Nematodes: Why & How To Use Them!

Nematodes run the underworld. Let's learn WHY and HOW to use them in this video!
Nematodes can tip the scales in your favour so that potential pests are eliminated before they become a threat to your garden harvest.
Nematodes are microscopic roundworms which live in the soil and they can destroy over 200 types of insects that mature in the ground including weevils, Japanese beetles, fleas, borers and fungus gnats, before they reach adult stages.
You can purchase nematodes from garden centers - follow the instructions for storage and application/distribution. The nematodes are stored in conditions during which they go into cryptobiosis - they suspend life when conditions are unfavorable - and then continue on life as normal when conditions improve!
I used a variety of Nematode in the video called Steinernema.
Are nematodes safe? Yes. They don’t hurt people, children, pets or other helpful garden creatures like ladybugs or earthworms.

[@alexandrevaliquette3883]

COOL SCIENCE PROJECT!!! Since they don't survive in -20*C Canadian winter, I decide to cultivate/farm them inside! 1 I just ordered the nematode for slug on Amazon today. 2 I will harvest a bunch of my local slugs. 3 I will find second hand aquarium/terrarium 4 I will make some diy bioreactors from Masson jars. Unlimited supply of beneficial nematodes: In a nutshell, I will feed the healthy snails in the aquarium: they will make compost during winter as well! I will take one snail and put it in the Masson jar with nematodes. Nematodes will feed and reproduce and multiply. I will time my outburst of nematode for late spring and fall of each year. I already have a cheap 20$ camera magnifier/microscope variable 10x-200x to inspect how it goes! I'm 46, but I'm sure I would have won the science fair at school back then!!! Maybe sharing my 'discovery' with my local gardening association, I will see.

[@SustainableStace]

That sounds amazing ! Totally a science experiment worthy of a blue ribbon.

[@MandieLeeAnn]

Can you make a video about this?!

[@aleemsultan-khan1146]

I am in Toronto. Please video your experiment. My garden, lily trees and roses were devastated by Japanese beetles they even attacked my dahlias and rose of Sharons. Your process of cultivating and nurturing your own nematodes is amazing. Thanks of sharing.

[@helengabr5743]

Nematodes destroyed all my tomatoes. I pulled out the roots and they had colonised in the root system of my tomatoes 😢. Glad there's something good about them!

[@karna6634]

lol maybe place bettle lavae they eat roots nonstop

[@kathrynburgess8987]

There are good nematodes and bad nematodes. The kind you buy and put in your soil are the good ones.

[@MichaelJosephJr934]

In Chicago Zone 5B - Should i put this in my garden beds when I close them in the fall or in the spring?

[@ExplainedThroughRap]

We love nematodes! We just dropped a rap explaining nematodes and nematology 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@SustainableStace]

Happy rapping on nematodes!

[@AkilahAzraKohen]

Thank you so much!

[@SustainableStace]

You're welcome!

[@IcePenguin8823]

Hi, I had some white grub infestation last year and planning to rework my lawn this spring, I saw many said to use nematodes in fall but can I use it early spring? I live near Montreal so at what temperature should I apply them? Thank you

[@SustainableStace]

yes you can use nematodes in spring - anytime for that matter. Just be sure to intro them to the habitat when you know they are most likely to thrive!

[@funkyflowergarden]

Very informative, great video. 👍🏼

[@SustainableStace]

Thanks John, i'm glad it was helpful.

[@Omi2cool4ya]

Thank you!

[@GR-zo6sm]

Brilliant video. Thanks mate 😊

[@SustainableStace]

Glad you enjoyed it - you're welcome.

[@SennaCrow]

In Oklahoma, we called those wood bugs "rollie polies" lol. I've read other names for them, too, though.

[@SustainableStace]

rollie polies - I like that! thanks :)

[@rogehnimunoz4327]

Thank you so much for the vid.

[@SustainableStace]

You're welcome. I'm glad it was helpful!

[@jimdevonshire5275]

Love your tutorials. One question. I can't find a Steinernema Nematode shaky dry dispenser for adding the Nematodes to my garden. All that is offered are things that disolve in water and are then sprayed on the garden. WHere can I buy this dry shaky product? Thanks

[@SustainableStace]

I found it at my local garden centre here in Western Canada. Likely what you are able to find will work great also !

[@jimdevonshire5275]

Thanks Stace I found a refrigerated product t at our local Sheridan nurseries . Should work fine

[@user-fl1fh5he5r]

I need to get some nematodes

[@TaNkGiRlGiBo]

Can i use them on indoor plants to help tackle fungus knats? Ive killed off the vast majority of the population but they just will not die.

