Katharine D. Widinwas the plant health columnist forMinnesota HorticulturistandNorthern Gardenerfor 32 years , covering every bug and disease recognize to haunt nurseryman . And , while she knew which chemical substance would eliminate various pests , she always suggested embracing less negative strategies for blighter control first .
In one ofThe Good Gardener booksthe hort bon ton publish in the 1990s , she specify these strategies for pestis control down to five tips .
Start with sizable plants . When you are buying plants at a glasshouse or garden center , verify they are healthy . plant that are scraggly , yellowing , overgrown , crowded or seem to have receive less than stellar tending may harbor diseases or be susceptible to disease when they get in your garden . audit plants for mansion of combat injury or egg pot . Once purchased , give plants the best shot at a healthy spirit by placing them in the recommended location in terms of sun , water the properly and give them the right amount of fertilizers .
Healthy plants = a healthy garden.
Choose insubordinate varieties . Plant disease continue to evolve and happily more so do ornamental and vegetable works . If you have had a problem with wilts , blight or mildew , reckon for diverseness labeled for disease resistance . Thenew impatiens varietiesthat are resistant to downy mildew on impatiens are an example of these new tougher mixed bag .
roll in the hay what you are dealing with . “Knowing the identity of the insect or disease which is attack the plant , the urge command , and the proper timing of implementation are among the most important aspects of efficaciously control a problem . Many problems are momentaneous and need no action from you . Today apps andonline resourcescan be very helpful in identifying a job . However , be sure the advice is sound . We look touniversity sourcesfor information , whenever possible .
gyration and sanitation . For annual plants , including vegetables , move them around the garden from year to year is a upright way of life to forbid insects and disease from building up in the soil . If a plant is morbid , sportsmanlike up around it in the fall to absent leave-taking , spend fruit and other items that may be harboring spores or fungus kingdom that will come back the next year .
Without serious intervention, a root bound, dried out plant will be prone to pests and diseases in the garden.
Organic controls . If the situation requires action , consider first constitutive strategy for pest control condition . Bt ( Bacillus thuringienses)is an pick . Some insecticide , such as insecticidal soaps , degrade rapidly yet are in effect controlling insects , she noted .
What are some of your preferent strategies for pest control without using chemicals ?
Picking beetles and putting them in soapy water is a good way to deal with Japanese beetles organically.
