Thanks QE - that is good info, and in general likely applies no matter where crops are grown if one is comparing apples to apples, that is, crops grown in the same country.
And Vulcanel, you point out very important information to consider - the source of the crops and when it is likely to be on the shelves here.
The diluted coffee and cayenne sounds good. Have either of you you ever tried marigolds and/or nicotiana in and around the garden to ward off insects? I also understand that of the mulches, cypress bark is least pest friendly. A drawback with marigolds is that they tend to attract spider mites. Those suckers are hard to get rid of once established. The coffee cayenne spray might come in handy there, or else keeping a good supply of lady bugs and/or preying mantis in the garden.
The nicotiana, though attractive enough stinks - and I do mean stanky!