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Concern for food safety and environmental awareness has prompted many gardeners to find alternative methods for pest, weed, and disease control. Some of these alternatives are not really new to one’s ears. Old-time practices that are mainly focused on improving the situation of the garden have been preferred as natural garden pest control strategies despite a lot of new introductions from experts.
The first natural garden pest control method that you can practice is soil improvement. By slowly adding manure or compost from time to time, you can add nutrients to the soil and ensure nourishment for plants. The next natural garden pest control measure is plant selection. You should make sure to choose only pest-resistant plants that are suited to your climate and soil type. Only quality and healthy seeds and plants should make their way to your garden. Healthy and strong transplants themselves are natural pest control remedies that will save you tons of time and effort.
Start planting at recommended seasons. Weak plants that are more susceptible to infestation are normally the result of being set out too late or too early. Also, diversify the design of your garden to prevent pests from spreading and breeding all throughout the place. This natural garden pest control technique makes it difficult for pests to spread as they only stick to a variety of crops.
The use of soil covering and mulch is another preferred natural pest control method for it not only stops weeds from growing, it also keeps soil moisture intact and acts as a natural fertilizer to crops. Simple materials like coffee grounds, grass clippings, newspaper, wood chips, small branches, and egg shells can be used for mulching.
As reiterated by plant experts, crop rotation is a proven natural garden pest control method since it reduces the increase of plant-specific vermin in the soil. The most recommended gap is five years between vegetables of the same family.
Row covers and sticky traps are also effective non-toxic natural garden pest control products that are available in the market. Sticky traps usually ensnare aphids and white flies and can protect ornamentals and vegetables from infestation. Row covers prevent maggots, worms, flies, and leaf miners from ravaging vegetables and crops. Another natural garden pest control method that can be effective against sowbugs and pillbugs is the use of rolled up damp paper. Placing new rolls between crops every day can b decrease their number as these pests naturally hide in the paper.
The use of barriers is another highly effective natural garden pest control method for slugs, snails, weevils, weeds, and ants. This easy to install and low maintenance material is mostly purchased from specialized garden shops and online sellers. Weed barriers, however, can be recycled from old cardboards, appliance boxes, and roofing paper. This natural garden pest control method is recommended for suppressing weeds under gravel, wood, or stone and is said to be more effective than landscaping fabric.
There are a lot of non-chemical alternatives that you can use to improve the culture of your garden. These natural garden pest control methods have been tried and tested for decades. Without a doubt, maintaining a healthy plant culture is the most conventional yet effective way to prevent pests and diseases from plundering your garden.
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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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