Let’s Talk About Garden Pests
Black Swallowtail Caterpillar
Not All Bugs Are Bad
If you have a garden, you will have pests. With the recent rain and higher temperaturs, you may start seeing more pests in your garden. We have pests, master gardeners have pests, even Martha Stewart has pests. When you see insects in your garden, remember this: Most are no threat to plants. Some are even very beneficial. All are an integral part of our ecosystem and those holes in your leaves mean someone was fed.
How Do I Defend Against Garden Pests?
Your best defense against pesky pests is a strong offense. Pests target weak, unhealthy or young plants, so make sure that you are planting healthy seasonally appropriate starters. Make sure that your irrigation is adequate and that water is going to the soil, not the leaves. Your EYES are your best form of protection from pests. Inspect the leaves, especially the underside.
What Is This in My Garden?
Your first task when you see a creepy crawler or bug is to try and identify it. We like the app “Insect ID.” It’s not always completely accurate, but the more you use it, the more familiar with pests you’ll become, and the more comfortable you’ll feel! Most garden pests can be handled in non-toxic ways. We always begin by physically removing the pest by hand or a spray of water from the hose to blast them away. Neem oil or an insecticidal soap is another go to option.
Most Common Pests and How To Handle
Aphids are tiny, pear-shaped insects that come in a variety of colors. They are typically found in clusters on the underside of leaves. They suck the sap from the leaves of plants. A strong spray of water from a hose can knock them off. You can also treat them with insecticidal soap (1 tablespoon of soap per quart of water). Aphids multiply quickly, but rarely do enough damage to kill a plant. And, lady bugs feed on aphids so consider releasing ladybugs, which is a fun garden task for kids.
Slugs and Snails eat holes into leaves and prefer moist areas. You will often find them hiding under plants, in the soil or garden debris. In addition to removing them by hand, we recommend food grade diatomaceous earth. You can sprinkle the white powder on the soil when the soil is dry. It is not effective on wet soil. Diatomaceous earth works well to control pill bugs too.
Caterpillars are the larva stage of moths and butterflies, which means they may turn into a pollinator. The feed on plants, eating the leaves. Unless they are devastating your garden, you can leave them alone or pick off by hand. If you feel like you need to turn to another remedy, try Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis).
Gardening is More Than Production
The bottom line is that pests are inevitable. When planting your garden, try to mix a variety of flowers, herbs and vegetables to keep pests from attacking an entire bed of one variety. You can also shop our Amazon Store for organic pest control products.
And, Gertrude Jekyll beautifully says, “A garden is a grand teacher. It teaches patience and careful watchfulness; it teaches industry and thrift; above all it teaches entire trust.”
