Organic Gardening Pesticide | Organic Gardening for Beginners

Organic Gardening Pesticide

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1. Keep the garden as free of disease as possible. Insect control begins with healthy plants.

2. Keeping plants dry will help reduce disease. Using trickle system for watering will reduce the amount of time the plants stay wet.

3. Crop rotation can help in the reduction of some diseases.

4. Since insect population increases with heat, plant earlier will avoid some insect problems.

5. Attract and keep beneficial garden insects.

6. Use insect resistant varieties of plants when available. Check with your local seed supply store or county agriculture office for information.

However, sometimes even with using the best methods, there will be a need to use organic pesticides.

1. Use three drops of mild dish washing soap per quart of water. Spray plants well, avoiding flowers. Do not do this when the weather is to warm.

2. Gather enough tobacco to make about 1/4 cup. Place in a cloth strainer and soak in one quart of water overnight. Do not use this spray on eggplant or tomatoes.

3. Use hot peppers. Take the peppers and grind them into dust. Sprinkle around the base of plants to detour insects.

4. Use bugs. Gather enough of the targeted pest to make about a tablespoon and crush them. Place them in cheese cloth and soak in 2 cups of water overnight.

There are several types of man made pesticides that can be used. To be sure that the pesticide is specifically for organic gardening, you should make sure that it is EPA approved. If you do not see an EPA approval look at the ingredients. Organic pesticides are made from plant and animal material, whereas non-organic pesticides are made of minerals. Tips for using these are:

1. Products containing sabadilla are harmful to bees.

2. Use copper containing products sparingly, as it stunts plant growth. Use as a preventive spray when plants will dry quickly.

3. Products containing sulfur or lime should not be used on plants that have been treated with oil in the last month.

4. Horticultural oils and soaps are effective against soft bodied insects. Apply these products when the sun is not directly shining on the plants. Water the plants before application. Check labels before using with any other form of treatment.

1. Observe all directions and restrictions on labels.

2. Store in original containers. Keep out of reach of children!

3. Use only correct amounts of pesticides.

4. Dispose of empty containers as provided on container instructions.