Mastering Pest Control: Natural Solutions for Garden Harmony

Having a thriving garden isn’t just about planting the right seeds and caring for your plants.

Garden pests that are not dealt with can quickly wreak havoc on your favorite plants, so having the right pest-control options are essential. While pesticides might seem like an easy fix, they can also harm beneficial insects and upset the balance of your garden ecosystem.

Read on for a few natural and time-tested solutions to deter pests, without compromising the health of your plants. 

One of the most effective and easy pest-control methods is to encourage the presence of beneficial insects in your garden, and some of these may already be frequenting your backyard.

Dill will attract beneficial insects that help keep pests away

Plant a variety of flowers and herbs that provide your beneficials with food and shelter, and they will be more likely to stay. For example, having flowers like dill, marigolds or fennel will attract beneficial insects like lacewings, ladybugs, and parasitic wasps to your garden - which are natural predators of common pests like aphids and mites. 

The bad bugs 

The most typical offenders that threaten our home gardens include a variety of insects, depending on the area you live in. Let’s take a look below at some of the most common types. 

If left unchecked, these common pests can quickly cause significant damage to plant leaves, fruit and even roots. Aphids are tiny and hard to spot at first, and attack both veggies and ornamentals.

Beetles

 Japanese beetles eat the leaves of some 300 plant species such as roses, crabapples and grapes

There are many species of beetles, and they can either be beneficial or detrimental to your plants - by consuming them or spreading diseases to them. Some common offenders include disease-carrying flea beetles, such as Japanese beetles.

Caterpillars

Caterpillars in their growth phase to become future butterflies and moths have great appetites. They can consume and destroy fall vegetables like kale, collards, cabbage and broccoli if left untreated. Larvae from spongy moths are also particularly invasive and harmful to tree leaves. 

Encourage predators to deter pests

Yarrow is a plant that attracts beneficial bugs

Planting a variety of veggies, flowers, and native plants will encourage beneficial insects to stay and also keep garden pests at bay. These beneficials and natural predators include lacewings, soldier beetles, ladybugs, stink bugs and parasitic wasps. Attract good bugs to defend your garden by including plants like dill, yarrow, tickseed, sunflowers, and goldenrod. 

Another natural pest control option is using physical barriers to protect your plants. You can opt for row covers to prevent cabbage moths or carrot flies from laying eggs on vegetables, or even consider entire cover systems for added protection. Physical barriers are effective and a more eco-friendly way to defend your plants from pests. 

Natural repellents and pesticides

Apart from attracting beneficial insects or using physical barriers, there are also natural repellents available to control garden pests. For example, neem oil is known to deter a variety of pests like mites and caterpillars, while garlic and hot pepper spray will effectively repel aphids. These natural repellents are safer for both your plants and the environment. 

If all else fails, you can also consider using pesticides. Most pesticides approved for use around the home are moderately effective in killing common pests. To achieve the best results, it is important to direct the pesticide spray on plant surfaces where pests are feeding, while incorporating a spraying system in your garden can be an easy and hassle-free option. 

By using these natural and proven solutions, you can control pests with ease while maintaining a healthy and vibrant garden. Consider trying natural solutions first for a safer and more sustainable approach to pest control.