Phoenix Permaculture Guild

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I can think of no better shovel ready project than a garden.

Jim Muir's Squash Bug Remedy

There are 2 methods that you can effectively use: 1. Collect as many live bugs as you can, add them to a blender with some water, and blend them up good. Strain the mixture, and spray the liquid all over and around your plants.

2. The second method is Biodynamic, and is called "peppering." Collect the bugs, and carefully burn them in a metal bowl or pot. A propane torch works OK, just don't blow the resulting ash (peppers) out of the pot. Let cool, and grind up the ash. Place the ash in a crock (I use a 3 gals. one), get a wooden stick, add the ash to the water, Now stir the mixture clockwise,until it forms a vortex (whirlpool). Break the vortex with your stirring stick, and stir counter-clockwise until a vortex appears. Repeat the process, stirring for 20 minutes. Strain the liquid. I use a 3 gal. Solo back pack sprayer. Spray the mixture on and around your plants and garden. I know it involves more effort and equipment for this method, however, I have been using Biodynamic peppering for over 30 years and it Works!

Initially I used a plastic 5 gal. bucket, with 3 gals. of de-chlorinated water in it to mix up the peppers. Then my wife Jenni got me a 3 gal. ceramic crock that I have been using ever since. Either container will work OK.

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At 11:36am on December 1, 2009, Lynne Sczruba said…
Thank you! I'm excited to discover some kindred spirits in the valley!
At 11:07am on November 30, 2009, Beth Lenick said…
Tthank you. I am looking forward to taking some classes so I can become more confident in my gardening skills.
At 6:23pm on November 25, 2009, Robert Ray said…
What rhymes with asparagus?
At 9:11am on November 25, 2009, Jennifer Linder Anderson said…
Yeaa! Me too! Happy Holidays, sweet Ericka
At 12:42pm on November 23, 2009, Sarah Rudolph said…
Thank you for the welcome Erika! Can't wait to start learning (actually it has already begun) and get into the action =)
At 9:20am on November 23, 2009, Brianna Hawkins said…
Thank you! Glad to be here!
At 4:02pm on November 20, 2009, Ryan Wheelock said…
Hey Ericka, that's awesome that you guys teach the Design Class. I just went to one of the Volunteer Orientations with Doreen. They had a lot of volunteer for they needed for their classes which I am looking forward to doing. I was wondering if you need anymore help maintaining the site? I would love to volunteer and help out. I am a software engineer and very familiar with Ning.
At 12:53pm on November 20, 2009, mark dugan said…
thanks for the welcome.
At 11:17am on November 20, 2009, brittney schiff said…
Thanks! There is a TON of info on here!! It's going to take me all weekend just to get through it all! :)
At 4:52pm on November 19, 2009, Dianne Felder said…
Thank you Ericka!! I was surprised by the huge crop we got for the first year after planting and all bunches were very nice. And, oh my gosh the wonderful flavor. Now the challenge is to get the pruning done right. It is growing on a temporary trellis and we are hoping to get the new fence built dividing our lawn from the garden which will include an arbor and six foot high section of fence for the vine. Too many projects and so little time. Good luck with your grapes, they seem to love our valley.

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About Me:
Artist, recent avid gardener, tree worshiper, and bug-lover. Now I am also one of the web site volunteers :)
Website:
http://www.cerowoodart.com
 
 

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Lynne Sczruba might attend Administrator's event
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Dianne Felder added a discussion
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