Wild gourd pesticide

Dear Editor,

Some 34 years ago, pesticide was dirt cheap but as most things it has become monster priced.

I grow many vines and other crops, for canning, drying and freezing for the winter food supply.

I have found that not even in a drought do bugs eat on wild gourds. They have their own pesticide and grow along many a country road.

I grow wild gourds, but cut them before they flower, as they might cross with my other vine crops. Growing gourds close to other vine crops really messes with bugs, and also, making tea from the wild gourd leaves also protects other plants.

Use very lightly, and on only a leaf or two, just in case your plant does not like it before going to a total spray.

My garden plants show no damage from the gourd tea. This wild gourd trick keeps cash in your pocket when so many are trying to keep you broke.

Bill Donze,

McCook