Organic Garden Pest Control
A Jessecology Guide to Organic Garden Pest Control.
Safe for Pollinators, Pets, and People.
At Jessecology, we certainly believe healthy landscapes don’t need toxic chemicals. Organic pest control is not only safer for pollinators, pets, and people—it’s obviously also more effective long-term when paired with regenerative landscaping practices. Here’s a concise, actionable guide for protecting your garden while supporting biodiversity.
In general, in ecology driven land management, we believe “garden pests” are limited to introduced fauna. Indigenous wildlife may be unfortunately positioned at times, but they’re not “invasive.” Invasive, non-native pests like the Spongy Moth defoliating our trees, for example. That said, when you’re trying to grow organic food at home, bugs eating your crops can feel like an invasion.
1. Encourage Natural Predators.
Let nature do the work. Ladybugs, Lacewings, songbirds, and even bats eat garden pests like aphids, mites, and caterpillars.
• Plant nectar-rich native flowers like Monarda, Asclepias, and Echinacea to invite beneficial insects.
• Install birdhouses or bat boxes to create natural pest control habitats.
2. Try Companion Planting.
Strategically combining plants can help deter pests naturally.
• Add Marigolds, Basil, Borage or Nasturtiums near veggies to repel unwanted bugs.
• Use trap crops like mustard or radishes to lure pests away from valuable plants.
3. Use Physical Barriers.
Keep pests out without chemicals.
• Protect young annual plants with floating row covers, collars, or fine mesh.
• Place copper tape around garden beds to repel slugs and snails.
4. Build Soil Health & Biodiversity.
Healthy soil grows stronger plants, which are straightaway better at resisting pests.
• Top-dress with compost and avoid tilling altogether to preserve soil life.
• Rotate annual crops yearly, basically avoiding monocultures to reduce pest buildup.
5. Make Your Own Organic Sprays.
Natural ingredients can be surprisingly effective.
1) Neem oil: A natural pesticide and fungicide, safe for pollinators if used at dusk or dawn.
2) Garlic or hot pepper spray: Repels many common insects.
3) Insecticidal soap: Great for soft-bodied pests like aphids and whiteflies.
6. Monitor & Hand-Pick Pests.
Sometimes, the simplest solution is best.
• Inspect your garden regularly and remove pests by hand.
• Use yellow sticky traps (away from flowers) to reduce gnats and whiteflies.
Final Thoughts.
Organic garden pest control works best as part of a whole-ecosystem approach. With native plants, healthy soil, and a little daily attention, your organic, edible garden can thrive—without the need for toxic inputs.
Looking for help designing a resilient, pesticide-free garden soon? Fill out the Start Your Project form and one of our landscape designers will come meet with you soon!