Sometimes, uninvited guests show up in your garden, leaving your plants fighting to survive. For some chemical-free ways of fighting off these pests, let’s dig in.

Healthy soil precedes healthy plants, so mix in organic compost to fertilize your plants so they can better withstand pests.

Choose plants based on the amount of sunlight exposure to your garden, so they don’t weaken and become more vulnerable to pests. Plant strong-scented plants that repel pests such as marigolds, chives, thyme, mint, and lavender. These plants also attract pollinators which help to fertilize your garden. Plant a variety of plants so pests don’t concentrate in one area (e.g., alternate vegetable rows with pest-repelling plants). Another tip is to rotate your vegetable crops annually to confuse pests and keep the soil healthy.

Natural pest control is not instant. It requires patience and the attentive eye of a gardener who values long-term health over quick fixes. Spend time in your garden daily. Learn to recognize the signs of both pests and their predators. Adjust your strategies as conditions change and celebrate the victories—both large and small—along the way.

If you detect pests early enough, remove the leaves of the infected plants. If the whole plant is infested, remove it from the garden to prevent the infestation from spreading. You can also include plants that attract the predators of the pests attacking your garden.

Another defence against pests is row covers, which let water and sunlight in, but keep pests out. Just be sure to lift them off for a few hours every morning to allow pollinators in.

Defending your garden against pests naturally is not only helping you it is helping the broader environment. Happy growing!