Gardening Tips for Pest Control Without Chemicals

• Integrated Pest Management is the best approach to controlling pests.insect image by Mirek Hejnicki from Fotolia.com
  
  As gardeners become more and more aware of the dangers of chemical pesticides, many are turning to a strategy called Integrated Pest Management (IPM). This approach encourages gardeners to consider pest management throughout the process of planning, planting, raising and harvesting crops. The same technique can be applied to home landscaping as well. A well managed garden produces better results with less impact to the environment and less risk of exposure to harmful chemicals. Help is available through county extension services.
  
  

Help Plants Resist Pests

• A simple formula for success is to put the right plant in the right place at the right time. Healthy plants have natural defenses, even against pests. Locate a gardening calendar for your region to determine when to plant; the county extension service is a good source. The calendar may also recommend specific hybrids for your area that are resistant to local pests. Each plant has a requirement for sun, water, soil type and acidity. Group plants according to these requirements and maintain the beds to provide the best environment. Many county extension services provide soil testing to determine type and acidity. Fertilize gardens only as required using slow-release, granular fertilizer. Healthy plants are better able to resist attacks by pests.
  
  

Don't Kill Beneficial Insects

• Helpful insects should be encouraged and not killed.praying mantis image by Tom Oliveira from Fotolia.com
  
  Pesticides cannot differentiate between beneficial and harmful insects, but the gardener should be able to. Tour the garden frequently and keep a watchful eye out for pests. Learn to distinguish between beneficial insects, such as bees, dragonflies, praying mantises and ladybugs, from harmful insects, like whiteflies, mealybugs and aphids. Ladybug larvae look ferocious, but the larva and adult are both beneficial since they eat other insects. Consider releasing some ladybugs, which are available seasonally at garden shops. Beneficial insects can be attracted to the garden by adding companion plants, such as asters, dill, fennel and hyssop.
  
  

Provide Mechanical Controls

• Mechanical controls may be sufficient in a small garden.bug image by Dragomir Uzunov from Fotolia.com
  
  In a small home garden, it is often possible to simply remove and kill pests by stepping on them or even knocking them into a small container of pesticide. If the plant is sturdy, a blast from the hose can knock pests off the plant. Check underneath leaves where insects often hide. Remove leaves or branches that appear infested and destroy them to prevent the spread of the infestation. Never compost diseased or infested plant material.
  
  

Use Oil and Soap Spray

• Oil and soap spray is a last resort for pest control.green spray bottle image by Jim Mills from Fotolia.com
  
  Mechanical controls may not be possible in all cases so some corrective spray can be applied when necessary. Mix a solution of one gallon water, one tablespoon dish soap with no additives (anti-bacterial, fragrance) and one tablespoon vegetable oil. Pour the mixture in a sprayer. Spray in the late afternoon when bees have returned to their hives. Spray directly onto the insects. Repeat spraying until no sign of infestation appears.