Natural Techniques to Keep Pests Out of Your Garden

Keeping pests- insects, pets, wild animals- out of your garden can be hard work, especially if you don't want to use harsh, expensive insecticides. There are plenty of no-fuss solutions that can often be found in your cupboards. When facing an invasion, try some of these low-key natural gardening tips before reaching for an abrasive chemical.

Cats:

Cats often like to use gardens as their own personal playgrounds and/or litter boxes. For a non-chemical approach, try planting some catnip in special area just for them. Or plant a Ruta graveolens, commonly known as "rue" or "herb-of-grace". Dried rue is a great pest repellent, so this is an excellent plant to have on hand. This pretty plant has a unique odor that is a universal deterrent to cats. Black or cayenne pepper, mothball flakes, and borax soap can also be sprinkled around the garden to help keep cats out.

If you want to keep cats from using your garden as a litter box, try using chicken fertilizer or orange peels and coffee grounds worked into the top layer of soil. For an inexpensive, chemical approach mix ¼ cup shampoo, ¼ cup of disinfectant (such as Lysol© ) with two gallons warm water and spray over the area.

Another good idea is to cover newly planted beds with chicken wire so the kitties cannot dig them up. Use this method with one or more of the others and your cat problem should be solved!

Dogs:

Man's best friend can often be quite a nuisance in the garden! There are several commercial repellents available on the market, and the majority of them use the chemical components of moth balls or a citric base- ingredients you probably have at home. To make your own chemical dog repellent, mix moth crystals OR dried/crushed lemon or grapefruit rind mixed equally with rue (see cat section) and chili powder.

For something a little stronger, try this cayenne pepper spray: 2 tbs. hot sauce, 2 teaspoon. Cayenne pepper, 1 onion (chopped), 1 whole garlic (crushed), 1 quart of boiling water. Allow to steep 3-5 hours, and then use in problem areas.

Ants: