Debi Holland shows you organic ways to deal with garden pests without using chemical pesticides. From creating wildlife habitats for predators to clever earwig traps and safe plant sprays, discover easy ways to keep your garden thriving all summer long.
Organic ways to deter pests
Read the transcript
Here are some ways to deal with garden pests and encourage natural predators such as ladybirds, hoverflies and spiders.
Make room for wildlife. Pile up logs in a quiet corner where woodlice, spiders and beetles can shelter. Leave part of the lawn unmown, or mow it less often so the grass and wildflowers have more time to grow.
Move earwigs away from dahlias. Stuff a small terracotta pot with straw or shredded newspaper and set it on a bamboo cane near the plant you want to protect. Check the pot and move it to a wilder part of the garden once earwigs have taken shelter. Slugs and snails may use it too.
Check the label before using a spray. In the video I use Richard Jackson’s Protect & Nourish. Follow the current directions on the product, including where and how often to use it.
A little nibbled foliage comes with making space for wildlife. Try a combination of approaches and see what works in your garden.
