Natural Insect Control in Your Garden

 

It is important to know methods of natural insect control in your garden if you are going to have a healthy garden this year. Insects are inevitable, and they can be one of the biggest problems in any
garden. Luckily, there are many natural methods of controlling the insect problems in your garden. Many of these methods can be found right in your kitchen. This article will discuss several methods of natural insect control in your garden.

Beer

Beer can be used in your garden for natural insect control. Slugs love the smell of beer, but they are not capable of surviving in it. If you have a slug infestation simply pour some beer in a very shallow dish and place in the areas that are infested with slugs. Slugs eat large holes in leafy plants such as collards, cabbage, and swiz chard. A little beer trap will save your precious garden vegetables.

Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is another natural insect control for your garden. Mealy bugs and scale insects can not endure alcohol. To utilize this method try mixing 1 part alcohol with 2 parts water and spray the natural insect control on plants. You can also dip a cotton ball in the solution and rub it directly on leaves or bugs.

Dish Soap

Natural insect control can be made using dish soap. It is important to use soap that is not antibacterial. Antibacterial soap will badly harm your plants so make sure to read the label before using. Simply mix 2 tablespoons to a cup of water and spray on plants. The soap will automatically kill any insects it comes in contact with. This natural insect control for your garden is easy and efficient.

Onions and Garlic

Onions and garlic can be brewed into a natural insect control for your garden. Simply chop an entire onion and an entire bulb of garlic. Boil these natural insect controls in 2 quarts of water for about 30 minutes. Strain the garlic and onion out of the liquid and spray on plants. This natural insect control can be slightly smelly, but it will keep insects out of your garden.

Vegetable Oil

Mixing a tablespoon of vegetable oil with any of these natural insect controls will help increase your chance of success. Vegetable oil does not mix well with water so remember to shake the liquid while applying.

Hot Pepper

Spicy scents and tastes are an automatic deterrent to garden insects. A natural way to control these pests is by mixing 3 tablespoons of hot pepper sauce with a cup of water. If you have red pepper flakes your can add about a cup of pepper flakes to 3 cups of water; boil for an hour or soak over night. Remember to strain out the pepper flakes from your natural insect control solution. Spray the entire plant with the mixture.

Natural insect control in your garden does not have to be hard or expensive. These simple methods will help you control your insect problems naturally in your garden.

Perennial Vegetables for Your Garden

 

Pulling up the annual vegetables plant at the end of the growing season can be disheartening, but there are perennial vegetables for your garden. Growing perennial vegetables in your garden is a great way to grow crops that will produce without effort for years to come. This article ill discuss several perennial vegetables you can grow in your garden easily.

Asparagus

The perennial vegetable that most people are aware of is asparagus. Asparagus is a great perennial vegetable for your garden that comes in a wide variety. White, purple, and green asparagus are common types of asparagus that can be grown. Asparagus is a perennial vegetable that can be started indoors from seed or crowns can be purchased and planted 3 or 4 weeks before the last frost. Asparagus will not yield for the first 2 or 3 years, but it will produce a bountiful harvest for decades once it has established itself. Asparagus is a perennial vegetable that needs room in your garden to spread.

Rhubarb

Rhubarb is another delicious perennial vegetable for your garden. Rhubarb is one of the few vegetables that need cold weather to produce and thrive. Rhubarb needs temperatures below 40 degrees to grow well in the following season. Rhubarb does not do well in warmer climates because it stops growing when temperatures reach 90 degrees. Rhubarb enjoys rich soil and excellent drainage, and should be spaced a few feet apart to provide room for expansion. Rhubarb is a wonderful perennial for your vegetable garden.

Sorrel

Sorrel is a great perennial vegetable for your garden. It can be grown easily and with little care. This perennial can be sown and harvested in roughly 2 months. Sorrel is a leafy green herb that needs little maintenance. Weeding and moisture are beneficial to this perennial vegetable. Growing sorrel in your garden is simple and the leaves should be harvested young. Plants should be placed at least a foot apart, and thinning can be eaten as well. Sorrel is a great addition to any perennial vegetable garden.

Sunchokes

Another perennial vegetable for your garden is the sunchoke. This plant is also known as the Jerusalem artichoke, and it produces tubers that look similar to potatoes. These low starch tubers will grow quickly in an 18 inch space around the original tuber. Sunchoke need good drainage to prevent tubers from rotting. This perennial vegetable can be planted a few weeks before the last frost, and they take over 100 days to harvest. Leave tubers in the ground to produce new sunchokes in the following growing season.

Artichokes

A tasty perennial vegetable that is very popular is the artichoke. Artichokes are tender flower buds that have yet to bloom. This perennial vegetable will grow up to 6 feet wide and 4 feet high. It will provide you with many vegetables, and it enjoys full sun in your garden. Rich soil with good drainage is important. Artichokes prefer warmer climates, but they can be winterized in cooler zones using a heavy application of straw mulch and coverage.

These perennial vegetables make a great addition to your garden. Try growing these vegetables this year, and the following years you will be supplied with a bountiful harvest with very little effort or cost.