Alan’s guide to organic pest control
Alan explains the non-chemical way to control garden pests
Can we just establish at the outset that garden pests are never going to go away, and whatever method you choose of ridding yourself of them it will only be a temporary measure? Good. Because so many folk seem to think that there must be a permanent cure for everything somewhere. There isn’t. So, having reconciled ourselves to the fact that all pest control is but a short-term solution ( if slug pellets were a final solution they wouldn’t have to keep selling them, would they?), it makes sense for any gardener to find the most environmentally friendly way of controlling pests – a way that respects nature, even if we are trying to bend her to our will. Our gardens are, or should be, a microcosm of the natural world and most of us cherish them for that reason, so it makes sense to interfere with that complex cycle of interdependency as little as possible. I get as fed up as the next gardener when my plants are eaten or disfigured, but I’m still determined that my plants should not look pristine simply because I have created a sterile environment where only they can survive. Such a scenario would give me no satisfaction at all. Another practical reason why we should all start turning away from chemicals is that changes to regulations have resulted in fewer chemicals being available to the home gardener, and it may only be a matter of time before most are banned altogether. Garden chemicals manufacturers have already responded by launching more ‘natural’ solutions to pests. So we should find alternative, responsible, measures of having a thriving garden before it becomes a necessity. In short, we don’t really have a choice. But make that choice now, and you can cultivate your plants with a clear conscience and, hopefully, keep them in pretty good nick as well. Good cultivation is the key – plants that are growing in good soil, in good light, and are not allowed to go short of food and water will always grow more healthily than those that are deprived of these necessities, so try to create conditions in which pests are less likely to thrive – dark, damp, stagnant environments offer sustenance to a range of bugs and beasts, from woodlice to slugs and snails. Removing leaf litter from the bottom of hedges will get rid of the places where they like to shelter, though I am aware that by removing it you are also taking away a food source for birds. You see, pest control is a conundrum for all of us. The solution is balance. There will still be plenty of food for birds, beasts and other invertebrates if you become an organic gardener, so that factor can help redress the balance. Does organic gardening really work in terms of controlling pests? Yes, it does. I’ve been organic for the best part of 30 years now and, if anything, I have fewer pest epidemics than I ever had before. But you’ll need patience: a garden that has been run on chemical lines will be imbalanced in terms of reduced populations of natural predators. You’ll have to give them a few years to build up, but you’ll notice a difference. And, as well as having cleaner plants, you’ll also be doing your bit to work with nature.
I’ve been organic for 30 years now and, if anything, have fewer pest epidemics than I ever had before