Nothing beats the feeling of being able to enjoy the fruits of your labor in your garden, but it’s no secret that it can be a challenge to keep pests from damaging your precious plants. Whether it’s crickets or aphids, mosquitoes or beetles, there are all kinds of bugs you might encounter in the great outdoors.
While there are chemical pesticides available in the market, they can be harmful to the environment and your health.
Luckily, nature has some remedies that can help you keep pests at bay without putting your garden or health at risk.
Here are some natural garden pest management ideas that are not only effective but also easy to implement.
How Do I Keep Pests Out of My Garden Naturally?
Sure, you can use pesticides in your garden – and while there are some that are safer to use than others, there’s a good chance you’d rather do without.
Here are some outdoor pest prevention ideas to help you keep pests out of your garden – all without having to resort to chemicals.
1. Attract Beneficial Critters and Birds
One way to keep pests off your garden is by attracting Insects that prey on them. Ladybugs, praying mantids, hoverflies, and birds are just some of the beneficial creatures that can help control pest populations in your garden.
You can attract these helpful insects and birds by planting nectar-rich flowers, installing a birdhouse or bird bath, and adding small water features like a pond (just be mindful of the fact that too much standing water can attract mosquitoes).
Nevertheless, by bringing in these predators, you can maintain a balanced ecosystem in your garden, and keep pest populations in check.
2. Keep Your Plants Well-Fed
It may seem counterintuitive, but keeping your plants well-fed can actually help prevent pest infestations. When plants are stressed or malnourished, they become more susceptible to pests and diseases.
To keep your plants healthy, make sure they’re getting enough water, sunlight, and nutrients. Consider using organic fertilizers like compost or manure to provide your plants with the nutrients they need.
3. Try Companion Planting
Companion planting is the practice of growing two or more plants together that benefit each other. Some plants repel pests, while others attract beneficial insects.
For instance, planting marigolds alongside your vegetables can deter harmful nematodes and whiteflies, while attracting bees and butterflies that help pollinate your plants.
Some say planting herbs like basil and rosemary near your tomato plants can also help keep pests at bay. Get creative and try different combinations to find what works best for your garden.
4. Some Say To Grow Onions and Garlic to Ward Off Pests
Onions and garlic are not just staples in the kitchen; they are also known for their pest-repellent properties. The strong odor of these alliums is a turn-off for many pests like aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage worms.
Planting onions and garlic in your garden and around your plants can create a barrier that will discourage pests from coming close.
5. Use Floating Row Covers
Floating row covers are lightweight and breathable fabric covers that you can drape over your plants to protect them from pests without using pesticides. These covers not only keep pests out but also provide shade and protection from frost.
They come in different sizes and can be used for both raised beds and in-ground gardens.
6. Choose the Right Location for Your Garden
Choosing the right location for your garden is key to keeping pests away. Most pests thrive in warm, humid environments, so it’s best to avoid low-lying areas or spots near stagnant water. Instead, choose a location that has good air circulation and plenty of sunlight.
This will not only discourage pests but also promote healthy plant growth.
7. Practice Proper Spacing
When planting your garden, it’s crucial to provide adequate spacing between each plant. This is because overcrowding can invite pests and disease pressure. It’s also important to remove any plant debris as it can lead to the fungus.
8. Choose Pest-Resistant Plants
Consult your local garden center or nursery to find plants that are not attractive to pests and are suitable for your area. That way, you can avoid using harsh chemicals that can harm the environment and your plants.
9. Use Mulch With Care
Mulch is a great way to keep your garden soil healthy, but it can also attract pests.
For example, organic mulch like bark, leaves, or straw can attract slugs, while rubber mulch can also attract bugs, thanks to its warm and moist conditions. It’s best to use mulch that doesn’t attract critters, like stones or gravel.
10. Keep the Garden Clean
Keeping your garden clean is an essential part of pest control. Pests like slugs and snails are attracted to damp environments and plant debris, which can serve as hiding places for them.
Regularly remove any dead leaves, weeds, and other plant debris, and make sure to dispose of them away from your garden. This will not only help keep pests out but also prevent the spread of diseases.
11. Harvest and Inspect Your Garden Often
Harvesting produce always sounds like the main goal of gardening, but you’d be surprised at how quickly this can get away from you!
Check your plants for pests regularly. This way, you can identify any issues early, and if there are any pests, you can remove them before they turn into an infestation.
In your weekly inspection, look under leaves and inside flower petals to spot critters hiding in plain sight.
How Will You Protect Your Garden From Pests?
While the best and most natural garden pest management solution will always be to think proactively – prevention is far more effective than treatment – know that, when disaster strikes, having the right pest control professionals in your corner can help save the day.
When it comes to outdoor pest prevention, Hawx Pest Control knows exactly what it takes to get rid of the problem. Whether you’re dealing with indoor pests or issues outside in the garden, the team at Hawx is ready and willing to lend a helping hand.
So what are you waiting for? It never hurts to get a second set of eyes on your garden – human eyes, that is. Give the professionals at Hawx a call today to help keep those creepy crawlies away from your precious plants.
