Natural pest repellents

Companion Planting for Natural Pest Control

Published August 2, 2024 | By glenn.imagepros

Are you tired of fighting garden pests with harsh chemicals? Companion planting is an old trick that uses plants to keep pests away naturally. It’s a way to control pests without using toxic pesticides. But how does it work, and which plants work best together? Let’s explore the secrets of using plants to control pests naturally.

Key Takeaways

Companion planting uses plants to keep pests away naturally.
Having many plants in your garden makes it hard for pests to find what they want.
Herbs like mint, tansy, and wormwood keep pests away.
Flowers like nasturtiums and marigolds bring in insects that eat pests.
Planning your garden carefully can help you control pests naturally.

Understanding the Principles of Companion Planting

Creating a pest-resistant garden begins with the core principles of companion planting. The main idea is that plant diversity helps keep pests away. By mixing different flowers, herbs, and vegetables, you make it tough for pests to find a favorite spot.

More Plant Diversity Equals Fewer Pests

Diverse plants confuse pests with their different smells and looks. This makes it hard for pests to find their usual food. Also, a garden full of different plants is a home for beneficial insects. These include ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps that eat garden pests.

Creating a Habitat for Beneficial Insects

It’s important to have a lot of beneficial insects in your garden. They help keep pests away naturally. By adding flowers, herbs, and various plants, you make a place where these helpful insects can live and work well.

Beneficial Insect	Pest Targeted
Ladybugs	Aphids, mealybugs, scale insects
Lacewings	Aphids, mites, thrips, leafhoppers
Parasitic Wasps	Caterpillars, aphids, whiteflies

“A diverse garden provides a habitat for beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps that prey on common garden pests.”

Herbs that Deter Pests

Gardeners can use aromatic herbs for natural pest control. These herbs make your garden tastier and keep pests away from your veggies and flowers.

Mint, Tansy, Catnip, Wormwood, and More

Mint, tansy, catnip, and wormwood keep pests away. Plant them near your veggies to make a natural barrier. But, be careful with mint and tansy as they can spread a lot.

Other herbs like dill, basil, parsley, fennel, and cilantro also repel pests. Mixing these herbs creates a strong system that keeps your garden healthy.

Allowing Vegetables to Flower

Letting your veggies flower is another good idea. This attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which eat garden pests.

Using herbs, veggies, and beneficial insects together makes a garden that’s beautiful and full of life without pesticides.

Flowers for Attracting Beneficial Insects

Some flowers are great at drawing in good bugs that eat garden pests. These beneficial insect-attracting flowers are key in fighting pests naturally, cutting down on harmful chemicals.

Nasturtiums and Marigolds

Nasturtiums are called the “queen” of pest-fighting flowering companion plants. They keep pests away and work as a trap crop, pulling pests away from your veggies. Marigolds bring in ladybugs and lacewings, which eat garden pests. These flowers also protect against nematodes, tiny worms that harm plant roots.

Cosmos, Alyssum, and Flowering Vegetables

Cosmos and alyssum are great for beneficial insect-attracting flowers. They draw in pollinators and bugs that eat pests, keeping your garden balanced. Letting your veggies flower also brings in these helpful bugs for natural pest control.

Flower	Beneficial Insects Attracted	Additional Benefits
Nasturtiums	Predatory insects, ladybugs	Act as a trap crop, deter pests
Marigolds	Ladybugs, lacewings	Protect against nematodes
Cosmos	Pollinators, predatory insects	Visually appealing, easy to grow
Alyssum	Predatory insects, parasitic wasps	Compact growth, cascading flowers

Adding these beneficial insect-attracting flowers to your garden makes a natural, sustainable ecosystem. These flowering companion plants are not just pretty. They’re key to keeping your garden healthy and balanced.

Testing Companion Planting Combinations

Many recommended companion plant combinations exist, but testing them in your garden is key. What works in one spot might not work in another. By trying out different plant pairs, you can find the best natural pest control for your garden.

Herbs to Repel Cabbage Worms and Cabbage Loopers

Studies show that thyme, nasturtium, and onion work well together. They keep cabbage worms and cabbage loopers away from your cabbage and other brassicas. These herbs form a natural barrier to protect your plants.

Herbs for Squash Bug and Tomato Hornworm

Marigold and nasturtium stop squash bugs, while basil and thyme keep tomato hornworms and armyworms away. Adding these plants to your garden helps control pests without using harsh chemicals.

