Here are 3 tips you can use to maintain a healthy and insect-free garden:
1. Remove Damaged/Diseased Crop
It might be difficult to part ways with one of your beloved plants, but in reality, no good can come from a plant that has succumbed to its injuries. Eliminating these plants prevents the disease from spreading and reduces the chance of insect population spreading. There is a good chance disease can spread between plants in close proximity and also the potential that insect egg and larvae have already been placed on this plant.
2. Inspect Your Leaves
The leaf of the plant can give you very valuable information on its overall health, but it can also give insight into which insects might be ravaging your plants. There are a variety of different insects that will eat leaves so it’s important to research the insect and the symptoms they will produce. Check out this source for a guide on which leaf symptoms you should be on the lookout for.
3. Apply Diatomaceous Earth Around Plants Prone to Infestation or Currently Under Attack
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural food-grade powder that is a general preventative measure against pests. It acts by dehydrating the insects, weakening, and killing them before they make it to the plant. Apply the powder around the base of the plant on a dry day and reapply the powder if a rainfall occurs. Ensure you purchase food-grade DE so it’s not harmful if it gets on your vegetables!
Gardening can be hard but in the end, it’s all worth it. Use these tips to protect your beautiful garden and fight back against those pesky insects.
Happy Harvesting Everyone!
