I'm starting a raised garden n have grubs. What chemicals can I use to treat the grub issue and any other insects that can be harmful to my crop but is safe for me to still eat the fruits of my labor? |
Grubs in a vegetable garden are best controlled by spraying beneficial nematodes on the garden area. These microscopic worm-like creatures attack only the grubs in the soil and not plants, animals or humans. Spray them in spring when the soil temperatures are above 55F and you should see a difference this summer. It's important to maintain soil moisture to keep the nematodes viable and so they can move easily through the soil. I suggest that you moisten soil well the day before you apply them, or wait until after it rains. After application, apply mulch to the soil to keep it moist. Permethrin is the oldest, and most common, of the pyrethroid insecticides. It is widely available and is sold under a large number of different brand names (Martin?s Vegetables Plus, Bonide Eight Vegetable, Fruit & Flower, and Hi-Yield Garden, Pet & Livestock Insect Control are three examples). Permethrin is labeled for use on many different vegetable crops and is effective against many beetle, bug, and caterpillar pests. Because it controls so many different insect pests and is labeled for use on most vegetables, this is probably one of the most useful insecticides for home vegetable gardeners to keep on hand. Or you can use Rotenone (Rotenone Garden Dust by Bonide or Rotenone Spray to control insect pests in your garden. Good luck with your garden! |