4 Ways To Keep Insects From Eating the Plants in Your Garden

Gardens are a great way to get outside and enjoy nature, but insects can often ruin the experience by devouring your plants. While you can’t get rid of them completely, there are some steps you can take to keep them away. In this article, we’ll share four tips and tricks to help keep your garden safe from the potential destruction of bugs.
Keep in mind that while these tips might work for some gardens, not all of them will work in all situations. We suggest doing a bit of research on the types of insects that are wreaking havoc in your garden and researching the ideal methods to keep them away. With that said, let’s dive into the four main techniques you can use to keep the bugs away from your garden.
Planting Insect Repellent Plants
One of the most effective methods of keeping pests away is planting certain insect-repellent plants in or near your garden. Marigolds are a great option as they contain a natural chemical, pyrethrum, which is known to repel certain pests, including some beetles and nematodes.
Chrysanthemums are also effective as they contain a compound called pyrethrin, which helps to repel insects such as hornworms, spider mites, and some types of caterpillars. Mint and lavender are also great options, as it has a strong scent that many bugs find unpleasant.
Creating Physical Barriers
Using physical barriers can also be an effective way to keep unwanted insects away from your garden. Covering or wrapping individual plants with something like tulle or cheesecloth can help to keep out bugs like aphids and leafhoppers. Installing bug mesh on the sides of your garden is also helpful as it prevents larger insects from entering. Setting up bug traps strategically around the garden, like fly traps, will also help, especially in the warmer months.
Spreading Powders and Sprays
What can you spray on my garden to keep insects away? If you’ve ever asked yourself this question, you’re not alone. There are various powders and insect repellent sprays available on the market to help keep pests away from your plants. Make sure to always read the label when selecting a product, and be sure to use pet-safe products whenever possible.
You can also make your bug spray using ingredients such as garlic, hot peppers, dish soap, essential oils, and water. Mix these ingredients by searching for home recipes in a spray bottle and spray directly onto plants as needed.
Utilizing Natural Predators
Attracting beneficial insects to your garden is another great way to help keep unwanted pests out. Ladybugs and lacewings naturally feed on harmful bugs like aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. Setting up bird feeders or adding water features will help to attract these beneficial animals into your garden. Some people have gone to lengths of even raising ducks to run around their large gardens because they eat pesky insects too.
Conclusion
It is important to keep insects out of your garden for many reasons. Not only does it give your plants an extra layer of protection, but it can also lead to a higher yield in the plants and less money spent on chemical pest control methods. There are several ways that you can take preventative measures to keep unwanted insects from feasting on your lush garden. With all of these tips, it is easy to keep unwanted insects from eating your plants in the garden. All it takes is a little planning and effort to ensure that your beloved plants stay safe from pesky pests.