greenliving

I spent the weekend getting rid of the bugs that were attacking our veggie patch. Now for those of you out there with active imaginations, I’ll bet you’re envious of me spending a hot summer’s day in my huge veggie garden. Hold that thought right there! It’s a 2ft by 2 ft plot of land that comprises exactly half my entire garden space. So, how many plants and bugs can there be? Well, considering we don’t use fertilizers or pesticides, a lot! I try not to grown animal-attracting fruit like strawberries and tomatoes, but I still find there are a lot of smaller insects who seem perpetually hungry and ready to feast on my plants.

Some simple, yet effective ideas:

Ants: Ants hate cucumbers (a fact probably discovered by a 5 year old trying to get rid of her cucumber sandwich). Try leaving a few slices around. Cayenne pepper, lemon juice and cinnamon work equally well.

Aphids (Plant lice): Open a bagful of native ladybugs into your garden and watch the aphids disappear.

Fleas: If you home does get infested by fleas, it’s most likely to have come through your pets. Bath and comb them regularly. Citrus works well to deter fleas. Use fresh lemon boiled in water or citrus oil to dab onto your pet. In your yard, plant fleabane to deter fleas from taking up home there.

Flies - Mint, bay leaves and cloves work well to keep flies away. Scatter a few around your picnic table.

Mosquitoes - Keep your garden clear of any freestanding stagnant water and empty water fountains and bird baths. Citronella candles work well to keep them at bay. Another effective repellent is garlic juice mixed with water and sprayed onto the body. Neem is also very effective and a number of health stores carry neem oil which can be rubbed onto your body.

Slugs and Snails: You can get rid of snails and slugs with beer (just do it when beer drinkers are not on the premises). Dig an indentation in the ground and place a jar lid with some beer in it. If beer is not your scene, then try coffee. Spread used coffee grounds around the area. Works well to keep them at bay.

Many pests really don’t like certain plants such as mint, marigolds, garlic and basil. Try planting a few of these interspersed with your regular foliage to ward off unwanted insects.