There are numerous toxic chemicals on the market today designed to kill bugs but unfortunately, when we start to investigate them it because apparent that they are dangerous and frequently long lasting. There are alternatives out there that can help you deter pests, but you have to work on educating yourself on how to grow food within chemicals.
One of the easiest ways to reduce the chances of bugs seeing your garden as a buffet, is simply not mono-cropping. If you plant a straight line of tomatoes down a few rows, you are basically inviting all sorts of insects to the party. Mix it up and try doing poly-cropping as a means of deterring insects in the beginning.
You can reduce the chances of infestation even further when you choose zone and environment specific varieties. Just because someone in Vermont can plant a specific variety of plant, doesn’t mean that it will successfully produce here. In one state you might be able to plant Roma tomatoes without worrying about pests, but native Everglades tomatoes grow easily in Florida.
While I can certainly suggest plants, you should educate yourself even further and allow my suggestions to be a starting point for your education.
- Basil
- Blue Hyssop
- Borage
- Catnip
- Flax
- Garlic
- Horseradish
- Japanese Radish
- Lavender
- Marigold
- Milkweed
- Mints
- Nasturtium
- Petunia
- Rose Geranium
- Rosemary
- Rue
- Sage
- Tansy
- Thyme
- Wormwood
If you need any guidance, feel free to contact me on facebook. Happy Homesteading!
Suburban & Rural Homesteading Today 