
                         THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
                 Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, June 19, 1994                    TAG: 9406170096 
SECTION: HOME                     PAGE: G2    EDITION: FINAL  
SOURCE: ROBERT STIFFLER 
DATELINE: 940619                                 LENGTH: Medium

NATURAL METHOD CAN RID GARDEN OF CATERPILLARS

{LEAD} ONE OF THE best natural destroyers of all types of caterpillars is the spined soldier bug. A product that attracts these bugs is now in garden centers. It contains a pheronome that appeals to spined soldier bugs. It sells for less than $5 a pack at Ace Hardware stores. A three-pack costs between $9 and $13. Each pack lasts 60 days. If you can't find the product, you can order direct by calling 1-(800)-666-6766.

\ GUIDE TO TOURS\ If you're interested in a garden tour anywhere in the world, write for a free copy of a brochure describing all tours available. Contact Expo Garden Tours, 145 Fourth Ave., Suite 4A, Dept. B., New York, N.Y. 10003. Call 1-(800)-448-2685 or fax 1-(212)-260-6913.

{REST} \ CONTEST DEADLINE MOVED\ The city of Virginia Beach has extended its Water Wise Landscaping Contest to Sept. 10. Judging will take place on Sept. 15. For details, call Wanda Frink at 427-4105.

\ ON SOIL KITS\ Do soil kits work? Getting accurate results is tricky, says Paul Chu of A&L Laboratories. ``They'll give you a number but you might not know how to interpret it,'' he says. Call a private lab or extension office for soil-gathering tips. Send the sample to a private lab, N.C. State or Virginia Tech, where the fee will usually be about $10. Results are more reliable than with a home kit..

\ PLANTING TIP\ When planting flowers, change varieties from year to year, advises a newsletter published by The Brickman Group, a national horticultural firm. This method not only creates a different visual interest, but also reduces the risk of disease. ``Organisms associated with some flowers remain in the soil and may flourish at the plant's expense.'' the newsletter says. ``If flowerpots are used for geraniums, use fresh soil every third year and clean out the pots with a chlorine and water solution when repotting.''

\ FREE BROCHURE\ The Home Care Council, consumer education division of Enforcer Products, is offering a free brochure filled with tips for creating and maintaining a beautiful lawn and garden. With each brochure, you get a free packet of flower seeds. Write to HomeCare Council, Enforcer Products, P.O. Box 609, News, Emerson, Ga. 30137.

Robert Stiffler by CNB