I’m a pro gardener – I use 2 plants to repel pests from my tasty tomatoes, a live insect will also keep aphids at bay
A PRO gardener has demonstrated how to repel pests the natural way.
She does not have to resort to using chemicals in her veggie patch.
Instead, she works with the ecosystem and uses organic methods.
It works a treat and is inevitably kinder to your garden, produce, and wildlife.
The Garden Girls puts plants at the first line of attack to keep hungry beasties at bay.
But she also uses a live insect in her bug warfare tactics.
COMPANION PLANTING
Companion planting has long been part of the organic and biodynamic gardening movement.
But the gardening world is beginning to catch on with this gentle gardening style.
“When planting tomatoes, add marigolds and chives,” Jen McDonald of The Garden Girls told The U.S. Sun.
“These plants repel pests, which might otherwise be attracted to tasty tomato leaves.”
UNDERCOVER
Once a plant is transplanted outside, it is vulnerable to late frosts, wind, and rain.
“Use floating row covers and cloches to cover tender young transplants,” advised McDonald.
You can have fun choosing these, they come in all shapes, sizes, and designs.
LADY WARRIORS
Use your garden beetles to best effect in the fight to keep veggies free from beasties.
Ladybugs are lady warriors in the garden. Just one ladybug will feast on hundreds of aphids, a common garden pest.
“Add in a container of live ladybugs in the evening. We find this to be the most helpful approach to deterring pests,” wrote McDonald.
Tips for keeping pests from your garden
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- Plant companion plants such as peppermint to repel rats.
- Place Garden Netting Pest Barrier, $8, Amazon, over your flowerbeds.
- Fill open-top containers with beer and place in soil to repel slugs.
- Spray plants with Neem Oil, $9, Target, to repel ants, flies, and spiders.
- Dust your flowerbeds with Diatomaceous Earth, $8.26, Amazon.
- Mix 1 tablespoon dish soap, 10 drops peppermint oil, and 4 cups water and spray on flowerbeds.
- Place eggshells around your plants to protect from slugs and snails.
WEED BLITZ
Weeds are the bane of gardeners everywhere and require constant vigilance.
There are ways of managing this problem without resorting to harmful chemicals.
Applying a fabric barrier is the best way to prevent weeds from popping up in the garden. But you might still have to pull the annoying plants too.
“The use of synthetic weed killer is a last resort and should never be used around edible herbs, flowers, and vegetables,” said McDonald in conclusion.