Thanks for the thread today.
Two big questions .......
Love eggplant & get hit with flea beetles every time I grow them. I’ve looked up various “solutions” online .... treating the soil (in a new bed this year), insecticidal soap, planting other plants they love nearby (radishes, for instance) .... anybody got something that works for them?
Also, anybody got a homemade insecticidal soap/veggie spray recipe - looked up a bunch online, but would rather hear from somebody I “know” what works for them.
Big week - the garden went in ... tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, plus the two Trombetta seedlings went outside. Planted seeds in the garden for two lettuce mixes, spinach, radishes, onions, chives, and herbs (basil, thyme) & transplanted the volunteer cilantro plants out of the garden to their own pots. I have some Chinese Kale (Broccoli) that is about two inches - took a taste test & it does taste like broccoli - will have to try it earlier in the fall this year. Held off on carrots - will do them in the fall as well. The garden looks the best it’s probably going to look - no weeds, everything neat and green. It’s all good .... for now. :-)
Use 1 bulb of garlic (separate cloves and smash) and 1 onion (sliced). Put into a qt. jar. Add a teaspoon or two of cayenne pepper. Fill jar with almost boiling water. Cover and let sit overnight.
Strain using coffee filter. Add a drop or two of dish-washing liquid and a drop or two of cooking oil or neem oil. Shake to combine. Put into spray bottle, and spray on plants (don't forget under the leaves).
Repeat if it rains. Works for all kinds of insects.
I tested this on a water bug that was running around. In 30 seconds, that bug turned over on it's belly and was dead as a door nail.
Some of the pests are just don't like the spray and avoid the plants.