Everyone here...
Please do yourself, and the world a favor, and start reading the ROLS (recycled organic living soil) thread, in the organic section, if you haven't already.
People used to tell me I grew that fire.
They didn't know what they were talking about.
I stumbled upon the ROLS thread...
Now I grow that fire.
Here's my quick rundown on pests from earlier today on the ROLS thread...
In my opinion, there are a few measures that need to be taken to keep pests in check when on the ROLS diet..
Companion plants
Living mulch
Numerous strains
Pattern?
Get as far away from a monoculture as possible!
Only bring outdoor organic materials inside during the warmer part of the year to combat bringing in ass tons of larva.
Be sure to have a high humus content in your soil, a diverse mineral package, lots of oxygen, fungi, bacteria, and go easy on the animal products.
Brew a plethora of different concoctions for foliars and soil drenches on the reg.
I keep seed sprout teas of all types going at all times.
Aloe & diatomacious earth
Young coconut water
Neematode/protozoa teas
Fungal dominant AACTs
Bacterial dominant AACTs
Balanced fungal/bacterial AACTs
Kelp/Alfalfa meal
Pest deterring brews..
Switch it up constantly...
I typically use three or so of the ingredients listed below together in one brew, making a different combination every time. DE is the only one I use basically every time, in low doses, as pests will not develop an immunity to it, it emulsifies, and has a high mineral content, most of which is silica. Also make sure to include an oily plant in each one that will be used as a foliar, to serve as a wetting agent, spreader sticker, or whatever you call it. You can also just go buy a bottle of Dr Bronners soap.
Neem
DE
Hot peppers (Ghost peppers.. Shit's like tear gas.. Be cautious.. Turn off fans.. Wear a mask.. Watch those eyes)
Tobacco
Mint
Garlic
Lavender
Rosemary
Thyme
Oregano
Cilantro
Basil
Dill
Dandelion
Stinging nettles
African chrysanthemums (aka pyrethrum, just plant some in your garden)
No more small containers! I suggest nothing smaller than 20 gallons really. Get a 20 gallon fabric pot, fill it with recycled organic living soil, & you will see what I mean.
Keep that top layer of soil moist at all times. If you don't have time to spray it down 3-5 times a day, go get some Blumats.
Keep it between 50-80% humidity.
Fresh air!
Play some music in your garden.
Blaze one with your plants on occasion.
Sit and talk to them regularly.
Run your fingers through their hair every day. The ladies like to be caressed.
Keep the negative energy out of the garden. They can sense it.
Have fun!