Question
Hello Mike,
This is most wonderful of you to volunteer.  I have a comment and a question.
This is my first year for my garden - and your advice about the butternut squash is most helpful and timely.   Mine were still green and yellow and I didn't know when to harvest them...

I have had a devil of a time with cabbage moths/larvae... I believe my crop is doomed for this year.   I know one can use row covers to protect the cabbage - is ther any other organic method for combatting these insects?

Thanks for your words of wisdom,  susan

Answer
Susan, row covers are by far the best preventive measure you can take.  Another organic method is companion gardening.  This practice entails interplanting specific plants that either aid the growth of other plants or prevent infestation of insects and disease.  

In regard to the cabbage moth, I would recommend planting dill near your cabbage and broccoli plants.  These plants are both members of the brassica family and very susceptible to caterpillar and worm infestation.  The codling moth that lays the eggs is deterred by the smell of dill. That's what makes it such a great companion plant for brassicas.

Once the moths lay the eggs which eventually hatch into cabbage worms, you can control the worms with an organic insecticide called BT, which is short for Bacillus Thuringiensis, more commonly sold under the brand names Dipel or MVP. It is a dust that is non-toxic to humans and beneficials, but highly effective against caterpillars and worms.  You can purchase this product through on-line catalogs such as Gardens Alive and Planet Natural or locally at many garden centers.

Good luck the rest of the year, and enjoy those squash.

Regards,

Mike