Spittle Bugs Are Hatching

Photo: Spittle bug hiding in "foam" or "spittle"

Foam or a spittle-like substance has appeared on my strawberries, kohlrabi, fennel, parsley, chamomile, African daisies and calendula, which means the spittle bugs (also known as froghoppers) have hatched.
In its earlier stage, spittle bugs take in the sap from plants and secrete bubbles from its other end to cover itself.  This layer of bubbles provide protection from predators.

Although spittle bugs do feed from the sap of plants, the amount of damage is minimal.  Therefore, insecticide is not necessary when there is only a moderate infestation.  Instead I have been dislodging the "foam" and the spittle bug by spraying the affected plants with a strong jet of water from the hose.  Without its protection of foam, the spittle bug will be exposed to natural  predators and the elements.

DIY Plant Supports for Less than a Quarter

Are you looking for cheap plant supports?  I picked up some fence stays for only 18 cents each at Home Depot.  Then I unravelled them and shaped them to create plant supports for my peas.  When shaped into arches, they are sturdy enough to support light, trailing plants like peas.

I created several arches out of fence stays.  The whole project cost less than $2, and took less than 20 minutes of my time.  The peas will grow along the archway, and red giant mustard greens and spinach will grow beneath the archway.

Fence stays transformed into plant supports

Fence Stays

Peas growing on fence stay support

Sage Blooming

My sage plant is blooming.  I love these flowers, and the foliage stays green year round over here.  I am considering planting some in our flower bed.  

Sage Buds

Sage in Full Bloom