Effective Organic Pest Control Methods for a Healthy Garden
Managing pests naturally is key to maintaining a healthy garden. Here are some organic methods to keep your plants safe:
Homemade Sprays:
- Neem Oil: Mix neem oil with water and a few drops of dish soap. Spray on plants to combat a variety of pests.
- Garlic and Pepper Spray: Blend garlic, hot peppers, and water, then strain and spray on affected plants. This mixture deters many insects.
Companion Planting:
- Marigolds: Plant marigolds alongside tomatoes to repel nematodes.
- Basil: Plant basil near tomatoes to deter flies and mosquitoes.
Beneficial Insects:
- Ladybugs: Release ladybugs to control aphid populations.
- Lacewings: Introduce lacewings to manage a range of pests, including mealybugs and whiteflies.
Physical Barriers:
- Row Covers: Use row covers to protect plants from insects and birds.
- Copper Tape: Place copper tape around containers to deter slugs and snails.