1.
Learn about the plants and the weeds and bugs
that affect them.
2.
Choose the right plants. Plant native species whenever possible.
Native plants are better protected by their own “immune
systems” and their relationships with other plants and
animals in the area. You may also look for plants that are
pest-resistant. Diversifying the garden with a variety of
plants will help the plants protect each other from pests.
For example, small flowered plants like daisies, mint, and
rosemary attract many insects that eat the pests. Check with
a local garden shop or nursery for recommendations.
3.
Maintain
healthy, fertile soil by rotating your plants, adding compost,
and mulching.
4.
Plant
early to avoid the worst bug season.
5.
Allow growth of the pests’ natural predators.
Ladybugs, ground beetles, and birds eat many pests, and fungi
and moss can infect the pests naturally. Spraying chemicals
often kills the beneficial bugs too.
6.
Get
out there and work with your hands! A hoe, spade, and your
hands are the best tools to combat weeds. Getting close to
your plants will help you identify problems and remove pests
and damaged plants by hand. Tilling can eliminate many weeds
as well. Pruning plants helps remove diseased parts, leaving
the plant's nutrients for the healthy parts. Always prune
back to a main branch or stem; leaving "stubs" opens
a door for pests.
7.
Keep
a garden journal in which you record when you see pests, what
they look like, what they have done to the plants, and the
actions taken. In this way, you will learn what works and
what doesn't while experimenting with new techniques.
