Best Sure-Shot Organic Pest Control Approaches Every Gardener Should Know

Best Sure-Shot Organic Pest Control Approaches Every Gardener Should Know

Getting rid of pests ORGANICALLY is the most challenging task for every gardener. So, here we’re sharing 10 Sure-shot organic pest control approaches to make things easier.

Organic pest control is a term referred to the way of controlling pests in a bio-organic & natural manner, this means that you will remove any pests from your garden without using any chemical pesticides or commercial non-organic pest control products. Having said that, the products you’re going to grow, the soil you are growing in & the plants that comes to fruition are much healthier & stronger.

Here are 10 most effective pest control solutions in an organic manner:

Taking the help of poultry as Poultry predation

Taking the help of Beneficial Insects & birds

Taking the help of Beneficial nematodes

Applying crop rotation strategy

Handpicking the pests during smaller infestation

Use of Diatomaceous earth (earth that are made of small fossilized aquatic organisms remains called diatoms)

Garlic-pepper spray (make out of garlic, oil, dish soap & water)

Insecticidal soap spray (liquid soap like Castile plus water)

Horticultural oil (a mixture of dishwashing detergent & vegetable oil)

Good garden sanitation (*prevention is always a better solution)

Common Pests & solutions for Organic Pest Control:

There are hundreds of garden pests that need to be treated but the most common ones are listed below:

Aphid: For small infestation, use physical removal or cleaning with water pressure. Otherwise use insecticidal soap, bug-eating birds like bluebird, neem oil.

Armyworm: Use of beneficial insects like trichogramma wasps, ladybugs, lacewing & beneficial birds, use of horticultural oils & neem oil.

Asparagus beetle: Handpicking & using soap water spray on them, applying Neem oil on plants, use of beneficial insects.

Blister beetle: Taking help of beneficial insects like praying mantis, flicking them into soapy water (avoid handpicking or you may get blisters on your hand).

Cabbage root maggot: Try insecticide to cover the soil around the base of your plant, use birds to kill cabbage root fly & prevent them to lay eggs.

Cabbage worm: Covering plants with row covers to prevent butterflies from laying eggs. Remove by hands if possible, or use yellow sticky traps. Also, take help of predator wasps like Trichogramma wasps.

Carrot rust fly: First you need to cover the seed beds with row covers & avoid to leave any carrots in the ground over winter, use crop rotation strategy & plant them in raised beds.

Corn earworm: Lure the beneficial insects like Trichogamma Wasps, soldier beetles, green lacewings or use insecticidal sprays, but be aware that these sprays may harm honeybees.

Cucumber beetle: Poultry predation like using chickens around the garden, use of neem products, handpicking.

Cutworm: Rigid collars, Bt (Bacillus thuringiens), diatomaceous earth from fossilized aquatic creatures.

Flea beetle: Insecticidal soap that works well on most plants, garlic-pepper spray, row covers.

Harlequin bug: Handpicking, good garden sanitation, neem oil.

Japanese beetle: Handpicking, covering plantation rows by row covers, milky spore disease.

Mexican bean beetle: Hand pick the adults if possible, remove the eggs, bring beneficial insects to your garden, such as ladybugs, green lacewing and minute pirate bugs.

Slugs & Snails: Handpicking, Use of poultry & Birds.

Squash bug: Handpicking, good garden sanitation, neem.

Squash vine: Growing resistant varieties, crop rotation, beneficial nematodes.

Stink bug: Handpicking, good garden sanitation, neem.

Tarnished plant bug: Handpicking, good garden sanitation, neem.

Tomato hornworm: Bt (Bacillus thuringiens), handpicking, row covers.

Whitefly: Insecticidal soap, attracting beneficial, horticultural oils.

Beneficial Insects & how to attract them:

Insects:

Predatory bees: can be attracted by many plants like bee balm, pineapple sage, dandelion & parsley.

Ladybugs: or ladybirds are very beneficial for eating aphids & mites & can be attracted by Chives, Angelica, Dill, Cosmos, Cilantro.

Minute pirate bug: They eat small bugs & eggs & can be attracted by Carvi, cosmos, Alfalfa & Spearmint.

Assassin bug: They may look a little creepy but they are beneficial insects and attack many other unwanted insects in your garden like termites, ants, aphids, bedbugs or anything it can.

Damsel bug: They are from the family of mantis & eat almost any insects smaller than them & this is something not quite good when your garden is not infested but pests. They are attracted by goldenrod, fennel, spearmint.

Mealybug destroyer: They are a healthy beneficial garden insect that eats aphids, mealybugs & soft scales and can be attracted by dill, angelica, sunflower & yarrow.

