Safe Organic Pest Control

Organic pest control means having a healthy garden for your plants, insects, birds, animals and you. An organic pest control is not meant to get rid of all the insects; to be quite honest the majority of insects are very beneficial. In fact using the organic method means that you spend a little extra time in the garden taking good care of the plants and watching for the early signs of attack by insects or any symptoms of disease. You can sometimes put up with some damage but sometimes that is a signal to give the plants more attention. Remember a sturdy, healthy plant that does not show any signs of stress will be able to shrug off disease and pests much easier.

Your annual garden cleanup should include removing tomato plants, old squash vines, and similar plant residue after the harvest ends because leaving them there invites the pests and pathogens. Many insects live in this debris over the winter, and then get an early taste of your plants the next spring. There are several plant pathogens that will live in the soil all year, so it is best to dispose of all infested or diseased plants. The healthy debris that is left can be turned back into the soil by using a fork or spade. You also want to remove the weeds that surround or are near your garden because they also provide shelter to insect pests.

Not all insects are the enemy; some have an important function in a garden. Some break down organic material, some are the ever important pollinators, and some are classified as beneficial insects because they devour enemy insects. You want to encourage the beneficial insects to take care of the enemies by possibly using physical traps, barriers and some biological agents to help protect and maintain a natural, healthy environment for your garden.

Plants that are damaged, stressed, or unhealthy will attract insects and diseases and the way to prevent this is by taking extra care of the plants. To begin with you need to have healthy soil for your plants. Some organic material should be added to your garden each year to enhance the soil structure, nutrient levels, and the capacity for holding water. Your plants need plenty of water and nutrients, and if needed supplement with organic fertilizers. Your plants should never compete for nutrients and water. The weeds can be controlled by using mulch or landscape fabric and it is a good idea to hand pull some weeds whenever you visit your garden. Always thin out the seedlings to prevent overcrowding so there is enough air circulation between them to prevent disease.

Rotate your crops since many disease-causing organism and insects will live in the soil over the winter near the host plants. If you plant the same crop, or one that is related to it, in the same plot of ground next year those pests will have an early start. Crop rotation reduces damage by insects and minimizes soil-borne disease exposure. It is a good idea to wait about two years before planting any related crops, or the same crop in that particular spot. Potatoes, onions, and tomatoes are quite susceptible to disease problems when they are planted in the same spot year after year. Crop rotation is also beneficial at balancing the soil nutrients.

Be a little varied in your planting. For instance plant a small group of potatoes in one section of the garden and another small group in a different section it will be much harder for the pests to attack the entire lot of potatoes. Planting flowers and herbs together is another way of protecting your garden, for instance nasturtiums and marigolds somehow repel insects. Other plants such as mint, fennel, and dill will attract some beneficial insects that love garden pests.

Sometimes when your plants start to wilt it could mean disease or insect problems, but the most common problems are lack of soil moisture, soil that is too wet or extreme heat. If the soil is dry 6 inches down give them more water; if the soil is too wet it may suffocate the roots so let the soil dry; and with extreme heat wait until evening to see if the plants recover. Bleached foliage areas of new transplants or plants that have been indoors can mean sunburn. This discoloration will be on the foliage most exposed to the sun. To prevent this from happening seedlings need exposure to direct sun gradually. Most plants will usually outgrow a little sunburn. Black areas found on leaves can signal damage from frost. The most exposed foliage shows more damage. Leave the damaged foliage on the plant until the frost threat has passed and the plants begin to have new growth.  

Organic fertilizers for the most part will provide a wide spectrum of slow-release nutrients. You should apply fertilizers according to directions on the label so you do not over-fertilize. Organic fertilizers rarely will cause burning since the nutrients will be released slowly over a period of time. Young plants will need some protection from the wind by using a wind break or taller nearby plants. Burned foliage that is found in one particular part of the plant could be caused by over-spraying of an herbicide or animal urine. If this happens spray the foliage with some clear water and cut away any damaged foliage. Prevention is the best organic pest control you can use. If you choose disease-resistant plants, no over-crowding, watch moisture levels, practice crop rotation, inspect plants often it should reward you with healthy organic garden. If you feel the need to spray your plants find the products that are organic in nature such as insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils or dehydrating dusts to use as organic pest control.