Organic Pest Control for Gardens
Published: 01/18/2010 by Lauren Elizondo
Maybe you have children or pets and you’re not comfortable spraying your lawn and gardens with chemically-based insecticides. Maybe you want to take the next step in going green and bring your efforts to your landscaping. If organic pest control interests you, take a look at the following:
Keep your soil healthy. Nutrient-rich soil that contains humus and compost along with beneficial organisms yield flourishing plants and flowers. Think about making your own compost pile in your backyard (make sure it is at least 2 ft. away from structures). It’s simple, just add any of the following and turn it with a shovel or pitchfork every week until it has a dark soil-like consistency:
- Grass clippings
- Leaves
- Dried straw
- Coffee grounds
- Kitchen scraps
- Hair
- Dried blood
- Eggshells
Things to Avoid:
- Animal fat
- Meat scraps
- Animal bones
- Grease
- Diseased vines
Use your hands. Instead of spraying harmful insecticides on your entire infected plant and risk killing it, handpick the insects from it. You can kill the bugs by placing them in a jar filled with water and liquid soap. Make sure to wear gloves to protect yourself from bug bites.
Fight nature with nature. Many garden pests have other enemies besides manmade chemicals. Research what types of insects are infesting your garden and what other insects attack and eat those damaging pests. For example, ladybugs eat aphids while praying mantises catch and devour dozens of insects a day, like caterpillars.
Find your plants’ natural companion. A variety of plants hold properties that naturally repel certain types of insects. When you place these plants next to other plants that attract said insects, you are providing it with a natural defense. Marigolds play well with tomatoes, as do garlic and roses.
Plant native species. Plants that are native to where you live have adapted to the surroundings, making them better protected from insects and pests.
Keep a garden pest journal. Keep track of what is happening in your garden. Make sure to note the types of insects and bugs that are infesting your flowers and vegetables. If you are unsure of the kinds, write down what they look like and what plants they are attacking. Research them. When the next planting season comes around, you’ll know what to expect and how to organically protect your plants.
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