Insects

Most insect infestations can be avoided by keeping healthy plants free of bacteria and fungus. In many cases insects will not appear unless you have a sick plants. Prevention is key but mysterious conditions will arise in which there is no direct visable cause.

A lot of insects are actually feeding on the micro organisms of the decomposition process of a dead or dying plant  matter rather than the plant itself. Some feed on roots and others the leaves and stem. Keeping your plants healthy and free of fungal infections will in turn help keep most insects away. Most important, keep outdoor plants outdoors! Bringing plants that have been outdoors for any amount of time almost always insures that you will be bringing insect or larvae inside that will thrive without any natural predators or natural pest control that exists outdoors. There are very few safe chemical insecticides that can be employed to control insect infestations. In my opinion, any toxic chemicals used to control insects applied directly onto the plant should be avoided at all cost, especially if the end crop is to be consumed in any way. If possible use safe non-toxic insecticides or introduce natural predators such as Lady Bugs or Praying Mantis is possible. There are many environmentally friendly pest control methods available to home gardeners than ever before and commercial petroleum oil based chemicals should be avoided. After all, if you are taking the time to grow your own crop that will eventually end up in your own body, why would you want to ingest dangerous and toxic chemicals?

There are many chemical solutions to many garden problems. Choosing a healthy solution is advisable if you plan on consuming your plants in any way. Organic solutions, although not as powerful and fast acting are generally a bit more expensive, but worth the money and extra efforts. Some home remedies, work well and are very cost effective, the trade off, is usually more time needed and no absolute guarantee of success. Here are a few of my favorite home remedies

Spider Mites: A common indoor pest, mainly feed on sap. A large infestation usually leaves visable signs such as webbing and damage to leaves.

Homemade Insecticide Spray
Affective against aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies.
In a clean spray bottle filled with water add a few drops of mild dish soap. Apply moderately every couple of days.

Garlic Oil Spray
Affective against aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies
12 cloves of minced garlic
2 tsp. mineral oil
1 qt water
A couple drops of liquid dish soap
Soak garlic in mineral oil for 24 hours. Strain garlic out and add 600 ml water and 1 tsp. liquid dish soap. Mix thoroughly. Spray plants with this solution once and wait a few days, if there are no signs of improvement apply again.

Fungicide for Mildew and Black Spot
1 tsp. baking soda
1 qt water
A couple drops of liquid dish soap
Dissolve baking soda in 1 qt 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.

Sticky Traps
An affective alternative for controlling winged insects.
1-2 Tbsp. Vaseline or preferably, Unpetroleum Jelly
4”x8” plastic cards or cardboard
Waterproof yellow paint
Apply paint onto both sides of the card and let it dry. Once the paint is dry, apply
Unpetroleum Jelly liberally over both sides of the card. Place the card just above the plant canopy.
Pests controlled: Flying pests, such as fungus gnats, and whiteflies.