Are there safe ways to control pests on my vegetables? I’m especially concerned about worms on my broccoli and leaf miners in my lettuce. Something is also chewing holes in the leaves of my petunias and impatiens. My neighbor said he thinks I have borers in my trees.
There are three organic pesticides that are safe to use on your edibles as well as flowers, shrubs and trees. Spinosad is effective on a wide range of insects because of its systemic action. It gets to leaf miners and borers which other insecticides do not reach. I use Spinosad for leaf miners in leaf vegetables such as chard, spinach and lettuce. It is also very effective against cabbage worms which also invade broccoli and cauliflower heads. It is effective against cherry maggot and codling moth worms in apples and pears. Spray it on the silks of corn to prevent ear worms.
The damage to your flowers is probably caused by slugs and snails. Slugs and snails must be retreated regularly. They only feed at night or in high moisture conditions, so you seldom see any signs except holes and their slimy trails. Snail and slug bait lasts about 2 weeks and then must be reapplied. Baits with iron phosphate are safe for use around children, pets and wildlife.
Aphids and mites are two pests to watch for. Aphids (often called plant lice) are small soft-bodied sucking insects usually concentrated on new growth. They are usually green, but can also be pink or black. Aphids exude a sweet juice which drips on the ground. Ants are often associated with aphids because they use the juice for food. Mites are tiny eight-legged pests which suck juices almost entirely on the underside of leaves. They are especially bad on needle-leaf evergreens. Yellow and brown mottling on leaves or needles is the most common symptom.