Trying out different plant combinations can lead you to the best natural pest control for your garden. Watch how these plants work together in your garden and adjust as needed.

“By testing different companion planting combinations, you can discover the most effective natural pest control solutions for your garden.”

Stopping the Use of Pesticides

In organic pest control, it’s key to avoid pesticides, even the organic kind. Pesticides might seem like a fast way to get rid of garden pests. But, they can really hurt your garden’s balance.

Pesticides, natural or synthetic, can hurt good insects too, not just pests. This messes up the natural balance in your garden. Instead, work on making healthy soil and a garden full of different plants. This helps many insects and other creatures.

Manually remove pests when possible, using techniques like hand-picking or using floating row covers to physically exclude pests.
Encourage a diverse population of insects by providing a variety of flowering plants that attract beneficial predators and pollinators.
Amend your soil with compost and other organic matter to promote robust plant growth and resilience against pests.

By not using pesticides, you’re helping your garden become a balanced, organic pest control system. This way, you protect your plants and the environment. Plus, you get a lasting way to deal with garden pests.

“The best defense against pests is a healthy, thriving garden ecosystem – not chemicals.”

Benefits of Avoiding Pesticides	Drawbacks of Using Pesticides
Encourages a diverse, balanced ecosystem	Disrupts the natural predator-prey relationships
Promotes healthy soil and plant growth	Can harm beneficial insects and other organisms
Provides a sustainable, long-term solution	May lead to the development of pest resistance

companion planting for pest control

Certain aromatic herbs can be your garden’s best friends for natural pest control. Plants like basil, mint, rosemary, lavender, oregano, and thyme can keep pests away. These herbs have the power to repel many unwanted garden pests.

Basil, Mint, and Rosemary: Versatile Pest Deterrents

Basil keeps flies, mosquitoes, carrot flies, asparagus beetles, and whiteflies away. Its strong smell is a natural way to keep pests off. Mint grows fast and keeps aphids, cabbage moths, carrot flies, spider mites, and ants away. Rosemary is great for keeping cabbage worms, the Mexican bean beetle, and carrot flies off your plants.

Lavender, Oregano, and Thyme: Aromatic Pest Deterrents

Lavender makes your garden look beautiful and keeps moths away. Oregano and thyme control pests like cabbage worms, cabbage loopers, flea beetles, and aphids. Planting these herbs can create a natural barrier against pests in your garden.

Herb	Pests Deterred
Basil	Flies, mosquitoes, carrot flies, asparagus beetles, whiteflies
Mint	Aphids, cabbage moths, carrot flies, spider mites, ants
Rosemary	Cabbage worms, Mexican bean beetles, carrot flies
Lavender	Moths
Oregano	Cabbage worms, cabbage loopers, flea beetles, aphids
Thyme	Cabbage worms, cabbage loopers, flea beetles, aphids

By adding these fragrant, pest-deterring herbs to your garden, you can make a natural and sustainable garden. This approach helps your plants thrive without using harsh chemical pesticides.

Attracting Beneficial Insects

Planting herbs and flowers can help attract beneficial insects to your garden. These insects can naturally control pests. Aromatic plants like parsley, fennel, and cilantro draw in ladybugs, lacewings, parasitic wasps, and hoverflies. These insects eat aphids, caterpillars, and other pests.

Let these plants flower to attract more beneficial insects. The flowers offer nectar and pollen, which are great food for these insects. This encourages them to live and thrive in your garden.

Parsley, Fennel, and Cilantro

Parsley, fennel, and cilantro are not just tasty herbs. They also help control pests naturally. These plants have small flowers that ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps love. These insects eat pests like aphids, caterpillars, and mites.

Parsley attracts hoverflies, which lay eggs near aphids. Their larvae eat the aphids.
Fennel is a favorite of lacewings. Their larvae eat aphids and mealybugs.
Cilantro draws parasitic wasps. These wasps lay eggs inside caterpillars, controlling their numbers.

By using these beneficial insects, you can cut down on chemical pesticides. This makes your garden more sustainable and eco-friendly.

Planning Your Companion Planting Strategy

When planning your companion planting strategy, think about what each plant needs and how they work well together. Make sure they like the same amount of light, water, and soil. This way, they’ll grow well together, making your garden healthy and full of life.