Soldier beetle: This insect is from firefly’s family but with no light, they are predators and eat almost any eggs, larvae, caterpillars, spider mites & so on. They can be attracted by growing milkweed, goldenrod, marigold and daisy varieties.

Birds that helps Organic Pest Control:

Besides being a predator having birds come to your garden is a real joy. Gardeners attract them by placing feeding boxes in between their garden & providing them with shelters & native plants for them to feed on.

Here is a list of beneficial birds for your garden:

Purple martins

Quail, pheasant, and turkey

American goldfinch

Bluebirds

Growing Cucumbers Vertically | How to Grow Cucumbers in Small Garden

Growing Cucumbers Vertically | How to Grow Cucumbers in Small Garden

How to grow cucumbers vertically to get the most productive plant. Growing cucumbers vertically also save lot of space, which is suitable for small gardens.

Cucumber is a refreshing vegetable, especially if picked up fresh. It is eaten in variety of ways: raw in salad, cooked or pickled. It is easy to grow and only requires a warm, sunny exposure and deep and regular watering.

*What if you want to grow cucumbers but you have a small garden. Definitely, it will take a lot of space. In that case growing cucumbers vertically is an space savvy option.

Benefits of Growing Cucumbers Vertically

One advantage of Growing Cucumbers Vertically is that by this you can avoid a common problem of fruit rot associated with cucumber cultivation, which happens when fruit sitting in moist soil for long period of time. When you allow cucumber vines to grow up vertically, it improves the air circulation around the plant that prevents fungal diseases. Cucumber plants have sprawling habit and growing cucumbers vertically allow their leaves to absorb more sun, which result in healthy plant and large cucumbers. One more key benefit is that you can harvest the fruits more easily and in time.

Why you should grow cucumbers vertically

When cucumbers grown horizontally they usually cover 10 – 20 sq ft of space, plant sprawls over the surface around it. However, smaller and bushier varieties take only 1/3 of this space but they produce less fruits. Climbing, vine type varieties are more productive and when you grow them vertically they barely take 1 sq ft of space, climbing up on the support of trellis.

How to Grow Cucumbers Vertically

Choosing Container and Trellis

If you’re growing cucumbers vertically in containers, prefer large containers that are about at least 12 inches deep and wide. How many cucumber plants you can grow in such a container depends on the variety you are planting. A vining variety grows tall and send long roots, whereas bushier varieties are short.

Trellis Size

Choose a 5 to 6 feet tall trellis that is sturdy and doesn’t topple. If growing climbing varieties use “A frame trellis” so that the plant crawl up and down from it easily.

Propagation and Planting Cucumbers

Sow seeds directly onto the desired spot or in small pots. Cover them with about 2 cm of soil. Once the seedlings germinate and have a few leaves, transplant the healthiest ones into a bigger pot or on the frost free ground in spring or summer when soil temperature is around 70 F (20 C). If you live in tropical or subtropical climate, you can grow cucumber year round.

Cucumber plant is a heavy feeder like tomatoes, prepare your soil well before planting by incorporating decomposed manure and compost.

Requirements for Growing Cucumbers Vertically

Position

Cucumber loves a warm and sunny exposure that is less windy. It does not tolerate temperature below 50 F (10 C). Optimum temperature to grow cucumbers fall in the range of 60 – 95 F (15 – 35 C).

Soil

It prefers well drained, loose and deep soil, rich in organic matter and neutral in pH.

Watering

Regular and deep watering is the key of productive harvest, when growing cucumber. It is due to the high water content of its fruits. While watering, avoid wetting the foliage as it may encourage fungal diseases.

Mulching

Mulch around the base of plant to improve moisture retaining ability of soil.

Fertilizer

At the time of planting add all purpose slow release fertilizer in soil. Once the plant starts to flower, side dress the plant with aged manure. Also apply balanced liquid fertilizer at that time according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Diseases and Pests

Cucumber plants particularly suffer from anthracnose, powdery mildew and in pests look out for aphids.

Harvest

When and how to harvest cucumbers?

Cucumbers are ready for harvest in 60 to 90 days after seed sowing, depending on the variety. Pick cucumbers when they are developed enough, do not let the fruit to overripe.

44 Best Shrubs for Containers | Best Container Gardening Plants

44 Best Shrubs for Containers | Best Container Gardening Plants

You might know some plants and some may surprise you but one thing is sure– You’ll like to have some of these shrubs right away in your container garden.

Whether you have a small patio garden, a roof top garden, a balcony garden or a big backyard garden this list of best shrubs for containers will provide you so many options to choose from.

