Organic controls used incorrectly or in too high concentrations can be as dangerous as chemicals.Įffective organic pest control tip #8: Consider pulling heavily-infected plants Squash bugsĪ plant completely overrun with squash bugs may have reached the end of its life cycle. Follow the dilution and application instructions exactly. All products, even organic ones, may kill unintended insects. Read this post, “ 5 Tips for Successful Companion Planting,” for more detail about these topics.Įffective organic pest control tip #7: Be patient and start with the least invasive methods Pill bugs are attracted to citrusĭemonstrate patience and use any method with a light hand. Polyculture – Interplanting different types of plants in beds makes it more difficult for pests to find preferred plants.Companion planting – Plants such as marigold, bee balm, dill, and nasturtium are common companion plants to help prevent pests.Crop rotation – Avoid planting the same plant in the same location two seasons in a row.If you see an adult pest, look for its eggs on undersides of leaves.Įffective organic pest control tip #6: Use crop placement to your advantage by utilizing different plant methods Marigolds Look for pests early in the morning, as pests are less active and easier to hand-pick. Notice small problems before they become big problems.

Stop using pesticides they kill the good and the bad.Įffective organic pest control tip #5: Spend time in your garden each day Grape-Leaf Skeletonizer eggs on the back of a grape leaf.

Attract and learn to identify beneficial insects such as ladybugs, praying mantis, hoverflies, lacewings, tachinid flies, and dragonflies.

Provide shelter for natural predators: lizards, toads, ducks, chickens, birds, bats, birds, ducks.

Give plants enough room, and space plants properly for adequate airflow.Įffective organic pest control tip #4: Enlist Mother Nature’s help Ladybug Lacewing eggs Lacewing Praying mantis Hover fly Tachinid fly Parasitoid wasp Ladybug larvae Bee assassin bug.

Water correctly, and avoid water on leaves.

If pests or diseases have been an issue in the past, plant disease-resistant varieties.

Remove and throw away infested plants don’t add them to your compost pile.Įffective organic pest control tip #3: Keep plants healthy Powdery mildew on squash leaf This will help prevent major infestations. Remove dead leaves, fallen fruit, and other debris that provide refuge for pests. It’s very simple to use.Įffective organic pest control tip #2: Keep your garden clean

When the nutrient levels and soil pH are correct, this prevents stress which then reduces pest problems.Ī soil test can determine the health of your soil. It’s important to have your soil tested at least once a year to determine soil fertility and pH. In contrast, sickly plants struggling in depleted soil treated with chemical fertilizers are much more likely to have pests. Healthy plants in soil rich in organic matter and nutrients, watered correctly with plenty of sunlight and airflow, are much less susceptible to pests. See my disclosure policy for more information.Ĩ Tips for Organic Pest Control and PreventionĮffective organic pest control tip #1: Focus on healthy soil Pests often choose plants that are weakened in some way.īefore you decide which action to take, read through these 8 tips for effective organic pest control and prevention in the garden.ĭisclaimer: this post contains affiliate links. Healthy plants and soil are the best defense against pests. It is important to understand the importance of healthy soil and plants as it relates to common pests in the garden. There are organic pest control solutions that really work (I list them below). You may be reading this post because you are looking for a quick fix to a pest problem you are facing in the garden.

Organic pest control