Considering Plant Needs and Compatibility

Start by looking at your garden’s conditions like sunlight, moisture, and soil type. Then, find plants that like the same things. For example, put sun-loving herbs like basil, mint, and rosemary with veggies that also need lots of sun. This helps everyone grow better together.

Inspecting Plants and Removing Infested Ones

Checking your plants often is key to a pest-free garden. Look for signs of pests like leaves that are not their usual color, eaten leaves, or bugs. If you find a plant that’s really infested, take it out right away to stop the problem from getting worse. This keeps your companion planting strategy working well.

Plant Needs	Companion Planting Compatibility
Light Requirements	Match sun-loving plants with other sun-loving varieties
Water Needs	Pair plants with similar watering requirements
Soil Type	Choose plants that thrive in the same soil conditions

Plan your companion planting strategy well, think about how plants fit together, and watch for pests. This way, you can have a garden that’s full of life and keeps pests away naturally.

Conclusion

Using companion planting can make your garden pest-free without harmful chemicals. By mixing different herbs, flowers, and vegetables, you can keep pests away and attract helpful insects. It might take some trial and error to find the best plant combinations for your garden. But, the long-term benefits of companion planting are worth it for a sustainable, natural pest control.

As you keep improving your companion planting skills, you’ll see a balanced garden ecosystem. Pests will be kept in check, and helpful creatures will flourish. With time and attention, you can cut down on harmful pesticides. This way, you’ll enjoy a pest-free garden that’s full of life.

Now, you know the main ideas and perks of companion planting. You can turn your garden into a lively, eco-friendly haven. Let the variety of plants work together to protect your garden from pests. Enjoy the benefits of a rich, healthy harvest.

FAQ

What are the principles of companion planting for pest control?

The main ideas are: 1) Having more plant types means fewer pests, and 2) Some plants can keep pests away or attract good bugs that eat garden pests.

What are some common herbs that can be used as companion plants to deter pests?

Herbs like mint, tansy, catnip, wormwood, dill, basil, parsley, fennel, and cilantro can keep insects away from vegetables when planted together.

What flowers are effective at attracting beneficial insects to the garden?

Flowers such as nasturtiums, marigolds, cosmos, and alyssum attract ladybugs, lacewings, parasitic wasps, and other good bugs that eat garden pests.

How can I test different companion planting combinations in my garden?

Try pairing thyme, nasturtium, and onion to keep away cabbage worms, or marigold and nasturtium to stop squash bugs. Watch how they do and change things as needed.

Why is it important to avoid using pesticides when practicing companion planting?

Pesticides can hurt good bugs too, upsetting the garden’s balance. Use manual removal, row covers, and healthy soil instead.

What other herbs can be used for natural pest control in the garden?

Herbs like basil, mint, rosemary, lavender, oregano, and thyme can keep away flies, mosquitoes, cabbage worms, and aphids.

How can I attract more beneficial insects to my garden?

Planting parsley, fennel, and cilantro can bring in ladybugs, lacewings, parasitic wasps, and hoverflies that eat garden pests.

What should I consider when planning my companion planting strategy?

Ensure the plants you pair need the same light, water, and soil. Check your garden often for pests and remove any badly infested plants.

Source Links

Common Pests and Diseases in Herbal Gardens and How to Manage Them

Published August 1, 2024 | By glenn.imagepros

Ever noticed your herb garden suddenly looks like it’s under attack? Herbal gardens face pests and diseases that can harm your plants. But don’t worry, with the right knowledge, you can beat these challenges and keep your garden healthy.

Key Takeaways

Identify common pests and diseases affecting herbal gardens, including aphids, caterpillars, and downy mildew.
Understand the importance of proactive pest and disease management in maintaining a healthy herb garden.
Explore effective cultural, biological, and natural control methods to prevent and manage herb garden problems.
Learn how to recognize and address abiotic issues like bolting and overwatering that can impact herb growth.
Discover the principles of integrated pest management (IPM) for a comprehensive and sustainable approach to herb garden care.

Introduction to Herbal Garden Pests and Diseases

Keeping a healthy herbal garden means watching out for pests and diseases. If not controlled, these can harm the health and quality of your herbs. This section talks about why it’s important to manage pests and diseases early. It also covers the main problems gardeners face, like insects, fungi, and environmental issues.

