I've really hit a wall this gardening season. After losing my tomatoes and cucumbers to diseases like Blight and Anthracnose for two consecutive years, I decided to take a different approach. My garden covers 2500 square feet, and it's been heartbreaking to see all that hard work go to waste. This year, I decided to go synthetic and started using Fungnoil (Chlorothalonil) on my tomatoes and cucumbers to keep disease at bay. I'm still using organic methods for the rest of my garden and managing pests with organic solutions like Spinosad and neem oil. So far, my plants are thriving, and I'm on track for my biggest harvest yet. I can't help but wonder how many of you are in the same boat—have you also thrown your hands up and opted for synthetic solutions this year?
5 Answers
Nope, I'm sticking to my organic guns! The grind is part of the experience for me. If I get a harvest, great; if not, it's all about improving the soil and creating biodiversity!
I hear you! After years of trying to stay strictly organic, this season has made me reconsider. I started working at a nursery, where they use fertilizers like Jack's, and the difference is night and day. My home garden doesn't hold a candle to the plants there. This year, I've decided if it means a better yield, I might just have to adapt and go with some synthetic options. It's all about balance, right?
It's interesting how nurseries do things. I might borrow some ideas from them; they seem to know what's up!
Yeah, I almost threw in the towel too with all the heat this summer, but I've still managed to pull some decent tomatoes from my plants. Just about gave up on my other crops though, so I feel you. It's been rough out there!
Glad to hear you got some tomatoes! Every year is a learning experience, for sure.
I get where you're coming from! I really thought about going synthetic for my tomatoes too, but I've been sticking to natural remedies. I do have a little army of anoles in my garden though, and I feel responsible for keeping the ecosystem balanced for them. They've become my guide for what’s okay to use, which can be a bit tricky!
That's so sweet! Those little guys are adorable, but I can see how they'd complicate things. #AnoleAppreciation
I totally understand. I have skinks in my garden, and I feel the same way about keeping them safe. They really make gardening more rewarding!
You know, I haven't had to go synthetic yet, but I was definitely considering it. This is my first year gardening, and I've got mixed results. My tomatoes had a few aphid encounters, but neem oil sorted that out. I generally let my garden grow wild, and this year it’s been pretty forgiving! My marigolds are thriving, which is a nice surprise.
Definitely! I've been doing organic for years, but I feel ya on the temptation of Jack's—it's a game changer!