What natural methods prevent pests in raised beds?
Written by
Michael Sullivan
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Raised garden beds offer a natural defense against pests. Still, a little help from organic solutions will provide safe protection with full effect. By incorporating a variety of physical barriers, companion planting, and biological controls, it becomes relatively simple to construct a highly effective barrier without the use of chemicals. These systems protect the plant from damaging insects while protecting beneficial insects and the health of your soil. I have managed pest plants for years with this system of plant protection.
One of the most effective strategies for pest control is the use of barriers. There are several types of obstacles against common pests. Physical barriers provide a first-line of defense against their common enemies. Use copper tape around the edges of your beds. Copper wire causes an electric charge that will repel a slug. If you need to keep burrowing voles and gophers out, bury hardware cloth twelve inches deep. Use row covers that will keep flying insects from reaching your plants. These barriers have eliminated 90 percent of my pest problems.
Pest-Repelling Plants
- Marigolds release alpha-terthienyl deterring nematodes
- Garlic and chives repel aphids from tomatoes
- Nasturtiums lure cabbage moths away from brassicas
Beneficial Insect Attractors
- Dill and fennel host ladybug larvae that eat aphids
- Sunflowers attract pest-eating lacewings
- Alyssum brings hoverflies that control thrips
Trap Cropping
- Plant radishes to lure flea beetles from eggplants
- Use chervil to attract slugs away from lettuce
- Mustard greens divert harlequin bugs from cabbage
Natural insecticide sprays target pests. Neem oil interrupts pest life cycles but not those of bees. Mix 2 tablespoons with 1 gallon of water and a drop of soap. Map and apply early to avoid sunburn. For fungus infection sprays, add baking soda (1 tbsp/gallon). Always test first on one leaf.
Promote conserving predators for sustainable management. Build insect hotels for bees and solitary wasps. Offer shallow water for thirsty lady beetles. Avoid general-use sprays that kill beneficial insects and other species. My garden is home to lacewings that each consume over 100 aphids per larva daily.
Healthy soil avoids many pest problems. Healthy plants resist invasions better. Apply compost rich in chitin-eating microbes that break down the eggs of pests. Rotate the crops yearly to interrupt the life cycle of the pests. These methods create robust ecosystems that require minimal attention.
Read the full article: 10 Key Benefits of Raised Beds
