(no subject)

[the_rck]

I need to figure out a good way to get rid of insects in my raised beds. I've got two sets of bugs causing trouble. First, there are tiny, white worms making my dill curl in on itself into a knot. Second, there are yellow and black winged beetles chewing on the sage and winter savory, leaving brown spots on the sage leaves and black ones on the winter savory leaves.

My father-in-law suggested chemical pesticide, but I pointed out that we want to be able to eat those leaves. I'm about to embark on some googling to look for more friendly suggestions. I'm mainly growing dill, after all, because Cordelia loves being able to pick and eat it whenever she wants.

Any of you more experienced gardeners have any suggestions? Also, what's the best way to identify a particular pest? Do I need to know what they are in order to fight them?

Comments

[the_rck]

I'll ask Scott to pick up some citrus scented dish soap on his way home. It can't hurt to try. Well, Cordelia may not want to eat the dill for a while either.

[dspitzle.livejournal.com]

Hey, as long as it rains between when you spritz the dill and when she eats it, no problems.

[usagimc.livejournal.com]

Dish detergent is definitely an old home remedy commonly used. I have been doing some gardening myself this year and have used neem oil. Not sure if it would work for your problem. Try googling for the pests you have for more info. But neem oil is the organic pesticide if you feel that the soap isn't working. Good luck!!!

[the_rck]

Thanks for the suggestion. My googling suggests that both beetles and worms are striped cucumber beetles. At least, that's the nearest match I've found. I definitely need to get rid of them as they're nasty and eat everything.