As a market gardener, small scale farmer or grower; you know the importance of protecting your crops from pests.
However, traditional pest control methods can be harmful to the environment and may even leave harmful residues on your crops. This is where organic pest control comes in - it offers effective strategies for protecting your crops without damaging the environment or your harvest.
In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best organic pest control methods for market gardens and small scale farming.
1. Crop Rotation
Crop rotation involves planting different crops in different areas of your farm each year to help prevent the build-up of pest populations. Pests and diseases that target specific crops won't be able to survive if their host plants aren't present. Crop rotation can also help to improve soil health and fertility.
2. Companion Planting
Companion planting involves planting different crops together that have complementary characteristics. For example, planting marigolds with your tomatoes can help to deter root-feeding nematodes, while planting basil with your lettuce can help to repel aphids. Companion planting can also help to attract beneficial insects and pollinators to your farm.
3. Natural Predators
Introducing natural predators to your farm can be an effective way to control pests. For example, ladybugs are natural predators of aphids and can help to keep their population in check. You can also attract birds to your farm by providing nesting boxes and bird feeders - they'll help to control insect populations and provide a natural form of pest control.
4. Homemade Organic “Pesticides”
If natural methods aren't enough, you can use some home-made deterrents to control pest populations. Organic Neem oil, for example, is a natural pesticide that can help to control a wide range of pests when used as a foliar spray… and aphids can be sprayed off of plants with just a mix of water and organic washing up liquid. Even a mix of bicarbonate of soda and water (with some organic vegetable oil as a sticking agent) can help to slow down the spread of blight and other diseases.
5. Physical Barriers
Physical barriers can be an effective way to keep pests away from your crops. For example, you can use row covers to protect your plants from insects, or you can install fencing to keep larger pests, such as deer and rabbits, out of your farm.
See our full range of netting and crop protection here.
In conclusion, organic pest control offers effective strategies for protecting your crops without damaging the environment or your harvest.
By using crop rotation, companion planting, natural predators, homemade mixtures, and physical barriers, you can create a healthy and sustainable farm that produces high-quality crops year after year.