Attack of the Cucumber Beetles

Just as sure as summer brings hazy heat and humid days your gardens are almost guaranteed to bring you some sort of pest or disease. Whether it's a mold or mildew infection, pesky insects or furry critters that are feasting on your prized plants, many a gardener has struggled with the decision of whether or not to spray with chemicals.

On the one hand, chemical sprays are usually quite effective and easy to use. They come pre-mixed and are generally available at many different stores. On the other hand, they are often just as destructive to the beneficial insects in your garden as they are the intended pests. Many times they are not safe for your pets and human consumption. Extra care must be used both when applying and before eating any vegetables that may have been sprayed.

This is not to say that I would never use a chemical spray, I have in the past and I am sure I will again in the future. However, I try to start with the least toxic treatment first and work my way through available options.

There are endless lists of recipes for sprays that gardeners have used for years and although they may sound strange, they really do work. I will share a list of sprays that I use and some tips on how to keep furry critters out of your garden.

I am currently having an infestation of cucumber beetles in my garden who are having quite a feast on my squash and cucumber plants this year. So far, I have not been successful in ridding the garden of them and may resort to a chemical based spray. I am planning on putting out a beetle bag.

As always if anyone has any tips or ideas they would like to share that would be wonderful.

General Garden Tips:

• Try to dead-head all plants as soon as the flowers are spent. This can be done with rose bushes as well, or you can do a major cutting of your rose bush to promote new growth. If by some chance you take too much, don't worry as it much the same as a bad haircut and will grow out.
• Water your plants early in the day, giving the leaves time to absorb the water and fully dry before night.
• Do not overcrowd your plants. Always leave room for good air circulation.
• Plant marigold plants along the border of your vegetable garden as many insects do not like them and this will help keep some pests out of your vegetable garden.
• Plant strong smelling plants in your garden around your tender plants such as: garlic and hot peppers around your cucumbers and squash. Not only will vampires stay away, so will other hungry insects.
• Try using the old fashioned beetle bags or fly paper.
• For Powdery Mold or Mildew and Black Spot: First remove any affected branches and leaves and then try spraying with an insecticidal soap spray.
  • Homemade spray recipe: 1 gallon water, 1 Tbsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp liquid dish soap. Mix well and spray on both upper and lower sides of leaves.
  • Homemade insect spray recipe: 3-4 cloves crushed garlic, 1 gallon water and 2 tsp mineral oil. Let the mixture sit for 24 hours then spray on upper and lower leaves of your affected plants. Cayenne pepper or hot sauce can also be used in place of the garlic. Crushed up tomato leaves release an oil and if you let them sit in water and steep for 24 hours can then be sprayed on your plants as well.
•  Please note that these sprays may also affect beneficial insects as well. Always test spray before spraying the whole plant.