Our habitat gardens attract hundreds of local butterflies. Pesticide use would pose a danger to these winged visitors and to many of our other "good bugs," such as bumblebees and ladybugs.
Our horticulture staff uses other methods to keep the garden healthy, and you can, too!
1. Choose plants that attract the natural enemies of pests. Plants such as dill, fennel and yarrow attract parasitic wasps that attack many pest species. Sunflowers attract ambush bugs. When you make a home for these species, they'll take care of pest problems for you.
2. Practice good plant health care. If you make sure your plants have the water, nutrients and space they need, they are able to fight off disease and pests with their own defenses.
3. Use cultural and physical controls, when possible. Lightweight row covers can protect vegetables against hungry grasshoppers. Blood meal and hot pepper spray can keep rabbits from munching your flower garden.
4. Healthy soil means a healthy garden. Composting enriches the soil, allowing a more diverse soil fauna. Plants benefit from the increased nutrients and the "good bugs" introduced into the garden.
5. Spend time in your garden. Monitoring your pest populations is the most important step to keeping your plants healthy. If you tackle pest problems while they are still small, your plants will stand a better chance of survival.
