Gardening takes a lot of work and patience, so you wouldn’t want pesky critters like aphids, caterpillars, and worms to ruin your plants. Even so, they’re likely to damage your crops in the event of an infestation.
Fortunately, you don’t need chemicals to get rid of the infestations. Plus, some chemicals are likely to harm your crops and garden. Instead, it’s advisable to use non-toxic methods to remove the pests whenever possible.
Here are eco-friendly pest control methods you can use.
Water Spraying
Strong sprays of water can help in controlling certain pests in your garden. A good example is aphids, which tend to form clusters on new growth of plants. They cause sap from plants and cause distorted leaves.
A strong spray of water from a hose can remove them from your plants. If the affected stem is heavily damaged, cutting it off is better to ensure the plant’s health. Water is a great option as it’s unlikely to affect beneficial insects in your garden.
Handpicking
This is the most common method for pest control that most gardens prefer. It’s also the most direct and quickest way to remove pests — just be sure to wear gloves to avoid skin irritation caused by some pests like caterpillars.
Handpicking is ideal for medium-sized to larger insects like caterpillars and grasshoppers. Be sure to pick the adults before they lay eggs. If there are eggs, make sure to crash them to prevent new infestations.
Nematode Controls
If you’re struggling with slugs, weevils, and ants in your garden, use nematodes to control them. Nematodes are naturally occurring and environmentally friendly roundworms that belong to the phylum Nemotoda, but you can buy them from a store.
For example, nematodes pest control from Green Gardener offers a variety of options to consider, and they are not harmful to kids, pests, birds, or wildlife. They also support enhanced nutrient cycling, improving nutrient uptake
Floating Row Cover
A floating row cover is basically a cover that protects plants from harsh weather, and it also prevents bugs from reaching the plants. It can be made from different materials, including polyester, woven plastic, or polypropylene material.
The cover servers as a mechanical barrier to keep insects at bay. However, you’ll need to remove the cover when your plants are almost flowering. Some plants rely on insect pollination for flowering. You can use other natural pest control methods during this period.
Protect Your Garden from Pests
Keeping your garden looking great is essential, whether you’re growing flowers or vegetables. Part of this process is controlling pests, which can cause huge damage if you have a large infestation. They eat leaves, damage roots, and impact the soil’s nutrient level.
Instead of using chemicals, it’s better to use natural, non-toxic methods for controlling garden pests. Pesticides are unsafe for vegetables, and some can affect your kids or pets. You can safely control pests with eco-friendly pest control methods with minimal costs.