From

Location

Message

Date Posted

North Of The Border

My brother is growing some giant pumpkins this year, and since he doesnt have an acount, i am asking for him. He is growing completely organic, and has had a bit of trouble with cucumber beetles already, and i was wondering how they could be controled organically.

6/9/2020 9:17:48 AM

Central NY

A cup of minced garlic steeped into a gallon of water...strain and spray...always after the sun goes down..repeat as needed

6/9/2020 12:36:53 PM

Central NY

I suggest he read up on Squash vine borers...they coming next...bait plants and traps?...dunno anyone who beats them organically...

6/9/2020 12:39:35 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

They have several contact insecticides, that have some effect. Don't take this wrong. Some people grow organic because they think it is cheaper, or they are going to do a the least work possible. Growing organic is actually more expensive, more labor intensive and less effective compared to conventional methods.

6/10/2020 7:24:34 AM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

https://www.arbico-organics.com/category/cucumber-beetle-control#:~:text=Monitor%20plants%20and%20growing%20areas,protect%20seedlings%20and%20new%20plantings.

6/10/2020 7:24:39 AM

North Of The Border

He is not growing orhanic for cost, more because he read something about how the chemical fertilizers "poison" the earth. Ill tell him about the garlic, and hopefully it will work.

6/10/2020 9:03:10 AM

North Of The Border

Also, thanks for the link. Was informarive.

6/10/2020 9:09:14 AM

Bethlehem CT

The strongest pesticide organic growers have to work with is one called pyganic. If he has a lot of insect pressure it will be hard to control organically in my opinion. Often, you can grow in a new location without a lot of insect pressure. The longer you garden in a given spot the more insect pressure you will have. The other alternative to spraying something is row cover or insect netting. Alex Noel and Alex McCracken have had good success using them.

6/10/2020 6:59:09 PM

Elk County, PA

If I had to absolutely grow organically I would use garden netting to ward off the pests, that and covering all vines with sand maybe?? If money were no issue green house! All organic options definitely are more expensive.

6/15/2020 8:50:34 PM

Upper Strasburg, PA

Bt bacteria will kill vine borers. I’ve used a brand called Monterrey with success

6/23/2020 9:38:29 PM