So we didn't do half bad in our garden critique. Our tomatoes were planted a bit too close together, and we need to "sucker" them. Basically, remove all the tiny stems allowing one large plant. This will give you bigger, juicier fruit instead of lots of tiny ones.
Also we found out those pretty white butterflies we've seen flying around the garden are actually a pest. They are called the cabbage moth and are the parent of the cabbage worm, which eat many large leaf plants. In our case, broccoli. The worms are tiny at first, but double in size each day and will become a big problem if not taken care of.
How to rid your plants of the cabbage loopers? Bruce recomended using a spray that is safe for edible plants. DON'T use one that you'd put on non-edible garden plants. You don't want to be eating the pesticide. A safer alternative is an organic solution called BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS (B.T.) LIQUID. It's a liquid formulation of bacteria which controls caterpillars, loopers, cabbageworms, hornworms, leaf folders and leaf rollers and more and won't harm beneficial insects.
There are several internet companies which sell B.T., but might I suggest 7-Springs Farm in Floyd Co. They are an organic only farm and maintain a list of organic products for gardening. Here's the contact info and website.
Phone: Ron Juftes, [540] 651-3228 or Polly Hieser, [540] 651-3226
E-mail for Ron only: 7springs@swva.net
426 Jerry Lane NE - Check, VA 24072
Located in Floyd County Virginia
http://www.7springsfarm.com/
Best of luck in your garden! --Brent
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