Summer Garden Menaces to Watch Out For & Strategies to Prevent Them from Wreaking Havoc

Non-Conformist Guide to Garden Pest Control:

When it comes to safeguarding your garden from pesky critters, we got you covered! Let's delve into some lesser-known pests and their tricks of the trade.

Morris Hankinson, the Mastermind behind Hopes Groves Nurseries, gives you the lowdown on maintaining a pest-free paradise for your plants.

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According to our resident expert, certain pests should be on your radar throughout the sweltering summer months, including aphids, red lily beetles, carrot root flies, slugs, snails, vine weevils, and some unknown troublemakers we'll discuss here:

Cabbage White Butterfly

"First thing I remind myself if I find munched brassica leaves is that without caterpillars, there would be no butterflies, and wouldn't that be such a shame!

"So, as with all 'pests,' the best way to limit damage to plants is to create a biodiverse space, allowing natural predators to do what they do best." He suggests covering brassicas with butterfly netting to block adults yet allowing insects to fly in and out.

Powdery Mildew

"Many plants get powdery mildew at this time of year, especially during wet weather and when plants are overcrowded." To combat this, make it a habit to check your plants regularly, and clip off any infected leaves to stop the spread.

Blackfly (Aphids)

Black flies are typically detected on the tips of plants like broad beans. To deal with these unwanted guests, encourage ladybirds and other helpful insects into your garden, as they'll feed on the aphids. Regular heavy rainfall or a good soaking with a hose will also knock the black flies off your plants.

Blight

"Black and brown spots, often on lower and older foliage to start with, but that will quickly spread to stems and kill off all of the foliage!" If the potatoes haven't formed yet, you'll have to say goodbye to that crop. Otherwise, harvest them right away. Remove infected foliage and dispose of it immediately, as the heat at council waste facilities will kill off the remaining spores.

Ants

"Spray some peppermint oil mixed with water around your garden's boundary edges, and keep your soil evenly moist. The best approach to ant control, though, is to create a biodiverse garden, allowing natural predators to do the hard work for you."

For additional tips on keeping your garden pest-free this summer, stay tuned!

Battle the Summer Pests

Want to keep troubling critters at bay this summer? Follow these handy tips to ensure a pest-free garden:

Hornets and Wasps - Spray peppermint oil liberally around your patio or balcony to deter unwelcome guests.

Moths - Deter moths by placing acidic household white vinegar-soaked kitchen roll in your wardrobe.

Flying Ants - Herbs and spices like cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic create a barrier around your garden.

Mosquitoes - Essential oils such as eucalyptus, lavender, and lemongrass can help deter mosquitoes both indoors and outdoors.

[1] More info on natural methods for pest control: https://extension.umn.edu/gardening/growing-fruits/organic-gardening/beneficial-insects-and-mites/[2] Learn about the signs and management of powdery mildew: https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=545[3] Detailed analysis on dealing with blackflies (aphids): https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/aphids-on-plants[4] Get the lowdown on organic fungicides: https://www.organicauthority.com/organic-living/organic-crop-protection/[5] Explore companion planting and natural-based pest control: https://www.britannica.com/topic/companion-planting#ref130034

Maintaining a biodiverse home-and-garden space, as suggested by Morris Hankinson, can help attract natural predators to control pests like blackflies (aphids) and caterpillars, contributing to a more balanced lifestyle in the garden.
To prevent the spread of powdery mildew during rainy weather, it's important to regularly check your plants and remove any infected leaves promptly, promoting a healthier garden environment that aligns with a gardening lifestyle.