Nobody likes to use chemicals in the garden. After all, not only
are pesticides, herbicides and even snail bait poisonous, but
they’re expensive as well.
Nobody likes to use chemicals in the garden. After all, not only are pesticides, herbicides and even snail bait poisonous, but they’re expensive as well. But you don’t have to be an environmentalist to lessen our dependence on poisonous garden products.
Something as simple as spraying plants with a strong jet of plain water will often keep aphids under control. These soft-bodied insects love new growth on roses, and they will fall off and can’t get back up onto plants. I’m sure you’ve also heard of soap sprays instead of chemical insecticides, such as malathion. Simply mix a couple of tablespoons of liquid soap in plain water, and spray to kill aphids and other soft-bodied insect pests. Safer’s Insecticidal Soap is also available almost anywhere for a wide variety of pests.
Everyone has troubles with snails eating tender, young seedlings. And I’m sure you’ve read all about various ways to kill snails, including killing them with smiles on their faces with the help of beer. But instead of wasting good beer, try spreading oyster shells. Available at feed stores for around $15 per bag, oyster shells are said to destroy snails’ digestive systems.
Oyster shell, used as cow or chicken feed, is certainly cheaper than Bug-geta and other chemical snail baits. (Sunset magazine recently touted oat bran as another organic snail bait, but a check of local feed stores did not find it available.)
There is also a snail bait that’s been on the market for a few years that utilizes fertilizer to kill rather than methaldehyde. “Sluggo” is more expensive than Bug-geta and other chemical snail baits, but it’s also safe to use around pets and toddlers. Sluggo is available at most garden centers. It is distributed locally by Monterey Garden Supply.
Of course, you can handpick snails, too. Go out in the garden at night with the kids manning flashlights and plastic grocery bags. Make a game of who can collect the most snails. Shake a little salt into the bag and dispose of in the trash can. Note: If you don’t kill the snails, they often can eat their way out of the bag and garbage can.
Flowers and smelly herbs can also deter some insect pests. Planting smelly marigolds, onions or Gilroy’s own garlic around the garden will often deter aphids and nematodes. Ants are said to avoid the mint family. Certainly beautifying your garden without spraying is a healthy alternative.
Even how you mow your lawn can make a difference. A simple way to help keep your lawn healthy without doing anything extra is to mow with a so-calling “mulching” lawn mower. These are mowers that do not collect grass clippings. Instead, grass clippings are chopped into small pieces and left to lie on your lawn. This not only makes for a healthier lawn, but you don’t have to throw out clippings or even recycle them. Plus, you’ll save a heck of a lot of time (not to mention gas) by not having to stop your mower every few rows to empty out the grass-clipping catch.
You don’t have to be an environmentalist to safely garden.
