Other than what I’m currently trying to grow, we have 7 other plants in the balcony. 5 of them are purported to have medicinal effects and were “donations” from a cousin. My mom crushes the leaves from this 5 plants and mix them with chestnut juice for me to drink.
The remaining 2 are foliage plants which I had for 2 years. I bought them intially to brighten up my work cubicle and have share custody of them with another colleague. We take turns to water them and they help us to relax and bring greenery to what originally was a dull working area. They are our babies.
Our babies are fighting a infestation of the mealy bugs and I now understand the worries that gardeners go through. Underwater, overwater, pests, bugs…. one can only worry so much.
But it’s war now.
The mealy bugs started with my mom’s flowering plant which have since succumbed and are now feasting their way through the 7 plants. My poor babies now have yellowed leaves and I’m afraid it’s the end if I don’t do something soon.
I’ve been spraying them with Pyrethrum weekly for the past few months to no avail. After surfing the internet today, I have done the following – hosed all plants with water and rubbed all plants surfaces to get rid of any physical mealy bugs and then sprayed the plants with water mixed with crushed garlic.
The problem doesn’t end here. Looks like my plants have powdery mildew and little white ant-like bugs that crawl about in the soil. I’ve read off the internet that there are such things as root mealy bugs and to get rid of them, one has to rid the plant of the soil, wash its roots and pot clean and replant in new soil. Oh please don’t let it come to that.
I hope they feel better tomorrow already.
Balcony Greens 
6 comments
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January 23, 2008 at 10:40 am
Christina
Hello! I’m so happy you’re using your balcony to grow your own food. Doing so is challenging, but definitely worth it.
One book I’ve found helpful for growing on balconies and in small spaces is a book called The Bountiful Container. You may find it useful as well.
I’m looking forward to seeing your garden progress.
February 3, 2008 at 9:26 pm
Teresa
Hi Christina! Thanks for your kind words and for dropping by!
I love reading A Thinking Stomach!
Looking forward to future posts of yours!
Regards,
Teresa
March 28, 2008 at 5:29 am
joco
I can’t stop laughing.
And I thought I had problems with my vegetation.
It is your attitude and fighting spirit and the tone of your writing that I admire.
By the way, I was thinking about you today as I took stock of the wrongdoings of beasties in my own garden, and one thing that surfaced was the idea of hanging baskets with strawberries. The plants could be very graceful, draping down with fruit and snails can’t get up there nibbling the best bits. You will have to go vertical anyway, to make more room.
The Melissa lemon balm is a waste of time: they grow too fast and take up so much room.
Keep writing: you are doing me a power of good in helping me cope with my disasters.
March 29, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Teresa
Hi Joco! It helps to know that I am not the only one as well. Here’s me doing a comrade hug and a high five!
Yes, I think I saw the hanging baskets with strawberries on the internet too. Thanks for the idea. I need whatever space I could get.
And thanks alot for the encouragement!
March 30, 2008 at 1:00 am
joco
Hiya,
I wonder if you saw what I wrote about you on my other blog (joco-serious.blogspot…)
We must have been writing at the same time: the power of thought!
I am going to use that blog for yin/yang sort of thing. The “It’s not all sweetness and light” side of gardening.
At least you won’t be having the horrendous non-gardening weather we are treated to over here this week.
We had to fix one greenhouse in a hurry. An old bit of linoleum came in very handy whilst we were struggling in a fierce downpour.
Be grateful for small mercies 😉 like warm weather and a roof over your balcony.
March 30, 2008 at 1:11 am
Teresa
Yo Joco! Scary, happened to check by my blog and saw your comment. We’re like 7 mins apart I think. Can you hear me think now? Kekekeke…
Yes, I dropped by your other blog just now. Thanks for the encouragement and kind words! We trudge on!
Yes, I am thankful. I used to think that its cool to have winter. But at least in Singapore, it’s planting action all year long. Another thing to be grateful for.