Attract bees, butterflies and birds to your garden
Snails and slugs dislike sand, lime, and ashes, so the next time you have a wood braai, apply ash to the base of plants under threat.
“We provide tips on how to make your garden more attractive, not just to you, but to the oh-so-necessary bees, butterflies and birds – and the unattractive, unwanted pests”, says Sean Granger, general manager of Granny Mouse.
”Instead of reaching for toxic chemical products to control garden pests, go for the sensible option by using natural remedies to keep plants free of bugs.”
Garlic: Pop a clove of garlic into a blender, add a cup of water and puree until finely blended. Place in a spray bottle and fill up with water. Shake well and spray onto plants. Garlic is a deterrent, encouraging insects to move to more appetising plants. Unlike many other types of insecticidal garden sprays, garlic can safely be applied to the leaves of plants.
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Eggshells: Next time you plant vegetables, crush eggshells, not too fine, and add them to the bottom of the hole. The sharp edges will deter cutworms, and crushed shells around the stem of plants will deter slugs and snails.
Ash: Snails and slugs also dislike sand, lime, and ashes, so the next time you have a wood braai, apply ash to the base of plants under threat.
Diatomaceous earth: The sharp surfaces cut through the insect cuticle and the insect dies of dehydration. Diatomaceous earth kills slugs, snails and ants, and should only be applied to problem areas to avoid killing worms and similar garden-healthy occupants.
Manure: There is nothing like manure for boosting growth and flower production. By adding nutrients to the soil, you increase the strength of the plant, and a healthy plant has a better chance of fighting off disease.
Pure soap (Castile soap): Fill up a spray bottle with water and a tablespoon of peppermint castile soap to rid your plants of aphids and whiteflies.
Bananas: Bananas protect your roses from aphids. Try placing a few dried banana skins below the surface around your rose bushes. Bananas are also rich in potassium, a vital nutrient for gardens. Bananas also attract birds and butterflies, so hang some out on a bird feeder.
Companion planting for pest control
Plants with strongly aromatic leaves, for example Marigolds, generally repel insects and can be inter-planted with veggies or flowers. Other plants release chemicals from their roots that suppress or repel pests and protect neighbouring plants.
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