Focus on safe, eco-friendly solutions for common garden pests.

1. Common Garden Pests and Their Impact

• Aphids, slugs, caterpillars, snails, whiteflies, and spider mites.

• Briefly explain the damage each pest can cause.

• Tip: Regularly inspect plants to catch problems early.

2. Encourage Beneficial Insects

• Ladybugs, lacewings, and predatory wasps naturally control pests.

• Tip: Plant flowers like marigolds, dill, and fennel to attract these helpful insects.

3. Homemade Natural Sprays

• Neem Oil Spray: Effective against aphids, mites, and whiteflies.

• Garlic & Chili Spray: Repels a variety of pests.

• Soap Spray: Softens pests’ protective coatings, controlling aphids and mealybugs.

• Tip: Test sprays on a small area first to avoid plant damage.

4. Physical Barriers and Traps

• Use row covers, nets, or collars around plants.

• Copper tape or crushed eggshells to deter slugs and snails.

• Tip: Combine barriers with other natural methods for best results.

5. Companion Planting for Pest Control

• Planting basil near tomatoes, marigolds near vegetables, or nasturtiums near cabbages.

• Tip: Certain plants naturally repel pests and reduce infestations.

6. Maintain Garden Hygiene

• Remove diseased plants, fallen leaves, and debris to prevent pest breeding.

• Rotate crops to reduce soil-borne pests.

• Tip: Water plants in the morning to reduce damp conditions that attract pests.