Organic Gardening Part 5: Natural Insecticide for Organic Gardening

There are a number of safe and natural methods and ways to control pests and diseases. There is the use of natural insecticides and herbs in organic farming. One thing to remember though is that as we get rid of these pests, there are also good and productive pests that are beneficial to the plants and the soil as well and may be harmed by these natural insecticides, not only commercial pesticides. It is advisable to make the pesticide as low on toxicity as possible for the good of man and any warm blooded animals. It can be beneficial if the organic pesticides are sprayed directly on the harmful pests while any productive insects are left intact. Herbs can also be planted near the vegetables. Look at some of the herbs and natural insecticides that are effective in pest control.

The best caterpillar pest-control method is by handpicking them from the garden. Just pluck them out of the garden. For moth caterpillar, garlic and red pepper spray can be used to kill them and are not detrimental to other insects that do not harm the plant. Wormwood spray can also be used as it also repels slugs and snails in addition to caterpillars. The pepper spray can be used on rabbits, which deter them from venturing into the garden. However, a good wire fence can save farmers all that trouble. Plant geranium near corn and grapes to prevent cabbageworms and red spider mites do not come close to this plant. Thyme, when planted near cole crops such as collard, cabbage and broccoli among others, can also prevent cabbageworms. Others are horseradish, which prevents potato bugs, and mint that prevents cabbage butterflies, ants, mice and fleas. However, they should not be planted close to parsley, as it needs to be contained because of the way it spreads prolifically.