There is something about enjoying a summer garden fresh salad or tomato sauce that feels right. You put in so much hard work, and the last thing you want to battle are pests!
But before you break out the chemical warfare, consider some natural pest control methods. There are plenty of ways to keep those pesky critters at bay without harming your plants or family, from row covers to essential oils. Read on for more tips on how to get nature to do the dirty work for you!
Plant Herbs and Flowers That Pests Don’t Like To Eat or Live Near
A well-tended garden is the pride and joy of any green thumb, but bugs can quickly ruin all your hard work. Fortunately, there are a few simple ways to keep pests at bay. One of the easiest methods is to plant herbs and flowers that pests don’t like to eat or live near.
For example, marigolds release a chemical that repels many common garden pests, while mint is unpleasant for bugs in garden and deters mice and small animals. Additionally, you can use row covers to protect young plants from being eaten by insects, and traps can help to control populations of slugs and snails. By taking a few simple precautions, you can enjoy a bountiful garden.
Release Beneficial Insects Into Your Garden to Prey on the Harmful Ones
One of the best ways to keep your garden free of harmful pests is to introduce beneficial insects that will prey on them. Ladybugs, for example, are voracious eaters of aphids and other small, soft-bodied insects.
Green Lacewings are another great option, as they will devour everything from whiteflies to caterpillars. You can purchase these and other beneficial insects from most garden centers or try to attract them to your garden by planting a variety of native wildflowers.
Clean Up Any Debris or Rotting Plants That Might Be Attracting Pests
This is one of the simplest ways to discourage pests is to keep your garden clean and free of debris. Fallen leaves, rotting fruit, and other plant matter can attract all sorts of critters, so be sure to remove them from your garden regularly.
In addition, it would be best to be vigilant about disposing of any diseased plants, as they can harbor harmful bacteria or fungi that can infect healthy plants. By staying on top of garden maintenance, you can help to keep pests at bay.
Adjust Your Watering Schedule To Make Sure Plants Aren’t Getting Too Much or Too Little Water
One of the most common reasons plants become stressed and susceptible to pests is improper watering. Overwatering can cause root rot, which makes plants more susceptible to attack by fungi and other pathogens.
On the other hand, drought conditions can cause leaves to turn yellow or brown, making them an easy target for hungry insects. To avoid these problems, make sure you water your plants on a regular schedule and adjust as needed based on rainfall or other conditions. By keeping your plants healthy and hydrated, you can help to ward off pests.
Take Care of Your Soil – Make Sure It Has the Right pH Level and Enough Nutrients
One of the best ways to prevent pests is to take care of your soil. Healthy soil will produce healthy plants less likely to be attacked by insects or diseases. Make sure you are testing your soil regularly to ensure that it has the right pH level and enough nutrients.
You can also add organic matter such as compost or manure to help improve the quality of your soil. By taking good care of your garden’s foundation, you can help keep pests at bay.
Control Weeds
Weeds are not only unsightly, but they can also be harmful to your garden. They can compete with your plants for water and nutrients, and some even harbor diseases or pests. To keep weeds under control, make sure you are regularly pulling them by hand or using a hoe to chop them down. You can also use a mulch to smother weeds and prevent them from germinating. By taking action against weeds early on, you can help to keep your garden healthy and pest-free.
Thin Out Plants Selectively and Aggressively
Thin out your plants selectively and aggressively to prevent pests. This means removing any weak or diseased plants and any that are overcrowded. Thinning out your plants will help them grow stronger and be less susceptible to attack by insects or diseases. It may seem counterintuitive to prevent pests, but thinning out your plants can help you have a healthier garden in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Even if you’re not a green thumb, using natural methods are ways to keep pests at bay. By planting herbs and flowers that pests don’t like to eat or live near, releasing beneficial insects into your garden, cleaning up any debris or rotting plants that might be attracting pests, and taking care of your soil, you can control most common garden pests without the use of harsh chemicals. So get outside and start gardening!