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What could be more frustrating than planting a garden, fertilizing and maintaining it only to have it eaten by bugs. Not only are you out the time and energy it took to plant the garden, but you're also out the money you spent to buy the plants. Bugs aren't a gardener's only worry however. Gophers, rabbits, deer and even birds can cause considerable damage to a garden. For this reason, bug and pest control is as important a part of gardening as watering and fertilizer.
The first step in keeping your yard and garden free of pests is to keep it clean. Weeds, pet droppings and rotting leaves are among the hiding and breeding grounds for bugs. By removing the debris from your yard, you eliminate one more attraction for insects and other pests.
Insects
There are several different ways to battle bug problems. The first one is the natural food chain. Bugs eats bugs. Frogs eat bugs. Birds eat bugs. If you have an insect problem, one way to cure it is to attract natural predators to your yard or garden. One way to do this is to create a garden blueprint. Certain plants attract certain types of bugs. Other plants attract birds. If you have a plant that continually is damaged by bugs, consider planting plants around it that attract the pests' predator. Your local gardening center or nursery can suggest plants to help relieve your insect problem.
Nurseries also sell praying mantis eggs and colonies of lady bugs that you can release in your garden. These natural predators can help rid many different types of insects.
Another way to relieve an insect problem is not to plant trees or plants that attracts pests. Fruit trees are most prone to bug problems, especially if you allow the fruit to fall and rot on the ground. Also, some plants are more prone to insect damage in certain areas of the country. Find out what plants or trees do best in your area before planting your garden.
The last consideration in insect control should be pesticides. Although pesticides are considered safe to humans, it is best to avoid them if at all possible. If you believe you must use pesticides, consider organic options, such as neem and insecticidal soaps.
If you are using a regular pesticide, consider the following safety precautions. Always use the suggested strength of the pesticide. Follow the directions on the pesticide exactly. Use protective clothing and wear a mask to prevent inhalation. Keep pesticides away from children and pets. Remember, a pesticide is poison. Treat it accordingly.
Animal pests
Perhaps your garden pest is a little bigger than a bug and has four legs. Deer can cause extreme damage to a garden, especially when the weather turns colder and they are seeking food. You can buy deer repellent at your local nursery or sprinkle garlic on your flower beds. Any type of repellent requires regular application, especially after it rains.
If deer are a problem in your area, consider planting plants that deer are not usually attracted to. Deer-resistant plants include: iris, daffodils, forsythia, bayberry, magnolia trees, pear trees, Scotch pines and peonies. Ask your local nursery for other deer-resistant recommendations.
Rodents are also a pest to many gardeners. One of the best ways to keep rodents out of your garden is proper fencing. Surround flower beds with chicken wire to keep out rabbits. Create raised flower beds lined with chicken wire to keep out gophers and other burrowing pests.
Birds create problems for fruit trees and berry bushes. Plastic owls have become a popular addition to gardens. However, these eyesores usually lose effectiveness as time wears on. You can also buy bird netting at a local nursery to cover bushes and plants.
If all else fails, you can always learn to live with pests. Even if they are ruining your garden, deer, rabbits, birds and other so-called pests are beautiful and can provide lots of entertainment just by watching them. The moral to dealing with pests in your garden may be: If you can't beat them, enjoy them.
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