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diatomacious earth My spelling may be wrong there. Sold in the swimming pool supply area of hardware stores as is used assist the filter. Buy a bag and sprinkle around the plants about quarter inch thick. The diatomacious earth is like particles of glass and actually tears the bottoms off the slimy creatures. I once built a model of a contraption that I hoped to bring to market called the " Snail Ranch" which used corn meal mush inside to attract the slugs/snails and had a smashing devise. Could not get money backers for the patent everyone believed the smashing to be overly violent or gross. But what you could also do is get a pie tin and dig a one and half inch deep impression to make the pie tin ground level. Put half a beer and some corn meal into the pie tin in the grond. In the morning you will have drowned slugs or at least disoriented drunk ones to take your boot to. PS enjoy the other half of the beer
posted by
the-loanlady
on October 6, 2004 at 12:32 PM
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Thanks for the help.
Actually, I am in Texas now. I have mainly slugs. There are a few other bugs, but I don't know what they are. I have tried to build the area up some and I think that is helping. I have Buttercrunch and Romaine lettuce. I do have some herbs in another garden. I have always heard garlic is good to deter certain critters. I have some to plant so I will try that. Thanks for the comments and help. I will build my mounds up a bit higher.
posted by
sarooster
on October 5, 2004 at 1:02 PM
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What is the climate where you are in Louisiana? Winter lettuce should do fine on mounds. Try planting different varieties than the ones the bugs have enjoyed. Sometimes it's better not to fight nature. Plant garlic around them and the smell might discourage some critters. What kind of bugs?
I liked your healing garden post- - add rosemary, lavender and sage for healing aromas ( all easy to grow).
posted by
the-loanlady
on October 5, 2004 at 12:21 PM
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Does this help...
Lettuce will only grow well in soil which is rich in organic matter, so make sure you incorporate plenty of manure or compost to your plot by digging-in during winter. They need it for nourishment and it helps to retain moisture. Check your soil acidity - lettuce like a soil pH of 6.5. Lots of water is needed in dry summer months. Have you tried growing it in raised beds or cold frames? A cold-frame with a fine mesh covering will let water in but keep air-bourne bugs out. Best of luck for next year!
posted by
Tyto-Alba
on October 2, 2004 at 12:08 PM
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You sound like a desperate man and I only wish I could help you, but I know very little about lettuces other than the fact that they're nice in salads. Have you considered a ringtone?
posted by
Witty_Woman
on September 30, 2004 at 6:01 AM
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