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I know you've seen this, so if your prize melon or pumpkin was living on that vine\ that suddenly was dying, you'd be down to that soil level in a second. I've been down on my hands and knees many times on pest patrol. Controlling insect damage organically depends on seeing the insects quickly.

Once I know the garden culprit, I do either of these two things;

1. Split the stem to remove the caterpillar, heap the dirt over the damaged vine, and make a big wish that your prize pumpkin will survive (So it can be the blue ribbon prize winner of the horticultural exhibit at the up-coming 2nd annual ACÁ Country Fair!)
2. Companion plant with dill (Eneldo). You plant your dill seed two weeks prior to your squash planting , which you plant among the dill. Example: plant a row of squash and on each side plant dill. Or, if seeding yellow squash, seed it into the same hill. This herb deters the adults from laying their eggs. Potted Rueda / Rue among the squashes works well too.

1. Baking Soda Solution Mix 1 heaping teaspoon of baking soda, 1 litre of Water, and ½ teaspoon of oil.

   The oil helps it stick to leaves. Spray on plants as soon as you see it. Weekly it will keep it under control.

2. Milk Solution -1cup of milk to 9 cups of water.

   Holy cow, what is this!? Seems a Brazilian researcher has proved milk's effectiveness as a centuries-old tool for fighting fungus and mildew on garden crops. All you need to do prepare the solution and spray twice a week. Mildew-proof your squash in minutes. The results are astonishing, and speak for themselves. This solution also works for flowers afflicted by the white fuzziness.

I want you all to know it is hard to convince gardeners and farmers that organic methods can be so easy. Many of the organic pest control methods have been around for decades and some are centuries old. I believe education is the key to the success of promoting alternative agriculture. The Jaltepec site; ACÁ Eco Center, includes Gg's Country co-op store. The surrounding organic training farm offers alternative models for farmers and gardeners so they do not have to resort to using toxic pesticides and herbicides.

So, it's up to all of us to spread the word. I suggest enrolling your gardener or a youth in the Upcoming short course August 23rd& 30th it's an enlightening two-day course. Most students will want to return for future courses. Organic courses in English are also offered. If you have a group of 6 to 8 people, just drop us a note and book your short course. Another way for ACÁ to continue teaching is through your donations.

I invite you to collaborate with ACÁ and its worthwhile projects. Sincerely, Marie Pruden.

2 T. butter,	½ tsp salt	¼ tsp. Pepper,
1½ T flour,	¼ tsp salt,	¼ tsp ground nutmeg,
1cup half and half

Wash chard and coarsely chop. Place in large pot with little or no water. Cook covered over medium heat for 10 minutes or until tender. Drain well, then return chard to pot. Meanwhile, melt butter in another pan, add flour, stirring until smooth. Cook 1 minute, stirring, and gradually add milk or cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring until thick. Add seasonings, stir creamed mixture into chard. For a decadent touch, top with bacon bits.

Chard is high in vitamin A, potassium, and phosphorus. One cup of cooked chard has 34 calories.

Coming soon: Mae & Camille at Mama's Restaurant in Riberas de Pilar are featuring a very special dish of fresh organic Great Greens.

With some fruits and veggies, buying organic is a must.

• Green Beans can contain OPs (OPs are a class of potent neurotoxins, which means they can damage the nervous system and the brain) including acephate, methamidophos and dimethoate and endosulphan and an endocrine disrupting insecticide.
• Spinach -Contains permethrin, a human carcinogen and the OP dimethoate. Also found: DDT. A carcinogen that was banned decades ago but still lingers in the soil and can increased the risk of birth defects. Strawberries The enhanced colour comes from the fungicide captan, a probable carcinogen. May also contain methyl bromide, a soil fumigant associated with neurotoxicity and birth defects.

• Check the community calendar for ACÁ events at www.mexconnect.com
• ACÁ August, September, and October Volunteer meetings on the 14th of every month at #63 Hidalgo, Ajijic at 11:30
• Sign up for just one event or a season. Short term volunteers are needed too!

Este curso en español es para jardineros, y los mejores de la rivera ya se están enlistando en este curso bá sico de introducción. Darán tips para crear y mantener un jardín de lujo.

Le invitamos que vengan con los jardineros a conocer el jardín y vean los beneficios de registrarse en este curso.

Curso de introducción a jardinería básica.

Temas incluyen:

• Alternativas sanas para el control de insectos
• Sistemas de conservación del agua
• Composta y reciclaje de materiales vegetales
• Como producir mas flores
• Jardines pequeños de verduras y hierbas
• Enfermedades comunes de las plantas
• Como medir la calidad del suelo y mejorarlo,
• Sembrar y transplantar
• Como planear y plantar una huerta chica.

Horarios: Los jardineros inician a las 9:30 y terminan a la 1:30. Es de dos sábados consecutivos 23 de Agosto /2003 al 30 de Agosto /2003.

El curso tiene un precio de $450.00 pesos por persona incluyendo materiales.

• Commercial Venders - $150.00Â pesos. - (includes 2 tables, 2 chairs and a shared terrazzo)
• Note to Venders Booth space is limited to health related, eco-safe products, and are selected with priority for ecological and youth focus.
• Non profits - For pre-approved charities which fit this description, booth rate is waived.

Contact us by e-mail.
Call 01 387 763 1568
People's Guide - ACÁ