Is this your compost heap?

Last night, while teaching vegetable gardening, the focus was insects & the damage they cause. What you see in this photo is an insect 'winter spa,' and you are the host. The main insect pests around here are: (there are other pests, but these are the most plentiful)

• Squash Vine Borer


• Squash Bug


• Picnic (sap) Beetle


• Slugs


• Cabbage Moth (worm & looper)


• Colorado Potato Beetle


• Northern Rootworm Corn Beetle


• Cutworms


• Striped or Spotted Cucumber Beetle

From the above list, only the Spotted Cucumber Beetle will sometimes migrate in from warmer climates. The rest of the insects on the list winter over either in the soil, in plant debris or in grassy areas near the garden. Then in the spring, it's no coincidence they are there to pounce on your plants in early spring. I know it's hard to convince the really 'Green Folks' NOT to compost your leftover garden plants. YOU are only harboring over insect and disease issues for the next year and the next year. I am not against composting, grass clippings, leaves from trees (not oak) and kitchen scraps. Be mindful that melon rinds from your own garden are the same as saving the plants. Ever wonder where those pesky fruit gnats come from in your kitchen? The eggs of the insects come in on fruit you buy or pick and then hatch while sitting on your kitchen counter. See the connection? To be a successful gardner, this is the single BEST piece of advice I can give you. Till or turn your garden very late in the season, mid to late November to expose many of the insects & eggs that are snuggled in for the winter. Never till in your garden plant debris, rake off and burn or bring to the city compost site. Never put your garden plants in an open compost pile. Keep edges of the garden area mowed, avoid tall grassy areas that insects love. Remove any wood piles or lumber pieces from garden site. Many insects carry plant diseases in their mouthparts, so they do more than damage your plants. If you can limit your insect & disease problems your chance of success is much greater. Practice 'clean cultivation.' If you are just starting out and you don't have many insect issues, they will find you, start out right!