BUGS on the mater plants HELP

[Tink]

I read your link....doesn't sound promising! What do you guys suggest I use to get rid orf them. I have just been picking them off. We are trying to go organic and not use anything, but I might not have a choise with these buggers!! What do you think?

Thanks guys in advance for your help. I hope some day I will be able to do the same.
Tink

 

[Firefyter-Emt]

Fire EMT...You win the jack pot!!!!!! Now why are they on my tomato's? Yeah!! So how bad are they?
Tink

No problem, as for what they are doing on your 'taters? Well... I would have to guess they are having lunch!

"back in the day" growing up, my dad had about 40' x 50' planted in potato's. I vividly remember picking those little buggers for hours on end! Not a "green fix" but we picked them into a coffee can of gas that was poured into a huge ant hill. We lit it up every weekend. Got rid of both problems by summer end!

I kinda guess this in not an option though. Oddly though, this site has close to the same recomendation as my Dad's solution. (well, less the gas and "fire ants")

http://earthfriendlygardening.wordpress.com/2006/04/03/ipm-the-colorado-potato-beetle/

Some real good tips here too.
http://organicgardens.suite101.com/article.cfm/natural_garden_pest_control

Good luck and keep squishing!

 

[OaklandCityFarmer]

IMHO, handpicking seems to be the best for smaller gardens.

In other cases, Soldier Bugs and Stink Bugs are both predators for Potato bug larvae. Ladybugs will feed on their eggs.

Horseradish when planted nearby will help repel potato bugs as does dead nettle, flax and beans.

A hot pepper spray would also do the trick.