Unfortunately, you’re not the only one who wants to enjoy your garden’s crops. Whether it’s insects or deer, there’s always something trying to eat your plants. While synthetic pesticides are one control option, these chemicals are known to cause harm to human health and the environment. Fortunately, there are natural pest controlling methods to protect your garden from pests.
Pest control generally falls under four main categories: cultural, physical, biological, and chemical.
Cultural and physical controls don’t involve the application of pesticides, but rather practices including crop rotation and the use of row cover.
Biological controls involve the use of live organisms such as beneficial insects or bacteria.
Chemical control involves the application of chemicals, whether natural or synthetic.
If you’re concerned about the health of your plants and body, read on for five natural pest controlling methods.
1. Neem Oil
Neem oil is derived from the seeds of the Azadirachta Indica tree. To use this natural pesticide, follow product instructions to dilute the product with water. After diluting, spray the neem oil on your plants, taking care to apply the right dose.
Neem oil can burn plants when it’s applied in direct sunlight, so it’s best to apply on a cloudy day or in the evening.
Neem oil is safe and effective on a number of common pests including aphids, thrips, whiteflies, and spider mites. For effective control, apply neem oil each week. If you experience heavy rainfall, it’s smart to reapply.
We have detailed article on Neem Oils For Plants if you would like to learn more.
2. Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous Earth (DE) consists of finely ground fossilized organisms. While DE is harmless to humans and pets, it’s sharp edges cause small cuts to insects.
To use, sprinkle DE around the base of your plant, or mix with water and spray on your plants. DE will not harm you if you touch it, but make sure to wash it off your produce before consuming.
Remember, food-grade diatomaceous earth is the safer alternative to DE. Non-food grade forms containing crystalline silica are more dangerous than food-grade, this Diatomaceous Earth is a good option.
3. Horticultural Oil
When horticultural oils are sprayed on pests, the pests suffocate. While this may sound like a harsh death, it is an effective method to control pests including aphids, scale, leafhoppers, and mealy bugs. Just make sure the oil makes direct contact with the pests.
Horticultural Oil Concentrate Insecticide/Pesticide is OMRI listed and approved for organic gardening.
To apply horticultural oil, follow product instructions to mix the oil with water. Next, wait until plants are out of direct sunlight and spray your plants, making sure to spray all adults, nymphs, and eggs. You will see the results by the next day.
Horticultural oil is a labeled pesticide that must be used in accordance with the directions on the label. Spraying horticultural oil can harm both good and bad bugs, therefore only use it when necessary and be sure to wash the plants well before using them.
4. Handpicking
Although simple, handpicking pests off your plants is an effective control method. This method is best used for small amounts of pests, unless you don’t mind spending hours picking insects. After removing the pests from your plants, one easy way to kill them is by placing them in a container of soapy water. And don’t forget to check the undersides of leaves for pests’ eggs.
5. Companion Planting
Companion planting involves planting beneficial plants next to each other in your garden. Rather than relying on sprays for control, you’re utilizing ecology. One type of plant secretes chemical compounds that ward off pests that like to attack its companion plant.
For example, plant onions and carrots together to repel leek moths from onions and carrot fly from carrots. Other good combinations are nasturtium and cucumbers, sweet alyssum and lettuce, and marigold and tomatoes. Check out our article on Companion Planting
Wrap up
These are just five natural pest controlling methods; there are lots more out there. With all the options, you’ll be able to keep pests out of your garden without using synthetic pesticides.
Cooks Harvest is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more