7 Ways to Protect Garden Veggies From Pests
It’s spring, which means it’s gardening season in Alabama. Plump tomatoes, juicy watermelons and tasty asparagus are all ready to plant, and bugs are ready to feast on them before they even ripen.
You can protect your produce from pests by taking a few preventative steps aimed at keeping insects out of your yard and away from the garden.
Plant Bug-Repellent Plants Around Your Garden
There are some plants that act like natural bug repellents. When you put these flowers and herbs around your veggies (companion planting) they’ll act like a barrier to keep a variety of pests from using your garden like a buffet. A few options to consider planting alongside your veggies include:
- Marigolds
- Chrysanthemums
- Alliums
- Nasturtiums
- Lavender
- Basil
- Rosemary
- Garlic
It’s best to put bug-repellent plants around the border of the garden whenever possible. If there isn’t room to plant them in the ground you can also place potted plants around the garden perimeter.
Plant Earlier in the Season
The earlier you plant the less bugs there will be to contend with when veggies are ripe. More insects reach maturity with each passing day in the spring and summer. The sooner you plant and pick your produce the less likely veggies are to be eaten by insects.
Prep the Soil
The healthier the soil is the healthier your plants will be. Healthy plants are better able to fight off both insects and disease. Before planting, aerate the soil and add nutrients with compost or manure. Just keep in mind that organic nutrients are slower to release than synthetic options.
Plant Something New
If bugs have overwintered in your garden that means they fed off of the plants that were previously there. Planting something new will keep the soil nutrient-rich and encourage pests to find their food elsewhere. Even if bugs have to travel just a few yards, many will die in the process.
Don’t Squash Spiders
Usually we’re focused on getting rid of pests, but there are a few insects that can be beneficial in the garden. In addition to ladybugs, a number of spiders prey on garden pests.
Green stink bugs are among the most common Alabama pests that will devour just about anything in your garden. Adults and larvae destroy vegetables by sucking the juices out of them. They can also kill plants and prevent them from producing more vegetables. Arachnids, like the silver garden spider and the yellow garden spider, can keep these pests from becoming a problem in your garden.
Protect the Perimeter
Slugs are a big problem for Alabama gardeners. You can keep them from infiltrating the garden by surrounding it with a line of sawdust, lime or diatomaceous earth. However, the barrier will have to be reapplied after it rains.
Professional Pest Control Treatments
One of the most effective steps in planning before you plant is scheduling a professional pest control treatment. This can clear out any current infestations and deter future pests from becoming a problem. If you are concerned about chemicals discuss the possibility of using organic treatments with your pest control technician. You can also ask the technician to treat everything except the garden area.
At Vulcan Termite and Pest Control Inc. we help Central Alabama homeowners get their gardens ready every spring. If you want to prep before you plant give us a call to schedule a custom pest control treatment.
Original Source: https://www.vulcantermite.com/garden-pest-control/7-ways-to-protect-garden-veggies-from-pests/