Aromatic herbs are varieties of plants whose leaves and flowers are used for medicinal purposes or to add flavor to food. Aromatic herbs grown both indoors and outdoors are usually harvested for immediate consumption or to be dehydrated in batches for later use. Many are delicate, requiring regular watering, up to 6 hours of sunshine per day and systematic pruning. Since they are often served fresh, uncooked, they need to be clean and free from poisonous chemical pesticides. However, they can also be the favorite food of insects, so you need to find a method of eliminating them that is safe for human consumption. Read on to learn more about killing bugs in your herb garden.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Insert Natural Pesticides
Step 1. Collect all the herbs you want to plant in the garden
You can plant them next to other edible plants. While this method is useful for creating a productive garden, the presence of different plants attracts more insects, so it may be necessary to defend the herbs from more pests.
Step 2. Add plants that attract beneficial insects
Not all insects are harmful. Many flying creatures prey on other insects making infestation less likely.
- Dill, fennel, yarrow, carrot, and yellow daisy attract ladybugs that feed on aphids, some of the worst pests that can be found in a garden.
- Plant parsley, buckwheat, lobularia maritima, cosmea, and sunflowers to attract wasps. These insects feed on aphids and insects that jump on the leaves.
Step 3. Put lots of aromatic herbs and plants that smell a lot, both in the garden and nearby
Many of these plants are already present in aromatic gardens, such as mint, chives, basil, yarrow and catnip. Also add garlic and onions nearby, so as not to attract other types of pests, such as rabbits, as they hate these strong scents.
Method 2 of 3: Keep a Weed Free Garden
Step 1. Rinse the herbs every morning with a garden hose
A strong spray can detach insects from plant leaves. However, if they are too delicate, use a spray bottle setting the most aggressive spray.
Step 2. Cut off the dead leaves and flowers
Keeping the area healthy and clean will allow you to spot bugs more easily. Furthermore, in this way they should be attracted even in smaller quantities.
Step 3. Take immediate action when you notice any insects in your garden
Even just one night may be enough for them to make holes in the leaves, which begin to change color. Some plants respond by growing slowly and producing fewer leaves.
Method 3 of 3: Use Natural Insecticides
Step 1. Make a natural insecticidal soap solution
This mixture is especially useful for soft-bodied insects, such as aphids, caterpillars, and parsley larvae. The soap is absorbed by the parasite which causes it to dehydrate and it dies.
Mix 1-2 tablespoons (15 - 30 ml) of plant-based soap with 1 liter of water in a spray bottle. Many people use Castile liquid soap, a product made with olive oil. Shake the mixture and spray it regularly at any sign of bugs
Step 2. Increase the effectiveness of the soap against all parasites by mixing strong-smelling vegetables into the water
Insects and other pests are deterred by the highly fragrant plants, herbs and spices.
- Find a blend of plants such as garlic, rhubarb, mint, onion, cayenne, ginger, and horseradish. Cut them into large pieces and put them in a saucepan. Cover with water and boil. Turn off the heat and let the infusion sit overnight. Filter the liquid and pour it into the bottle of natural insecticide.
- Create a caffeine blend if you have problems with aphids. Mix 240ml of yarrow, lavender and / or catnip with 2 tablespoons (10g) of used coffee grounds and 470ml of water. Let the mixture sit overnight. Filter the liquid and pour it into the spray bottle.
Step 3. Keep the all-natural insecticide and strong-smelling water on hand for 1 or 2 weeks
Then it will lose its effectiveness and it will be necessary to prepare a new fresh batch.
