Monday, June 8, 2009

The kiddos might think they're cute...

But, these little guys are a pain in my butt!



I feel like Rabbit from Winnie the Pooh because, seriously, these guys touch NOTHING but my carrots. Every other morning, I spend about 20 minutes diligently picking tons of these fellas off the stalks of my carrots. Keeping in mind that this is a totally organic garden (not even a fertilizer other than composted soil has touched my precious veggies), any suggestions? I refuse to use any type of pesticide, and was hoping someone would have an organic solution. I haven't had time to do much online research right now, so any ideas would be helpful. My dad suggested trying some BT (bacillus thuringiensis... try saying that 5 times fast), but I can't find it ANYWHERE. We went to a ton of nurseries, Lowe's, and Home Depot yesterday. Nothing. And, since we're leaving for Disney World in a few days, I don't have time to order off the internet right now. So, the search for a solution continues...

My other veggies are doing splendidly! Tons of cucumbers...



A few green beans (not enough to do anything with yet), lots of little bell peppers starting, tons of tomatoes that are nearly ripe, banana and jalapeno pepper plants that are getting bigger everyday, green onions, and 3 measly pieces of okra that are plugging right along. I have to say, I am enjoying this vegetable gardening thing immensely! I've done flower gardening for years, but this is insanely more rewarding. I'm hoping to have Bryan build me a second raised bed before he deploys in a couple of months. I want more, more, more! And, I'm thinking of adding some fruit trees and blackberry bushes soon. YUM!

Well, I'm busy, busy, busy with creative deadlines over the next few days before we leave for Disney. So, I'll leave you with some Label Tulip sneaks for now. I'll be back to share more soon!



7 comments:

Christina said...

Ugghhh...no help for the veggies but I feel your frustration! Maybe someone at the nurseries would have a good suggestion! What a pain!! Good luck!

8thgypsy said...

That's a Monarch caterpillar. I think the best way to get "rid" of them is to plant something they like a whole lot better. And they LOVE milkweed. That is their preferred food. I plant it in my garden and not only am I promised an abundance of Monarch butterflies every year but they also produce flowers (not a brilliant display, but flowers nonetheless)and nice seedpods in the fall. Check this out http://www.naturecanada.ca/take_action_monarch_friendly_garden.asp

Mel G said...

Oh man, I had some of those eat my parsley down to little nubs. They left and I thought my parsley was done but it came back like a weed! haha! No advice on what to use as a deterrent, hope you find a solution!! Your garden sounds wonderful!!

Lisa C said...

Mix some soap and water in a spray bottle and spray your plants with it, I did this on my raspberry bush for whatever was eating it and it worked!

Unknown said...

cute buggy photos, even better sneak peeks!! Can't wait to see what you created!

Unknown said...

loving your sneaks!!

Michelle said...

Glad to see you are having a blast with your garden. My mom has artichokes, strawberries, blueberries, cucumbers etc growing in her garden. I called to ask her for some suggestions about your carrots but she's not answering her cell.