The garden beds outside the Science labs are now well established with several different winter crops grown from seeds donated by Scott Reed from Deacon Seeds. During one of their inspections of the crops, the Ag students discovered an aphid type insect invading some of the plants in particular, the millet. Last week we invited Scott to attend to advise the students on how to manage the infestation. Due to the small amount of plants and the strong chemicals required, it is unlikely that we will be able to spray the aphids but the lady beetles are so far doing some of the job towards controlling the problem. 

Scott was able to provide a wealth of knowledge on the aphids and how to manage them and also provided other interesting facts on the crops and the garden beds and how they are managed into the future. It was decided that as the crop's growth period comes to an end towards the last few weeks of the term, the students will clear out the garden beds and prepare them for some new season crops or vegetables by determining soil suitability and fertiliser needs. Up until then, the students will continue to monitor the growth of the crops in each bed which have each been applied with a different type of fertiliser.

We thank Scott for his time and knowledge and we acknowledge the support of Deacon Seeds in establishing the crop beds this season.