If you are someone who enjoys gardening, you probably already know how quickly pests can ruin your hard work. It is important to include some garden planting tips so you can be prepared in knowing what to do and how to prevent pests from damaging your garden.
Common Garden Pests
- Aphids – These are extremely tiny, green insects that are shaped like a pear and have long antennae. Aphids will suck the sap from many shade trees and produce. Leaves may begin to appear droopy, and the plant may experience stunted growth. Aphids also leave behind a brown, sticky residue known as honeydew which can harbor fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and black sooty mold.
- Flea Beetles – These are pests that are dark and small and feed on many plants such as peppers, cabbage, lettuce, and potatoes. Once they infest a plant, they will leave round, small holes in the leaves which can create a danger to younger plants.
- Scales – These are flat, tiny, oval-shaped insects that suck juices from plants. They may be hard to find since they appear as plant deformities. Scales are also hard to get rid of since they have a waxy covering on them that protects them from insecticides. They may also cause the leaves on your plants to turn yellow or even die.
- Caterpillars – Caterpillars are easy to identify, but many people are unaware that they can cause damage to their plants. They are actually among the most destructive pests in gardens. They will chew on leaves.
- Cutworms – Cutworms are the larvae of moths and burrow into the soil during the day and come out at night. They will cut down plants by chewing on their stems at the soil level.
Controlling Garden Pests
There are some ways that you can control common garden pests if you do not already have garden plants that deter pests.
Install Physical Barriers
This can consist of row covers for the tops of your plants or the use of cardboard barriers that are wrapped around the base of your plants.
Healthy Soil
It is important that you keep your soil healthy since it results in healthy plants. Plants have an immune system just like humans. Plants that are stress-free and healthy are not as appealing to pests. In addition, healthy plants can defend themselves better.
Rotate crops
It is important that you plant various kinds of plants in different areas of your garden every year. Avoid planting the same plants in the same spots. Many pests will overwinter in the soil and come out later when the seasons change in hopes of food. If the plant that they had been previously feeding on is no longer there, the pest will also be forced to relocate.
Companion Planting
Many plants act as a natural insect repellent. As mentioned above, you can plant ones that will naturally deter pests. They can be extremely beneficial if you have a vegetable garden. For example, if you want to ward off flies and mosquitos, you can plant basil. If you want to deter aphids, plant petunias, and garlic, if you want to reduce spider mites, Japanese beetles, and aphids.