Organic Pest Management
Most pest problems can be managed without harsh chemicals. Early detection and targeted organic controls are key. Here are the most common garden pests and how to stop them naturally.
Aphids
Tiny insects that cluster on new growth and suck plant sap. Control: Blast with water, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Ladybugs and lacewings are natural predators.
Tomato Hornworms
Large green caterpillars that defoliate plants overnight. Look for dark droppings on lower leaves. Control: Hand-pick at dawn or dusk. Use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray — an organic option that targets caterpillars. Till soil in fall to destroy pupae.
Slugs and Snails
They chew irregular holes in leaves and fruit at night. Control: Hand-pick with a flashlight. Set beer traps or board traps. Diatomaceous earth creates a barrier. Remove garden debris where they hide.
Cucumber Beetles
Striped and spotted beetles attack cucumbers, squash, and melons. They transmit bacterial wilt. Control: Floating row covers, yellow sticky traps, kaolin clay. Remove infected plants.
Squash Bugs
Dark bugs that suck sap from squash and pumpkin leaves. Look for copper eggs on leaf undersides. Control: Crush egg clusters. Hand-pick adults into soapy water. Remove debris at season end.
Preventive Strategies
Healthy plants resist pests better. Rotate crops, plant diverse gardens, use row covers, keep the garden clean, and inspect daily. The Personal Harvest Helper app will include pest alerts tailored to your plants.
