Organic gardeners want to control insect pests in way that is not harmful to the environment.  Spraying poisonous chemicals on infested plants is simply not an option they are happy with.  Instead, they use natural pest control methods such as increasing the number of beneficial insects in the garden.  Beneficial insects will eat the harmful bugs and over a period of time a healthy balance will be achieved.  Here are some of the most common beneficial insects you may find in the garden. The aphid midge resembles a very small, delicate wasp. In the larvae or caterpillar stage it gorges on more than sixty species of aphids.  This beneficial insect is found naturally throughout North America and is also available commercially from nurseries and garden supply companies. Minute pirate bugs prey on thrips, spider mites, small caterpillars, immature leafhoppers, and insect eggs.  Adults have a distinctive black and white pattern on the back. They occur naturally throughout North America and are also sold commercially. Ladybugs are not only pretty to look at, they are very helpful in the garden.  Both larvae and adults consume harmful aphids, scales, mealybugs, and other small insects.  Ladybugs are at home just about anywhere in the world.  They ...

You will find many species of deer living throughout the United States and Canada.  Gardeners in rural locations or close to a wooded area often observe these animals near their property, especially early in the morning or late in the evening.  Although deer are lovely creatures, they can munch through a lot of greenery in a short time.  In fact, they can be a disaster to your garden.  Fortunately, there are ways to discourage them from coming around without harming either the animals or the environment.  Here are some useful tips for keeping deer away from the garden. The most effective way to stop deer from visiting your garden is to put up some type of barrier.  A short wall or a fence won't do the trick, though.  You will need a solid wood or stone wall around six feet tall that conceals the garden from passing deer.  If you don't like that idea, a wire fence about 8 to 10 feet tall may discourage deer from trying to get to your plants.  Another option is lay wooden pallets down on the ground, because deer don't like stepping on or jumping over such objects. Some gardeners deal with a deer problem by ...

No matter how well you treat your plants, some of them may be attacked by a bacterial or fungal disease.  Left unchecked, such diseases can weaken or kill plants.  Even worse, the infection can spread through the garden and cause further damage.  That's why it is important to be on the alert for signs of disease and to take immediate action when necessary.  Here are some guidelines for preventing and controlling bacterial and fungal infections using organic methods. Keep garden clean Plant debris can harbor all kinds of harmful bacteria.  Get rid of the debris and you will get rid of the source of bacterial infection.  It's vital to keep the garden area cleared of dead leaves, flowers, and other organic matter that naturally builds up over time.  At the end of the growing season, you should do a big garden clean-up and then dispose of all leftover plant debris.  Material from healthy plants can be composted.  Material from sick plants should be disposed of in the garbage or burned to ashes, which can then be composted safely. Keep tools clean Dirty tools can be hazardous in the garden.  Bacteria or fungal spores from a sick plant can passed from one location to the ...

Gardeners must always be alert to any signs of disease in the landscape.  One sick plant can infect surrounding plants, spreading the disease and multiplying the amount of damage caused.  If you're observant enough to catch a problem early, you can often minimize the harm and protect the rest of your plants from getting sick.  Bacterial leaf spot is a common disease that you may encounter while caring for your flowers and vegetables.  Here are some tips for diagnosing and controlling bacterial leaf spot. Bacterial leaf spot can attack many different types of plants.  Flowers and vegetables such as geraniums, poinsettias, celery, cucumbers, and others are all susceptible to this disease.  Symptoms vary depending on the afflicted plant.  It may be characterized by flat or sunken spots that start small and increase in size, forming papery translucent areas that are confined by leaf veins.  Spots may also appear on fruit and vegetables.  The disease is caused by the Pseudomonas and Xanthomonas bacteria, which can be harbored in plant debris and survive for months as a potential danger. Once a plant is infected, there is no effective remedy.  However, it's important to take immediate steps to stop the bacteria from spreading through the ...

If you possess a lush, beautiful garden, you are likely to have a few unwanted visitors.  You know the type - they sneak in when you're not around and begin chomping on the most delectable greenery and edibles they can find.  Depending on where you live, some of those unwanted visitors may be rabbits.  Even in the city you can find a substantial rabbit population and this may present a big problem for gardeners.  You probably don't mind sharing a small portion of your harvest with these cute, furry creatures.  But when rabbits start to think of your backyard as their very own 24-hour grocery store, you may feel the need to take action.  Here are some proven tips for keeping rabbits out of your garden. Rabbits are small prey animals that are vulnerable to many predators.  As a result, they like staying close to bushes and ground cover and they don't like to cross large open areas.  If you have a large property, try to situate garden beds away from convenient hiding places to deter rabbits from approaching.  It's also not a bad idea to place old shoes or boots in strategic locations.  The scent will cause the rabbits to ...