Battle Bugs, Naturally

’ve already shared the many downsides of chemical pesticides (pages 11-12) when it comes to human health. By tending your own garden, you can control what you plant and how it’s raised, knowing that the fresh produce you bring to your table is as clean as it can be. For a truly organic yet pest-free garden this summer and beyond, heed the following advice.

Grow Native

One way to reduce problems with pests is simply to grow strong, healthy plants that are naturally resistant. As discussed last section, vibrant soils support plants in resisting pests and diseases. In addition to growing in rich soil, select vegetables, herbs, and flowers that are native to your area. Native plant species often attract beneficial bugs that prey on pests; learn more below. Your local garden center is more likely than a big-box store to carry plants best suited to your area. The staff there should also be able to provide you with information on the native plants most likely to thrive in your garden. Organic gardening websites can also be helpful; find information and links at gardenguides.com.

Pick Nontoxic Products

To discourage pests, I use natural pesticides containing pyrethrum or neem. Pyrethrum is a mixture of insecticidal compounds found in African chrysanthemums that controls aphids, whiteflies, stinkbugs, and mites. You should be able to find pyrethrum products in your local gardening store. (Some will say they contain synthetic pyrethrins, which are also okay.) Check labels carefully, though, to make sure you choose the product intended for the crops you’re growing or the pests you’re trying to eliminate. While made from natural materials, pyrethrum can still be toxic to humans and pets in high dosages. Be sure to read application instructions carefully.

Neem comes from the seeds and leaves of the Neem tree, Azadirachta indica, which is native to India. The compounds it contains (such as azadirachtin) act as insect repellents. Neem is generally nontoxic to animals and humans (it can cause skin irritation, so be sure to read application directions on the product). Though neem products are somewhat more expensive than most synthetic pesticides, they pay off in the long run.

You can also find nontoxic insecticidal soaps, which can be sprayed on the infected surfaces of your plants to eliminate mites, aphids, beetles, and whiteflies. Follow label directions. Note that some plants can be sensitive to repeated use of these products, so you’ll want to be careful. You can also easily make your own soap spray at home, combin- ing a mild liquid soap (such as castile) with water at about a one-teaspoon to one-quart ratio.

And consider diatomaceous earth. This natural product is made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic algae called diatoms, which accumulated in the sediment of rivers, oceans, and lakes. Their skeletons are composed of the naturally occurring substance silica, an abundant resource: It makes up 26 percent of the earth’s crust by weight. Most diatomaceous earth is composed of silicon dioxide, a component of silica that has reacted with oxygen and water. The first pesticide products containing silicon dioxide were registered back in 1960. It doesn’t poison the insects. Instead, it dehydrates pests by absorbing the oils and fats from their exoskeletons until they die. The product is safe to use in the garden. In fact, it’s also used in skin-care products, toothpastes, and foods. For pest control, simply dust the ground around your plants or sprinkle it directly on foliage. It will help control crawling insects as well as slugs and snails. Because it is a powdered product, it remains effective only as long as it stays dry and isn’t disturbed. So you’ll need to reapply it after every rain.

Keep It Simple

Sometimes, the simplest approach is the best. Don’t discount picking insects off plants by hand, sucking them up with a handheld vacuum cleaner, or washing them away with forceful streams of water. All of these methods can prove quite effective at keeping your garden pest-free, naturally.

Fight Insects With Insects

Not all bugs harm your garden. The truth is, only one to three percent of the nearly one million known insect species are actually “pests” that harm plants, animals, and structures. The vast majority can provide big benefits to the gardener. You can purchase ladybugs and praying mantises at garden centers and release them yourself. Ladybugs eat aphids, mites, and mealybugs, and their hungry larvae pack a potent anti-pest punch, too. Dill, fennel, and yarrow invite these beneficial insects to your landscape. To a mantis, all bugs are tasty. They like to dwell on the same plants as ladybugs, as well as marigolds.

Chickens can also help with pest control in the garden. They’ll devour any insect that moves, including grasshoppers, slugs, and potato beetles. What’s more, they scratch the soil to eat larvae. You can even let your chickens munch on purchased mulch or hay to remove any stowaway critters before using these in your garden. They also help reduce the number of ticks in a landscape. If you live in the city, be sure to check with local officials about livestock ordinances.