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Re: mulching:(Sow Bugs and other miseries)

Steve,
After reading your post felt I had to indicate my own
observations/experiences.
Early in the season it would appear that the shear numbers of pill bugs
will "force"them to utilize what they may for survival... Also observed
they are breeding heavily at this time so assume this places even
further nutritional demands upon them.

I plant directly into the soil of my (unheated)greenhouse.(Recognize
that this provides an ideal evironment for them and their
breeding..)This and every year the tender young seedlings are "grazed"on
by them.Needless to say convincing others who have never witnessed this
behaviour is very difficult.I seldom try anymore.Perhaps in your climate
there is more natural feed for them.Lucky you..Here in the high desert
area of Idaho its adapt or die.

As for the @!#Earwigs,countless times,during the evenings,( with
flashlight in hand)I have encountered these critters merrily munching
down on tender flower petals,leaves(almost always at the growing tips
where it is presumably the most delectable ).Their numbers vary year to
year but during one of their more "prolific"years they are far and away
more destructive than any pill/sow bug.(Their damage starts in the
spring well into the summer).I read that they are predatory but have
never observed this trait.There has to be some redeeming trait about
them :)!

Being organic by preference has tested my patience and resources of
ideas to combat these annual challenges.So if any of you are plagued by
these critters,go out and observe for your self to see who is doing
what.If you come up with a solution please let us all know...

Lastly, even given all of the above NOTHING can compare with the damage
done by the slugs.I'd gladly do battle with the Pill/Sow bugs and
Earwigs anytime than endure the onslaught of slugs.

Happy Gardening(battles and all)
Connie 

> 
> I use dry slow-release fetilizer when I plant and never fertilize again
> all season.
> 
> Pillbugs only eat decayed matter so they won't harm your plants.
> Earwigs prefer dead matter to live, so they shouldn't harm mulched
> living plants either.  They both work to break down the mulch into
> nutrient-rich compost.
> 
> Steve  (Maritime...)
> 
>
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