Occasionally gardeners are faced with problems that need some attention. Here at Richard Jackson Garden we try to find kinder, cleaner but effective ways to garden, so our kinder garden pest control article is all about how to deal with bothersome garden pests the safer, kinder and more environmentally friendly way.
If you are new to gardening some things might seem like a dark art. If you’ve got a question or garden dilemma the team and the products from Richard Jackson Garden are here to support you every step of the way. Finding kinder garden pest control methods is all part of gardening with nature and keeping the environment in mind. And it’s something we think is really important. Not only have we got some great products that are organically approved and based on naturally occurring compounds, but we also advocate toxin free methods of pest control.
Harness nature
The first weapon that you have in your armory against most garden pests is nature herself. For almost every pest in the garden there is a hungry creature that needs to eat and feed its offspring. From mini beasts like beetles, hoverflies, wasps, ladybirds and lacewings to larger wildlife like the garden birds, hedgehogs, bats, frogs and toads; all of these creatures eat the things that bug our plants.
Take slugs and snails for example – these are food for several bird species including thrushes and jays and also eaten by amphibians like frogs and toads as well as the gardeners friend the hedgehog. All of these wildlife species are in severe decline so it’s important to respect their needs and try to live and let live. In fact that’s great news for gardeners, because it means you don’t need to do too much.
Kinder garden pest control methods
When you do have to step in and control a pest outbreak within the garden, do it gently. Choose your weapons carefully and think about the other creatures and wildlife that share your plot. That’s why our shop sells products that are effective and leave softer footprints in the environment. Your plants and your garden can be protected against the most persistent pests by choosing products designed for the purpose but with the environment in mind. Slugs can be a real problem when plants first emerge or seedlings sprout. They love soft, sappy leaves and will feast in damp conditions and at night. Richard’s Slug & Snail Control is made from naturally occurring Iron Phosphate. It is approved for organic gardening. But it works and it works fast. And if a bird or a hedgehog eats a dead slug or snail that has eaten these safer slug pellets, they won’t be poisoned because Iron Phosphate is not toxic to wildlife.
Barriers
Preventing problems from reaching your plants is a good way to protect them. You can cover susceptible cabbages and kale with fleece or netting to stop the Large and Small White Butterflies from laying their eggs on your plants. You can grow fruit in netted cages to keep the birds from eating your crop (but remember to leave access for pollinators!). Vine weevil grubs can decimate the roots of susceptible plants especially in containers. Try Zee No Weevil, it’s a natural physical barrier made from dried, crushed olive pumice left over from making olive oil, mixed with herbs to deter the adults from laying their eggs. It’s an attractive, fragrant and effective mulch that will help retain soil moisture and keep your plants safe from the evil weevils too.
Ants can be a bit troublesome in containers of plants, burrowing in the roots to make their nests. Why not deter them using our organic approved Ant Granules as a top dressing to your pots, or sprinkle into ant runs around a nest. It’s a granular byproduct of olive oil processing and enriched with fragrant herbs to deter the ants further.
Repel the box moth
This year the box moth caterpillar has been a bit of a menace in gardens. Richard has been trialing a new deterrent spray that is made from natural plant essences and it’s now available from our shop. It’s called Box Plant Health Cleanse & Shine and helps protect against the damage caused by the box moth caterpillar without impacting on the garden biodiversity.
Plant tonic
Healthy plants are much better able to resist attack from pests and diseases. Plants that are stressed by drought, hot weather, dry soil and lack of nutrients are much more likely to be victim to pest problems. Wouldn’t it be great if there was a plant tonic that not only gives your plants a bit of a pick-me-up but also helps prevent pest outbreaks? Well there is! It’s called Plant Invigorator and it’s brilliant.
It’s a friendly, non-chemical way to beat plant pests and feed your plants each time you spray them. Not only that but it’s the formula used and trusted by hundreds of professional growers. It controls a wide range of pests including greenfly, blackfly and red spider mites and contains special nutrients to feed your plants and keep the leaves green and healthy. Plus it’s safe for kids, pets, bees and ladybirds.
Weed control
While many of our garden weeds are plants growing in the wrong place or wildflowers that will support our garden pollinators, we know that sometimes we have to spray some of them. Weeds peeking through the cracks in the paving can be a pain, but you don’t need to resort to toxic weedkillers. Instead use a kinder product made from naturally occurring compounds. Richard’s Double Action Weedkiller does NOT contain glyphosate and is mostly made up of pelargonic acid derived from pelargoniums. It effective too and ideal for spot weeding patios and paths.
If you’ve got a gardening dilemma that you need help with don’t forget to join our Gardening Club and take advantage of our free garden enquiry service.
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