(Accidentally) controlling pests with weeds
A grasshopper on Acalypha amentacea . Some species from the genus are popular garden plants, including A. hispida , A. reptans , and A. wilkesiana . Like every gardener, I have a constant battle with both pests and weeds. Pests are often seasonal, while weeds can pester any time of the year. Some months ago I noticed a seedling of Acalypha amentacea growing on one of my pots, and for some reason, always neglected to pull it out every time I weed around the humble garden. When it was the size of a small shrub, I finally decided to get rid of it, once and for all. That is when I noticed a grasshopper resting on one of its stems. Then another. And another. And then I noticed the plant's chewed leaves. This meant only one thing: the hoppers are feeding on the Acalypha . And that is when I also realized that my plants ceased exhibiting grasshopper damage. You see, during the hotter months these hoppers make a salad bar out of my garden, and I have lost quite a considerable number ...