Re: [CH] Bug List
Robert Farr (rbfarr@erols.com)
Tue, 13 Apr 1999 13:27:22 -0400
Byron:
I have to weigh in on this one.
I don't think you'll find *one* thing that will kill or deter all of
your bugs. In fact, I believe it would be detrimental to the
environment if one size fit all.
I DO think you can improve your micro-climate through the use of organic
farming methods, such as composting, mulching, companion planting,
planting to attract ornamentals, no till/double-digging (take your
choice), etc., etc., etc.
Part of the way to get there is to clean-up your growing space -
eliminating pesticides and herbicides, petrochemicals, and other toxins.
I *know* you haven't gotten TMV in your garden, but for Heaven's sake,
why take the chance. I eliminated MY ENTIRE pepper crop one year by
transplanting seedlings after smoking a Camel, and not washing my hands.
This - well - it sucked. Really screwed up the gardening part of the
summer!!
Basically, I just want you to know I appreciate your advice - I find you
are *trying* to be helpful, and have a LOT of great ideas. And I think
people are giving you a hard way to go (give Byron a break, 'eh??). But
your recalcitrance in the face of sound opinion - such as evidence
tobacco is bad for your garden - seems to have struck a nerve with some
of our brethren and sistren.
I'd like to think all of us can help each other, and good, reasoned
discussion is useful to the group. So don't stop! But try a few of our
ideas, too. Keep what you like; toss out the rest.
In closing, however, I do think that trying some less invasive control
measures might be good for both your space and your spirit.
In fraternity -
Robert.