The Permaculture Research Institute Cold Climate is offering a fantastic seminar series on Gardening with Insects. The Permaculture Research Institute-Cold Climate began as the Permaculture Collaborative in 2003 and has transformed from a community organization to a nonprofit group, offering unique educational and outreach programs and events.

Details for the Insect gardening seminar this fall are as follows:

Insect Management in Gardens and Edible Landscapes
Presented by Entomologist Neil Cunningham, MDA

Production Assistants: Daniel Halsey and Julianne Love

Register online for this 3-part lecture series and save over 33%!  Or attend 1 or 2 of the lectures and pay at the door.

When and Where : All lectures are 7-9pm in the Auditorium (Room #150) on the main floor of MCAD (MN College of Art and Design), 2501 Stevens Avenue, Minneapolis

Wednesday, September 9
INTRODUCTION TO INSECT MANAGEMENT
A bit of biology, a bit of ecology, basic overview of biocontrols.

• Insect characteristics and life cycles
• Plants we love and the pests that eat them
• Species identification and stages of management
• Common insect pests in local gardens

Wednesday, September 16
BIOCONTOL REGIMES FOR PEST MANAGEMENT
Specifics of solving pest problems using predator/parasitic wasp complexes and/or multispecies releases of predatory mites; the process of ordering bio-agents from biocontrol suppliers; and how alternative pesticides like insecticidal soaps, hort oils, and kaolin clays work physically on insects – in contrast to synthetic pesticides that function as nerve toxins.

• Natural pesticides, soaps, and clays
• Beneficial insect predators and parasites
  • Multi-species release and biocontrols
  • Seasonal management techniques
  • Sources for beneficial insects

Wednesday, September 23
PLANTING HABITAT FOR BENEFICIAL INSECT MANAGEMENT
A long-term view of biological control : the importance of creating habitat, and how plant diversity enables the insect diversity needed for natural control of pest populations.

• Fall and Spring garden prep for insect management
• Building habitat for beneficial insects
  • Using plant diversity for insect diversity
  • Attracting beneficial insects with Insectory Islands
  • Building an Insectory Island and insect habitat