Out Of The Soil
All things gardening
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CONTROLLING PLANT PESTS ORGANICALLY
An invasion of aphids or an encampment of slugs in your garden patch doesn't need to send you running to the garden center for one of the many available insecticides.
Gardening has been done for generations without the use of these harmful chemicals and there is no reason why the same can't be done today. Border planting and interplanting crops in specific combinations can help eliminate many varieties of insect pests in the garden. Her are just a few:
Marigolds rid the soil of nematodes and Mexican bean beetles. Grow marigolds where tomatoes and eggplant are to go next year. In the fall, dig in the plant residue or leave as a mulch through the winter. The factor that kills the worms is produced slowly in the roots of the plants and is gradually released into the soil. The good effect of interplanting marigolds may not show the first year.
Nasturtiums deter aphids, squash bugs and striped pumpkin beetles. Grow them between vegetable rows and around fruit trees.
Rosemary deters cabbage moth, bean beetles and carrot flies. Plant around your vegetable garden.
Sage deters cabbage moths and carrot flies. Plant with rosemary, cabbage and carrots. But keep away from cucumbers.
Chives keep Japanese beetles at a healthy distance from raspberries and grape vines.
Onions deter most pests.
Mint deters white cabbage moths and ants. Plant alongside members of the cabbage family.
Soybeans shield corn from clinch bugs. Plant in alternate rows with corn.
Garlic repels aphids from roses, fruit trees and cabbages. Plant the cloves near these flowers, fruits and vegetables.
There are also several homemade insecticides that are useful. Common plant oils, food stufs and household items can be very effective in the treatment of insect infestations. They can be used as sprays, dusts, bait or as rinses and baths.
To make a spray from plant oils, chop or grind the plant and add an equal amount of water. Strain, if necessary, and mix with emulsifiers such as fish oil and liquid soap. As oil tends to separate out, use the spraying solution as soon as possible. Some remedies you can make at home:
A strong soap and water solution sprayed on infected plants will rid them of aphid and mites.
Garlic oil spray is effective against onion flies, aphids, thrips and ermine moths. Onion and chive solutions are also effective.
Mineral oil applied to corn silk with an eye dropper when the silks have turned brown will eliminate corn earworms.
Table salt sprinkled on slugs and snails is lethal.
Hot pepper, salt and sour milk spray has proven effective on cabbage maggot.
Paper or tin collars placed around plant stems and forced down into the soil will prevent cutworm damage.
Learn about the many pests that can ruin a garden. Find the many resources including a fantastic guide to organic gardening as well in The Secrets to Organic Gardening.
