Crossword Clue: Avoid Garden Pest?

There are few things more rewarding than growing your own vegetables, fruits and flowers in your home garden, but pests can come along and wipe the entire thing out in a couple of days, leaving you nothing to show for your hard work. Sure, there are plenty of commercial pesticides on the market, but the jury is still out on how some of them impact the environment and your health. If this is a concern you have, you may opt to use one of these 10 natural garden pest control methods instead.

Neem Oil

If you like the idea of buying pest control instead of a DIY method, you may want to look to a spray bottle of neem oil. Available in your local garden shop, the oil is extracted from the neem tree, and it works as a hormone disruptor for pests that eat leaves on plants like lettuce and cabbage. Best of all, it's non-toxic and safe for the environment, including your pets and wildlife.

Another product that you can buy straight from your local garden shop is diatomaceous earth. The powdery substance is made from fossilized algae, and when certain insects come in contact with it, it dehydrates them. Sprinkle it on and around your plants after it rains to keep those pests away.

Garlic

If you're up for a DIY challenge, making your own garlic spray can be useful in the garden. Puree two garlic bulbs in the blender, add a few drops of water and let the mixture sit overnight. The next day, strain the liquid part of the mixture into a jar, add a teaspoon of mild liquid soap and half a cup of vegetable oil, and pour in enough water to fill the jar. Mix it together, and use it as a spray to repel bugs.

Castile Soap

A teaspoon and a half of a mild soap like castile and a quart of water mixed together can make a nice spray that'll deter aphids, mites and beetles from your garden. Spray it on your plants as necessary, but try to do it in the evenings; the sun can dry out the plants.

Crop Rotation

If you're planning ahead for next year, consider crop rotation, even if you have a small garden. Basically, if you had tomatoes in one spot and beans in another, you'll want to switch them up next year. The reasoning behind this is that certain pests spend the winter in the bed just waiting for you to replant their favorite flowers and vegetables. A new plant can shock and maybe even deter them.

Chili Peppers

Chili peppers can deter pests much like garlic does, so consider making your own spray. You'll want to puree half a cup of peppers with a cup of water, and then add the mixture to a quart of water. Bring that mixture to a boil, and after it cools, strain out any pepper skins or seeds that are left over. Add a couple of drops of castile soap to the mix, and spray it on and around your plants.

Peppermint Oil

If rodents or rabbits are the pests destroying your garden, a little peppermint oil may keep them at bay. Soak some cotton or a cloth in the oil, and place it in the area where these furry little creatures are wreaking havoc. They're allergic to the oil, and it'll serve as a deterrent.

Attracting Snakes, Frogs and Lizards

Lizards, frogs and especially snakes may not be creatures you want to see in your garden, but resist the temptation to get rid of them; they can actually keep pests at bay. They'll eat everything from rodents to slugs. A small shelter, like a pot turned upside down, and a water source will attract these reptiles and amphibians.

Attracting Beneficial Insects

If you can't bring yourself to attract snakes and lizards to your garden, consider attracting beneficial insects instead. That's right; not all bugs will destroy your plants. Ladybugs will eat pests, as will a praying mantis. Nematodes and lacewings will also eat pests. Planting flowers like daisies can attract some of these creatures. You can also buy many of them and have them delivered to your home.

Attracting Birds

Birds in your garden can also be beneficial. Not only do they eat insects, but they can also add a touch of beauty to your garden and truly make it feel alive. Birdhouses, bird feeders, bird baths, sunflower seeds and other treats will bring your feathered friends to the area. Just be careful if you have any berry bushes or trees, as the birds will also eat your fruit.