An Introduction to Organic Pest Management

An overview of the many different ways that organic gardeners can deal with garden pests with an emphasis on using specific plants to deter some insects.

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Harmony in nature and in your garden dictates there be bugs, even the ones that chomp seemingly ungrateful on your soon to be produce.

Depending on your frame of mind, you may not think twice about them. If you do think twice, occasionally wishing them away does not count as a black mark on your organic gardening record.

No organic gardener expects an insect free garden, and the assortment of insect minimization tools available today is growing.

Natural controls, such as the presence or introduction of beneficial insects, often top the list of useful insect minimization tools.

Plants for Insect Management Ants - mint, pansy, pennyroyal Aphids - mint, garlic, chives, coriander, anise Bean Leaf Beetle - potato, onion,turnip Codling Moth - common oleander Colorado Potato Bug - green beans, coriander, nasturtium Cucumber Beetle - radish, pansy Flea Beetle - garlic, onion, mint Imported Cabbage Worm - mint, sage, rosemary, hussop Japanese Beetle - garlic, larkspur, tansy, rue, geranium Leaf Hopper - geranium, petunia Mice - onion Root Knot Nematodes - French marigolds Slugs - prostrate rosemary, wormwood Spider Mites - onion, garlic, cloves, chives Squash Bug - radish, marigolds Stink Bug - radish Thrips - marigolds Whitefly - marigolds, nasturtium

Ladybugs, wasps and praying mantids, among others, fit into the beneficial insect category.

They are often found in garden areas or they can be easily introduced. All have diets consisting of common garden insects.

The bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis or BT toxin, has a long history of use as a manufactured organic insecticide.

Plants are another organic pest management tool, although sometimes their use is limited. (see Flower Seed Packs for Pest Management)

The United States Natural Conservation Service suggests planning an insect minimization strategy using the plants listed in the box to control the listed insects.

© 2001-2005. Patricia A. Michaels