Hi everyone,
Last week, Jane pointed out to me that there is a significant insect population making its living in one of our plant boxes. She suggested uprooting the afflicted plants, washing them in soap and water and then re-planting them. I was considering just removing the plants altogether, and the bugs with them. Alternatively, it was suggested that we allow the bugs to take over, and watch closely what happens. In pre-infestation discussions some of you were opposed to spraying any form of pest deterrent. I am sympathetic to this position myself. It is indeed appealing to maintain a 'pure' or 'organic' garden. Needless to say, I have thought for a while about it - perhaps too long, as the aphids have quickly spread to all three planter boxes - and finally decided to lightly spray the buggiest plants with a highly diluted mixture of mineral oil and dish soap. It should work to stop the bugs from migrating to the hanging container, which, incidentally, is bearing delicious string beans! Make sure to pick a couple the next time you visit the lab. Unfortunately, all the other edibles will now have to be thoroughly washed before consumption.
This has got me thinking. One question that the seemingly mundane aphid immigration has raised for me:
It seems that for most, the assumption is that our plants should be 'protected' from parasitic insects. Indeed, if it were possible, some gardeners would prevent all but a few insect species from reaching their plants. In so doing, they impose certain boundaries on the local system, in accordance with their value assignment (plants good/bugs bad) All local systems have boundaries, but humans tend to have a knack for recognizing, inventing and enforcing them. Is it possible to bypass this proclivity for system-closing and boundary creation? Would that even be worthwhile?
Laura