[@mateennique]

Sprinkle a bit of diatomaceous earth on the soil surface and it should take care of gnats.

[@Lagerquist55]

Do nematodes eat Japanese beetles? Will they survive a Canadian winter?

[@mikhailkalashnikov4599]

Should the nematodes be applied every year? I live on the edge of zones 6 and 7. It can get down in the single digits a couple weeks out of the year. I've been having some issues with peach borers. Thanks.

[@SustainableStace]

First year I would use them and see how they address the concern you had. I'd only repeat if the concern persists. For myself, I didn't repeat b/c I no longer needed to use them.

[@judithvela4274]

Very informative video. Also, I thought wood bugs were supposed to be good :/

[@svetpositive]

They can nibble on plants when other food sources are scarce.

[@user-gw7fi2mr2v]

Would like to know the brand that you are using and where to get them.

[@SustainableStace]

Sorry -that's a while ago and I don't know. Just find a place that supplies nematodes!

[@BestGranny10]

Thank you got a grub problem!

[@SustainableStace]

Thankfully, the nematodes figured out BOTH the problem and provided the solution! This video was a year ago. The nematodes were added. The problem ended. Now, I'm growing lettuce and other greens in the same soil and there's no problem.

[@guitarboos48]

Do they attract termites?

[@Animegypsy]

What brand is that container of nematodes?

[@SustainableStace]

sorry - I have no idea

[@jeffnay6502]

@@SustainableStace Can you tell us what (Brand) is on the label of the nematodes that you purchased and used in this video? As the video is 1 year or more old, can you tell us how effect the product was and if it took care of any problems that you were having? Thank you !

[@clairestile5743]

If I use Milky Spore will that interfere with Nematodes?

[@MG63]

According to google. No it won't interfere with nematodes.

[@HuntShootRepeat]

"Hungry, Hungry. Still Hungry”

[@Nimsayrellim]

Can nematode be used for slugs?

[@SustainableStace]

You CAN get a variety of nematodes which will prey on slugs - yes!

[@SlashinatorZ]

What if Thanos snapped nematodes into extinction?

[@martybee6701]

Are nematodes safe to use with dogs in the garden ?

[@SustainableStace]

yes, they're underground and they do all their work in the soil!

[@stacycottle3313]

So it would be safe to use them if my dog likes to eat the grass and dig?

[@dmaifred]

Any feedback on neem cake? Just read about but have no other info from my long time KZbin sources. Cheers from hot Western Australia.

[@SustainableStace]

sorry - I don't know what neem cake is so . . .can not count on me for advice on this topic.

[@mariasweetman9189]

What nemotodes would get rid of Yellow Medow Ants?

[@SustainableStace]

Hmm - great question. I think of nematodes working underground (in the soil). I'm not familiar with yellow meadow ants - does their lifecycle involve larvae underground which you're thinking the nematodes will eat/destroy ?

[@CDNVeteran97]

Hope this will help with my carrot

[@danielguy1891]

Do nematodes survive through Winter?

[@SustainableStace]

Great question - i'm sure it would depend on depth of soil and temperature in winter.

[@alexandrevaliquette3883]

I just asked that same question to the "E-nema biotech" (another nematode manufacturer): they told me they will not survive -20*C Canadian winter.@@SustainableStace​

[@kezzyx3581]

How do I not overwater my houseplants doing this.

[@SustainableStace]

moderation !

[@lmrohr1173]

Getcha some chickens they will take care of those wood bugs and any other bugs!!!!

[@SustainableStace]

Yes they would. They would also eat all my lettuce and tomatoes!

[@Engineer-Machinist]

Yeah they also dig the hell out of everything. I've heard quail don't do that so much. If you know of a trick to prevent the chickens from digging let me know.

[@Floridafilipinofruitforest]

@@Engineer-Machinist get them customize shoes

[@ivanbeacon5883]

Its nematode not neeematode :-) he says it so wrong.

[@SustainableStace]

Thanks Ivan - it's always good to have someone in the audience providing correction !

[@kevinstrauss-jw8kv]

Who cares !

[@stbam1965]

Can you mix 3 types of nematodes and spray in same sprayer

[@SustainableStace]

I'm unsure but if they come with instructions for similar distribution and early support - I would think it's viable.

[@imminenthope8970]

wood bugs? ive always known them as potato bugs

[@SustainableStace]

They coil up when you touch them - those ones ? They love to feast on decaying matter, likely both potatoes and wood!

[@orbelgalvarado]

I know them as rolls Polly’s

[@MG63]

In the UK we call them woodlice or woodlouse.