Importance of Managing Pests and Diseases in Herb Gardens

Managing pests and diseases is key to keeping your herbal garden healthy and productive. If ignored, these problems can reduce your harvest and weaken your plants. By knowing about common herb garden pests and diseases, you can stop them before they start. This helps keep your herbs safe and your garden thriving.

Overview of Common Pests and Diseases in Herb Gardens

Herbs face many pests and diseases that can harm them. Some common issues include:

Insect pests, such as aphids, caterpillars, and four-lined plant bugs, which can cause significant damage through feeding and infestation.
Fungal diseases, like downy mildew and southern blight, which can lead to discoloration, wilting, and plant decline.
Abiotic problems, such as bolting (premature flowering) and overwatering, which can also negatively impact the growth and health of your herbs.

Knowing the early signs and symptoms of these pests and diseases helps you act fast. Taking steps to prevent and manage them ensures your herbal garden’s success.

Insect Pests in Herbal Gardens

Keeping a herbal garden healthy means watching out for pests. Aphids and some caterpillars are common pests that can harm your herbs if not controlled.

Aphids: Bean Aphids and Their Impact

The bean aphid is a big problem in herb gardens. These small insects live on plant stems and leaves, forming large groups. They can make plants grow poorly, turn leaves yellow, and spread diseases.

It’s important to watch for aphids in herb gardens and act fast to stop them.

Caterpillars: Black Swallowtail and Parsley Worm Caterpillars

Some caterpillars, like the black swallowtail caterpillar and the parsley worm caterpillar, are bad for herbs. They eat herbs like parsley, dill, and fennel, causing damage and health problems. Watching closely and removing them can help control these pests.

Knowing about aphids in herb gardens and caterpillar pests helps gardeners protect their herbs. This way, they can keep their gardens healthy and free from pests.

Other Herbal Garden Pests

Herb gardens often face challenges from insects like aphids and caterpillars. But, pests like the four-lined plant bug and the Japanese beetle can also cause big problems.

Four-Lined Plant Bugs and Their Damage

The four-lined plant bug sucks sap from many herbs. It can make leaves look bad, wilt, and even change shape. This can really hurt how your herb garden looks and stays healthy.

Japanese Beetles: A Threat to Basil

Japanese beetles love to eat basil. They can eat away the leaves, leaving them looking bad. It’s important to keep these pests away to keep your basil looking good.

To deal with pests like the four-lined plant bug and others, you need a good plan. Use things like cultural controls and natural products to keep pests away. This helps keep your herbs healthy and looking great.

“Vigilance and a proactive approach are key to maintaining a thriving herb garden, free from the ravages of pests and diseases.”

Spider Mites: Tiny but Destructive Pests

Spider mites are a big problem in herb gardens across the U.S. They are tiny but can harm plant health a lot. It’s important to know how to spot and manage them to keep your herbs healthy.

Look for fine webbing on leaf undersides to spot spider mites. These pests suck out plant cell contents, causing leaves to turn color, grow poorly, and look unhealthy. If not controlled, they can spread fast, damaging or killing your plants.

Recognizing the Threat

Spider mites can be red, yellow, or green, making them hard to see. To spot them, check the undersides of leaves, especially on basil, parsley, and thyme. Fine webbing or stippling on leaves also signals an infestation.

Managing Spider Mites Effectively

To fight spider mites, use a mix of strategies. Keep your plants healthy by watering, sunning, and airing them well. This makes them less likely to get pests.

Regularly check your plants for spider mites.
Use a strong water stream to wash away mites and webs.
Apply insecticidal soaps or oils to kill them.
Add natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings to control the mites.

By watching your plants and using different methods, you can keep spider mites under control. This helps your herb garden stay healthy and full of life.

Identification	Management Strategies
Tiny, eight-legged arachnids Various colors: red, yellow, green Fine webbing on leaf undersides Leaf stippling or discoloration	Maintain optimal growing conditions Regularly inspect plants Use water, insecticidal soaps, or horticultural oils Introduce natural predators

“Spider mites may be tiny, but they can wreak havoc on even the most carefully tended herb garden. Staying vigilant and employing a proactive approach is key to keeping these pests at bay.”

Common Diseases in Herbal Gardens

Herb gardens face many diseases, including fungal infections. Downy mildew of basil and southern blight are two big problems. We’ll look at their symptoms, how to spot them, and how to deal with them.

