Gardening Pests - Reducing Pests in Your Garden

Gardening is a productive hobby. There are dozens of reasons to take up gardening! It provides some food for your table, gets you outdoors and active as well as a routine of something to do daily for those who don't work outside the home. While we love our gardens we don't love gardening pests! These are creatures that rob you of plants, time, money and produce. There are many chemicals and sprays to combat the insects as well as deterring larger pests but not everyone wants to use chemicals.

Persistence is a bigger factor for these folks! When Japanese beetles targeted one gardener's wild roses she made a point of going out at least two to three times per day for "bug patrol". A small bowl of water held under the leaves dropped hundreds of beetles into a watery end but the plants still bore the effects of skeletons for leaves.

One of the biggest points to combating gardening pests is learning what they like, then not providing it. Diatomaceous earth is an effective means of controlling many pests. It is non-toxic and although it appears as a fine dust to us but to bugs it's razor wire that deals deadly damage. It is not harmful to pets or children, although the dust from it may irritate the nose to breath. For many types of gardening pests Diatomaceous earth is a great alternative to chemicals, but it should be kept dry for best results. This can mean reapplying after a rain.

Keeping weeds at bay can help a healthy garden as well. After a rain when the soil is soft is a great time to quickly and easily remove weeds. Keep in mind what pests like and don't like. Strong smells such as garlic or tobacco can repel pests and serve as an insecticide. Oil - including vegetable oils - can smother many insects, while heat kills others from chili or other agents. Soaps can also be an eviction order for pests in your garden.

Don't use sprays during the hot daylight hours as it can 'cook' your plants. Apply in the evening or use other than in the heat of the day. Whether you use organic sprays or chemicals be mindful of the beneficial bugs in your garden. These can help you a great deal!

Learning to work with nature in a garden setting takes some time, but it is time well spent!