Your garden may be blooming right now, but with those blooms come the inevitable garden pests, ready to eat their way through your hard work. A combination of bountiful foliage, hot temperatures and humid, rainy conditions all contribute to the emergence of summer pests. Thankfully, there are some easy ways to prevent and get rid of unwelcomed visitors to your garden.
The best defense is a good offense. And intermingling plants that deter pests is a great way to start the season. For instance, catnip helps prevent caterpillars and beetles, while dill deters spider mites and aphids. Rosemary, thyme, basil and many herbs help keep these hungry intruders away, while adding an edible element to your garden
While we focus a lot of pollinator insects, let's not lose sight of the importance of other helpful insects. Ladybugs feed on the larvae of aphids and parasitic wasps devour aphids and caterpillars. These helpful insects can restore balance to your garden and allow you to stay away from sprays or other harmful chemicals. Most of these insects can be purchased online.
Sometimes the only way to get rid of stubborn pests is through sprays. We prefer naturally derived sprays. Neem oil sprays can help control outbreaks of aphids, beetles (including Japanese beetles) and spider mites, in addition to mildew. In other instances, a direct insecticidal spray may be more appropriate, as long as directions are followed and there is enough distance between the garden and bodies of water.
