How Do Y'all Deal With Pests Without Chemicals?

[~gd]

I plant varieties that are very resistant. And I plant them at the optimal time. I only plant brassica and chicory in the fall because they mature when it is too cold for most bugs. I plant things that very few bugs eat: onions, garlic, okra, leeks, etc. I plant the crops that can handle extreme cold very early before the bugs get started: peas, turnips, flax, carrot, beet, etc. And when I say extreme cold, I mean that I plant as early as the extension agency says I can even if there is snow and ice on the ground. I plant legumes for nitrogen that the bugs do not eat: vetch, fenugreek, etc. I plant fava in the fall when it is too cold for most bugs. I only grow Butternut and Tatumi squash since the SVB does not attack them. And I train them up a portable trellis to avoid mold and squash bugs. I never turn my lights on at night during growing season since it attracts moths. I use a 7 year crop rotation that includes one year with a member of the grass family. And I plant flowers that have small blossoms to attract and feed parasitoids. Lastly, I gave in and paid for a buried fence to keep the varmints out. And I have bat and owl nests.

I would like to learn more about your buried fence, how does it work and what was the cost?

 

[NatureBoy]

It was about 10 years ago, so I do not remember the details. But I think I spent a couple thousand on galvanized 1/4 mesh and labor. It is showing rust now, so if I had to do it again, I would dig a trench 2 feet deep and 1 foot wide and fill it with rock. Then I would not need so much 1/4 inch cloth to keep out the moles and voles and it would last longer. It is a pain because I have to unhitch it where the gate is to open the gate. Then I must reattach it immediately. You cannot believe how quick the varmints invade if I leave it open. But it is really the only way to keep them from eating my beets and carrots.

 

[KellyK]

We companion plant.
We pick off by hand and drop nasty bugs into a bucket of soap water ( causes them to drown).
Beneficial Insects are encouraged and planted for.
We use organic and natural methods.

We have a bee hive, to help with pollination. Manure/ fertilizer is a mix of compost and rabbit droppings.