You put so much energy into creating and maintaining your garden, don’t you? In order to protect your investment of time, money and energy, you will need to do all that you can in order to keep pests and plant diseases at bay. One of the keys to deterring pests and other problems is recognizing their presence in the first place. The best way to know what you’re dealing with is to inspect your garden on a regular basis. Gardening pros recommend weekly inspections.

What to Look for

During your weekly inspections, you should check the leaves of your plants in order to see whether they are healthy and free of unwanted pests. You may find discoloured leaves, damage to leaves, or bugs which are in the process of chowing down on your beloved plants! For example, you may discover caterpillars or slugs, which you may then physically remove from your plants and your garden area. Make sure to evict these creatures quickly, as they tend to breed and cause lots of problems.

Utilize Natural Pest Deterrents

There are ways to utilize organic, safe household ingredients, such as herbs, in order to keep pests at bay. For example, mint or lemon-grass herbs, which may be grown or purchased fresh or dried at grocery stores, give off scents which certain types of pests don’t like.

Planting these herbs in key areas (or scattering them about) may be a great way to ensure that your plants remain intact. In addition, such herbs do attract certain insects which prey on pests. Examples of predators which are attracted to mint and lemon-grass scents include lady bugs and praying mantis insects.

You may also want to scatter salt, ale or garlic in order to turn off certain garden pests, such as rabbits, snails and slugs. If larger critters, such as rabbits, are wreaking havoc in your garden, consider building a fence which keeps them out of the area. While this will cost a bit, it will pay for itself over time, and it will also give you garden a sense of privacy that may make it a more serene and appealing place to hang out.

Make Inspections a Part of Your Routine

The best gardeners never neglect weekly inspections. They know that pests are out there and they are diligent in terms of checking their plants and soil, in order to detect activity from small animals and bugs. Now that you know how often to inspect your garden, as well as the best way to use organic ingredients in order to deter pests, you’ll be primed to enjoy healthier plant life.

Your garden is a reflection of your tastes and a product of your hard work. It can be an important means of self-expression, while also providing you with gorgeous blossoms, fresh veggies and delicious, sweet-smelling herbs. However, in order to thrive, your garden must be free of damaging pests. While you may never be able to eradicate every pest, you can utilize inspections in order to locate problems and deal with them efficiently. So, these inspections do serve an important purpose.