Nature’s remedies to beat the bugs and invite more birds, bees and butterflies

With spring in full swing and the countdown to summer on, the great outdoors is once again starting to beckon.

While the garden can be the best spot for you, it’s also attractive to bees, butterflies and birds, not to mention the less attractive and unwanted pests.

Instead of reaching for toxic chemical products to control garden pests, go for the sensible option and use natural remedies to keep plants bug-free:

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 with water. Shake well and spray onto plants. Garlic acts as a deterrent, encouraging insects to move on to more appetising plants. Unlike many other types of insecticidal garden sprays, garlic can safely be applied to the leaves of plants.

Eggshells: Next time you plant vegetables, crush a couple of eggshells, not too finely, 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 dislike sand, lime and ashes, so the next time you have a wood braai, apply ash to the base of plants that are 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, but should be applied only to problem areas to avoid killing worms and similar garden-healthy occupants.

Manure: There’s 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 at fighting off disease.

Pure soap (castile soap): Simply fill up a spray bottle with water and a tablespoon of peppermint castile soap to rid your plants of aphids and whiteflies.

Bananas: Did you know that bananas protect your roses from aphids? Try placing a few dried banana skins just below the surface around your rose bushes. Bananas are also rich in potassium, which is a vital nutrient for gardens. Bananas also attract birds and butterflies, so be sure to hang some out on a bird feeder.

Companion planting for pest control:
Plants with strongly aromatic leaves generally repel insects and can be interplanted with veggies or flowers. Other plants release chemicals from their roots that suppress or repel pests and protect neighbouring plants like marigolds, for example.

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