Pests can be a gardener’s worst nightmare, causing damage and stress to even the most carefully tended plants.
From munching on leaves to spreading diseases, these invaders threaten the health and beauty of your garden.
But don’t worry! There are many ways that you can apply to combat these nuisances effectively and ensure your plants thrive.
#1. Neem Oil Solution
Extracted from neem seeds with magic ingredient Azadirachtin, neem oil works by suffocating insects in its oily goodness.
To make your own, mix a teaspoon of neem oil with a bit of mild liquid soap and a liter of water, then shake it up and spray it on your plants.
Be patient, though. It might take a few days to see results, and you’ll need to reapply it every couple of weeks to keep those pesky bugs at bay.
#2. Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms.
When pests come into contact with DE, it damages their exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate and die.
To use DE, simply sprinkle it around the base of your plants or directly on the pests when the plants are dry.
I’ve found DE to be particularly effective against slugs, beetles, and other crawling insects.
#3. Companion Planting
One of my favorite combos is tomatoes and basil. Not only does basil make tomatoes taste amazing, but it also helps keep pests away.
Another great pair is nasturtiums and zucchini. Nasturtiums are like bodyguards for zucchini, protecting them from aphids and other pests.
#4. Insecticidal Soap
To whip up your own insecticidal soap, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients: water, liquid soap, and a bit of vegetable oil.
I usually go for a mild liquid soap like Dr. Bronner’s Baby Mild having no additives.
First, mix about a teaspoon of liquid soap with a quart of water, then spray the solution directly onto the leaves of your plants in early morning or late afternoon.
This soap works wonders on aphids, mites, and other soft-bodied insects. The soap essentially suffocates the bugs by breaking down their outer coating.
#5. Garlic Spray
You’ll need a few cloves of garlic, some water, and a bit of dish soap.
Start by crushing the garlic cloves and letting them sit in water overnight to release the garlic’s natural oils.
The next day, strain the mixture to remove the garlic bits, and add a few drops of dish soap. The soap helps the solution stick to the plants.
#6. Eggshell Powder
Start saving those eggshells. Once you’ve got a good stash, crush them up into a fine powder. You can use a mortar and pestle, a blender, or even a rolling pin.
The sharp edges of the crushed eggshells are like tiny razor blades to soft-bodied pests like slugs and snails.
When they try to crawl over the eggshell powder, it cuts them up and they steer clear of your plants.
#7. Hand-Picking
Hand-picking is exactly what it sounds like. You go out to your garden, spot the little troublemakers, and pick them off your plants.
This method is especially useful for larger pests like caterpillars, beetles, and slugs.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Isn’t that a bit tedious?” Well, it can be, but it’s also incredibly satisfying.
There’s something oddly therapeutic about plucking a fat, juicy caterpillar off your prized tomato plant.
#8. Citrus Rind Spray
Citrus rind spray is super easy and effective, especially for those pesky aphids and ants that love to munch on your plants.
To make this spray, you’ll need the rinds of any citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, or grapefruits.
Boil the rinds in water for about 10 minutes, then let the mixture cool, then strain out the rinds and pour the liquid into a spray bottle.
#9. Beneficial Insects
First, let’s chat about ladybugs. These spotted wonders are voracious eaters of aphids, which are those tiny green bugs that love to munch on your plants.
Just release a bunch of ladybugs in your garden, and they’ll take care of the rest.
Then, there are lacewings. These delicate-looking insects might not seem like much, but their larvae are fierce predators.
They gobble up aphids, mites, and even small caterpillars.
Don’t forget about parasitic wasps. Now, I know wasps can sound scary, but these tiny ones are harmless to humans and deadly to pests.
And let’s not overlook the ground beetles. These guys patrol the soil, feasting on slugs, snails, and other ground-dwelling pests.
#10. Coffee Grounds
I’ve found that sprinkling used coffee grounds around my plants creates a barrier that slugs and snails just won’t cross. Plus, ants seem to hate the stuff too.
But wait, there’s more! Coffee grounds are also packed with nutrients like nitrogen, which is great for your plants. Just be careful not to overdo it.
One thing to keep in mind is that coffee grounds are slightly acidic. So, they’re perfect for acid-loving plants like tomatoes, blueberries, and roses.
#11. Hot Pepper Spray
The capsaicin in hot peppers irritates the pests, making your plants less appealing to pests.
To make the spray, you’ll need some hot peppers, water, and a bit of dish soap. I usually use cayenne peppers, but any hot pepper will do.
Blend the peppers with water, strain the mixture, and add a few drops of dish soap.
Now, apply it to your plants and be sure to cover both the tops and undersides of the leaves. Reapply after it rains or if you notice pests coming back.
#12. Physical Barriers
You can use things like row covers, netting, or even simple fences to keep pesky critters at bay.
One of my favorite tricks is using old newspapers. They are biodegradable and used as control weeds.
Another great option is using floating row covers. These are lightweight fabrics that you can drape over your plants. They let in light and water but keep out insects.
