Bugs!

There are little black bugs eating my potato plants and I don't like it. I think they are flea beetles because they aren't potato beetles and they leave tiny holes in the leaves. But, I'm not ready to go out and buy some kind of bug killer without first trying a couple organic methods. I visited the Montford community garden on Pearson drive today. Turtle and Julia were kind enough to show me about. Turtle gave me some good tips for combatting potato beetles. One: wood ash. Just take a handfull of wood ashes and dust them about on the plant where the beetles are active. If that doesn't work, I've got a mason jar full of garlic and onion parts soaking in warm water. Tomorrow, I'll strain the organic matter out and spray the tea on my taters. I'll probably go ahead and spray my other plants too, just to get a jump on the old bugs. Also, I've read up on companion planting. Seems I've got a good thing going with my garlic and onions being right there with my other veggies, although, I think I'll try to plant them throughout the rows, instead of all together in a clump. Marigolds I've read provide a very good companion plant to ward off harmful bugs. I can already see that next year's garden is going to need some better planning.

Since I've already brought it up, I want to take a moment to talk about the Montford Community Garden. It's a magical place and I fully recommend visiting it if you haven't already. There are two cob structures (made from earthen clay) that are very hobbity and lovely. The composting toilet is in one of these round, hobitt holes. It's a natrual timber framed, round building with a living roof. Unfortunately, the roof is suffering because of the drought, so I've offered to help install some microspray emitters that are water conserving and low profile. We'll have that roof back to its lush luster before you know it. Montford Community Garden was set up by Bountiful Cities, a non-profit org that helps set up such community gardens here in Asheville. Check them out here