Gardenerd Podcast: Susan’s on it today!

I am on the Gardenerd podcast today! Christy Wilhelmi is the delightful host of this popular podcast.

We talk about garden bugs, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and how it all relates to my new book, The Vegetable Garden Pest Handbook.*

Christy lives in the Los Angeles area and it turns out that one of her most despised pests is the cucumber beetle. I feel so fortunate that they aren’t a problem in my Spokane, Wash. garden because, as I researched them for my book, I discovered just how damaging they can be. I mean, it’s bad enough when a pest eats our crops but when they also spread disease, that is just not nice!

I gave her several strategies to use in her garden and discussed a simple-to-make trap that does a great job of attracting and killing cucumber beetles. The instructions for this trip are in the third chapter of my book, along with many other DIY projects for making traps, barriers, attracting beneficial insects with an insect hotel, creating a covered raised bed, and more.

The Tip of the Week is an important part of the Gardenerd podcasts. Mine was about using tulle (bridal veil fabric) in place of floating row cover for protecting cabbage family crops (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, etc.) from cabbage worms and aphids. See photo at right.

Here is a link to Christy’s blog and podcast on Gardenerd. I would like to publicly thank Christy for having me as a guest and helping spread the word about The Vegetable Garden Pest Handbook!

• Affiliate link: If you pre-order my book through this link, I will receive a small compensation. However, this does NOT impact the price you way at all.