I’m a new gardener. I think we have aster yellows in some of our plants. Dug them up and trashed them. Hope the disease does not spread to the rest.
I’ve been spraying with insecticidal soap and chasing (and crushing) leaf hoppers out of the flowers when I find any. Also having trouble with mealy bugs.
I guess this year will be my learning curve, but it’s frustrating. I have been cursing these bugs every time I catch sight of them. Does it get better? I live in NC (zone 7b).
Garlic drawback is that it is not selective. I usually don't spray anything. If I can't pinch it off and squash it or trap it and drown it (slugs in beer) I don't do much.
Hubby sprays a promethium(not sure of spelling) spray in the evenings that is gone by morning so as to avoid the main time the bees are out.
My organic book indicates that if the soil is good, and the crops are interspersed, then damage will be minimal, with plenty for all. Tomatoes like basil and carrots and basil has a bonus as a mosquito deterrent. Garlic is stinky and deters some pests.
You might want to do a web search on organic pest control and companion planting. If you know the name of the pest throw that in too.Check out www.GardensAlive.com they have a good section in their main catalog that has pictures of plants damaged by insects or dieseases and advice on treatments.