Personally, I might go out early in the morning and hand pick slugs and caterpillars. More likely… I’d leave everything alone. By leaving the critters alone, they balance out, and I avoid exposure to dangerous chemicals. When I get a serious caterpillar infestation, I’d be likely to turn that particular crop under, and try growing something else. I’m really not seeing enough damage on the spinach to be concerned. Yesterday… I was photographing a spider wasp (Anoplius sp.) carrying around a cricket larger than she was! http://stonethegardener.tumblr.com/post/52548425016/spider-wasp-with-cricket

Thanks, Stone! I haven’t seen any slugs or grasshoppers. Would I be able to see them? I don’t know where my kale photo went…the 2nd photo isn’t mine. I have beans, potatoes, and tomatoes growing, but want to be able to harvest my broccoli, kale, cabbage, etc. too. Any suggestions on how to get rid of whatever is eating them?? Thank you!

The damage to the spinach looks a bit like slug or grasshopper damage. Not sure what critters you have out in LA, but the problem could well be that you planted your cool season plants too late… My spinach has bolted, and the rabbits are giving me a ton of grief with the beets and carrots. Time to plant beans n squash n sweet potatoes and tomatoes.