First-Time Potato and Corn Planting: Organic Pest Prevention

Potato Pest Management

Colorado Potato Beetle:

• Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis var. tenebrionis): Spray on larvae (small, soft-bodied). Ineffective on adults.
• Beneficial nematodes: Heterorhabditis bacteriophora for soil-dwelling pupae.
• Row covers: Remay fabric over hoops—exclude adults until flowering.
• Hand-pick: Daily inspection; drop adults/larvae/egg masses in soapy water.

Slugs:

• Sluggo (iron phosphate): Ring around hills; reapply after rain.
• Copper tape: On raised bed edges.

Corn Planting and Pest Prevention

• Spacing: 6" apart in blocks (4+ rows) for wind pollination. 4' wide beds accessible from sides.
• Corn earworm: Bt or spinosad on silks (evening). Mineral oil drop in silk tips.
• Cutworms: Collars (toilet paper rolls) at planting.

Universal Organic Foundations

1. Soil test & balance before planting (Avant-Gardening soil building).
2. Mulch everything 3-4" (straw, hay, leaves).
3. Crop rotation: Nightshades (potatoes) → legumes → brassicas → corn.
4. Beneficial habitat: Perennial herb borders, insectary strips.

Planting Details

• Potatoes: 4-5 eyes per hill (cut large seed pieces); 12" apart, 4" deep. Hill soil as plants grow.
• Corn: 2-3 kernels per spot, thin to 1; 6" apart in grid.

Wait for soil >50°F. Cold, wet soil rots seed. Your patience will pay off.