Ave (2.5) releases her ladybugs into the wild

THE GREAT LADYBUG RELEASE!

- Liane Weintraub, Editor-in-Chief

A couple of years ago, we decided to plant an organic vegetable garden.  We had the perfect spot for it, and the thought of freshly-harvested organic fruit and vegetables right from our backyard was way too enticing to pass up.  And so, our crash-course in sustainable agriculture (albeit on a very small scale!) began.

First we met with Caroline, a very talented gardener who taught us everything we would never otherwise have known about growing organic crops.  The rules are strict!  Absolutely nothing toxic can be used in – or near – the vegetable garden.  This came as welcome news to us, as we’ve been trying to replace every chemical used in and around our house – from pesticides on the lawn to indoor cleaning products – with non-chemical alternatives.  She explained which plants should be planted near each other because they would “defend” each other against various pests.  For example, garlic chives attract beneficial insects, and marigolds help fend off the nasty ones.  We started composting, so now all our organic refuse goes back into the mulch for our garden.

Ava and Liane giving the ladybugs a little extra help

Caroline helped us source all kinds of unusual varietals of the foods we most enjoy.  Our daughter Ava’s favorite offerings from the garden are fresh green peas, which she pops out of their casings and eats with such pleasure you would think they were M&Ms.  Our son, Cole, is a big fan of wild strawberries – he eats them faster than we can pick them!  My favorite gift from the garden is making incredible vegetable soups – spicy corn chowder with bell peppers in the summer and velvety pumpkin and sage potage in the fall.  And my garden-fresh blackberry pies are pretty great, too!  Every time we have a meal that came entirely from our garden – from soup to salad to dessert – we revel in the miracle that’s in our backyard.

We live near the ocean and the salt in the air is challenging for our garden (especially for the roses), so we have to keep an eye on things regularly.  We began looking for ways we could help our plants be even stronger against their opponents.  We built chicken-wire cages to keep the birds out and put in non-toxic noise machines to deter rodents.  It turns out that Aphids, some of any garden’s biggest enemies, have a powerful foe in ladybugs.  So, we decided to make a family project of releasing ladybugs (“Aphid-eaters,” as we like to think of them) into the garden.

All in all, it was a magical experience.  Children naturally adore ladybugs – and honestly, who wouldn’t?  With their cherry-red, polka-dotted coats, they truly are a cheerful sight.  I’ve always thought of them as good luck, and ever since I was a child I’ve made a wish whenever one lands on me.  The day of the Great Weintraub Family Ladybug Release there were literally thousands of wishes to make!

Ava with her Dad, Richard, on the big ladybug release day

We took photos, of course, but the images of our Great Ladybug Release will live on in my memory forever, and it will surely become a cherished family ritual which we’ll re-enact many times to come.

Ladybug Release Tips:

• Ladybugs come in various types of packages and must always be treated with care.  Prior to release, store them in a safe, cool place – the refrigerator is actually a good option.
• Water your garden prior to releasing the ladybugs.  They will be grateful for a nice, cool drink.
• Early morning or dusk are the best times to release ladybugs.  They will be safer from day-time predators (mostly birds), and it will be easier for them to get to work when it’s not too hot outside.
• DO NOT RELEASE LADYBUGS INTO A GARDEN TREATED WITH PESTICIDES.  THE CHEMICALS WILL KILL THEM.
• Have fun & take pictures … send them to us so we can share in your magical ladybug experience!

Ava thinks everyone should get ladybugs for their garden!

 Selected sources:

Garden Guides
Nature's Control
eHow.com