After ditching the hoop and nets, I was ready for an upgrade and in this video I'll share with you the new solution I am trying. https://michelleinthemeadow.com/vego
Photo Credits Natasha Wright, CC BY 3.0 US and Forest & Kim Starr, CC BY 3.0 US
via Wikimedia Commons https:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/us/deed.en
And it's not a surprise when I head over to Google to check out the topic you're asking questions like:
- How to keep bugs out of your garden without pesticides?
- What are non chemical methods of pest control?
- What are natural pest repellents for gardens?
I got a little help from Gemini to offer some additional advice.
To cultivate a thriving, organic, non-pesticide veggie garden, focus on creating an environment that naturally deters pests while supporting healthy plant growth. This involves a multi-pronged approach:
Cultivating Healthy and Resilient Plants: Amend your soil with plenty of organic compost to improve drainage and nutrient availability, leading to strong plants that are naturally more resistant to pests.
Encouraging Natural Pest Control: Attract natural predators like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps by planting flowers such as marigolds, dill, and yarrow. Create small habitats for them with undisturbed soil or brush piles. Utilize plant pairings where one plant repels pests that might attack another. Examples include marigolds repelling nematodes and aphids, basil deterring whiteflies and tomato hornworms, and garlic/onions keeping away rabbits, slugs, and aphids.
Implementing Physical Barriers: Use lightweight fabric covers to prevent flying insects from laying eggs on your plants. Employ chicken wire to deter larger animals like rabbits and deer. Mulch and gravel can help deter slugs and snails.
Utilizing DIY Natural Sprays: Blend garlic with water and a bit of liquid soap. Use this natural oil to combat aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Mix chili peppers, water, and dish soap. A solution of one part vinegar to three parts water with a teaspoon of dish soap. Soak chopped tomato leaves in water, strain, dilute, and spray. Mix dish soap with water to target various soft-bodied insects.
Maintaining a Clean Garden Environment: Regularly remove dead leaves and plant debris to eliminate hiding and breeding spots for pests. Weed diligently and keep compost bins covered.
Employing Motion and Sound Deterrents: For larger pests, use motion-activated sprinklers, wind chimes, or reflective tape to startle them.
Natural Pest Repellents for Gardens:
- Basil, rosemary, oregano, mint, and lavender. Garlic and Onions: Plant them strategically.
- Marigolds: Plant throughout the garden.
- Chrysanthemums: Contain natural insecticides.
- Diatomaceous Earth (DE): Food-grade DE sprinkled around plants.
- Citrus Peels: Use as slug traps.
- Coffee Grounds: Sprinkle to deter slugs, snails, and some cats.
- Cinnamon and Cayenne Pepper: Sprinkle to repel ants.
Support for Michelle in the Meadow
If you're interested in any of the products we show on this channel, you can use the links below to find them and make a purchase. These links are affiliate links, which means I'll earn a small commission when you make a purchase. These commissions add up and help support this channel and my family. We are grateful when you take the time to click on the links we provide.
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Vego Garden Bed https://michelleinthemeadow.com/vego
Birdies Garden Bed https://michelleinthemeadow.com/epic
Bully American-Made Tools https://amzn.to/3EbqjQK
Fiskars Hedge Shears https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007HZCRNY/
Gorilla Cart Wagon https://amzn.to/43gYkpq
About Michelle In The Meadow
I'm growing on a 1/4 acre suburban lot. I started gardening here 6 years ago and am glad you are here.
We have more than 80 individual fruit trees and shrubs and more than a dozen different kinds of annuals growing on this property. The slopes make for some interesting ways to garden, but we're trying to make the best of it.
On the first Sunday evening of each month (7PM Eastern), I go live on YouTube sharing updates and answering your questions.
If you enjoyed this video, please give it a thumbs up and consider subscribing to follow along on all the happenings in my Northeast Florida Zone 9B Garden. Until next time, my friends, remember to drink plenty of water, wear high-quality sunscreen and have a fantastic day.
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This video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ry27Cr5x88
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