Waging War on Garden Pests...Safely

Ever awakened to find that your tender young vegetable plants - the ones that were destined for greatness  like a four year old piano prodigy, had been annihilated by greedy, marauding  garden pests  in the night?  Cauliflower leaves that drooped heavy with promise were all gone, a neat pile of green cabbage worm droppings the only clue to their demise. Perfectly seeded lettuce rows that would have put a mixed greens salad on the table every week were eaten up by hungry birds and fat slugs. All the while, a crowd of rabbits, squirrels, raccoons and deer likely watched from the shadows, ready to clean up anything that was overlooked.

Let’s face it :  we’re not the only ones interested in harvesting fresh produce. There are a lot of creatures out there that want to eat the veggies we plant for our kitchen just as much as we do. Fortunately, there is an arsenal of safe and effective ways to keep them at bay.

INSECTS

Insects are the most problematic pests for most growers. Their tiny bodies can wreak havoc on even large plants overnight. The best defense against insect pests isn’t a spray or powder, though, it’s a healthy plant. Studies have shown that bugs can single out, and will attack ailing plants first. Keep your plants healthy by allowing adequate spacing between them so that fresh air can reach their foliage. Always plant varieties that are suited to your climate, and plant at the right time of year, in nutrient rich soil at the correct pH range.

Have you addressed all of the above, and still have problems with insects? Here are some ways to control them safely :

Row Covers - Sheets of spun bonded polyester that can be placed directly over food crops. The fabric allows sunlight and water through, but protects plants from insects, birds, small animals, windborne seeds, hail, wind and slight frost.

Diatomaceous Earth - A contact dust that attacks an insect’s exoskeleton, killing it by desiccation.  Effective with all insects, but particularly useful in controlling ants, snails and slugs.

Neem Oil -  One of many useful products derived from the ancient Indian Neem tree. Horticultural Neem Oil works by disrupting insects’ appetites and reproductive cycles, and repeated applications are  needed to bring an insect infestation under control.

B.t. - A biological powder containing the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis , that effectively, and safely  controls many types of caterpillars.

Garlic Spray - Repels aphids, mealybugs, cabbage loopers, grasshoppers, leafhoppers. It inhibits fungal growth, and even helps deter deer and rodents.

Hot Pepper Spray - Sprays and powders derived from plants that contain capsaicin, like chili peppers, black peppercorns, cayenne peppers and paprika, effectively deter many pest insects

Pyrethrin - A potent , natural insect killer derived from chrysanthemum flowers that packs a strong punch for serious insect infestations.

Predator Insects - Insects that won’t harm your plants can be enlisted to attack those that do. Try ladybugs to control aphids, or unleash preying  mantis’ on problem caterpillars.

Companion Planting - Certain plants, especially herb varieties, deter insects and larger animals, and can be planted among food crops as an effective, natural deterrent. Astor, Marjoram, and Coreopsis all ward off a wide variety of pest insects.

BIRDS

They’re fun to watch, and can sometimes be helpful in eating the insects that are eating your plants. Their pesky beaks  can also annihilate rows of newly planted seeds, young seedlings, and fruits and berries.

Nets - The most effective way to control problematic birds, and a must- have for expensive berry bushes. Create a sturdy frame using wood or plastic pipe that supports the net several inches from the plants.

Row Covers -  sheets of spun bonded polyester that can be placed directly over food crops. The fabric allows sunlight and water through, but protects plants from insects, birds, small animals, windborne seeds, hail, wind and slight frost.

Individual Plant Covers - Use cheesecloth wrapped around a frame or even a tomato cage to protect individual plants from birds.

Landing Deterrents - Wire or fishing line stretched just above a row surprises and frightens away  birds as they approach to land.



LARGER  ANIMALS

Warm blooded, furry critters are mighty hungry, and can destroy a garden faster than you can say, “what’s up doc?” Here are the best ways to keep them out of your garden :

Barrier - A fence isn’t a cheap solution, but a good investment if you have a problem with large animals. Wire mesh, chicken wire, or welded wire fencing, buried a few inches in the ground will keep out dogs and rabbits. Line raised garden beds with half  inch wire mesh to foil tunneling animals like moles and gophers. To effectively keep out deer, fencing needs to be at least eight feet high, and the top 18 inches should be left unattached to posts. The wobble this creates unnerves climbing varmints like raccoons, opossums, woodchucks, and porcupines.

Dried Blood Meal - Scatter it around the garden to deter deer, ground squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, and woodchucks.

Hot Pepper, Vinegar & Garlic Spray - puree these ingredients, along with water, in a blender, add an organic wetting agent, and spray on all sides of your plants. Pests both large and small will not take another bite.

Companion Planting - Strongly scented plants like wormwood, yarrow, oregano, rosemary, lavender, and mint, discourage deer and other animals that rely on their sense of smell for protection .

Ready to safely wage war on garden pests?    gardensalive.com  has a great selection of safe pest control products approved for use in organic growing.