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A forthcoming habitat with unlimited supply of forage, gardens are attacked by insects more frequently than we see flowers bloom in a season. This article lists the most common garden pests and diseases and the most recommended solutions for them.
Aphids, beetles, black spots, borers, mildew, rust, slugs, snails, and worms are the most common garden pests and diseases. They forage on almost all types of plants destroying them and their produces in the process.
Aphids are the most common insects that feed on plants. They suck plant sap, transferring viruses as they feed. Fortunately, aphids are the most easily controlled of the garden pests and diseases known. Simple drenching and the use of natural enemies like wasps and lacewings can greatly decrease their number.
Though some beetles prey on other pests, certain types like the elm leaf beetle, asparagus beetle, and potato beetle create havoc in vegetable gardens chewing on stems, leaves, and fruits. Of the garden pests and diseases identified, beetles are one of the most difficult to control. The best preventive measure for these pests is a clean garden free of their hiding places.
Borers are perhaps one of the most destructive garden pests and diseases because they not only feed on fruits, they also eat stems, stalks, flowers, and leaves, leaving the plant almost entirely ruined. The use of traps and parasitic insects are some of the non-chemical methods that can help control borers. An alternative technique for heavily infested areas is the Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (BTK). This biological stomach poison must be fed to insects to be effective. One way would be to spray the foliage of infested plants to provide a thorough coverage.
Other common garden pests and diseases are slugs and snails. Slug-and-snail-prone crops include berries, ornamentals like dahlias and marigolds, and green leafy vegetables. Luckily, slugs and snails are one of the most visible garden pests and diseases and can be handpicked each morning or caught with sticky traps. There are even specialized copper slug barriers that can be easily installed in gardens.
Worms generally attack fruits and vegetables. Cabbage worms, earworms, ballworms, budworms, hornworms, and fruitworms are the most common and can be eliminated both by biological, physical, and chemical measures. Handpicking, the installation of row covers, and use of BTK can be effective control methods on these garden pests and diseases.
Garden diseases like mildew, black spots, scab, and rust are best controlled by chemicals. Less-toxic chemicals like potassium bicarbonate, neem oil, and sulfur can be applied to crops such as roses and some vegetables to prevent these pests from destroying their flowers. Weeds are also destructive garden pests and diseases not to be taken lightly. Not only do they take over the garden, they also grab soil nutrients that are supposed to be for plants and crops. Mulches and weed barriers can be used to protect vegetable beds and shrubs from weeds. Chemicals such as acid-based weed killers can be used on young weeds scattered along pavements.
Garden pests and diseases are inevitable but this does not mean surrendering to them for good. There are physical, biological, and chemical means to keep these vermin from taking over your garden forever.
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Author Bio Box: Patricia Wainwright
Get all the facts about pest and disease and organic gardening at GreenThumbArticles.com!
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