How do you keep your garden from being eaten?

[Mama Soltera]

They just keep eating it, flowers (even the marigolds that are supposed to keep them away) and vegetables alike. Help!

[JamieCatheryn]

Marigolds attract bugs, they're supposed to be a decoy to keep the bugs busy and off your veggies, so that's fine that they are eating those. The healthier your plants are initially the less bugs will get to them. That comes of great soil and optimum watering I think...and in my case comes down to luck or lack thereof. Then there are sprays: organic pest repellents like soaps and oils (neem, sesame, clove, pepper, etc) they won't hurt your plants or you and I find the commercial organic blends kind of effective.

[Mama Soltera]

Thank you for your reply.

I had heard that marigolds put off a scent that repells bugs (but attracts slugs). Well, they are beautiful; I just wish the bugs would let them grow before snacking on them! And my plants have holes.

I will look for those natural repellents you mentioned. Thanks for the tip!

As far as watering goes, I've always been told that too much watering leads to a big plant but not much vegetable production. So, I only water as much as I need. I would like to hear more though, because I definitely don't want to encourage bugs in any way!