From plagues of grasshoppers to sap-sucking aphids to hungry deer and rabbits browsing through your vegetables, pests can wreak havoc on your garden. While chemical deterrents can drive off the pests, they may also leave behind chemical residue you don't want to ingest when you enjoy your homegrown tomatoes and carrots. Use organic methods to rid your vegetable garden of pests and keep your produce safe for you and your family.
Companion Plants
Companion plants grow best together, providing benefits to each other. Some companion plants, such as marigolds, give off scents that deter insects and pests. For instance, Cornell University's Department of Horticulture says radishes planted among squash and cucumbers attract cucumber beetles away from the squash and cucumbers. The beetles eat the leaves of the radishes, but don't harm the radishes underground. Planting onions and chives around the outskirts of the garden may deter animals such as deer and rabbits from munching on your crops.
Barriers
Lightweight row covers made of filmy fabrics or netting keep pests away from plants, yet still allow light and water to reach the plant. Row covers prevent bugs from eating greens and lettuce and protect berries and fruit from birds. Use mesh row covers on plants that need to be pollinated by beneficial insects.
Insects
Beneficial insects eat harmful bugs that might otherwise destroy your garden. Praying mantis and ladybugs, for example, will eat aphids and some beetles. You can purchase beneficial insects and release them in your garden, or plant flowers that will attract them. Cornell University suggests you plant dill and parsley and allow them to blossom to draw beneficial insects to your garden.
Natural Insecticides
Pyrethrum, made from chrysanthemum flowers, and neem oil from the neem tree are two insecticides that occur naturally and can be effective at killing garden pests, according to the College of the Virgin Islands Extension. Even though these insecticides are natural, they can still be harmful to humans, so keep them out of the reach of children, and wash your vegetables thoroughly before you eat them.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth contains tiny skeletons of microscopic sea creatures. The sharp edges of these skeletons cut the exoskeletons of insects such as aphids, killing them. You can sprinkled diatomaceous earth on and around plants.
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