Insect Management

Learn about insect management in gardens and edible landscapes through a Friday night lecture on April 16 and a full-day, hands-on Habitat Workshop on Saturday April 17.

Presenters :
Neil Cunningham, Entomologist and
Dan Halsey, PRI Teacher's Guild Coordinator

Lecture: INTRODUCTION TO INSECT MANAGEMENT

A bit of biology, a bit of ecology, and a basic overview of biocontrols geared to an audience of gardeners and community gardeners.

• Insect characteristics and life cycles
• Plants we love and the pests that eat them
• Species identification and stages of management
• Common insect pests in local gardens

When : Friday, April 16, 7-9pm
Where : Auditorium 150, main floor of Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD), 2501 Stevens Avenue, Mpls
Cost : $15

Habitat Workshop: MANAGING PEST AND BENEFICIAL INSECT POPULATIONS

The day includes some lecture and some practical application with on-site installation of beneficial insect habitat and biocontrols.

9:00 - 11:30 AM - Organic and Biocontrol Pest Management
Specifics of solving pest problems using predator/parasitic wasp complexes and/or multispecies releases of predatory mites; the process of ordering bio-agents from biocontrol suppliers; and how alternative pesticides like insecticidal soaps, hort oils, and kaolin clays work physically on insects - in contrast to synthetic pesticides that function as nerve toxins.

• Natural pesticides, soaps, and clays
• Beneficial insect predators and parasites
  • Multi-species release and biocontrols
  • Seasonal management techniques
  • Sources for beneficial insects

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM - BYO Lunch and Site Tour

12:30 PM - 3:00 PM - Planting Garden Habitat for Beneficial Insects
We will build and design beneficial insect habitat and look for natural habitat of both beneficial and pest insects. Covers a long-term view of biological control : the importance of creating habitat, and how plant diversity enables the insect diversity needed for natural control of pest populations.

• Fall and Spring garden prep for insect management
• Building habitat for beneficial insects
  • Using plant diversity for insect diversity
  • Attracting beneficial insects with Insectory Islands
  • Building an Insectory Island and insect habitat

When : Saturday, April 17, 9AM - 3PM
Where : Southwoods Forest Gardens, 17766 Langford Blvd. Prior Lake, MN 55372 (see map)
Cost : $35

REGISTRATION

To register for one or both of these events, choose a price below and click on "Add to Order."

Questions? Please contact Evelyn.

Read the PRI Cold Climate Event Policy.