3 natural pest control tips for your garden - Stonyfield (2024)

June 30, 2021

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3 natural pest control tips for your garden - Stonyfield (1)

Here are a few simple and easy tricks to turn your little organic garden into a brag-worthy harvest!

Even small gardens are a great way to supplement your pantry with fresher foods. But what do you do when the squirrels and pesky creatures come a-knocking, or your kale needs just a bit of extra TLC? If you’ve planted an all-organic garden, you might not want to stray off the chemical-free path with pesticides and fertilizers. So here are a few things that will help your vegetables stay beautiful and taste great:

Cayenne Pepper: Cayenne pepper won’t hurt your plants but it will keep many small animals away. Every few days, sprinkle about ¼ cup of cayenne pepper throughout your garden. It gets washed away by rain and blows with the wind so it does need to be replenished, but you can buy it inexpensively, and it often solves the problem of unwanted visitors overnight. No more teeth-marks on your kale if you sprinkle this magical red dust around.

Marigolds: These easy-to-care-for annuals serve two purposes. Not only do they come in stunning bright red and orange hues that attract bumble bees and make your garden look pretty, they may also help keep pests away. Try planting them all along the border of your garden as a type of “no trespassing” barricade for bugs and creatures.

Fireplace Ash: Instead of adding any synthetic nutrients to your garden, do some quick research about what natural ingredients you may have around the house that you could add to the soil. In certain parts of the country like our native New England, you may have a wood stove. Wood ashes contain potassium, some phosphorus, and magnesium. Nutritional value varies according to the species of wood, but all ash contains nutrients. Give your fireplace a quick sweep and work the ash into the soil around your newly planted seedlings. For even better results, try this out before all of the seedlings have been planted. But regardless, the nutrients can make a difference in growth rate in just about a week or two.

These three natural tricks seemed to have beefed up our personal vegetable gardens, and we’re thrilled they are so easy and harmful chemical free. Many factors can affect performance, so lots of experiments are best until you find what works for you. What types of natural tricks do you use? Tell us on Instagram!

3 natural pest control tips for your garden - Stonyfield (2024)

FAQs

What is a natural method of pest control? ›

Natural pest control refers to pest control methods that rely on natural (chemical-free) remedies. From essential oils to fly traps to food grade Diatomaceous Earth, several natural elements can help control the pest population. These solutions are often safe for pets and small children and non-toxic.

How do you make natural pest control? ›

Recipe: Mix together in water some chopped mint, ash, garlic, tobacco, and no more than 1 tablespoon of soap. Steep the concoction for 24 hours, strain, and apply the solution with a watering can or a homemade broom. Beer attracts slugs. Place a saucer or cup just below the soil surface and fill it with beer.

What is the best natural insecticide? ›

Alternative insecticides for the yard and garden:
  • Diatomaceous earth. Available at garden centers. ...
  • Neem oil. Available at many garden centers. ...
  • Peppermint, thyme, and rosemary oil repellent. Mix equal parts (about 10 drops) peppermint, thyme, and rosemary essential oil in a spray bottle filled with water.

How do I keep bugs from eating my vegetable garden? ›

How To Stop Bugs From Eating Your Vegetables
  1. Orange peel spray. While most people enjoy the clean and pleasant scent of orange peels, bugs have an aversion to this citrus scent. ...
  2. Maintain a healthy and clean garden. ...
  3. Sticky traps. ...
  4. Vinegar spray. ...
  5. Recycle your tomato leaves.
Jul 27, 2022

What is an example of a natural pest? ›

Beetles, weevils and caterpillars which eat leaves. (It is important, however, to remember that butterflies are useful for pollination.) Grasshoppers and locusts which bite the top of seedlings. Larger animal pests such as monkeys, rats and birds (for example pigeons and crows) that eat seeds and plants.

What are natural controls? ›

Natural control refers to the maintenance of insect populations within certain bounds by environmental conditions, or factors. Both non-biological and biological factors contribute to the natural control of insects. These include: Physical factors such as weather (e.g. cold winters can reduce some insect populations).

Is baking soda good for pest control? ›

Baking soda is often used as an alternative pest control solution for pests such as co*ckroaches, bed bugs or ants. But the reality is that baking soda for pest control is not effective. Baking soda does not dehydrate insects or cut them despite claims to the contrary.

What are the benefits of controlling garden pests naturally? ›

One of the most important benefits of all natural pest control for your garden is that your plants, flowers, and vegetables won't be exposed to harmful toxins. The toxins can also harm animals that tend to habitate around your garden, as well as your children or your pets if they play near your garden often.

Can I use vinegar as an insecticide on plants? ›

Mixing a quart of water, 12 ounces of vinegar, and a tablespoon of dish soap, you can create a mixture that will rid your garden of annoying, buzzing pests. This mixture is also harmless to plants, animals, kids, and other garden bugs you want to keep around.

What is the safest pesticide to use in your garden? ›

Organic insecticide is favored by many for its natural ingredients that are less harsh on your garden and the surrounding environment. Common ingredients of organic insecticides are neem oil, diatomaceous earth, pyrethrin, and essential oils.

What is the number one natural insect repellent? ›

Citronella

Citronella is a common natural and effective essential oil that works against mosquitoes. Made from a mix of herbs, it's an ingredient in many mosquito repellents. When outdoors, citronella candles can provide up to 50 percent extra protection.

Does cinnamon keep bugs away? ›

What is the one thing in your spice cabinet that can keep you bug and rodent free this summer? Yes! Cinnamon. Cinnamon naturally contains eugenol, an aromatic compound commonly found in traditional insect repellants.

How to keep bugs off tomato plants naturally? ›

What is best insect spray for tomato plants? To make an insect spray at home for tomato plans, mix 10 ounces of hydrogen peroxide, 1 gallon of water and 10 ounces of sugar together. Mix it well and spray it on and around the tomato plant and leaves. Remember to wash it off after a day or two though.

What is natural biological control of pest? ›

Biological control is the use of living organisms to suppress pest populations, making them less damaging than they would otherwise be. Natural enemies of insects play an important role in limiting the densities of potential pests. These natural enemies include predators, parasitoids, and pathogens.

What are the natural pest control around the house? ›

White Vinegar

To use white vinegar for pest control, simply add equal parts water and vinegar into a spray bottle before spritzing it around your home or garden. It creates an unpleasant environment that will deter pests from staying in the area.

Is natural pest control better than pesticides? ›

Effectiveness: Natural pest control methods are not as fast or effective when compared to chemical, professional options. Natural methods do not usually provide complete pest eradication.

What is natural pesticide? ›

Natural pesticides are pesticides that are made from things found in nature. They may be made from minerals, plants, minerals, or microorganisms. Experts have found that these natural pesticides don't remain in the environment as long as synthetic pesticides.

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