Gardens are beginning to ‘come alive’ at this time of year, with salad crops and many other fruits and vegetables coming into their own – but they can also be a magnet for pests
As the gardening season hits its stride, green-fingered enthusiasts are starting to reap the rewards of their labour with an abundance of salad crops and veggies.
Yet, there’s nothing quite as disheartening as starting to harvest your carefully-tended fruit and veg, only to find that it’s already been devoured by garden pests. Currently, Google queries for “garden pests” and “get rid of pests in garden” have skyrocketed by over 200% in recent weeks.
However, dousing your edible plants in harsh chemicals is a no-go, so BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine has come up with some top-notch natural remedies to banish those uninvited munchers.
Drench the invaders
You can banish aphids from fruit trees, for example, with washing-up liquid. Using an eco-friendly brand such as Ecover or Purdy & Figg diluted in water, just spray your at-risk plants liberally while pinching off any obvious offenders, or even pruning branches that have a large number of aphids on them.
Alternatively, to keep aphids at bay, nematodes can be your best allies. There are specific nematode species that target various garden pests.
For those pesky aphids, seek out types like Steinernema feltiae or Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, which prey on aphids and other pests lurking in the soil.
These minuscule warriors invade the aphids, unleashing bacteria that swiftly dispatch them. Just make sure to follow the packet instructions to a tee, and check that your soil is damp and warm enough for the nematodes you’ve picked up.
A canopy of protection.
Netting does more than just stop caterpillars and other egg-laying pests from attacking your leafy veg; it also shields against wind damage and guards against any surprise hailstorms. Plus, it’s a smart move to prevent insects from transmitting diseases between your plants.
Any roving rabbits or squirrels eyeing up your veg patch for their nut stash will be thwarted by sturdy netting.
Escar-GO!
A liberal dusting of crushed eggshell can safeguard plants in beds from slimy invaders – slugs and snails detest the sensation of traversing the jagged fragments.
Kaolin clay serves as another natural deterrent, especially effective at warding off pests from cucumbers. Just remember to reapply after any summer downpours, as it’s prone to being washed away in heavy rain.
Fun guys.
Waine Delaney, from fungi experts SporeBuddies, suggests that mushrooms might not spring to mind when considering garden protection, but certain types contain compounds that naturally target slugs, snails, and other unwelcome guests – organically and safely, without resorting to chemicals.
Many edible varieties, such as shiitake and oyster, are packed with bioactive compounds boasting anti-fungal, antimicrobial, and insect-repelling properties.
They also harbour enzymes, phenolics, and bitter-tasting compounds that deter pests like slugs and snails; when sprayed onto plant surfaces and surrounding soil, the residue and unfamiliar scent confound them, signalling that the plant is unpalatable.
Making your own.
Strain the concoction through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer into a jug to eliminate any remaining large bits that could clog the spray.
You can also ramp up the concoction’s bug-busting power by throwing in additional ingredients like peppermint oil, rosemary, garlic extract (a winner for warding off slugs and snails), or neem oil (great for tackling caterpillars, greenfly, and aphids).
Gently decant your blend into a spray bottle, topping up with water if needed.
Give it a good shake before each use and spritz directly onto the leaves – don’t neglect the underside – stems, and around the base of your plants. Reapply every few days, particularly after rainfall.