Healthy plants have actually been known to grow beside sick plants that are decimated by insects and diseases. Why is this so?
“A sick plant actually sends forth a beacon, carried in infrared, attracting insects. It is then the insect’s role to dispose of this plant deemed unfit for life by nature. By learning how to “tune in to nature,” may you learn to better understand God’s beautiful design and come to work with nature by enhancing her energies, rather than attempting to overpower and rule over her.” Philip S. Callahan, PhD *
There are a number of causes that attract insects and disease like breeding plants for specific production and some of the plant’s natural protective traits are lost in this process. When plants are grown out of season or in climates that do not suit or inappropriate fertilizer are used.
Of course, the first step in crop protection is to grow the plant in suitable, balanced conditions, including a mineral rich biologically active soil. Also check that the pH level is suited to the plant.
Correcting Plant Deficiencies
When plants are deficient in their required nutrients problems often occur. However, there are many ways to assist nature when insects or pests or disease strike your plants. Rather than reaching out for a toxic product consider these biologically friendly products. Following are some common products that have been used in nontoxic sprays:
- Canola and other vegetable oils; Milk for protection from fungi
- Vinegar for potassium
- Sugar, molasses to build energy quickly
- Fish and seaweed;
- Vermicompost and compost teas
- Humic and fulvic acids
- Vitamins such as B12 and Vitamin C (See Dr Arden Andersen for more)
- Calcium, magnesium, rockdusts
Many of these biological products help both plants and soil absorb products through green leaf or to help soil life to start converting somewhat inert products to available plant food. All these have been used and often in small quantities to adjust the growing process.
Did you know? If you have to use a toxic product, some of these products when used with a known toxic chemical are very effective making the product more effective whilst also allowing much lower rates to be applied. Often products that have been used at the recommended rate are just as effective at much lower rates of application when applied together with biologically friendly products. The result is far less expensive treatment plus plants and soil benefit by being naturally more healthy and of course there are less harmful residues.
* “Tuning Into Nature Infrared Radiation and the Insect Communication System” Philip S. Callahan, PhD
