It is possible to
control garden pests without using toxic chemicals that can
harm the environment and may negatively affect your health.
Here are some tips for the amateur gardener:
 Healthy soil is the foundation of every healthy
garden. Perhaps surprisingly, good soil can prevent up to
80% of damage caused by insects because it results in
healthier plants that aren't as vulnerable to pests. Make
sure the dirt in your garden will provide enough nutrition
to foster the growth of strong plants. Test the soil for pH
level, essential nutrients, and types of organic material.
Soil testing services are usually offered by your local
county extension office - if not, they will have the
resources to refer you to a lab that can carry out tests.
Soil-testing kits are also an option.
 Find out what insects have made your garden home.
In one square yard of soil you will find thousands of
insects - it's only the ones that ruin your plants that
should be of concern. Unfortunately, the critters that cause
the most damage are also the ones that breed quickly. Most
people have problems with sucking insects, such as aphids
and leafhoppers, and chewing insects, including caterpillars
and some beetles and worms.
Inspect your garden with a careful eye to find out what
insects have decided t make it their home. Inform yourself
and learn how to separate the good from the bad. Visit your
local library and do some research - there are many
illustrated guides out there that will help you identify
different insects.
 Rotation of plants is another effective, natural
way to keep nature's creatures at bay. Because insects
usually feed on your plants and then lay eggs in the soil
underneath, moving plants around every year has an
advantage. When larvae emerge from the soil, they'll go for
the food supply right above them - it's the most convenient.
But if you rotate plantings the larvae will have a harder
time discovering their food supply. A small move of only 10
feet can even make a difference. Annuals or vegetables from
the same family shouldn't grow in the same location more
than once every three to five years. |
