Prior to the 1940s, synthetic pesticides did not exist. Instead, people created healthy and safe landscapes using cultural, biological, or mechanical methods. Many of these time-tested methods still work. Try them for yourself.

Cultural

• Use gardening techniques that encourage vigorous plant growth and discourage pests.
• Choose pest-resistant garden plants that provide habitat for wildlife. Find local sources here
• Plant a variety of species.
• Rotate crops regularly.
• Try companion-planting. It’s a natural pest deterrent. For example, marigolds keep away many insects.
• Manage soil fertility, watering, and drainage to provide optimal growing conditions. Healthy plants are naturally more resistant to pests.

Biological Control

Welcome insects that eat or parasitize pests.

• Many insects are predatory and parasitic.
• Ladybugs control aphids.
  • Use nematodes to control unwanted pests.
  • For help, contact your local plant nursery

Attract helpful birds and bats

• Plant native flora. Native pest controllers love it.
• Install bird nesting boxes and bat houses

Mechanical Control

Reduce pest habitat in your yard.

• Slugs, snails, and other pests like to hide.
• Get rid of debris, pots and boards and other objects.

Create barriers to stop slugs and snails.

• Crush eggshells and oyster shells.
• Use other prickly material.

Get physical.

• Hand crush insects on plants.
• Forcefully spray insects with water.

Reduce weed growth.

• Mulch between plants.
• Spreading cardboard or layers of newspaper between garden rows.
• Use cloth crop covers. Floating row covers keep pests away but allow light and moisture in.
• Hand-pull weeds. Do it before they go to seed for best results.
• Pour boiling water on the cut stalks of large, persistent weeds like thistles.

Prevent mildew on sensitive plants.

• Don’t water your garden with an overhead sprinkler in the evening.

Natural Pest Control Products

Try using a commercially available insecticidal soap.

• Spray onto plants to safely control harmful bugs when required.

Natural homemade fungicides controls many problems.

• Black spot on roses.
• Blight on tomatoes.
• Mildew and rusts on other plants.

Fungicide Recipes

Baking Soda Option

• Combine 1 tablespoon each of baking soda and horticultural oil.
• Dilute in 4 litres of water.
• Spray on leaves.

Milk Option for Mildew

• Mix a 50/50 solution of milk and water.
• Thoroughly spray plants at first sign of mildew.
• Repeat every 3 to 4 days.
• You can also use this weekly as a preventative measure.