Organic Pesticides

When it comes to natural gardening and lawn care one of the most important steps is to choose organic natural pesticides. Organic natural pesticides prevent the damage to flowers and crops that are caused by insects without contributing excessive amounts of harmful chemicals to the environment. In fact, chemical pesticides not only are a threat to the environment but they are so toxic, that when used, they not only kill the intended pests, but will often harm other animals that come in contact with the substances. There is no doubt that there are times that on a large scale, gardeners and farmers must choose pesticides that have a strong degree of toxicity, or else they may face losing their entire crop, however, even in these situations, there are organic and natural pesticides that they may select from. Yet, on the smaller scale, many home gardeners prefer to bypass chemical pesticides entirely and opt for safer, natural choices.

One strategic and highly effective natural and organic pesticide involves the use of companion planting. The basis of companion planting is that by carefully selecting the plants and vegetables in your garden you can naturally reduce the amount of pests that are attracted to the plants. Some of the most popular companion plants include cucumbers with beans, sunflowers, and corn, eggplants with marigolds, lettuce with strawberries and carrots, tomatoes with onions, and potatoes with beans and corn. If you would like to reduce the need for extensive pest control in your garden, you may find that by beginning with companion planting, you remove the need for future pesticides.

In addition to companion planting, there are certain foods and vegetables that are revered for their ability to naturally repel insects and pests. This method is widely used, as it is a great safe and effective way to repel insects while keeping your garden free from toxic chemicals. Two of the most beneficial plants are garlic and onions. If you crush garlics or onions and create a spray mixed with water, you can kill many insects. Some gardeners prefer to mix their garlic or onion sprays with a bit of vegetable oil, as this helps it to cling to the insect. You can also add several other ingredients to enhance your spray and repel additional insects and animals as well. For instance, adding crushed red pepper in a powder form to your spray will also keep rabbits out of your garden.

Some gardeners add dishwashing liquid to their sprays. However, it is always a good idea to test any detergents that you intend to use on an inconspicuous area of your plant before spraying. You can create a spray with one teaspoon of your dishwashing liquid with one cup of vegetable oil. The oil ensures that the dishwashing liquid will cling to both the plant and the insect, ensuring that it is effective. It is best to spray the mixture directly on the insects and avoid spraying the plant as much as possible. By using organic pesticides, you can rest assured that you are taking care of your garden pests in a manner that is safe for the environment.