Organic Pest Control

The clocks have gone back and spring has truly sprung. It’s going to be a busy month for the avid gardener and also that growing list of unwanted garden pests, so a little planning now will go a long way.

But, before you call in an air strike from a canister loaded with noxious chemicals, why not think about organic methods of pest control? Because, let’s face it, plants managed to survive before pesticides.

Consider the natural balance of nature, so a healthy plant will have its own defences against attack. Therefore, taking care of your plants will make them stronger. Move things around as a number of pests hibernate at the base of existing plants of winter. And, bring in reinforcements by encouraging other predators such as toads, birds, beetles and even hedgehogs to take care of the pest problem.

Usual Suspects

Slugs and Snails
Well we all know what they look like and most of us will have them in the garden at some point. The little grey ones do the worst damage as the really big ones prefer dead organic matter. You can pick them off, sprinkle them with salt or use a selection of traps filled with beer or fermenting fruit juice.

White Fly
Although this is mainly a greenhouse pest, it's certainly worth a mention because it’s hard to get rid of. An attack reduces plant vitality, causes premature leaf drop, and may result in the loss of your favourite plant. Provided you don't have a major invasion, you could allow a tiny parasitic wasp, called Encarsia Formosa, to come to the rescue. But, if you've got a major outbreak you'll need to take more drastic action and give your conservatory or greenhouse a really good clean.

Aphids
Similar in many ways to the white fly except they attack a much wider range of plants and come in a variety of colours. There are many things you can do to fight aphids. Including, washing them off with a hose, spraying with a soap solution or attract other insects such as ladybirds, hoverflies and lacewings.

And finally don’t forget about companion planting. It isn't just about pest control. By combining plants carefully, plants can help each other in terms of providing nutrients in the soil, offering protection from wind or sun and also, by attracting beneficial pests or acting as a decoy for harmful ones.

Our Winter Neighbours

As winter arrives, so will the hard times for many of our wildlife neighbours. And as we are all aware, a regular winter can be a test for all animals and a long winter can be a disaster.

However, before we all rush out with scraps of food, wildlife biologists warn that such acts of kindness may result in unintended but often fatal results. Their reasons being; that congregating animals are susceptible to disease just as we are in close quarters, mouldy and wet food may cause illness, the old and young often do not get their fair share and predators are more likely to lurk in every corner.

Remember all those signs, ‘do not feed the animals’! But, if we combine a well balanced diet (in moderation, warn our wildlife experts) with a few other simple gardening tasks, we can all help in providing a winter haven throughout the cold months ahead. Also, what better way to watch our wildlife at close quarters?

Helping birds

Fat blocks in wire cages or feeders can help to provide extra winter food for our feathered friends. But, variety is important as different recipes will help to entice a greater selection of birds. Although, fat is important a well balanced diet should also include a grain mix, seeds or nuts. Over-ripe apples and raisins will help to attract thrushes and blackbirds.

By topping up you feeders on a regular basis this will help to ensure that birds do not waste vital energy visiting your garden when there is no food. Also, keep you feeders clean by wiping down every 2 -3 days with a very mild solution of bleach and warm water.

If you want to go even further, you could also plant berry and fruit trees such as Malus, Cotoneaster and Pyracantha.

Other Wildlife

Below is a list of simple tasks that will help to turn your garden into a wildlife haven;

Always check bonfires before they are lit in case there are sheltering and hibernating animals, often a favourite for hedgehogs, toads and frogs.

1. If you have a pond with ice, then melt it to allow the wildlife to drink and enter and leave the water. Do not hit or crack the ice as this can send shockwaves through the water that harms wildlife. Alternatively, leaving a ball on the surface will help to stop ice forming.
2. If you have a compost heap, again be careful if you turn it. The warmth of the compost can be a winter resort for frogs, toads and other animals.
3. Providing a shallow dish or container with water at ground level will benefit a range of wildlife that need to drink, as well as our feathered friends.
4. If you have bird boxes, then clean then out in late winter so they are ready for new nests in spring.