You did the work: planting, watering, and dreaming of that fresh, homegrown harvest. Then you notice: little holes in the leaves of your tomatoes and a group of aphids on your roses. Take a deep breath before you grab a bottle of chemical insecticide. There are safe ways for you, your pets, and the environment to protect your garden and keep it healthy.
Here are three tried-and-true ways to keep those annoying bugs away.
1. Get to know companion planting
This is a classic trick that works and looks great for gardeners. The idea is simple: some plants have built-in defenses against pests. You can make a natural barrier by planting them next to the plants you want to keep safe.
The Classic Duo: Put marigolds around your tomato plants. Marigolds’ roots release a chemical that keeps nematodes (tiny worms that live in the soil) and other pests away. Their flowers are also very pretty, with bright orange and yellow petals.
Aromatic herbs are your secret weapon when it comes to herbal helpers. Whiteflies and tomato hornworms don’t like basil, so planting it near your tomatoes can help keep them away. Rosemary can keep cabbage moths away, and lavender is great for keeping fleas and moths away.
2. Let the Good Guys In
Not all bugs are bad! Some bugs are great for your garden because they eat the pests that are eating your plants. You want to make your garden a nice place for these “good bugs” to live.
Ladybugs are the best pest control bugs because they eat aphids like crazy. Lacewings are another great friend. They eat aphids, caterpillars, and other soft-bodied bugs.
How to Say Hello to Them: These helpful bugs are drawn to certain plants. They like the little flowers of plants like dill, fennel, and yarrow that are full of nectar. Let some of your herbs bloom, or set aside a small area for these plants that attract insects. You can also buy ladybugs from a lot of garden centers and let them go right into your garden to get things going.
3. Make your own pest spray
You can also make a homemade spray that pests hate but won’t hurt your plants or bigger animals. A garlic-mint spray works especially well against beetles and aphids.
Easy Recipe:
Chop up a whole bulb of garlic and a handful of fresh mint leaves.
Put them in a blender with two cups of water and blend until smooth.
Let the mixture sit overnight to make it stronger.
Put the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine sieve into a spray bottle.
Add a half-teaspoon of dish soap to the spray. This will help it stick to the leaves.
How to Use It: Spray the solution right on the leaves of the plants that are affected, making sure to get the undersides where bugs like to hide. Put it on every few days or after it rains.
Not only are you getting rid of pests with these natural methods, but you’re also making your own backyard a healthy, balanced ecosystem.
What are your favorite natural ways to get rid of pests? Let us know your secrets in the comments!