Best Shrubs for Containers

1. Abutilon (Flowering Maple)

Climate— A subtropical shrub that can also be grown in cold climates, keep it indoors in winter.

It is also called “Indian Mallow” or “Flowering Maple”. Abutilon is a beautiful shrub that grows around 1 m tall when grown in containers and have beautiful hibiscus and hollyhock-like flowers.

2. Andromeda

Climate— It grows in temperate to subtropical climates. Growing requirements are similar to Azalea, which means it requires acidic soil in order to grow.

“Pieris Japonica” or “Lily of the valley shrub” is a great bush for container gardens. With some attention and care, it can grow up to 2 m tall.

3. Anisodontea

Climate— Beautiful shrub, suitable for both warm tropical climate and temperates. In colder regions you can grow it from summer to fall (autumn).

This charming South African shrub grows in full sun and requires dry soil to thrive. A balcony, terrace (roof) or patio facing south or West is perfect for this shrub. It pleases the eyes with its almost continuous flowering.

4. Aster

Climate— Suitable for cool temperate zones with mild summers but can be grown in tropics in winter

Aster comes in a variety of colors and blooms prolifically. It is an easy to grow plant that blooms in summer and fall. Both annual and perennial varieties are available.

5. Aucuba Japonica

Climate— Subtropical and mildly temperate. In colder zones, grow it indoors.

Also called “Gold Dust” due to its speckled foliage. It is one of the best shrubs for containers. You can grow it for its beautiful foliage as its flowers are not as aesthetic. It is a low maintenance perennial plant that can grow up to 2 m (8-10 f) tall.

6. Azalea

Climate— Climate with adequate rainfall and moist summer.

Azalea is definitely one of the most profusely blooming flowering plants. It requires moist soil, partial sun and acidic soil in order to thrive.

7. Bougainvillea

Climate— Tropics, subtropics, grow it as a houseplant in colder regions.

This beautiful ever blooming perennial shrub is so vibrant and colorful and almost require no care in tropical and subtropical areas. It requires full sun and dry soil to thrive and it is not susceptible to many pests and diseases.

8. Brugmansia

Climate— Brugmansia is a tropical evergreen shrub but it is also easy to grow in cold climates. To overwinter it, keep it indoors when the temperature starts to dip down below 50 F (10 C).

Brugmansia flowers smell well in the night and attracts pollinators. Growing Brugmansia in a pot is easy. It is also called “Angel’s Trumpet”, and it is often confused with datura.

9. Buddleia (Butterfly Bush)

Climate— Butterfly bush can be grown in both temperate and tropical zones, wooly butterfly bush grows well in tropics.

More commonly known as the “Butterfly Bush”, buddleia offers abundant flowering panicles with white to red through pink to purple or blue colors. Grow a dwarf variety in a large and deep pot. Remember that due to its rapid growth, it requires regular pruning and fertilization.

10. Boxwood

Climate— Boxwood is the most versatile shrub, it grows almost everywhere in all the continents.

The most adaptable and easy to grow shrub, boxwood is landscapers’ favorite and without a doubt one of the best shrubs for the containers.

11. Calamansi

Climate— Like all citruses, calamansi is a tropical fruit tree. You can also grow it in cooler zones in containers and keep it indoors in winters.

It has rather a bushy growth and doesn’t not exceed a height of 2 m. Thus, a suitable shrub for container gardening.

12. Callistemon (Bottlebrush)

Climate— Bottlebrush grows in climates with mild winters, easily in tropics. You can grow bottle brush in cooler zones in the pot but it requires care in winter.

A Beautiful shrub that attracts pollinators and looks exquisite in its bright red blooms, it also comes in other colors like purplish pink, lemon yellow or white.

13. Camellia

Climate— Camellia grows best in the climates with mild summer. In temperates to subtropics.

It is a beautiful flowering shrub but when grown in pots, it becomes demanding. Camellia requires humus rich acidic soil and regular maintenance. You can read a helpful article on growing camellias in pots here.

14. Cistus

Climate— Cistus grows best in frost-free subtropical and tropical climates in sandy and rocky soil. This European shrub also grows in the Middle East. You can also try to grow it in more temperate regions.

Also called “Rockrose”, this evergreen Mediterranean shrub is tough and drought tolerant and thrives on neglect. There are so many cultivars to choose from, it is suitable for pots and thrives in a sunny location. You can also grow it in a rock garden

15. Lemon

Climate— A tropical fruit tree that is not restricted to tropics. Lemons are planted in pots everywhere. If you don’t live in a warm climate plant a lemon tree in a pot and keep it indoors in winter.