Downy Mildew of Basil: Identification and Management

Downy mildew is a fungal disease that can harm your basil. Look for yellow or discolored leaves with a fuzzy, grayish-purple growth under them. As it gets worse, leaves may curl, wilt, and die. It’s important to act fast to stop downy mildew on basil from spreading.

To fight downy mildew, make sure your basil plants have good air flow and don’t crowd them. Water at the base, keeping the leaves dry. If it doesn’t work, use a fungicide made for herbs. Check your plants often and remove any sick leaves to stop the disease from spreading.

Southern Blight: A Fungal Disease Affecting Herbs

Southern blight is a common fungal disease affecting herbs. It causes wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth. Look for white, cotton-like mycelium at the plant base, leading to tan or reddish-brown fungal structures called sclerotia.

To fight southern blight, improve soil drainage and don’t overwater. Remove sick plants and clean your tools well. Using a fungicide for southern blight in herb gardens can also help.

Knowing about these herb diseases and how to manage them helps keep your garden healthy and full of life.

Abiotic Problems in Herbal Gardens

Herb gardens can face challenges from non-living factors, not just pests and diseases. Two big issues are premature flowering, or bolting, and overwatering. These problems can hurt your herb plants.

Bolting: Premature Flowering in Herbs

Bolting happens when herbs like basil, cilantro, and parsley suddenly start flowering early. This is often caused by stress, such as high heat, drought, or changes in daylight. Once herbs bolt, their leaves become bitter, and the plant quality drops.

Overwatering and Its Consequences

Herbs like moist soil, but too much water is bad. It can cause root rot, leading to wilting leaves, yellowing, and diseases like Botrytis or Pythium. Overwatered herbs also grow poorly and don’t taste as good.

To prevent these problems, watch the environment and adjust watering. With the right care, you can have a garden full of tasty, healthy herbs all season.

Herbal Garden Pests and Diseases

Keeping a herb garden healthy means knowing how to deal with pests and diseases. This guide will help you keep your herbs safe and ensure a good harvest.

Herbs can face many challenges, from insects like aphids and caterpillars to diseases like downy mildew and southern blight. Learning about these issues and how to manage them will help you keep your herbs in top shape.

Also, problems like bolting and overwatering can harm your herbs. It’s important to know what causes these problems and how to fix them to keep your garden thriving.

Tackling Herbal Garden Pests

Aphids: These insects eat sap and can slow down herb growth and spread diseases. Check for aphids often and remove them.
Caterpillars: These eaters can clear out your herbs’ leaves. Watch for them and remove by hand or use safe insecticides.
Four-Lined Plant Bugs: These pests leave marks on herb leaves. Keep an eye out and remove them by hand.
Japanese Beetles: These beetles love to eat basil. Use traps or neem oil to keep them away.
Spider Mites: These tiny bugs can hurt your herbs, making them look bad and grow poorly. Look for them often and use the right bug sprays if you find them.

Combating Herbal Garden Diseases

Disease	Affected Herbs	Symptoms	Management Strategies
Downy Mildew	Basil	Yellow or purple spots on leaves, leaf curling, and plant decay	Promote air circulation, use resistant varieties, and apply organic fungicides if necessary
Southern Blight	Thyme, Rosemary, Sage	Wilting, stem rot, and white fungal growth at the soil line	Improve soil drainage, remove infected plant material, and utilize fungicides as a last resort

By learning about herb garden pests and diseases and how to manage them, you can protect your garden. This will help you enjoy a healthy and full harvest.

Integrated Pest Management for Herbal Gardens

Keeping a herbal garden healthy means using a full plan to handle pests and diseases. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) offers a complete way to deal with these issues in your garden.

Cultural Controls for Pest and Disease Prevention

Cultural controls are key in IPM. They focus on growing conditions and prevention. This includes:

Selecting pest-resistant herb varieties
Providing proper plant spacing and airflow to discourage disease development
Maintaining good sanitation practices, such as removing infected plant material and weeds
Ensuring appropriate soil fertility and moisture levels to support healthy herb growth

Biological Control Methods for Herbs

Biological control methods are also effective against pests and diseases. By adding beneficial insects or microbial products, you can use nature to fight pests. This includes:

Aphids
Caterpillars
Spider mites
Fungal diseases like downy mildew

Using these IPM strategies can make your herb garden healthy and sustainable. It also reduces the need for harsh chemicals.

