JUNE BUG!!!

In Texas the words June Bug have their own distinct connotation. The bugs all decide that this is the perfect time to find a warm, dry climate, an area overflowing with an abundance of delectable fresh in the field fruits and vegetables grown without chemicals or pesticides, to set up housekeeping and invite all of their friends and relatives for a never ending buffet of all you can eat, at any time. This is when the battle of wills, farmer against insect gets competitive. Each year it seems that there are new rivals, will it be grasshoppers, Japanese Beetles, Colorado potato bugs, squash bores, aphids, spider mites, cucumber beetles..... the list is endless. Staring down a tomato horn worm and picking it off a tomato vine is a true test of stamina. We have always tried to be diplomatic with our enemies from the insect world, planting some for them and some for us, but when they get a little piggish and want it all, we draw the line. Using biologicals are our last resort, even though considered natural and organic, we hesitate. All it takes is the almost instantanious death of a beautiful zucchini plant that boasted of stately foliage and abundant blossoms, drained of life by voracious bugs, and all of the guns are drawn. Another hurdle in the continuous relay run by farmers every day. We may sail over it, we my stumble into it, we may just run around it, but we will make it to the finish line, none the worse for wear, most likely with a harvest proudly displaying a few irregularities, like beetle bites or grasshopper poo, or even rabbit nibbles, nothing a good rinse won't fix....... but it will still taste good and we will offer it proudly. And for the record June bugs should be called April bugs, as they always start gunking up our driveway and water tubs in April! From our farmstead to your table, thank you for all of your support!!!