Is one busy time! Now that the dog-days of August are behind me, I’m gung-ho in the garden. So far, I’ve planted red beans, black beans, lima beans, broccoli, cabbage, kale, tomatoes, peppers, scallions–and these are in addition to my peanuts, okra and sweet potatoes still in ground. As the latter wane and the former blossom, it’s a great time to be in the garden. Mornings usher in cooler temps, a slight breeze and I think even the bugs have eased a bit.
Of course, I don’t have to worry about bugs, right? My babies are tucked away beneath the screens of safety!
Wishful thinking. Unfortunately, white flies are tiny enough to penetrate my barrier. Crickets don’t have anything else to do but crawl around the perimeter, looking for a way in. At least my tomatoes are safe from the dreaded brown moth that lays the hornworm eggs. UGH. I am definitely beating those beasts this season. And with my new daily maintenance schedule–a quick spin around the garden before breakfast and after dinner–I am SO on top of any marauders, they won’t stand a chance!
I know it doesn’t look pretty, but for the time being I simply must overlook that aspect. Luckily, my beans aren’t quite as susceptible to bug danger. A few caterpillars here and there, but those babies are easy to pluck from the leaves.
It’s tough out there, you against the bugs, but definitely manageable. I use organic garden spray purchased from the store, as well as dish liquid mixed with water in a spray bottle. Apply in the morning and evening hours. You can see the hay mulch around my tomatoes. I’m in the process of packing all my plants with mulch. It helps retain moisture and keep the ground cool.
My squash are doing great, although I feel a bit unsettled about their being exposed. Squash bugs devoured the remnants of my Hungarian wax peppers on the opposite side of the garden are simply looking for someplace else to go and munch.
Squash bugs like squash. See why I’m nervous?
Over the next weeks and months, I’ll be replacing my peanuts and okra with potatoes, adding a few beds of carrots, sweet onions and garlic. I can’t wait!! How about you? Anything in ground to speak of? Would love to hear!
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