Natural Products for Pest and Disease Control

Gardeners can use natural products to fight pests and diseases in their herb gardens. These products are good for the environment and work well against many problems. They help with everything from bugs to fungal infections.

Plant-Based Insecticides and Fungicides

Many gardeners choose natural insecticides and fungicides to avoid synthetic chemicals. Natural insecticides like neem oil, pyrethrin, and azadirachtin are great against aphids, caterpillars, and spider mites. Fungicides made from copper and sulfur can fight diseases like downy mildew and southern blight.

Microbial Insecticides: Bacillus thuringiensis and Others

Microbial insecticides, such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), are also a good choice. Bt is a bacterium found in soil that kills certain insect larvae safely. It doesn’t harm good bugs or the planet.

Natural Pest Control Method	Targeted Pests/Diseases	Advantages
Neem Oil	Aphids, Caterpillars, Spider Mites	Broad-spectrum, Environmentally-friendly
Pyrethrin	Wide range of insects	Fast-acting, Derived from chrysanthemum flowers
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)	Caterpillars, Beetle Grubs	Specific to target pests, Non-toxic to beneficial organisms

Using these natural methods helps gardeners manage pests and diseases. It also keeps their gardens healthy and sustainable.

Conclusion

This article covered the pests and diseases that can harm your herbal garden. We talked about common pests like aphids and caterpillars, and diseases like downy mildew. Knowing about these issues and how to manage them helps keep your herb plants healthy.

You now know how to use integrated pest management and natural solutions to tackle problems. By being vigilant and using different control methods, you can protect your herbs. This keeps your garden healthy and productive.

Being proactive is key to a successful herbal garden. This article has given you the tools to handle pests and diseases. With these tips, your herbs will grow well and give you lots of flavor and health benefits. Use this knowledge to grow herbs in a way that’s good for the planet and brings you joy.

FAQ

What are the common pests and diseases that affect herbal gardens?

Common pests include aphids, caterpillars, four-lined plant bugs, Japanese beetles, and spider mites. Diseases like downy mildew of basil and southern blight are also common.

How can I identify and manage aphids in my herb garden?

Aphids, especially bean aphids, can be found on herb stems and leaves. They look like small, soft insects. To control them, use beneficial insects, insecticidal soaps, or neem oil.

What can I do to prevent and control caterpillar infestations in my herb garden?

Caterpillars like the black swallowtail and parsley worm can harm herbs like parsley and dill. Check for them and remove them by hand. Use Bt, a natural insecticide, to target caterpillars.

How can I identify and manage four-lined plant bugs and Japanese beetles in my herb garden?

These pests can damage many herbs, including basil. Look for them and their damage. Use row covers, handpick, or apply neem oil or insecticidal soap to control them.

What are the signs of spider mite infestations in herb gardens, and how can I control them?

Spider mites are tiny and can quickly multiply, causing herbs to look unhealthy. Look for webs and stippling on leaves. Control them by increasing humidity, spraying with water, or using insecticidal soaps or oils.

How can I identify and manage downy mildew and southern blight in my herb garden?

Downy mildew causes yellow spots and a fuzzy growth on basil leaves. Southern blight affects many herbs. Use proper spacing, air circulation, and disease-resistant varieties or fungicides to manage these diseases.

What are some common abiotic problems that can affect herb gardens, and how can I address them?

Herb gardens can suffer from bolting and overwatering. Prevent bolting by harvesting often and providing the right conditions. Avoid overwatering by checking soil moisture and adjusting your watering schedule.

What are the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for herbal gardens?

IPM combines cultural controls, biological controls, and natural products. This approach helps manage pests and diseases without harming the environment.

What are some natural products I can use to control pests and diseases in my herb garden?

Use plant-based insecticides and fungicides, and microbial insecticides like Bt. These natural options help control pests and diseases without harming the environment.

Source Links

https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/pests-and-diseases/pests/management/natural-pest-and-disease-management/ – Natural Pest and Disease Management – Gardening Solutions
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/herb-problems – Herb Problems | University of Maryland Extension
https://ipm.cahnr.uconn.edu/herbs-greenhouse/ – Pest Management for Herb Bedding Plants Grown in the Greenhouse | Integrated Pest Management

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