I’ve been having a problem with ants and aphids in my garden this year. I could easily go out and buy a chemical laden insect killer, but I don’t want those chemicals leeching into my veggies. Below is a list of 3 items I’m using now and they seem to be working.
Diatomaceous Earth: Diatomaceous Earth is a naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock that is easily crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder. You sprinkle it around areas where you are having a insect problem. The fine powder absorbs lipids from the waxy outer layer of insects’ exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate[7]. Arthropods die as a result of the water pressure deficiency.
Coffee Grounds: Used coffee grounds have many uses in the garden Not only is it a nitrogen rich soil additive, it also deters ants. I guess they don’t like the smell. I have 3 Starbucks on my route to the garden. I’ll stop by and pick up their used coffee grounds a few times a week and work them into my soil. 
Dr Bronner’s Pepermint Soap: I love this product. It has a million & one uses. My favorite use for this is to use it as an aphid killer in the garden. I mix 1 tablespoon with water in a spray bottle and whenever I see aphids or other harmful pests on my veggies, I give them a soaking. You do need to make sure you get the mixture right. Too much soap and you may burn the leaves of your plants. Experiment with different ratios.
So far, these three items have started to protect my garden plot from harmful pests. I would love to hear what natural items everyone else uses in their garden.
Tags: Ant repellent, aphids, Container Gardening, Environment, Gardening, natural pest control, Organic, pest control
This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 28th, 2010 at 5:05 pm and is filed under Gardening. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
My friend and I were just talking over this specific topic, jane is continually endeavouring to prove me incorrect! I will present her this write-up and rub it in a little!