03/24/2026
Getting ready for the growing season and will release an update to my book Growing With Minerals Spring & Fall Planting guide. The latest edition will include Signs in the body of a nutrient deficiency, Growing a Medicinal Herb Garden, and information on remedies for chronic illness and foods to eat to address health issues. To order a copy, please email [email protected]
Here is a glimpse on PEST Management The Amish Method of Pest Control
Gelassenheit – The word refers to “yielding to the natural order and trusting in God’s will and plan for things to live”. The Amish method is to work with nature before planting crops, rather than react to pest problems after they occur.
This approach begins in the soil. Healthy soil, rich in organic matter and diverse microbial life produces resilient plants with thicker stems which are more resistant to pests and disease. Every spring, add 2-3 inches of aged mature compost, preferably with animal manure, and work into the top 4-6 inches of soil, as early as soil can be worked. 3 to 4 weeks before last frost.
Interplant and Companion Planting – Pests are attracted to certain crops by the scent. Confuse pests with strong smelling herbs. Prevent pests from smelling and finding plants by interplanting flowering herbs to attract predator bugs to your garden.
Plant Basil with tomatoes and Dill and Cilantro inside brassicas, kale, collard, cabbage. When dill and cilantro flower, it will attract parasitical wasps and hoverflies, which devour aphids. Around beds and borders, plant French Marigolds about 12 inches apart. The plant’s roots release alpha-terthienyl, which suppresses root rot nematodes, and the strong scent above ground deters squash bugs and whiteflies. Plant next to squash and cucumbers.
Insectarium – Plant a 2-foot-wide section of flowering herbs, such as Yarrow, Queen Anne’s Lace, Dill, Sweet Alyssum, Parsley, Fennel and Oregano. Plant next to kale, collard and cabbages and plants prone to aphid infestation. These herbs will flower all season attracting predator insects and provide the nectar they require. Think of it as “an all you can eat buffet for predator bugs”.
Ladybugs eat up to 50 aphids a day. Lacewing larva can consume 200 aphids in their lifetime. Purchase eggs in early spring in colder zones to build up population. Parasitic wasps lay their eggs in cabbage worms. Ground beetles eat slugs, cutworms and grubs. Create a place for ground beetles to overwinter with pile of rocks and logs in corner of garden.
Morning walk Look for pest problems as they begin. Check for eggs on underside of leaves on squash, hornworms on tomatoes. Bring bucket with soapy water and drop bugs in.
In large areas, use floating row covers on squash and cucumber plants to deter squash bugs. Remove row cover when plants begin to flower.
Plant trap crops such as Nasturtium, on edges of garden to attract aphids away from crops. Plant radishes next to eggplant. Flea beetles prefer radish leaves and will leave eggplant alone. Plant two Hubbard squash plants in corner to protect squash or pumpkin.
Homemade recipe for infestation. Chop cloves of garlic, cayenne pepper and a drop of dish soap. Spray in early morning or evening to deter pests. Lasts 5-7 days. Reapply after rain.
Place carboard paper towel roll around young plants to deter cut worms.
Build a garden that defends itself: https://www.backyardbillbooks.com/The 30-Day Amish Pest-Proof Garden ProtocolInside, you'll get:• The complete, day-by-da...
