If you are going to take the time to plan, plot and plant your garden then the last thing you want is for it all to be ruined by pests. While certain insects including bees and butterflies are very beneficial to the garden, others can wreak havoc on your plants, damaging or even killing them. Many gardeners turn to commercial pesticides, using chemical-laden products to protect their flowers and vegetables. What you may not realize, however, is that these products often do more harm than good the chemicals may leech into the soil, affecting your water quality and they also pose a potential threat to your pets, and even your children. If you are serious about protecting your garden from pests but do not want to assume the risks that come with commercial pesticides, consider taking a natural approach.
Natural Methods of Pest Control
When it comes to controlling pests in your garden, there are many ways to go about it spritzing your plants with pesticide is not the only option. In fact, there are some simple things you can do to discourage pests from taking hold in your garden at all. Follow these tips to prevent pests from infesting your garden:
- Always remove weak or dying plants from your garden as quickly as possible they will only attract pests which may then spread to your healthy plants
- Consider using seaweed mulch in your garden not only does seaweed repel slugs, but it also contains a variety of trace elements that will help your plants become strong and resistant to disease
- Keep your garden clear of debris and always use fresh, clean mulch each year to avoid providing a breeding ground for insect pests
- Intersperse your plants, avoid planting large groups of one type together many pests are plant-specific so they are less likely to cause an infestation if the plants are spread throughout the garden
- Water your garden early so it has time to dry throughout the day wet foliage will only increase your risk for fungus growth and insect pest infestations
- Always clean your gardening tools after working with an infected plant to avoid spreading disease or pests to other areas of your garden
- Consider introducing some beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings and praying mantis into your garden these insects will feed on insect pests, helping to protect your garden
Homemade Pesticide Recipes
If you take advantage of some of the tips listed above, you can greatly reduce the number of insect pests that come to your garden. Even if you follow these tips, however, you may still want to take extra precautions by using pesticide on individual plants that are particularly at risk. Rather than going to your garden supply store for a bottle of commercial pesticide, however, you should consider making some natural pesticide at home using one of the following recipes:
Easy Soap Spray
This homemade pesticide is very easy to put together and it is the perfect all-purpose insecticide. Soap clings to insect pests, causing them to suffocate and die without causing any harm to your plants. The pests against which this recipe is most effective include mites, aphids, white flies and mealy bugs.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups water
- 1 tablespoons liquid castile soap
- 3 to 5 drops essential oil (lemon or orange)
Instructions:
- Combine all of the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well.
- Spritz the liquid liberally over your plants, taking care to spray the underside of the leaves as well as the tops.
Garlic Chili Spray
Both garlic and chili peppers are natural insect repellants, so using these ingredients in an insecticide will yield positive results. The pests against which this recipe is most effective include borers, leaf hoppers, slugs and Japanese beetles. Garlic has also been known to deter rabbits and deer.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups water
- 1 tablespoons liquid castile soap
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 5 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
- 3 to 5 drops essential oil (lemon or orange)
Instructions:
- Combine the garlic and chili powder with the water and steep overnight.
- Strain the mixture, pouring the liquid into a spray bottle.
- Add the soap and essential oil then shake well.
- Spritz the liquid liberally over your plants, taking care to spray the underside of the leaves as well as the tops.
Baking Soda Spray
This particular spray is most effective against fungal diseases but it is still useful because insect pests are more likely to attack a plant that is already weakened by disease.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups warm water
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoons olive oil
Instructions:
- Dissolve the baking soda in 1 cup of warm water then stir in the oil.
- Add the remaining water and mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spritz it on the tops and undersides of your plant leaves.
- Repeat the process every few days until evidence of fungus growth disappears.
