Buzz
If you notice chew marks on the leaves of your plants or vegetables, your garden might be under pest attack. While it’s nearly impossible to fully protect your garden in a natural setting, there are steps you can take to reduce pest activity and keep your plants safe. Try implementing and combining some of the methods below to prevent these unwanted visitors from feasting on your thriving garden.
Steps
Loosen the soil before planting.
This step helps repel soil-dwelling pests. Use a hoe or tiller to loosen and mix the top layers of soil. If weeds are present, remove them first to prevent their seeds from mixing with your crops.
- Areas previously overrun with weeds are more prone to pest infestations, making soil preparation a crucial step before planting.
Practice intercropping.
Large plots with a single type of plant often attract pests. Instead of planting just one crop, try mixing different plants in the same area, such as herbs and vegetables or tall and short plants. This method also slows the spread of pests – a win-win solution!
Use plants as natural pest repellents.
Many herbs and flowers naturally repel pests. Marigolds, chives, basil, thyme, and coriander are all effective at keeping pests away. Plant these in and around your garden to create a barrier that pests won’t want to cross.
Water plants early in the morning.
Prevent fungal growth by following a proper watering schedule. Plants are accustomed to morning dew on their leaves. Aim to water your garden early in the morning before the sun rises. Watering later in the day while the plants are under direct sunlight can attract fungus gnats, so avoid watering in the afternoon.
- Direct the garden hose at the base of the plants instead of watering the leaves. Waterlogged leaves can lead to fungal diseases and rot, which attract pests like slugs.
Use fertilizer sparingly.
Excess fertilizer in your garden can also attract pests. As a rule of thumb, 1 kg to 1.5 kg of fertilizer is sufficient for every 10 square meters of garden soil. Over-fertilizing can harm or even kill your plants, so it’s better to use less rather than more.
- If using granular fertilizer, you may need to reapply every 6-8 weeks, but slow-release fertilizers might only require one application per season. If unsure about the type of fertilizer you’re using, check the instructions on the packaging.
Harvest produce as soon as it ripens.
Ripe fruits and vegetables are more vulnerable to pests. Keep a close eye on your garden throughout the season and harvest produce as soon as it’s ready. The quicker you remove ripe fruits and vegetables, the less chance pests have to damage them!
- Fruits left on the plant for too long will also rot.
Cover plants with garden netting.
These fine nets help prevent insects from damaging your plants. Purchase garden netting from a gardening store, unfold it, and drape it over your garden beds. Use stakes to elevate the netting if needed. Sunlight and water can still penetrate, but most insects and pests will be kept out.
- Garden netting also deters larger pests like birds or squirrels.
- The netting is made from tightly woven, lightweight fabric.
- If garden netting isn’t available, you can use insect mesh or plant cloches as alternatives.
Wrap paper around new sprouts.
Protect delicate new shoots with a barrier. If you’re transplanting young plants outdoors or when seeds begin to sprout, roll a sheet of newspaper and wrap it around the base of the plant. Bury the bottom edge of the paper at least 2.5 cm deep to prevent it from blowing away. While not a permanent solution, this method makes it harder for pests like cutworms to reach the plants.
- Newspaper won’t hold up in rainy weather, so this method is best used during dry seasons.
- Once the plants outgrow the newspaper barrier, simply remove and discard the paper.
Use stakes to keep leaves off the ground.
Leaves touching the ground are more susceptible to pests and diseases. If your plants have low-hanging branches or vines, use wooden stakes to lift them off the soil. For taller plants like tomatoes, consider using metal cages for support.
- Leaves resting on the ground are also prone to disease and rot.
Handpick caterpillars when you spot them.
Larger pests like these are easy to spot and remove. You can relocate them to a distant area or drown them in soapy water. This method works well for small gardens but can be labor-intensive for larger ones.
- Caterpillars are among the most common garden pests and can cause significant damage to leafy vegetables.
- If you notice other pests on your plants, try spraying them off with water.
Use essential oils as a natural pest repellent.
If small insects are infesting your plants, essential oils can be a solution. Look for a garden-safe spray containing peppermint or spearmint oil. Apply it to the leaves 2-3 times daily to deter pests without chemicals.
- You can also make your own spray by mixing 4 liters of water with a drop of dish soap and ½ teaspoon of spearmint essential oil.
Use neem oil spray as a natural pesticide.
This method is highly effective against most garden pests. Neem oil is a key ingredient in many pest control sprays available at gardening stores. Follow the instructions on the product label and spray it on your plants daily to repel pests.
- Neem oil may cause mild skin and eye irritation, so wear gloves and protective eyewear when handling it.
Spray insecticidal soap on plants.
Insecticidal soap is a natural and easy-to-use solution for pest control. Mix a batch by combining 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of castile soap with 4 liters of water. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and apply it to your garden plants every 2-3 days for at least two weeks.
- Apply the spray early in the morning before the sun gets too hot. This gives the soap time to work before it dries.
- Don’t forget to check the undersides of leaves – many small pests prefer to hide there.
Spray Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) on plants to eliminate pests.
Bt is a type of bacteria capable of eliminating certain pests without harming plants. If you're facing significant issues with caterpillars or other large insects, consider using a product containing Bt to spray on your plants. Always follow the product label instructions, and wear gloves and protective eyewear for safety.
- The risk of Bt causing poisoning in humans is very low, but it can irritate the skin and eyes. Avoid using the product on windy days to minimize exposure.
- You can find Bt spray bottles at most gardening stores.
- Bt is effective against a wide range of garden pests, including cabbage loopers, caterpillars, aphids, and borers.
Advice
- Not all bugs are harmful. Some insects can actually help improve soil quality, promoting healthier and more robust plant growth. If you spot ladybugs, spiders, praying mantises, or ground beetles, leave them be!
