Whether you’re a keen gardener or a novice when it comes to planting, you’ll know how much pests can ruin your produce. Weeds, fungi and bacteria live in the soil which can often lead to your plants becoming rotten or inedible. You don’t need to rely on pesticides though – there are ways to embrace the natural way and still get great looking plants and produce. Here are some reasons why pesticides might not be the best way to go when it comes to your garden.
1 – Not all pests are bad for your garden, which is why you should avoid even the natural options, such as garlic or cayenne to discourage them. There are helper species such as ladybirds, frogs, wasps and toads which can be beneficial, as they feast on the less desirable species.
2 – Weeds may look unsightly, but they aren’t necessarily something you want to avoid. Weeds make great places for insects to survive in – so while you’re not likely to leave them in those neatly arranged beds, you don’t have to worry about taking them out of the edges of your garden. If you want to see plenty of bees and butterflies in your garden, weeds are the way forward.
3 – Don’t separate your plants – plant things together to create a great variety in small spaces. Why? Well, not only does it make for a more visually interesting bed, but it also discourages pests, as they build up according to the quantity and availability of their favourite foods. If you plant different things together, it confuses them so they’ll be less likely to feast in your garden.
4 – Healthy plants don’t attract pests in the same way as unhealthy plants, so feed the soil as much as you can. Make sure you water them enough too, so that they are better equipped to fend off the enemy.
5 – Lastly, let some pests live. Nature dictates that for every pest, there is a predator that will keep it in check, so let the cycle run its course. After a while, you’ll notice that those pests you’ve been trying to get rid of have managed themselves.
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