Our little seedlings are already getting eaten by bugs. Is there anything safe to put on them when so small ?

Last year we tried to not use any pesticides but ended up having to towards the end. We used Sevendust. It worked for some , not others. Not sure what all the bugs are but some are Aphids.

Any suggestions ? Thanks

This is a very helpful site with lots of information,



http://vegetablegardens.suite101.com/artic...l_and_pesticide

According to Miss green thumb over here (My Wife)
It depends what type plant is being eaten on, so as to determine the best coarse of action. Plus and Just for Example; it is possible that some bugs may be eating the residue left by some other force such as mildew and not the actual plant.
Give her some data quick cause I just can't wait to hear her answer. ?

Faith, spraying with a mixture of a little dish soap and water works well on God's little pest for me. I am going to check that link Sarah sent as well.

God bless,

Kandy

That's a great site Sarah, I don't see my dish soap/water mixture; what's wrong with them? smile. I do see companion planting with herbs which is what I do also so I know that works well.

Faith, in defense of my dish soap/water mixture, I was told that it doesn't really kill them, they just don't like it so mostly they just stay away from the plants and therefore you need to spray it at least every few days or so and for sure after a rain shower.

Happy planting,

Love and blessings,

Kandy

Good link Sarah ! Thanks

I will ask Bill which ones are getting eaten Chroney. Thanks

You're Welcome Kandy and Faith,

Sounds like worth a try. Is it safe for the tiny plants ? What ratio soap to water approximately ?

Bill said he tried the garlic spray and it didn't work.

We have many different vegetables and herbs growing. I know the lettuce and tomatoes are getting eaten and I think I noticed it on the basil too. They are all only a few inches tall.

Last year we got those huge fat ugly caterpillar thingys on the tomatoes.

Yes, shouldn't hurt your plants at all; now I kind of eyeball it here so be careful, start small. I use a spray bottle which holds 20 ozs and use a half/to hold teaspoon of dish soap. it, of course, will be a little foamy at first but will loose that as it sets around, just give it a good shake each time.

I will attempt to get a better ratio for you but so far I haven't killed any plants with this formula.

Blessings,

Kandy

Aphids use common white flour. Dries out the moister from their body and kill them. Very organic. For fire ants use diatomaious earth power and it will coke them to death. Seven dust is good when all else fails. I tried buying ladybugs and that did not work and I also purchased praying mantis eggs no luck there either.

+1 on soapy water...not a lot of soap, just enough that you can taste it. Bugs don't like the taste either.

In Christ,

Jonathan

I normally NEVER have gardening tips. But, this tomato one I can help out with!!! An elderly woman who grew up out here in farm land gave me this tip and it works! Plant dill in front of the tomatos. The caterpillar thingies love the dill but don't harm it at all and never make it over to the tomatoes. I've done it and it absolutely works. And if I can grow anything, believe me, it's been tested thoroughly. LOL

God bless you.

Love, YSIY,
Gina

Zadok Faith,

Have you tried Marigold spray?
For years the Brit's have planted Marigolds in thier
gardens to repel pests.

We used the spray on our horses as a fly repellent,
which is mainly what it's marketed for.
(we went back to pesitcides, horse flys
are relentless!)

But it smelled so lovely that we began using
it on ourselves to repel mosquitoes.
It works!

Or I suppose planting some marigolds.

MarysLove

Thank you for starting this thread, Faith! I plan on planting a garden this year [please pray for me]. I have tried in the past with out success. I was thinking, Oh, dear, I may be a kenite... But I've gotten grass to grow so I was like...Phew! I'm just kidding but I do apperciate all the tips from everyone.
And for those of us who live through fun winters, isn't this change of seasons just lovely!

LOL!

I was relieved when my first Avocado plant flourished.

MarysLove

hee hee Bonnie! I know what you mean. LOL

God bless you.
Love, YSIY,
Gina

I grew a bumper crop of tomato's one year. We planted chrysanthemums and marigolds (those little yellow flowers) around the bases of the tomoto plants adn also used the dishwashing liquid and water in squirt bottles - we had no problems!

God Bless,

Debra