Organic Pest Control

[NCW_Woodnymph]

I'm new to organic gardening and in years past I've had a problem with earwigs and box elder beetles. It's so annoying to have bug holes in my basil leaves! Does any one know any safe ways to keep their populations under control. I have two kids who love to help me in the garden.
Thanks in advance for any advice you may have.

[hedgewitch]

Invite beneficial insects (who eat the harmful ones)to your garden by growing plants and flowers which provide food and a home for them.
Plants which attract and provide homes for beneficial insects include: Alyssum, Butterfly weed, Caraway, Clover, Coriander, Dill, Fennel, Marigolds, Nasturtiums, Wild carrot, Yarrow.
Birds will also eat a lot of little critters so consider how bird friendly your garden is as well.
There are a few natural ways to kill any pests that you do have and more often than not the home garden pest control remedies work as well or better than the chemical counterparts, and with the added bonus that with these formulas made of kitchen cupboard ingredients, you don’t need to worry about poisoning yourself, your pets, or your garden!

Simple Soap Solution
2 Tbs. soap flakes
2 litres warm water
Dissolve soap flakes in water and apply directly to infested areas every 5-7 days.
Note: Too much soap can cause burning on plants.

Garlic Oil Spray
10-15 cloves of minced garlic
2 tsp. mineral oil
600 ml water
1 tsp. liquid soap
Soak garlic in mineral oil for 24 hours.
Strain garlic out and add 600 ml water and 1 tsp. liquid soap. Mix thoroughly.
Spray plants with this solution.

Fungicide for Mildew and Black Spot
1 tsp. baking soda
1 litre water
1 tsp. soap flakes
Dissolve baking soda in 1 litre of warm water.
Add soap flakes to help solution cling to leaves. Remove infected leaves from plant, then spray top and bottom of remaining leaf surfaces to control spread of the disease.

[Unkle_John]

You can go to your local nursery and buy (or go online and order) beneficial bugs such as lady bugs, lacewings or praying mantis. Here is a link to a site that has more listed: http://www.govlink.org/hazwaste/house/yard/problems/goodbugs.cfm

[NCW_Woodnymph]

Thankyou so much for all the "recipes". I can't wait to try them out this summer. :hippie:

[tlranger]

surounded garden 2-sides chickenrun(gitmo patroled) 1-side white metal wall remaining side compost bins- has helped control bugs.

Granddad shared "his magazine purchase" garanteed to kill all you potatoe bugs-- paid what he thought was good money 5bucks -early60's recieved 2 boards with intructions-place bug beteew boards and smash.