Organic Garden Pest Control
Defending Your Garden the Natural Way
Organic garden pest control is the safer and sounder approach. Just as the word "organic' implies, it is pest control that is healthy, natural, and simple. Although it takes more commitment of your time, the benefits are well worth it.
A Major Rule
One of the major rules in organic garden pest control is to keep your plants healthy! Plant them in healthy soil and use healthy compost. Watch for early indicators or warning signs of insect invasion.
An Effective Technique
Watch out for insect eggs all through the summer. Organic garden pest control is at its best during the larvae phase. You can simply remove them by (gloved) hand and discard the eggs. While it is an effective technique, it is also the simplest and the easiest method!
Disease-Resistant Plants
Choose disease-resistant plants. Organic garden pest control means regularly discarding the infested ones. Some plant diseases can wipe out your plants in days!
Fungi Growth Prevention
Another organic garden pest control is to prevent fungi growth. Avoid overcrowding your plants and thin your seedlings.
Pollinators and Useful Predators
Not all insects are your garden’s adversaries. For effective organic garden pest control, know which are pollinators and which are useful predators against harmful insects. Some of these friendly insects are the ladybugs, spiders, and praying mantis. Moreover, be careful when using natural insecticides. They can kill useful insects like honeybees.
Protect the Ecosystem
If you are using biological agents for garden pest control, consult with your local nursery for specific recommendations. Using unsafe chemicals to quickly eradicate your garden pests will also be disruptive of the ecosystem.
Alcohol Spray
Alcohol sprays are good as organic garden pest control, especially against aphids, whiteflies, and mealybugs. If you are using rubbing alcohol spray, use the 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol type. Mix one quart of water with one to two cups of alcohol. Never spray your plants with undiluted alcohol. Spray a few leaves and check for damage. The injury should be apparent within a few days.
Alkaloids
Tomato leaves have alkaloids that are water-soluble and good for organic garden pest control. Chop them, soak them, and make for yourself a good homemade spray against aphids.
Nicotine Sprays
Nicotine sprays (tobacco tea) are also effective for organic garden pest control. Divide in several pieces an old cigar and soak for two days in a quart of water. Strain the solution prior to use. Nicotine spray is only toxic for a few hours and helps control leaf-chewing insects. Do not use nicotine sprays on peppers, tomatoes, or eggplants.
Plant Covers
Insect larvae can over-winter inside plant covers. Know when to cover your plants and when to remove those covers, to further aid your organic garden pest control.
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