The concept of organic means of controlling pests in gardens is not a new idea, it’s actually as venerable as agriculture. The problem is that since World War II organic pest control has been replaced in civilized countries with man-made pesticides that are detrimental to both the environment and to the people who consume the plants on which the products are sprayed. More and more people today are doing organic gardening and prefer not to use pesticides. There are varying beliefs on the use of these products, with some people opposing their use only on food crops, whereas others simply try to reduce their use as much as possible.

Logic and good sense will tell you there are many reasons to use organic methods to keep pests out of your plants. One of the most important is that because insect pests are left alone genetically because of the absence of pesticides, they are not in a position to become resistant “super bugs”. Organic methods tend to be less polluting and blend into the ecosystem around it instead of disrupting it. In addition, because many of the pesticides that are available are derivatives of petrochemicals, their costs are higher, thus making alternatives more attractive. Whatever the reasons may be for avoiding their use, the organic gardener has to be prepared to work in order to make up for the loss of those chemical products that he chooses to abstain from using.

Organic gardeners use a variety of proficient, chemical-free strategies to limit pests in the garden. An easy and effective way to avoid pest problems is varietal selection, which includes choosing seed varieties that have been bred to be resistant against certain diseases and pest. The cultural control method of organic gardening pest control involves changing your gardening methods in order to reduce the hospitality that your garden offers to pests. This may mean removing or burning diseased plant material and destroying weeds and plan debris that provide hiding places for insects. Using stakes to keep fruits off the ground as well as pruning to remove diseased limbs, removing sickly plants, proper building of the soil, and making sure the plants are in raised areas in rainy seasons also help control diseases and pests. Crop rotation can also help in the prevention of disease and in pest control.

Pesticides show quick results as compared to the methods which are used in non-pesticide pest control, but in the long run non pesticide methods are more advantageous as they are not only safer but their effect is far reaching too. They repel the insects during the season they are used and prevent them from appearing again in other crops. Organic gardening pest control may be a longer process, but it is well worth the effort.

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