Preventing pests in your home and garden can be a difficult job. And once they bother you, you naturally want to fight them. But how do you do this in an organic way, without it bothering you yourself? In this blog we give you the best tips and tricks!
1. Keep your Plants Healthy
A crucial step in preventing pests in your garden is maintaining the health of your plants. Healthy plants are more resistant to pests and diseases. To keep your plants healthy, it's important to perform regular inspections and quickly address any signs of stress, disease or pests. Regularly remove dead or diseased leaves and branches to prevent them from becoming a breeding ground for insects.
It is also essential to ensure good soil quality and sufficient nutrients for your plants. By adding organic fertilizers and compost, you improve soil structure and stimulate healthy growth. Also consider using natural soil conditioners such as compost tea to strengthen soil biology and increase your plants' natural resistance.
2. Keep the Garden Tidy
A tidy garden is not only visually appealing, but also essential for preventing pests. Messy gardens provide hiding places for various types of insects and rodents. By regularly clearing away dead plant material, leaves, branches and other garden waste, you minimize the risk of pests and diseases.
It is also important to avoid overgrown areas and dense vegetation as these provide ideal hiding places for pests. By regularly pruning and trimming your garden, you create an open and airy environment that is less attractive to pests.
3. Use a Straw When Watering
A simple but effective trick to keep pests at bay is to use a straw when watering your plants. By allowing the water to reach the roots directly, you prevent the top layer of the potting soil from remaining moist, which can be a source of attraction for insects such as fungus flies and fungi.
Using a straw ensures that the water reaches exactly where it is needed, without saturating the top layer of the potting soil. This can be especially useful when watering plants in pots or containers, where the risk of moisture problems is greater.
4. Harvest Your Crops on Time
Harvesting your crops on time is not only important for the taste and quality, but also for the prevention of pests. Mature crops are often more attractive to insects and rodents. By harvesting your crops on time and allowing them to ripen safely elsewhere, you prevent them from falling prey to pests and diseases.
It is also important to regularly check for signs of ripeness and to harvest your crops as soon as possible once they are ready. Also regularly remove overripe or spoiled fruits to prevent them from attracting insects and spreading them to healthy plants.
5. Use Shell Sand
An interesting and natural way to control pests is to use shell sand as a protective barrier around your plants. Shell sand is a natural material consisting of finely ground shells and lime, and it can be effective in deterring several species of crawling insects such as ants and slugs .
To use shell sand, simply apply a thin layer to the soil around your plants so that it forms an impenetrable barrier to pests. Make sure the layer is thick enough to be effective, but not so thick that it stunts the growth of your plants.
6. Choose Insect Repellent Plants
A smart and natural way to keep pests at bay is to introduce insect repellent plants into your garden. Some plants have natural properties that repel insects, making them less attractive to pests and diseases.
Popular examples of insect repellent plants include lavender, basil, marigold, lemon balm and rosemary. These plants contain natural oils and scents that can deter insects, making them a valuable addition to your garden. Consider placing these plants strategically around vulnerable crops or along the edges of your garden to naturally keep pests at bay.
7. Try Cinnamon
Although the use of cinnamon as an insecticide has not been scientifically proven, there are many gardeners who swear by this method as an effective way to control certain types of pests, such as fungus gnats . Cinnamon has antimicrobial and antifungal properties, so it may help prevent pests and diseases in your garden.
To use cinnamon, simply sprinkle some cinnamon powder around affected plants or on the bottom of pots. Be careful not to use large quantities, as this can hinder the growth of your plants. Although cinnamon's effect on pests is not guaranteed, it may be worth giving it a try as a natural and eco-friendly option.
8. Use Garlic and Onion Extracts
Garlic and onion extracts are known for their natural insect repellent properties and can help repel various types of pests in your garden. These powerful plants contain natural compounds that can deter insects and help maintain healthy plant growth.
To use garlic and onion extracts, you can simply make a solution by crushing garlic or onions and mixing it with water. Let the mixture steep for a while and then strain it to obtain a concentrated extract. Then spray the solution on the affected plants or use it as a preventive treatment to keep pests at bay.
Note that garlic and onion extracts may have a strong odor, so use them in moderation and avoid application just before harvest so as not to affect the taste of edible crops.
9. Use nematodes
Nematodes, also known as nematodes, are microscopic worms that naturally occur in soil and water. Some types of nematodes are parasitic and can control harmful soil insects such as fly larvae, beetles and caterpillars.
Using nematodes as a biological pesticide is an effective and environmentally friendly way to control pests in your garden. Nematodes can be introduced into the soil by mixing them with water and spraying over the affected area. Make sure you use the right type of nematode for the specific pest you are dealing with, and follow the instructions on the package carefully for the best results. View our full manual here.
