|
| I have a major infestation that's destroyed my bush beans, cantaloupe, and cucumber. I've pulled everything up and tilled the beds, removing all roots. My beds are sandy, but with loads of compost incorporated continuously. I'm looking for critique for my plan from here on in: Starting now, in beds that I know are infested, to sow a thick cover crop of Golden Guardian Marigold, to overwinter and die in place. Mulch heavily after they die back, leaving the roots in place. For next spring's crop in beds I'm not sure of, I'll sow Marigolds as early as possible to get max growth before setting out crops. Here's where I want to try something new: Cut down Marigolds, again leaving the roots in place, mulch with black plastic over drip hoses, setting out cukes and cantelope in holes cut in the plastic. My thinking is that the Marigold roots should continue to trap (or repel, whichever it is they really do) for the remainder of the season without the heavy foliage of Marigolds competing for light. For the beans, I'll switch to a climbing RN resistant cultivar I saw elsewhere online. I really want to nuke these things! |
Follow-Up Postings:
|
| The marigolds help to starve out nematodes, but you can do better once cool weather starts by pulling them out and growing mustard to till under, and cereal rye to grow through winter. Then marigolds again in spring. Resistant varieties will help a lot. |
|
| Turning in green mustard should reduce nematodes. |
|
| Yes, all of the above should be of some help. However, I occasionally remind people of a simple, effective treatment learned many years ago. As a furrow/planting hole is made to plant beans, carrots, parsnips, tomatoes, etc. (either young plants or seeds) toss in handfuls of regular granulated sugar and plant as usual. For those with large gardens 40# bags of dried molasses can be substituted for granulated sugar. Available where horse feed is sold. This year we are trialing a dry molasses mix that has dried kale added. This is all that was available here. So far all plantings are healthy and repelling the RKN. For plants that take a bit of time to mature it would be wise to scratch in a sugar top dressing halfway through the growing season. There is still time in your zone to grow some other crops. Give this sugar method a try. |
|
| Thanks for the replies. Lots to think about! |
Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum. If you are a member, please log in. If you aren't yet a member, join now!
Return to the Vegetable Gardening Forum
Information about Posting
- You must be logged in to post a message. Once you are logged in, a posting window will appear at the bottom of the messages. If you are not a member, please register for an account.
- Please review our Rules of Play before posting.
- Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review your post, make changes and upload photos.
- After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
- Before posting copyrighted material, please read about Copyright and Fair Use.
- We have a strict no-advertising policy!
- If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
- If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.
Learn more about in-text links on this page here
