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  • From: <clearviewfarm AT bluefrog.com>
  • To: "Market Farming" <market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [Market-farming] Organic Remedies for Pest Control
  • Date: Sat, 13 Jun 2009 05:38:08 -0700

Since your possibilities are limited (if you don't have room for a little buckwheat, then you wouldn't have room for vetch either), it looks like you are limited to using Entrust or some other organic pesticide, if there is such a thing.  Using those pesticides is best done in rotation, if possible.  My point was, as far as backing up the calendar goes, is that you could plant the vetch in August or early September to help you the following year. 

I am sorry to hear that have no extra space to grow any cover crops along with your edibles.  I am concerned that if you don't take even a little bit of space for some beneficial insect attractor (just part of a row, preferably in the middle or along an edge(s) of your spud patch) that you will experience some level of resistance by the potato beetle to the pesticides you use.  I understand that there is already some resistance to spinosad by the CPB. 

I am not familiar with Eliot's field layout plans, but will take look at some time.  I believe that incorporating companion plants into a crop plan, such as buckwheat, nasturtium, marigold et al. is an essential part of a longterm sustainable garden or farm.  Do as you please, but I truly believe that pesticides should be a last resort...only in case of emergency.

Kurt Forman
Clearview Farm
Palmyra, NY 14522

--- list AT seasonseatingsfarm.com wrote:

From: "Robin Follette" <list AT seasonseatingsfarm.com>
To: "Market Farming" <market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org>
Subject: Re: [Market-farming] Organic Remedies for Pest Control
Date: Sat, 13 Jun 2009 06:40:30 -0400


>>>Spraying is okay, but unless you rotate the agents you use, you will quickly see CO potato beetle resistance (so I am told).  If you were to back up the calendar, you could plant hairy vetch early the fall before and plow down all of it, as a nitrogen providing cover crop, except for a border around your crop, that should deter the beetle from moving into the spuds. 
 
If I were to be able to stop the snow a month earlier, thaw the ground and control spring rain I could probably also back up the calendar.
 
>>>Unless you grow alot of taters, you can pick them off and pinch them dead or put them in a can of kerosene or Diesel fuel or maybe gasoline. 
 
We grow more than can be managed by hand picking.
 
 
>>>Also, rotating your crop to a distant location the next year will help. 
 
I always rotate.  They're here this year, a half mile away next year.
 
>>> Lastly, work with my Cornell veg specialist has indicated that planting buckwheat next to the spuds attracts beneficial predators of the beetle.  I much prefer mechanical and\or cultural controls to pesticides that result in resistance, which CO spud bug seems to have a knack for.
 
There isn't any extra place to plant buckwheat.  Think Eliot Coleman's farm and layout - that's what I do.  To control CPB I have to either not grow potatoes and eggplant or use pesticides responsibly.  When there are more larva than the chickens and ducks can control I lock the birds up and use an organic pesticide.
 
Robin
Seasons Eatings Farm
Talmadge, Maine
 
"Without power over our food, any notion of democracy is empty." - Frances Moore Lappe

Kurt Forman
Clearview Farm
Palmyra, NY 14522

--- list AT seasonseatingsfarm.com wrote:

From: "Robin Follette" <list AT seasonseatingsfarm.com>
To: "Market Farming" <market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org>
Subject: Re: [Market-farming] Organic Remedies for Pest Control
Date: Fri, 12 Jun 2009 10:30:43 -0400


Spinosad.  There's info here:  http://www.planetnatural.com/site/monterey-garden-insect.html

Robin, in rainy Maine where temps are below average this year.

Robin Follette
Seasons Eatings Farm
Talmadge, Maine

"Without power over our food, any notion of democracy is empty." - Frances Moore Lappe

----- Original Message -----
From: michelle rome
To: Market Farming
Sent: Friday, June 12, 2009 6:20 AM
Subject: [Market-farming] Organic Remedies for Pest Control



Still have potatoes growing in SC middle of June. The beetles have finally made it to my potatoes. I am looking for organic remedies. I have gone more to compost fertilizing my limited crops this year. (The corn I have put some nitrogen to it). So I am organic like. I am looking for cheap & simple pest remedies.

Michelle Hromyak
Romy Farms E&W SC
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Robin
Seasons Eatings Farm
Talmadge, Maine

"Without power over our food, any notion of democracy is empty." - Frances Moore Lappe
_______________________________________________ Market-farming mailing list Market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/market-farming



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