Information Regarding Vegetable Garden Pests and Insects

Some insects, like ladybugs, are good for vegetable gardens.

Insects and pests annoy the home gardener. Beetles or caterpillars can destroy hours of work. These pests can be countered, sometimes with other insects.

Soil

Vegetables growing in nutrient-rich soil are better able to resist insect attack than plants growing in poor soil. Add an organic fertilizer such as compost or manure to your garden soil. Organic fertilizers release their nutrients slowly, giving vegetables protection for a longer time than synthetic fertilizers.

Benefits

Not all insects in your garden are harmful. Certain types of insects benefit to your garden by preying on harmful species. Ladybugs eat aphids, scales and mites for instance, while the larvae of certain flies attack small caterpillars.

Weeds

Weed your garden regularly and eliminate any weeds before they have a chance to spread. Weeds make attractive hiding places for many garden pests.

Warning

Turn to inorganic pesticides only as a last resort. These products kill beneficial insects as well as harmful ones. Use natural methods first.

References

• Alabama Cooperative Extension System: Garden Bugs
• "The Gardeners Home Companion"; Betty Mackey, et al.; 1991