With all of the wonderful things summer brings, weeds and unwanted insects are NOT two of them. Every gardener knows you can win the battle maybe, but rarely the war. The reason we all strive for “weed-free” is twofold; first because weeds just look terrible and furthermore compete for nutrients with our soil, grass and perennials.
Some of my friends find the weeding process relaxing, but sadly I find it frustrating more times than not. Insects, whether the annoying flying kind or terrible plant eaters, have a place in the ecosystem, but not necessarily in my garden.
Summer weeding is all about consistency and trying to pull the entire root system out before it goes to seed and propagates. If you cannot devote the time to removing weeds from you entire property, try to weed especially around your plants in your vegetable garden and perennials. At the very least this will give your plants an extra advantage to flourish. To make this process easier on you, many find using a garden hoe is helpful and less strenuous.
Fighting insects in your garden can be a battle too. I have had some success with various natural insect repellents such as birds, yes birds. Birds consume a large amount of insects. Birdhouses, feeders and baths throughout your property will make for fewer insects and plumper, happier birds. Depending on where you are, you might consider a bat house – these little creatures like insects too. A quart spray bottle of water mixed with 1 tsp. canola oil and 1 tsp. liquid dish soap is a safe repellent for your plants. And lastly, there are some plants that naturally repel insects such a marigold, petunias, rosemary and garlic all of which can be planted around your cutting and vegetable gardens adding not only a “bad” smell for bugs, but fragrance and color for you. Although I am not a fan of chemical sprays, use them if need be as a last resort.
- Barbara