Monthly Garden Pest Fighting Tips

Keeping pests out of your garden is a full time job. There are so many different enemies to fight it can get confusing. Here is a list, by month, to help you know what to be doing to keep your garden pest free.

It is not too early to start thinking about garden pests in January. Even though you are not growing something, you can take this time to plan your strategy. Your crops need to be rotated so they are not in the same location each year. This makes them harder for the pests to find your veggies and munch on them. You will also want to make a list of plants that will attract beneficial insects, such as alyssum and goldenrod. These plants should be incorporated into your garden plan. Next, find out what pest problems are common in your area and make a plan on how to combat them using organic methods.

In February, the plans you started making in January should be finalized. This is the time you should be choosing seeds to buy from mail-order catalogs. Be sure to choose varieties that are resistant to pests and diseases that are common in your area. It is also a good time to decide whether or not you need a fence to keep out the groundhogs and rabbits.

Warmer weather is just around the corner in March. Check out the condition of the soil in your garden area. If you keep your plants healthy, by preparing the soil, they will be less likely to be attacked by pests. Add compost to your beds and make sure the drainage is sufficient. Decide what to plant where and keep in mind the plants' individual requirements. If you put up birdhouses and bat houses, you will attract allies in your fight against insects. If you have any trees or shrubs that have diseased wood that might attract insects, trim it now.

In April you need to start mulching your garden spots with grass, hay, wood chips or other organic material. This will help keep the weeds under control. Keep an eye on your garden spot to see what pests and beneficial insects and animals are living there. To attract toads, who will eat insects, put out an upside-down pot, or two. Be sure there is an entrance for the nice bug-eater to use. If you are beginning to buy plants, make sure they are not infested with garden pests.

Seedlings will need row covers in May to prevent insect damage. If you have slugs, place shallow dishes of beer pushed into the soil around your garden.

June is a month during which the pests are hard at work in your garden. Try to time your plantings to avoid the worst pests. Keep an eye out for aphid colonies on young growth. Use a steady stream of water to get rid of them. If mealy-bugs are a problem, use summer oil spray to control them.

You garden should be in full swing in July, producing tasty vegetables for you to eat. Keep watching your garden for pests. If the rabbits are giving you trouble, try spreading ground black or chili powder on the ground around the garden areas.

August is a repeat of July. Keep a watch out for pests and keep enjoying your garden produce. Pull out weeds and diseased plants.

In September, make notes in your garden journal about which varieties of plants did well in your garden. Be sure to write down which ones were most susceptible, as well.

The mulch in your garden should be removed in October to discourage insect nests. If you have young trees, put hardware cloth around them to protect from nibbles by mice and rabbits.

The growing season is over in November and you need to clean up your garden spot. Any debris will encourage insect nests and help them get through the winter. However, if you have any perennials in your flowerbeds, the beneficial insects will need these spent plants to overwinter. You might add a layer of straw or other mulch to help them out, as well.

In December, you should hang strong-scented soap bars in the trees and shrubs to discourage the deer. To help the birds, who eat bad insect pests, put out bird feeders. And, start planning your garden for the next summer.

No matter how much you work at it, there will always be more pests to keep out of your garden. Hopefully these tips will help you keep your garden as pest free as possible.