Garden Bugs
Have you or your children noticed some pretty little black bugs with yellow or white spots that sort of look like ladybugs in your vege garden lately?
They could be on your bean plants, tomatoes, grape vines or various other plants.
The bad news is that they aren't ladybugs or even pretty in any way. They are in fact the nymphs of the green vegetable bug (Nezara viridula), a sap sucking bug that will suck the life out of your tomatoes, beans, grape vines and all sorts of other garden plants. The green vegetable bug is also known as, green stink beetle as they emit a pungent smell when crushed and also shield bugs because of their shape in adult form. I have found that fly spray seems to upset the little buggers in their nymph form which seem to be active now, and but of course there are more active remedies available from your favourite garden shop. Always check under leaves for the eggs which will be in a group of about 60 and rub them off. The green vegetable bug (Nezara viridula) has been in NZ since1944.
PLEASE NOTE, these are not the brown marmorated stink bug/Asian stink bug that MPI want reported to them if seen.
nzacfactsheets.landcareresearch.co.nz...
It’s Riddle Time – You Might Need an Extra Cup of Coffee!
Nobody has ever walked this way. Which way is it?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
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What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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84.7% Yes
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13.9% No
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1.4% Other - I'll share below
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