Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
repetitive problem. On my farm, for example, I now grow
hybrid cucumbers that are resistant to bacterial wilt disease.
Finally, never discount the power of the sun. The same UV
rays that make excessive sunshine a risk factor for skin cancer
also scramble the genetic code in bacteria and viruses,
rendering them incapable of infection. Sunshine sanitizes.
Dill is a common attractant of beneficial insects.
Attracting beneficial insects is also useful. Most beneficial
insects feed on or invade pest species at some point in their
life cycle, but they also require certain plants for their
well-being. Providing these plants in the garden will give
beneficial insects a base of operations they can use to keep
pest species controlled.
A small planting of early, intermediate season, and
late-blooming beneficial insect attractors in each garden bed
will help stack the deck in the farmer's favor. Ladybugs love
to eat aphids; dandelion, marigold, and hairy vetch will attract
them. Tachanid flies help keep cabbage worms and stink bugs
in check; a planting of parsley or pennyroyal will give them a
home. Beneficial insect attractors that bloom early include
sweet alyssum, columbine, and creeping thyme. Intermediate
bloomers include common yarrow, cilantro, edging lobelia,
and mints. Late bloomers include dill, wild bergamot, and
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