Gardening

I’m still learning yet am definitely more advanced than a novice so I am hoping to help.

I too have tried marigolds, after a summer spent battling squash bugs. We grow a lot of squash (pumpkins, zucchini, delicata squash, butternut squash) and it was horrible. I don’t think the marigolds did anything aside from add a bit of colorful cheer to the garden. Nothing aside from manual removal and soap for the nymphs came close to controlling their population, at one point we used harsh pesticide (Seven I think it’s called?) and while it worked for the most part I really did not want to use it on the food I intend to eat again. Our solution: stop growing squash for two years as squash bugs will overwinter. This was the most extreme measure and this growing season is the last before we can plant again. Keep fingers crossed for us next year :)

I also battle: aphids, brassica moths ( I think this is what they’re called, they lay eggs and the caterpillars munch on leaves and stems), and squirrels.

For the aphids, a simple water/castille soap mixture does the trick but I need to check regularly for maintenance.

The brassica moths can be taken care of at the caterpillar stage with an eco-friendly pesticide, I’m sorry I can’t remember what it’s called but it’s food safe and only targets the caterpillars when they eat it. I’m sure a quick google search will find it for you if interested.

Oddly, the squirrels are the biggest nuisance in my garden in the past 5 years I’ve been gardening in this home. They dig up seedlings like it’s a game, and they take bites out of random plants. For example, I’m growing asparagus (have been for 3 years now) and for some reason this year they just love to take bites out of the tops (the most tasty part too, grrrrr). They’ve also bitten my strawberries, which is super annoying because they just take one bite and leave the rest which can’t be eaten by anyone else. Best solution: motion activated sprinkler pointed at the crops they disturb. We also sprinkle ground coffee on the ground and it does seem to create an area they avoid…for now. Squirrels are incredibly smart and crafty.

My biggest takeaway: check your garden every single day for pests, see it as just as important as watering to maintain your crops. Diligence, an open mind, and creativity are your best tools. Best of luck op, and thanks to you and anyone else for reading all of this. Posts like this help us learn together.