Pests and predators are an inevitable part of the cycle of life and also the natural world. A key aim of organic growers is to try to create a healthy predator-prey balance to leave pest control in the hands of nature. Your style of gardening will determine how successful or not this is.
The old adage that prevention is better than cure has never been more apt. Good garden husbandry and soil management is key to giving your plant the best chance to defend themselves from attack. Happy, healthy plants have a better immune system, rather like humans! Growing plants a little "harder" (not with an excess amount of nitrogen, which encourages fast, soft, sappy growth), makes them a little more resilient to potential attack. The softer the plant stems and foliage, the easier it is for aphids to gain a foothold.
A key maxim of natural pest control is to provide sufficient nutrients and water retention properties for plants via copious amounts of organic matter in the soil. This organic matter provides balanced fertility and nutrients thanks to the humus in your soil. In effect this ensures your plants are as naturally resilient as possible. Our battle to control pests naturally begins with our soil.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة June 2024 من The Country Smallholder.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة June 2024 من The Country Smallholder.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Miniature Jersey Cattle-the only two in the UK?
Sally Crozer hopes there will be more
You can help protect baby birds this breeding season
The RSBP says you can help all nesters but particularly watch out for ground nesting birds many of which are under threat
Smallholding profile: Pocket House Studio
Helen Babbs visits a thriving Hebridean croft and weaving studio
Grow Your Own refreshing brews
Mel Thomas says there are so many possibilities from your own back garden
Making the most of fresh eggs and summer fruit
Henrietta Balcon celebrates the season of abundance
How to deal with Pests the Natural Way
Lee Senior says create a healthy predator-prey balance in your garden
How to create a hen-friendly garden
The British Hen Welfare Trust share their top tips to strike a perfect balance.
Do chickens really experience empathy?
This month, Paul Donovan turns his attention to the psychological side of poultry behaviour, and investigates whether hens sense empathy – a trait indicative of mammals.
Care of the fleece begins at shearing time
Claire Boley gives a guide to sorting and storing a fleece so it’s in good condition for spinning
We're going on an alpaca walking experience
Cathy Darcey & Stuart Woolley share their journey with alpacas – and other animals – to make a business out of something they love doing