1. Add Soil Amendments and Nutrients. If the soil is healthy your plants will be stronger and less susceptible to pest and disease issues. Add organic compost, manure and ferltilizer. (See Article #3 "15 Organic Soil Amendments for your Garden" ).

 

2. Remove Diseased or Infested Plants. Do not waste your time trying to save sick plants. Pest and disease can spread rapidly in the garden.

 

3. Keep Your Garden Clean. Rake up fallen leaves and fruit. Wash off foliage regularly with a hose to keep it free of dust and pests. Remove and spent flowers or foliage.

 

4. Encourage Pest Eating Insects and Animals. Spraying insecticide on your plants will kill all insects both good and bad. Beneficial insects for your garden include; Lady bugs and their larvae, lacewings and their larvae, praying mantises,predatory wasps and black beetles. Frogs, toads and if you live in a warm area lizards will also eat their share of pests. Bird feeders and water will attract beneficial birds that will feast on the juicy pests.

 

5. Pick off the Pests by Hand. Whenever you inspect your garden you will look for signs of pest damage. If you see pests pick them off the plants and dispose of them in any way that you see fit and works. Try the "two brick" method if you run into something a bit larger like a slug or large grasshopper. The two brick method is simply squishing the pest between two bricks. Works every time.

 

6. Aphid Controls. Don't let aphids get started. Spray with a mixture of 4 ounces of dishwashing and 1 gallon of water. Wash off with water after 15 minutes. Sprinkle wood ashes over plants and wash off after 24 hours. Blend together a mixture of 3 jalapeno peppers, 3 garlic cloves and a a quart of water strain and use as a spray.

 

7. Slug Control with Beer. Slugs love the yeast in beer. Bury a container in the ground where slugs can climb in. Fill it halfway with beer and the slugs will climb in and the alcohol will kill them.

 

8. Protect Plant Seedlings. To keep plant seedlings from being chewed, put a jar over the plant after sunset and remove it at dawn. Make sure to push the jar into the soil.

 

9. Plants That Repel and Discourage Pests. These plants can help in controlling pests when planted near or in the garden. Try marigolds for nematodes, mint for  caterpillars, and nasturtiums will attract aphids and keep them away from your garden.

 

10. If All Else Fails Use Organic Pesticide. Start with the least toxic substance such as dish soap. Use products that contain sulphur or copper. Pyrethrum or rotenone are made from the leaves and roots of certain plants. Only spray the affected plants.