One Aspect to Organic Pest Control No One Mentions
In your garden ideally you don’t want pests eating your flowers or crops. And of course, living green means not using pesticide sprays full of toxic chemicals – even though they are convenient.
Instead, you’ll use organic pest control.
I’ll give some nice examples of organic pest control, but before I do, here’s something that isn’t often discussed when we think of organic pest control.
What is it?
Mulch.
Mulch – made from other plants (e.g. leaves, straw and seaweed) – added to the top of the soil will of course protect your plants from heat in summer and cold in winter. Mulch will also reduce weeds.
And did you know? Organic pest control will work better if your garden is mulched.
Now, some quick tips on organic pest control.
Mites
Mites are one of the most common garden problems. There are many types of mites including red spider mite. They live underneath leaves and suck the sap out of them. If you’re growing plants in a greenhouse, a simple solution is to raise the humidity. Alternatively, dilute pure castile soap in water, and add cayenne pepper (or hot pepper sauce). Let the mixture rest overnight and then spray the next morning, shaking the bottle as you spray. Water first, then spray (otherwise you’ll dilute the spray).
Moths
Moths – such as coddling moths, cabbage moths or winter moths – like fruit and leaves. You can buy a pheromone trap from your local nursery or online and hang them on the outside edges of your garden (don’t encourage them into the garden!).
Or make your own organic pest control spray:
- Mix one cup of water with 1 tablespoon of canola oil
- Add a little pure castile soap
- Add cayenne pepper (or hot pepper sauce).
- Let the mixture rest overnight and then spray the next morning, shaking the bottle as you spray.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is very common where I live. Mix together equal parts milk and water and spray the affected plants once per week for 3 weeks.
General Pest Control
And of course, don’t forget my fovourite organic remedy – neem oil!
Here’s what you need to know about neem oil. (and read about the mistake I made with it!).
Organic pest control is not complicated or difficult. Like all gardening, it’s just a case of looking at your plants regularly, and making sure you discover problems early on, when it is easier to treat them.
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