Now that gardening season is upon us and the biggest bulk of our vegetable gardens have already been planted, it is time to turn our attention to one of the most important gardening tasks that we can accomplish, keeping the garden free from pests.
As healthful conditions are essential for preventing human illness, so it is with the garden. Strict cleanliness in the garden is one method that will help to keep garden pests at bay. Large heaps of decaying plant matter are an invitation for pests. This does not mean that you cannot have a compost pile, but neatness and containment are in order and preferably in a covered bin.
Another help to the gardener in fighting garden pests is the encouragement of friendly garden creatures. Earthworms are very beneficial in that they fertilize the soil in addition to keeping it open to air and water. One should also encourage birds in the garden area, as they feed upon many different types of worms and insects that can destroy your hard work. Introducing ladybugs and praying mantis into the garden can also reap great benefits in winning the war on garden pests. Check in many of the gardening catalogs to purchase these beneficial insects by mail order.
Toads and frogs are additional sources for free pest control services. They can consume vast numbers of insects in one meal. If you wish to encourage toads, then provide plenty of shady areas during the day away from the hot sun. A carpet of damp leaves underneath a shrub will create a hotel that any frog will rate five stars.
Another fabulous method of combating pests is to plant insect fighting plants in the vegetable garden. Marigolds are beautiful when planted around the perimeter of the garden or alternated with vegetable plants. Grasshoppers love to gnaw on vegetable plants, to keep them out of your garden plant hollyhocks away from the vegetable garden. Grasshoppers will flock to the hollyhock and hopefully leave your veggies alone.
While we are talking about garden pests, remember to keep all areas free of standing water. Standing water creates a breeding ground for mosquitoes, which in turn can harm both humans and birds by transmission of West Nile Virus.
With a little thought and planning you can have a profitable, healthy garden that is free from disease and pests. It may take a little bit of extra work on your part initially but the rewards you will see in increased garden yields are definitely worth the time and the effort.
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