Deer are just one garden pest you may encounter.
Growing a plant or vegetable garden can be a rewarding hobby, but there are some pitfalls you may encounter. One common problem that effects many gardens is the presence of pests. Garden pests can be insects, rodents, neighborhood pets and even deer. Before you suffer too much garden damage, there are a few things you can do to help alleviate the pest problem. You don't always have to spray harmful pesticides or other chemicals as there are often natural solutions. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Build a fence. Measure the area around your garden to calculate how much fencing material you will need. Decide how tall you want the fence to be. Use fencing material at least four or five feet tall if deer are invading your garden. Buy the fencing material and posts. Dig 24 inch deep holes for the fence posts at each corner of the garden. Use a level to make sure the posts are straight. Install the fencing material, and attach it to the posts. Clip one end of the fence to the last post with a nail that you can swivel up in order to open the fence and enter the garden.
2. Remove slugs and snails. Fill several jar lids or shallow containers with beer. Place the containers of beer around the garden areas where you notice slugs and snails. Check the containers each morning, and throw out any slugs or snails that drown in the beer. Refill the containers with beer. Crush some eggshells and sprinkle around the garden. The eggs will cut the slugs and snails as they move over them and will kill them.
3. Release some ladybugs into the garden to control aphids. Check your plants for white, sticky residue that aphids excrete as they eat. Buy some ladybugs at your local garden store or from an online retailer. Place the ladybugs on the plants that show signs of aphid activity. The ladybugs will eat the aphids and protect your plants.
4. Place a live trap or two around the outside edge of the garden. This is especially helpful when your garden is being destroyed by squirrels and rabbits. Bait the trap with nuts or peanut butter for squirrels. Use lettuce and carrots in the traps to lure rabbits. Check the traps several times each day for any captive animals. Take any captured animals to another wooded area several miles from your home and garden. Release the animals in the new area.
Tags: fencing material, slugs snails, your garden, around garden, containers with, containers with beer, some ladybugs