Careers
Karl Ploberger answers questions
Karl Ploberger's expertise and passion for nature have made him a sought-after advisor. In this interview, he reveals his strategies for caring for his green paradise and protecting it from pests.
Beginner
3 minutes reading time
Growing vegetables can be a challenge in many gardens, especially when it comes to controlling pests. But how do you deal with them? Karl Ploberger, renowned gardening expert, shares his experiences and insights on this topic. In an exclusive interview, he provides insights into his own garden and gives valuable tips on how to keep pests at bay using organic methods.
Growing vegetables can be a challenge in many gardens, especially when it comes to controlling pests. But how do you deal with them? Karl Ploberger, renowned gardening expert, shares his experiences and insights on this topic. In an exclusive interview, he provides insights into his own garden and gives valuable tips on how to keep pests at bay using organic methods.
For many, growing vegetables is always accompanied by major problems with pests, what is it like in your garden?
Karl Ploberger: Of course there are always problems here too. Voles, for example, or slugs at the very beginning. In the meantime, however, a fairly stable biological balance has been established where I only have to intervene selectively. The most important thing is healthy, living soil. I achieve this with compost, organic fertiliser and Effective Microorganisms.
There is only one raised bed in this garden, although raised beds are very much in vogue. Why is that?
Karl Ploberger: Basically, raised beds are a fantastic thing because not only do you have the plants at waist height, but it's also easier to keep an overview. In areas with a harsh climate, the soil warms up more quickly and enables earlier harvests. But it is not absolutely necessary.
Karl Ploberger: Basically, raised beds are a fantastic thing because not only do you have the plants at waist height, but it's also easier to keep an overview. In areas with a harsh climate, the soil warms up more quickly and enables earlier harvests. But it is not absolutely necessary.
Many people are always worried about the invasion of aphids. What is the secret tip?
Karl Ploberger: Should I be provocative? Do nothing. Because I have so many beneficial insects that keep the aphids in check. In the greenhouse, I use microorganisms to strengthen the plants and keep the temperature as constant as possible.
Karl Ploberger: Should I be provocative? Do nothing. Because I have so many beneficial insects that keep the aphids in check. In the greenhouse, I use microorganisms to strengthen the plants and keep the temperature as constant as possible.
Creating and maintaining a pond is very time-consuming. How do you look after your pond?
Karl Ploberger: There are a lot of discussions about the pond in our family, because my wife thinks it's "too messy". But for me it's just right - nature is allowed to take its course here and I intervene very little. Only in autumn do we fish out the leaves and cut back overgrown plants. Instead, newts, grass snakes, toads and many other bugs frolic in the water. This part of the garden looks different every day. In spring, it is pale green with bright yellow marsh marigolds in bloom. In autumn, it's a veritable jungle.
Karl Ploberger: There are a lot of discussions about the pond in our family, because my wife thinks it's "too messy". But for me it's just right - nature is allowed to take its course here and I intervene very little. Only in autumn do we fish out the leaves and cut back overgrown plants. Instead, newts, grass snakes, toads and many other bugs frolic in the water. This part of the garden looks different every day. In spring, it is pale green with bright yellow marsh marigolds in bloom. In autumn, it's a veritable jungle.
What tips do you have for our readers on avoiding pests in glasshouses?
Karl Ploberger: Large windows for ventilation are essential, as this is where the biggest problems with diseases and pests arise. Then shade, because most greenhouses get far too hot in summer. And automate as much as possible, otherwise you are a "slave". Microorganisms are also very important. I add them to the water almost every time I water, both those that are important for the roots and those that are important for the healthy growth of the leaves and flowers. At the same time, I always add organic fertiliser in very small doses. Together with beneficial insects, I have almost no problems with pests in the greenhouse.
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