RE: [gardeners] Saturday in the garden

Dorsett (gardeners@globalgarden.com)
Mon, 15 May 2000 09:58:27 -0500 

Hi Ron,

I don't grow zonal geraniums...but I do grow tomatoes, petunias and cole
crops.  :)

I haven't contended with tobacco budworms, yet, and I hope you haven't faced
invasions of Japanese beetles.  There are bugs like aphids and other pesky
pests...and there are bugs.  Pollinators for squash and gourds, predators
like lacewings, ladybugs, praying mantises, and scads of bugs that seem to
do no visible harm as they live some part of their lives in my garden space.
I'd hate turning my garden into a veritable dead zone based on the pesky
antics of a vandalistic minority.  Spot checks that target those felons
seems to be more sensible...in my humble opinion.  :)

  Barb in Southern Indiana  Zone 5/6  dorsett@blueriver.net
   Garden: a place to invite your soul for a visit.

> Good morning, Barb,
>
> You must not grow zonal geraniums, tomatoes or cole crops in your
> garden. I am
> having a continual fight against tobacco budworms, which
> devastate the blooms
> of my zonal and some regals even before they can open, by
> hollowing them out
> from within. And the loopers! This is our first try at cabbage, brussels
> sprouts and cauliflower, and it is a never-ending battle. We must
> use some sort
> of insect control, and this year we are using pyrethrin, but
> carefully, since
> Penny warned about burning foliage.
>
> The bees seem not to be deterred, nor the butterflies (I could
> care less about
> cabbage moths!), nor the hummingbirds which breed in our garden.
>
> We just feel it is necessary if we are to have any flowers and
> veggies that are
> not chewed to ribbons!
>
> Ron
>