[Sca-cooks] Inchworms and Monoculture (was: Creating a period garden)

[Chris Stanifer]

--- LrdRas at aol.com wrote:

>
> 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.

I've tried this with garlic, and it didn't work.  I
*will* try the hot peppers, and hope for the best.
The situation is getting worse day by day.  Some of my
early summer flowers are beginning to experience
premature petal fall, as well...caused by thrips of
some kind, I've noticed.


> 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.

That will certainly be an option for my veggie garden.
 Lots of time before most of the crops are ready for
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

Well, this monoculture is but short lived... I only
recently moved into the house, and wanted to get
something into the ground a.s.a.p.  Bulbs were
available, and fairly soil-independent (meaning not
too particular about acidity/drainage, etc...)  Other,
more diverse plantings will be introduced once I
determine the various soil types around the property.
I could have them checked, I suppose...

The only real monocultures I want to maintain are my
naturalizing beds beside my carport.  And, over time,
even they will be diversified...once the bulbs are
established and ready for division.

In the meantime, thanks for the tips!  I'll see how
they work out.

Balthazar of Blackmoor

=====
Words are Trains for moving past what really has no name...

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