How to keep away the pests??

Being proactive about future pests. We had a lot of japanese beetles last year, along with cucumber beetles and squash bugs. Any ideas how to get rid of these suckers? I am planning to keep the area much cleaner than last year so that should help some. Oh, also I recall putting a ring around my broccoli last year to keep away the cutworms, any ideas on that? I didn't see any but was trying to prevent a problem. Thanks!

To begin the season you can spray beneficial neamatodes for cut worms and grubs. Row covers are going to be your best pro-active action, removing when the blooms appear. After that it's all about staying ahead of the bugs by inviting good bugs, hand picking, and spraying when needed. Soapy water is a good start, you can use dish washing liquid or a bought soap. I've even read you get better results if you add some rubbing alchohol to the water. If you use any sprays though whether organic or not, be very careful to spray when bees are not out, and be very careful to not spray any blooms, the bees can pick it up when pollinating.

I used DE last year, but will not use much at all this year (only in dog, goat, & chicken area), it can kill the bees and we now have honey bees. Sevin dust is another bee killer, they take it back to the hive and spread it around killing many bees.

I have flowers in my garden that are to attract good bugs, and will bury a few tuna cans dirt level for bees, toads, lizards, and other bug controlers to use as well as a few broke upside down pots for toad/lizard homes. Praying mantis will eat squash bugs, but they stay in one spot, unlike ladybugs who flitter around like butterflies.

For more info and some great products try gardensalive.com, they will also take the time to answer any questions you have, and give you a wealth of info, trust me I know.

Valerie,

That is a great post. It ought to be stickied in the Pest forum.

THANKS, that's all from tons of internet time. Oh and I ran across a book recommendation today, it looks like a good one to add to your Library, right next to The ALL NEW SQUARE FOOT GARDENING, here's the link to it on Amazon, don't forget you can also check your local Library to see if they have it, or buy it used.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0691095612?ie=UTF8&tag=plangvegetsof-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0691095612

I too love the super light insect barrier row cover to prevent bugs. I haunt my garden in the morning and take a good look at the plants. Found just a few aphids on one of my pepper plants and harvested them with a sm. paint brush I have just for that use. The fresh water fish tank residents realy enjoyed their treat of honey dew filled snacks. I use BT when I see catipillers as it is harmless to everything else including bees and other benificals. Going out in the am lets the sunlight back light my plants so I can easily spot eggs and pests on the underside of leaves. If you choose to cover your squash and cucs you will need to hand pollonate them there are good instruction on how to do that or uncover them when you see bees buzzing around.

Dizzygardener, I started a new topic under the Pests thread, called an ounce of prevention. I did link back to this one, but I liked you idea of having more prevention ideas on the pests thread.

Shannon1, great tips!