mosquitofish can protect everyone’s health and wellbeing. Caring for mosquitofish To properly care for and protect your mosquitofish, you will need to treat the water and provide protection. Water conditioner used in aquariums can neutralize the chlorine or chloramine found in tap water, but protection takes a little more effort. Raccoons (and my dogs) are smart, strong and determined. And they love to eat fish. Cinderblocks, heavy pots, or rock structures can be used to provide a safe haven for your tiny mosquito eaters. Once they are established, mosquitofish do not need to be fed. Their food comes to them on its own! Mosquitofish alternatives If mosquitofish are not available or appealing (my dogs think they’re fascinating!), mosquito dunks can be added to water features, rain barrels, and birdbaths. Mosquito dunks are freeze-dried bacteria that feed on mosquito larva. Mosquito dunks do not harm people, pets, wildlife or fish. Make your time in the garden more enjoyable (and safer) by adding mosquitofish today!
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Ground cover refers to low-growing, spreading plants that help prevent erosion, weeds, and water loss. Bare dirt in the garden is not a good thing. Naked soil is vulnerable to wind and water erosion, compaction, and nutrient leaching. The Dust Bowl of the 1930’s is a perfect example of what happens when soil is not managed properly. Topsoil is a precious commodity and we all need to work to protect it. Ground cover is an excellent method that requires very little effort and improves biodiversity in the garden. Benefits of planting ground cover As the roots of ground cover plants work their way deeper into the soil, they help prevent erosion and the loss of nutrient rich topsoil and water. The leaves and stems shade the ground, stabilizing temperatures. Ground cover plants also reduce the chance that weeds will grow. Ground cover plant selection Ground covers are traditionally shorter plants, but they come in a variety of heights, colors, and textures. There are five basic types of ground cover:
Look at lists of your region's native plants for some low-maintenance ground cover plants. Keep in mind, when selecting ground cover, that many of these plants will spread and fill an area. Invasive plants, such as Algerian or English ivy, ice plant, periwinkle (Vinca major) and licorice plant should not be used. In theory, traditional sod lawns are a form of ground cover, but they are unsuitable for drought-prone areas, requiring unsustainable amounts of water. Yarrow (above) makes an excellent ground cover. It can grow as tall as 2’, but will maintain a low growth if it is mowed occasionally while still young. It grows well in difficult clay soil and its soft feathery texture feels wonderful on your feet! Oregano and other low-growing herbs smell wonderful as you walk on them, and curly endive is surprisingly durable. If you don’t mind some height, annual rye grass has been shown to put roots down as far as 40”, helping to break up compacted soil. Mustard can help, too. Ground cover vs. cover crop Cover crops are usually grown with the intention of cutting them off at soil level and leaving them on top to decompose, or digging them into the soil, to return all of the nutrients contained in the plants back to the soil. Ground covers are plants grown with the intention of leaving them to continue growing indefinitely. Plant-less ground covers?
Rather than exposing valuable topsoil to the elements, mulch is another option to ground cover plantings. Wood chips can be found for free from local tree trimming companies and it makes an excellent protective barrier. As the mulch breaks down, nutrients are added to the soil. Also, the mulch helps retain moisture and stabilize temperatures, providing a safe haven for earthworms and microorganisms that improve soil health. |
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