Re: Insects and Jerry Baker

Marg-

I have noticed that several people in the gardening world denounce Jerry 
Baker and his methods........now I'm beginning to question this and his 
practices myself.

What are your views about dish soap and insects?  My mother-n-law has been 
growing orchids for 25 years and has been a very active member in the Tampa 
Orchid Society.  She recommend the use of dish soap water as a way to detour 
some insects such as aphids and mealy bugs.  Now she did tell me that the 
solution won't actually kill the insects but they resent a plant that has 
been washed and this eliminates reproduction.  She did mention that if I add 
hort oil (refined) or even cooking oil that this will smother the 
insects....truth? 

I have had a very bad case of mealy bugs in my garden this year--usually I 
get a few in the greenhouse from bringing new orchids in or other plants that 
I do not spray with insecticidle soap 1st.  I have learned the hard way to 
check my plants very carefully and to treat them 2 times before I put into 
greenhouse even if there is no visible sign of bugs.  Well back to the 
garden......after she told me about this I've been spraying my garden or I 
guess you could say washing my garden about every 4 days and I have seen a 
huge reduction in the mealy bugs........is this a good thing or a bad 
thing....I know less mealy bugs is good, but is the wash good or bad?

I am not very concerned about the little aphids because they seem to 
concentrate themselves on the daylilies and butterfly weed and show no signs 
of causing damage....is it right to leave them be or should I try to rid 
myself of them?

Okay, back to J. Baker---what do you think of some of his tonics that contain 
such things as beer, soda, amonia?  I had used his lawn tonic before and it 
did seem to green up.  Are some of his ingredients okay?  Should we just be 
concerned about how they are applied and stored?

Well - I think that this is enough questions for one email....sorry for so 
many--I am just now beginning to debate some of these (JB's remedies) tonics.

Thanks for your help

Kemberly McLain
Katy, Texas  Zone 9

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