Organic Garden Pest Control

We've provided a table of delicacies and created an environment that allows them to thrive.

It is often assumed that any bug or animal in the garden is bad, but in fact, many of them are helpful, pollinating flowers and preying on other creatures that are destructive to our plants.

But for those that are harmful, we need organic garden pest controls that are not injurious to the environment, humans, and beneficial predators.

What is Organic Garden Pest Control?

Organic pest control includes various means of creating a natural environment where synthetic pesticides are not necessary.

It is a combination of biological, cultural, and physical processes which, when used together, eliminate the need for, or limited use of, synthetic chemicals. It may also include some organic chemicals for control.

Biological Controls

Use beneficial insects and animals to create an ecosystem where pests cannot thrive.

Introducing native birds and insects, along with the use of microbial pesticides and parasitic nematodes will keep pests in check.

Choosing beneficial creatures that have adapted to your region will allow them to multiply and maintain the balance in your garden.

Cultural Controls

Add healthy, native plants to the garden. They don't have to adapt or fight so hard to live in the environment created. They are better able to resist pests that thrive on weak plants.

Insect-resistant and disease-resistant cultivars are bred with these characteristics.

Healthy soil, care and maintenance of your garden, and planting at the appropriate time, are key to providing an environment that plants can thrive in.

Companion plants also help plants resist pests, by confusing them or by attracting beneficial insects.

Physical Controls

Fences will keep our larger animals, while covers can keep animals from eating and spreading disease among plants.

Collars protect from cutworms, tar-paper repels cabbage flies, and bands around mature trees catch pests before they reach leaves. These are all safe, natural approaches to pest control.

A layer of scratchy diatomaceous earth will halt the spread of many crawling insects. However, once some pests get past these barriers, it's a matter of picking them off. You can hand pick or shake a plant to loosen the pests.

A forceful spray of water will remove some pests that are hard to hand pick, but be careful not to damage delicate plants. These methods require a little more elbow grease, but are safe and effective.

When all else fails, utilize organic pesticides sparingly. Apply them carefully and at the right time, so as to limit the number of applications.

They are less harmful to beneficials and humans than synthetic pesticides, but can still be toxic.

Using a combination of these organic garden pest control techniques will result in a garden that is healthy and safe for you, your family, and the environment.

More Organic Gardening

Organic Pesticides
Although organic pesticides are safer than synthetic chemicals, you should still follow certain safety precautions when using them.