Vegetables Gardening - Growing Organic Vegetables

Hi Everyone,
It has been a while since I posted anything and hope this will be of value.

In regard to harvesting and removing crops in a timely manner to prevent build up of pests and disease. This is so true. When we had a russet mite infestation and I had to get help from the entomologists at U. C. Riverside, they urged me to have our members remove crops when production slows down and not allow the plants to linger on until the last tomato, egg plant, broccoli floret could be picked. Just today, I had allowed some broccoli to stay too long and found it full of aphids. We now have a no-host period for the night shade family so that the russet mite has nowhere to over-
winter. It made a big difference, as we have not had a russet mite problem since we initiated the no-host rule.

More and more I am seeing seed companies offering the silver mulch to deter pests.

Some time ago, I read where wrapping pieces of cardboard in aluminum
foil, shiny side up, and placing them under plants that were prone to attract aphids. I gave it a try and did not have one aphid on my Brussels sprouts that winter. I passed the info along to my group in a Garden Hint letter I write and got many responses of the success they had. I just purchased the silver mulch at Johnny's seeds. It not only, they say, deters aphids but other pests also. It seem the reflection of the light and sun on the silver confuses the pests and they leave.

Johnny's Seeds - 9415 METALLIC SILVER MULCH 1 17.95 4 FT X 50 FEET

Note: Obviously, I didn't have this silver mulch under my broccoli this year. I got lazy.

Just a suggestion.

Also, if, when you harvest your broccoli heads, you don't cut them as deep into the plant, you will enjoy wonderful side shoots. The side shoots are actually the gourmet part of the broccoli. Yes, the leaves, as Jim says, are delicious also.

Happy gardening, everyone.
Joanne (PathaJ)

• New Members 13
• New Photos 4