How to Protect Plants from Insects and Diseases

Pests infestation can be a major problem in the garden. Here is How to Protect Plants from Insects and Diseases to keep them healthy!

Pests like beetles, mites, fleas, and ticks can wreak havoc on the garden plants. We have some tips and tricks on How to Protect Plants from Insects and Diseases without using chemical pesticides or insecticides.

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How to Protect Plants from Insects and Diseases?

1. Pick the Big Bugs Manually

Certain big-sized bugs like worms bugs, slugs, and aphids easily crawl on the plant stems and leaves. You can either pick them up manually or wash them away with a strong jet of water or neem oil solution.

2. Keep the Garden Debris and Weed Free

Keeping the garden soil free from weeds and debris is the first preventive step. They act as homes for insects and diseases, providing a place to hide and populate. Always keep your garden clean and use organic mulch.

3. Use the Right Soil

Be it for garden or container, the soil should be well-draining, aerated, and fertile. You can use compost manure, grit, or gravel to improve its drainage and aeration. This will ensure the plants stay insect and disease-free.

4. Keep the Foliage Dry

Wetting the leaves of the plant invites many fungal problems. Avoid watering the plant from the top, and wipe the leaves if you have spilled water.

5. Install Lightweight Barriers

PVC hoops, floating covers, or net covering are some of the great options to shield your plants from insects. You can also go for any screen that will offer ventilation and guard against bugs.

6. Attract Garden-Friendly Insects

Attract beneficial insects like the ladybug, dragonfly, mantis, and hoverfly by growing pollen-rich flowers like Sunflower, Rose, Marigold, Shasta Daisy, and Aster.

7. Cut Affected Parts and Quarantine Infected Plants

Cut down the infected area to stop the infestation or disease from spreading. As soon as you address any infested or diseased plant, separate it from the healthy ones.

8. Grow Insect-Repelling Plants

Certain plants, especially with strong fragrances like mint, sage, rosemary, and marigold, deter insects with their strong fragrance.

9. Use Natural Insect Repellents

Instead of using chemical insecticides or pesticides in the first place, you can prepare your own natural insect repellent like garlic spray or neem oil solution for this purpose.

10. Do a Routine Check-Up

Keep monitoring your plants regularly to examine any diseased or broken parts or signs of infestation or discoloration, then discard them right away.

11. Make the Surface Around Plants Rough

You can protect your plants from creeping slugs and such insects by laying a layer of crushed eggshells around the plant. The rough surface of the eggshells will work as a barrier against insects like slugs.

12. Growing Pest Resistant Varieties

Thanks to hybridization, there are many cultivars available that are resistant to pesky pests and insects. Choose those varieties, and your problem of dealing with insects will be half-solved!