[Sca-cooks] Period gardening (was easy to grow herbs)

[LrdRas at aol.com]

In a message dated 5/9/01 11:20:27 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
upsxdls_osu at us.inter.net writes:

<< Do you know of any effective period/organic methods for removing
 inchworms from bulb foliage? >>

I don't know of anything  'period' but a very good insect control is whisking
hot peppers in water until they are completely pulverized. Strain. Add a
couple of drops of dish detergent and spray on the plants making sure that
both the upper and under sides of the leaves are covered with the spray.

As a last resort pyrethrum is a relatively safe insecticide made from  a type
of daisy. It breaks down quickly in the garden and can be used up to within
10 days of harvest.

The best way to discourage insects is to provide well tilled soil that is
rich in organic matter and achieve a balance of good and bad insects. This
takes about 3 yrs.  to achieve. Companion planting is also helpful. Of
course, your situation appears to be beyond that stage. Sounds like a classic
case of why monoculture is not a good thing.

Ras