And the peat moss may have made your soil superacidic to boot. You both need compost - it will provide all the food your plants need to grow big and deter pests. They're real easy to do in a small garden setting, and the benefits are enormous. At least part of your pest problem is being caused by compacted soil. Your constantly walking on the dirt your plants are growing in is crushing their roots, and weak plants attract insect pests.
Ladybugs only prey on aphids, for instance.
The bottom line here is that if you practice the simple basics of good organic gardening, you will have great success. Build raised beds. Make them rich with compost or mushroom soil. Don't overwater your plants - use a mulch of grass clippings or shredded leaves instead. If you give them good soil that you don't walk on, your plants will take care of themselves.