How does my garden grow? Or not get eaten?

I've been asked a few questions about how to keep those bugs out my garden without using chemicals:

Well, bugs aren't all bad--but to control those caterpillars, I use 1 tsp. of dish soap, 1 tbsp of canola oil, and mix that with 32 oz. of water in a spray bottle--

Another thing I'm exploring: Neem Oil! My doctor recommended it to me . .. basically doesn't kill the nasty pests, but makes them stupid--the critters don't lay eggs, they don't mate . . . it's available at any good Indian supermarket or the 'net. Mix it with water, maybe a little canola oil to emulsify it!

I've also tried releasing ladybugs in the evening for natural pest control--the key is to make sure your garden isn't damp.

But the main thing is . . . you have to constantly check and sometimes you have to remove the pests by hand.

Yeah, gardening is a far cry from a Costco run!