permaculture

["Lawrence F. London, Jr." <venaurafarm@bellsouth.net>]

Dick Pierce wrote:
> I recall I think that Jerome Otchenkowski at CRMPI in Basalt, CO had mints
> and other similar odiferous plants in the "air stream" into his greenhouse.
> His method was big clumps of mint growing outdoors next to his lower
> [elevation] greenhouse windows - the natural convection of air through his
> g'house from low to high, sucked air in from the lower windows and over the
> mint bushes. I believe he stated that he had grapes producing all year and
> never any problem with Whiteflies. Hope this tidbit helps

For an all season, all climatic zone _possible_ solution:

Procure a number of or make your own aromatherapy essential oil 
vaporization bowl. It is a simple device that looks like an hourglass
with a metal bowl suspended over a candle holder. You might make 
effective use of various mint oils, neem (tea tree) and eucalyptus;
available from aromatherapy suppliers; good quality and organic would 
probably be best. It would also be wise to make sure noone working in 
the greenhouse has allergies or sensitivity to any of these oils;
low concentration of the vapors and use of a fan to circulate air
away from the vaporizer would be wise. It is also possible that many 
people will be sensitive to vaporized aromatic botanic oils and there 
may be some health risk involved with exposure.

Has anyone tried this method of biocontrl of insect pests in a 
greenhouse or sunspace?

....:LL