Prevent Garden Bugs: No Pesticide Pest Prevention Gardening Secrets

There are several easy options for pest control in your garden without the use of chemicals. Some options require effort; others are simply planting recommendations that keep pests from becoming a problem in the first place.




Planting decisions can impact how many bugs will try to make your plants their home and next meal. Inter-planting different varieties is a very successful way of keeping pests at bay. By mixing the types of plants, the pests do not find a ready source of food- insects tend to be attracted to certain plants, and putting all the plants of one type is akin to serving a bug buffet. Mix the plants and you will confuse and discourage hungry pests.




Basil, an annual, is also successful in distracting bugs away from tomatoes, and they can also be used as a companion to your tomatoes. If you are planting in containers, either marigolds or basil can be planted in the same container for pest control.




Across the board, herbs seem to be useful at reducing garden bugs. Any strong scented herb can be useful, although whiteflies seem to enjoy sage. Sage will deter carrot flies and cabbage moths though. Chives are generally helpful, and when you snip some for use, the pungent odor from the freshly cut plants provide an added deterrent. So plant herbs in between other plants. In the vegetable garden, a nice mélange of vegetables and herbs will give you twice the bug protection.




In your flower garden, select from the many attractive herbs to enhance the appearance of your garden while reducing harmful insects. There are many attractive varieties of basil, such as dark opal basil with deep purple leaves. Borage, with fuzzy green leaves and purple flowers, make an inviting addition to the flower garden, with the added advantage of edible flowers. In
Europe
, the flowers are used to flavor port wine. Borage will repel tomato hornworms.