Choose a sunniest location that is sheltered from drafts. Read our guide on growing lemon tree in a pot for more information.

16. Cotoneaster

Climate— A cold hardy shrub, thus a cool temperate climate is perfect for this plant

Cotoneaster is a sprawling shrub that  comes to the variety of height. It is usually grown as a ground cover or in hedges in the gardens but it can also be grown as a container plant. Choose a large and wide container as this plant spreads a lot.

17. Daphne

Climate— Areas with extreme winters and cool summers are most suitable for growing this fragrant shrub.

Keep the plant in part shade and water it well in the summer as it loves moist soil.

18. Elaeagnus (Silverberry)

Climate— There are about 50 species of silverberry plant and these are hardy for almost all types of climates. From a hot tropical weather to bone-chilling cold, it comes for every zone.

If you’re searching for a tough drought tolerant shrub that loves to grow without maintenance, it is Elaeagnus. It is also good for planting in coastal areas.

It is a large shrub with beautiful foliage and fragrant flowers that smell like a mix of gardenia and orange. When grown in pots it doesn’t grow above 2 m height. Here’s an interesting article you can read to get more information on growing Elaeagnus.

19. Escallonia

Climate— Escallonia grows in warm climates, and also thrives near seaside areas. If you’re growing it in cooler zones, grow it in full sun.

Beautiful decorative and fragrant foliage and tube shaped small flowers that come in white, pink or red colors. Growing escallonia is not difficult either when grown in pots it requires well-draining soil. Keep it in partial sun in warmer zones and in full sun in cooler zones.

20. Forsythia

Climate— Forsythias are suitable for temperate climates with mild summer.

Grow dwarf forsythia varieties in containers. They are not fussy about soil types but require well draining soil. Keep this fragrant plant in a location that receives at least 6 hours of sun daily.

21. Fuchsia

Climate— Fuchsia is a frost tender subtropical shrub that also grows in temperate climates.

From summer to fall, fuchsia decorates the gardens, patios, balconies and interiors thanks to its beautiful bell-shaped flowers that comes vibrant colors. Moreover, it is easy to maintain and one of the most favorite plants of balcony gardeners. Grow its trailing varieties in hanging baskets.

22. Wintergreen

Climate— Cool temperate regions with mild summers are suitable for growing wintergreen shrub.

Gaultheria procumbens, which is also called wintergreen is low growing American shrub that spreads by runners. It grows in acidic soil in a location that is cool and moist. Its foliage releases mint-like fragrance when crushed. The plant blooms in summer, beautiful small white flowers turn into red bright berries that attract birds.

23. Gardenia

Climate— Warm subtropical and tropical climate

One of the most fragrant flowers. Growing gardenia requires regular maintenance. You can read our guide on growing gardenia tree in a pot here.

24. Gaura

Climate— Cool climate with mild summer is perfectly suitable for growing gaura. You can also try to grow it in warm subtropical climate in partial shade.

It is also called “Bee Blossom”, “Wandflower” and “Whirling Butterflies”, whirling butterflies because it attracts butterflies and they hover over it like a cloud and whirl around it. Some of its species are considered as weed. This wild North American shrub can grow up to 1.50 m high, depending on the variety. The best thing about this shrub is its long blooming period, it starts to flower in late spring and blooms until the late fall.

25. Pomegranate

Climate— It requires tropical climate but it is possible to grow pomegranates in temperate climates if you plant it in a pot and do care in winter.

Probably the most suitable fruit tree or shrub for the containers. You should give it a try even on a balcony. Read our article on growing pomegranate in a pot.

26. Gooseberry

Climate— Can be grown in variety of climates

There are only a few fruits that you can cultivate in the container without any difficulty and gooseberry is one of them. This shrub is fairly easy to grow, it does not require much maintenance. You can even grow it on you balcony garden. It barely reaches a height of 1 m and starts to fruit heavily.

27. Hebe (Veronica)

Climate— A versatile shrub, can be grown in cool temperate to subtropical regions with mild summer.

This small prolific shrub grows up to 1 m tall. Growing hebe in a container is easy. It is a great shrub for urban container gardens. Flowering occurs in summer for many species. Some cultivars produce flowers till fall.

28. Hibiscus

Climate— Fortunately, hibiscus grows everywhere. There are hardy hibiscus cultivars that grow in colder regions (USDA Zone 5 – 8) and tropical hibiscus varieties (9 – 11).

Hibiscus is the most popular flowering shrub. Growing hibiscus in a pot is not difficult. It has one of the largest flowers that comes in a variety of colors and patterns. It has shallow roots and, hence, it adapts well in pots or containers, therefore, it is also grown as a houseplant.

