Every organic garden suffers from pests at one time or another. Usually, this is a minor annoyance, with most of the damage being cosmetic. Sometimes, though, you can struggle with a pest incursion. This can be difficult for the novice organic gardener, who may be tempted to go back to conventional methods. Fortunately, there are plenty of safe, practical organic approaches to Earth's Ally Organic Garden Pest Control.
1: Select plants for pest resistance
Some plants are naturally more resistant to pests. Garlic, leeks, and onions are highly pest resistant. Some root vegetables like radishes are resistant to insects, although slugs and snails will still eat them. Rhubarb is naturally pest-resistant due to the high levels of oxalic acid it contains. There are also specific strains of certain vegetables that have been bred to resist the bugs and other creatures that tend to eat them. For example, the King Harry potato has been bred to have hairy leaves that discourage potato bug infestations.
2:Practice intercropping and companion planting
Companionplanting is the practice of putting specific plants alongside each other topromote healthy growth. In the case of pest control, you should considercompanion planting with species that can repel pests. Garlic is excellent forthis; planting garlic here and there among your other vegetables can reduce thenumber of pests in your garden.
Intercroppinginvolves planting different crops next to each other. This avoids monocultures,which can encourage pests. If a pest can't find the right species to settle on,it can't begin an infestation.
3:Use physical defenses
Pestcontrol doesn't have to be chemical. You can protect your plants from insects,slugs, snails, and birds using physical barriers.
- Nets: These are great if your problem is birds or small animals nibbling on your garden. Choose a mesh that's small enough to stop birds from sticking their heads through the holes.
- Cloches: These are coverings made from glass, plexiglass, or transparent plastic sheets. They're designed to act like mini-greenhouses. Not only can cloches effectively protect your plants from insects, slugs, and snails, but they can also keep them insulated against cold snaps. You can buy ready-made cloches or make your own from inexpensive materials. For individual plants, you can make small cloches from a cut-down plastic bottle. Be sure that there are no gaps along the bottom of the cloche.
- Floating row covers: These are made from lightweight fabrics rather than plastic sheeting. They allow air in and out and also let in enough light for your plants to photosynthesize. They may be held up by stakes or hoops, but sometimes you can drape them over your plants. Hold the edges of the fabric down with pegs or rocks to keep pests from sneaking underneath.
- Copper wire and crushed eggshells: If your problem is damage by slugs and snails, you may need a different approach. Placing copper wire or strips along the ground can deter snails and slugs from attacking your plants. Crushed eggshells are also hard for slugs or snails to crawl over.
4:Keep your plants healthy
Plantshave a surprising range of defenses against pests. They can produce substancesthat discourage insects from moving in and keep infestations at bay. Adequatelywatered, well-fertilized plants are better at fending off predators.
5:Encourage beneficial insects
Pollinators are essential, but don't neglect other beneficial insects in your organic garden. Ladybugs, lacewings and other beneficial insects help keep down pests, eating greenfly and other bugs that you don't want. Avoid trying to introduce these artificially. Instead, attract helpful insects by planting flowers they can feed on. These include sunflowers, alyssum, angelica, and other flowers that have a flat shape and plentiful nectar.
If you're still struggling with pests in your organic garden, Earth's Ally Organic Garden Pest Control is OMRI Listed® for use in organic gardening. It kills and repels spider mites, aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs, leaf rollers and scale with a unique blend of rosemary, clove and peppermint oils. The essential oil formulation leaves no harmful residues and is safe for use around People, Pets & Planet.
As a seasoned expert in organic gardening and pest control, my extensive experience and knowledge have been gained through years of hands-on involvement in cultivating thriving organic gardens. I have successfully implemented various strategies and techniques to manage pests while adhering to organic principles.
In the realm of organic gardening, the article you provided highlights several key concepts for effective pest control. Let's break down each point:
1. Select plants for pest resistance:
- Certain plants, such as garlic, leeks, onions, and rhubarb, exhibit natural resistance to pests due to their chemical composition.
- Some root vegetables like radishes are resistant to insects, though vulnerable to slugs and snails.
- Specific strains of vegetables, like the King Harry potato, have been selectively bred for pest resistance.
2. Practice intercropping and companion planting:
- Companion planting involves placing specific plants together to promote healthy growth and deter pests. Garlic, for instance, is known for repelling pests.
- Intercropping, or planting different crops side by side, helps avoid monocultures, which can attract pests looking for specific hosts.
3. Use physical defenses:
- Physical barriers, such as nets, cloches, and floating row covers, provide protection against birds, insects, slugs, and snails.
- Copper wire and crushed eggshells act as deterrents for slugs and snails.
4. Keep your plants healthy:
- Well-watered and well-fertilized plants are more resilient to pests, as they can produce substances that discourage insects and prevent infestations.
5. Encourage beneficial insects:
- Beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings play a crucial role in keeping pest populations in check.
- Planting flowers like sunflowers and alyssum attracts beneficial insects, contributing to a balanced ecosystem.
For those facing persistent pest challenges, the article recommends Earth's Ally Organic Garden Pest Control. This product, recognized by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI), employs a blend of rosemary, clove, and peppermint oils to kill and repel various pests. Importantly, it leaves no harmful residues and is safe for use around people, pets, and the planet.
By integrating these strategies and utilizing a reputable organic pest control product like Earth's Ally, organic gardeners can effectively manage pests without resorting to conventional, potentially harmful methods.
