Guard Your Garden: The Seven Pests to Watch Out For

As an organic farmer, one of the biggest challenges I face is keeping my crops safe from pests and bugs. While traditional farmers have the luxury of using chemical pesticides to get rid of these pesky insects, organic farmers like me have to rely on natural remedies and preventative measures to keep our crops healthy. Over the years, I have learned a lot about the bugs and pests that pose the greatest threat to my garden. In this blog, I will share with you the top seven bugs and pests to avoid in your garden.

1. Aphids

   Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems of plants, causing them to wilt and die. These bugs are attracted to plants that are already weak or stressed, so it's important to keep your garden healthy by providing the proper amount of water and nutrients. You can also use natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings to keep aphids under control.

2. Japanese Beetles

   Japanese beetles are another common pest that can wreak havoc on your garden. These beetles feed on the leaves and flowers of plants, causing them to turn brown and wilt. One effective way to control Japanese beetles is to handpick them off the plants and drop them into a bucket of soapy water. You can also use pheromone traps or plant repellents to keep these bugs away.

3. Tomato Hornworms

   Tomato hornworms are large green caterpillars that feed on the leaves and fruits of tomato plants. These pests can quickly decimate your entire crop, so it's important to catch them early. One effective way to control tomato hornworms is to pick them off the plants by hand and drop them into a bucket of soapy water. You can also use natural predators like parasitic wasps to keep these pests under control.

4. Cabbage Worms

   Cabbage worms are small green caterpillars that feed on the leaves of cabbage, broccoli, and other cruciferous vegetables. These pests can be difficult to spot because they blend in with the leaves, but you can control them by using row covers or by handpicking them off the plants. You can also use natural predators like parasitic wasps to keep these pests under control.

5. Colorado Potato Beetles

   Colorado potato beetles are another common pest that can cause significant damage to your crops. These beetles feed on the leaves of potato plants, causing them to turn brown and die. One effective way to control Colorado potato beetles is to handpick them off the plants and drop them into a bucket of soapy water. You can also use natural predators like birds and parasitic wasps to keep these pests under control.

6. Squash Bugs

   Squash bugs are a common pest that can cause significant damage to your squash and pumpkin plants. These bugs feed on the leaves and stems of the plants, causing them to wilt and die. One effective way to control squash bugs is to handpick them off the plants and drop them into a bucket of soapy water. You can also use natural predators like tachinid flies and parasitic wasps to keep these pests under control.

7. Spider Mites

   Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause significant damage to your plants by sucking the sap from the leaves. These pests are difficult to spot because they are so small, but you can control them by spraying your plants with a mixture of water and neem oil or by using natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings.

In conclusion, there are many bugs and pests that can cause significant damage to your garden, but by taking the proper preventative measures and using natural remedies, you can keep your crops healthy and pest-free. Remember to keep your garden healthy by providing the proper amount of water and nutrients, and by practicing crop rotation to prevent the buildup of pests and diseases in the soil. Additionally, it's important to maintain good garden hygiene by removing any dead plant material and debris, which can serve as a breeding ground for pests.

I believe that it's important to find natural and sustainable solutions to pest control that do not harm the environment or the health of our crops. By implementing these methods and staying vigilant, we can avoid the top seven bugs and pests that can cause damage to our gardens, and enjoy a bountiful harvest of healthy, organic produce. Happy gardening!

As you embark on encorporating organic ways to control pests here are some helpful items we use at Daisy Creek Farms to maintain an organic environment. Follow the links to take you directly to the items on Amazon!