29. Hydrangea

Climate— The most popular flowering plants are those that grow easily everywhere. Hydrangea is one of them, it grows best in warm temperate climates (best in zones 6 – 8), it is also possible to grow hydrangea in the subtropical region.

With clusters of colorful flowers and big, dramatic leaves, hydrangea a is a stunning addition to any container garden. Plant it in a large, beautiful pot and give it regular watering to enjoy beautiful blooms.

30. Holly

Climate— Cool climate with mild summer

Growing holly in containers requires care. It is better to choose a dwarf variety for a container garden.

31. Lantana

Climate— Hot tropical climate, it is possible to grow lantana in cooler zones as an annual.

This perennial evergreen shrub is one of the easiest to grow plants in a tropical climate. It thrives on neglect and blooms tirelessly throughout the year. Lantana flowers have fruity fragrance, they a come in a variety of colors.

32. Laurel Bay Leaf

Climate— It requires warm, subtropical conditions to grow.

One of the best shrubs you can grow in containers is bay laurel. It is also possible to grow this herb as a houseplant. Read our complete growing guide for more information.

33. Laurustinus (Viburnum Tinus)

Climate— A Mediterranean plant that requires warm weather and mild winters to thrive.

Viburnum grows well in containers. Its compact and bushy foliage makes it a great hedging plant. Its beautiful pinkish-white flowers are mildly fragrant and appear in winter. The blooming period ends in spring.

34. Lavender

Climate— Lavender grows best in temperate climates. However, you can also grow it in subtropical regions.

Grow lavender in a pot with sufficient drainage. Keep it in full sun. You can read our article on growing lavender here.

35. Lilacs

Climate— Temperate regions with mild summers are best for growing lilacs

If you love fragrance you love lilacs. Growing lilacs in containers are possible with care. Choose more compact and dwarf variety and a deep pot. Also, care about the proper air flow around the shrub. Keep it in a location with full sun where it receives, at least, six hours of sunlight daily.

36. Magnolia

Climate— It is possible to grow magnolia in the warm climate as well as in the temperates.

Fragrant and beautiful magnolia flowers add charm to any place. No matter how small your garden is, you can have it too. Magnolias grow slowly, which means you can have one in pot for a long time. But the best way to grow magnolia in a pot is to buy its dwarf shrub variety, it will not exceed the height above 2-3 m (8-10 f). Here’s a helpful article you can read on growing magnolias in containers

37. Crepe Myrtle

Climate— Crepe myrtle is a tropical or subtropical shrub or tree that is native to Australia and Indian subcontinent

Beautiful, vibrant and colorful. Crepe myrtle flowers bloom in abundance. Dwarf, shrub-like varieties are suitable for containers. It is also maintenance free though requires regular pruning when grown in a pot.

38. Pittosporum

Climate— Pittosporum requires warm climate to grow, it can tolerate mild freezing temperatures.

Elegant shrub with beautiful foliage and very fragrant flowers. Pittosporum when blooms, fills the air with orange like fresh breeze. Dwarf varieties are suitable for containers, they grow about 1-1.5 m high and other commonly cultivated varieties can reach 3-4 m in height after slow growth.

39. Peony

Climate— Peonies are extremely cold hardy, frost resistant and grow in the climates with mild summer

Stately and plump peony flowers are very large and often fragrant, single or double petaled. You can read a useful article on growing peonies in pots here.

40. Potentilla

Climate— Cold hardy shrub, tolerates frost.

A Beautiful perennial shrub that grows up to only 1 m tall. It starts to flower from mid to late summer and blooms till late fall.

41. Rose

Climate— Roses grow almost everywhere in variety of climates

Planting shrub roses in pots is a good idea. However, roses require care and regular maintenance. You can read our rose care tips for help.

42. Rosemary

Climate— Mild temperate climate

Rosemary is a highly aromatic perennial shrub, a useful culinary herb. Its beautiful blue colored flowers and silvery green foliage also makes it an ornamental plant.

43. Sedge

Climate— There are 100 of species to choose from. Sedge is a diverse plant and can be grown in both cooler and warmer regions.

Sedge is a fake grass that offers a wide variety of colorful foliage– green, yellow or blue. It is easy to maintain. Grow sedge in a pot on your patio or terrace. Keep it in a sunny position in a temperate climate and in the shade in tropics.

44. Spirea

Climate— It is a cold hardy shrub but grows diversely in warm climates too.

Dwarf varieties like Spirea Japonica “Nana” are ideal for growing in a container. It requires slightly moist soil to grow.