[greeneyes]

In a quart jar, put several smashed garlic cloves, a chopped onion, a spoonful of cayenne, fill the jar with hot water around boiling point or so.

Cover the top and let sit overnight. The next morning strain the mixture, and put it into a spray bottle. Add a drop of oil, and a drop of dishwashing liquid.

This will kill most of the bugs in and around the garden. Pepper is supposed to discourage squirrels and critters of that nature.

The dish washing liquid and oil help with adherence of the spray-don’t get too much it could harm the plant growth.

I was sceptical about it, but the first time I made it I squirted it on a bug that Mom always called a water bug, and killed it in 30 seconds.

Diatimacius Earth is also good for ants and some other bugs.

Sorry, I can’t remember off hand just which bugs. Johnny can probably tell you more specifics.

[mlizzy]

Thank you very much. I will try this. Do you spray on the top and/or bottom of the leaves, and do you spray on the ground too?

I'm determined to keep my squash healthy. I've got marigolds, radishes, borage, and nasturtium planted around the squash plants and elsewhere in the garden too. I also am using [as you mentioned] food grade diatomaceous earth on the leaves and a little on the ground too.

Thanks again!!