Resource Sheet 5: Control Garden Pests Naturally

Canadians are finally realizing that using pesticides to create a flawless garden is not worth the risks to human and environmental health. A beautiful garden can be yours without spraying poisonous chemicals. Here's how:

• Choose a diversity of native plants suitable to each part of your garden.
• Keep your garden soil healthy by adding compost and well-aged manure.
• Leave enough space between plants so the air can circulate.
• Rotate vegetable crops from year to year.
• Check your garden often to catch problems early.
• Try manual methods of pest control. Hoe the earth to eliminate weeds, or pull them by hand. Pick up and discard pests and infested leaves.
• Keep slugs away by grinding up eggshells and sprinkling them around each plant. A ring of powdered ginger may also work.
• Hose down plants and shrubs with water to rid them of aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites.
• A tin can with its ends cut off deters cutworms if placed around plants to a depth of 3 cm.Brew your own bug spray. Mix 100 ml of crushed hot peppers with 400 ml of water. Strain the concoction and spray on infested plants. (Note that peppers can irritate eyes and skin. Do not spray when it is windy or in strong midday sun.)
• Grubs in your lawn can be controlled naturally with commercially sold nematodes — microscopic worms that prey on grubs and other pests.
• Many pests have a natural aversion to mint, garlic, chives, onions, marigolds, and other aromatic plants. Intersperse them with more vulnerable plants in your garden.