Ecological Pest Control Part 2

More on the bug / disease / pest management front... this posting is all from "Mother Earth News" ( Wise Living Series: Guide to Growing Your Own Food, 2009)

APHIDS
* encourage beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings
* diatomaceous earth, dusted on the leaves of your plants (check out www.uharvest.ca for purchase options)
*spray them with a blast of soapy water

SLUGS & SNAILS
*diatomaceous earth, sprinkled around the base of the plants
*crushed up egg shells layed in a ring around the base of the plants
*handpick or trap and kill or release somewhere FAR AWAY
*don't water in the evening as slugs like dark and moist environments

SPIDER MITES
*strong spray of water under leaves to wash them away
*encourage beneficial insects

TOMATO HORNWORM
*start looking for them in early summer, twice weekly. Pick off

TOMATO FRUITWORM
* encourage beneficial insects and wild birds
*handpick them off

THRIPS
*grow flowers to provide pollen and nectar for beneficial insects
*reflective mulches

If you are having trouble identifying your garden visitors (and determining whether friend or foe), Mother recommends buying the book "Garden Insects of North America" or you can go online to vegipm.tamu.edu/index.cfm for photos and descriptions. This is an American resource, but I still found photos of some of my more feared creatures.

It is generally recommended that you keep your soil as healthy as possible, and your plants properly watered, so that they have natural defenses to withstand the odd biter/chewer/sucker. Handpicking and/or spraying can also keep an infestation under control. Encourage beneficial bugs and birds by planting flowering plants and providing a bit of water. Plant trap crops like nasturtium. Plant deterrants like marigolds and onions around your tomatoes.

The most important thing you can do is VISIT YOUR PLANTS DAILY. Don't put them out back and only come out once in a while to water. If you check on your plants each day you will be able to tell when they need a watering, or when you have unwelcome visitors. It's much easier to prevent an infestation than to deal with it once your plant has had serious damage done to it. Remove any infected leaves or branches and destroy them (you can compost them if you have one and it's working). Keep the garden area clean. DON'T SMOKE WHILE YOU HANDLE YOUR TOMATO PLANTS (you can spread the tobacco mosaic virus).

Finally, don't handle your plants when they are wet - it can encourage and spread fungal diseases.

If in doubt, google "organic pest management for gardens" and you'll get LOTS of advice!

To be continued....
Mel