Hi Paul,
I am enjoying the organic gardening course although I am a bit disappointed that most of these training videos are in audio. I really enjoy the videos even if you just stand there and talk from your garden. I was going to cancel the membership because of this but I am learning and enjoying the materials. So I have built up my soil by using worm castings each year, about 8 inches every few months. Then I use my own compost however it is not 2 years old but just 4 or 5 months old. Most of my babies are thriving however my kale got quite eaten the past few weeks. I sprinkled some red pepper flakes and then finally spayed some soap. Anything else I can do? Also, this is the 4th year in a row that I am trying squash and cucumbers. The reason I say trying is because I have had this bionic striped cucumber beetle that destroys these healthy thriving vines and their flowers and the fruits each year. I have tried natural sprays and red pepper and diatimaceous earth but the beetles literally laugh at me as I spray them. That is why I call them bionic. Anything I can do to get a jump on these this year? I have watched or rather listened to the pest videos but don’t seem to have an answer for these beetles. Thank you!