Pesticides are one of the leading culprits when it comes to run-off pollution. Some studies have shown pesticides can cause cancer and a wide range of health problems. If pesticides are so bad, what can you do to ensure your garden is protected? It is a good idea to choose natural pesticides because they are safer compared to chemical pesticides.
Natural pesticides com from plants and trees and this is why they tend to have fewer negative side effects, and not toxic when consumed. Some natural pesticide options like crop rotation are not going to need anything to be put on the plants. Natural pesticides might be the best option if you are concerned about what is going into your body. Below are some of the different options.
Best Natural Pesticides
Neem Oil
This is derived from the seed of the Azadirachta Indica tree. It has been used for many years as a natural pesticide. It is important to consider some things before you apply this in your garden. When used in high doses, it can kill your plants, which is why it is important to start by testing it on a small spot before applying it to your entire garden.
If you apply neem oil on high doses or when there is direct sunlight, it can end up burning the plant. Carefully read the instructions on the bottle to get the right dosage, and also apply it during the evening when the sun is setting.
In small doses, neem oil is safe and non-toxic, hence safe to eat.
Diatomaceous Earth
This is made of ground-up fossils. It is applied around the plant, then when insects walk over it, it causes micro cuts on the body of the insects. This will result in the insect dying of dehydration. There are two ways of applying this. The first is applying it around the base of the plant, and the second is mixing it with water then spraying it on the plant itself. Before you eat fruit or veggies, make sure you have washed thoroughly because you don’t want to eat it.
Horticultural Oil
You can use dormant oil or summer oil, or any that is vegetable-based. You can use summer oils for when the leaves are still on trees because they are safe for plants. Dormant oil is best used during the winter when the leaves have fallen off the tree, they kill bugs lying dormant on the plant.
Just like you do with neem oil, it is important to start by applying dormant or summer oil on a small area of the plant before you apply to the entire thing. Wait until evening, do not apply it when there is direct sunlight.
Handpicking
This is the simplest method of pest control because it is just about picking the bugs off your plans. This can take a lot of time, but you will be sure there are no chemicals on your plants. A trick that will help is using shop-vac with a small hose then suck up the bugs – it is faster, but there is the risk of plants breaking because there are some that might not be able to withstand the force.
Companion Planting
Companion planting is another risk-free approach to pest control. You need to plan before the gardening season arrives so you can find plants that are going to protect other plants. If you are interested in growing tomatoes, have basil plants next to tomatoes. Basil helps in driving away flies and mosquitoes. If you grow tomatoes next to potatoes, there is the risk of the disease spreading – which is why you need to ensure these plants are not close to each other.
Wrapping up
There is a wide range of options when it comes to protecting your plants from pests. There is no need of using harsh chemicals.