Organic Garden Pest Control: Nature's Solutions

Organic pest control isn't "no control"—it's smart control. No synthetic chemicals. Instead: ecology, observation, and targeted natural interventions.

Prevention by Design

• Native plants: Co-evolved with local pests; naturally resistant.
• Diversity: Polycultures confuse pests; monocultures attract them.
• Beneficial habitat: Flowering herbs, insectaries, water sources attract predators (ladybugs, lacewings, birds, bats).
• Scouting: Daily walks catch problems early. Hand-pick pests. Note patterns.

When Intervention Is Needed

• Barriers: Row covers, copper tape (slugs), collars (cutworms).
• Botanicals: Neem, pyrethrin (last resort—broad spectrum), spinosad.
• Biologicals: Bt (caterpillars), beneficial nematodes (soil pests).
• Traps: Pheromone, sticky, beer (slugs).

Track and Adapt

Log pests and beneficials yearly. Source beneficial insects from insectaries if populations crash. Profit never justifies poisoning the food web.

Organic pest control protects your harvest and the planet. It's gardening as stewardship.