Organic Pest Control on Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a beautiful place to live. It can be a beautiful place to have a garden, too, with the moist ocean breezes imparting a unique sweetness to your produce. But how do you avoid chemical pesticides and keep your garden truly organic?

Organic pest control on Cape Cod is not impossible. It may be difficult, with extended periods of rain. It can be done, though, with these steps.

Identify Cape Cod Plants

Organic pest control on Cape Cod begins by learning what plants grow best on Cape Cod. Cape Cod plants must be sturdy to withstand high winds. They must do well in sandy soil and a chilly spring season.

While cool summers and warmer winters may adversely affect some plants, both elements, plus the chemistry of the soil cause southern Mediterranean plants to thrive on Cape Cod. Most garden vegetables and herbs do well here: beans, beets, cabbage, carrots, chervil, lettuce, parsley, parsnips, peas, radishes, sage, sorrel, summer savory, and thyme are among those that have been grown for centuries on the Cape.

A plant zone hardiness map will show you that Cape Cod enjoys the same zone – 7 – as northern Georgia, South Carolina, and other southern states. Seed packets or organic seed companies will know what varieties grow well in this zone. Remember to factor in moisture, soil fertility, humidity, and drainage.

Identify Cape Cod Pests

Organic pest control on Cape Cod can only be effective if you first identify the pests native to your garden. Chances are good that you have, minimally, those in this brief list. Space constraints keep us from listing every pest, but the list contains organic pest control tips for each:

* Aphids: Organic pest control tip – introduce ladybirds and praying mantis to eat these pests. Insecticidal soap and “Cropguard” are also effective organic pest controls for aphids.

“Cropguard”, a botanical, garlic insect repellent, is made from only garlic, vegetable extracts, and yucca. The high garlic content works on all eating, sucking insects, and on mites. The vegetable extracts agitate soft-bodied pests and give residual, smothering protection against their eggs and larvae.

* Chinch Bugs: Organic pest control tip – insecticidal soap and Cropguard are good choices. “Cropguard” is highly recommended for many organic pest control needs.

* Cutworms: Organic pest control tip – “Cropguard” – or try the new “Cutworm Shield”. “Cutworm Shield” is a plastic stem protector that keeps cutworms away from tender stems while giving support. Dark green plastic blends with your Cape Cod garden. Grow pollen and nectar plants to attract Tachinid flies, enemies of cutworms and many other pests.

* Japanese Beetles: Organic pest control tip – pick these pests off the plants by hand. Better yet, try our homemade Japanese Beetle trap, directions for which are given at the site below.

* Slugs and Snails: Organic pest control tip – Provide plenty of shiny blue-black or brown ground beetles. They feed on slugs and snails. Beer traps are also recommended as organic pest control for slugs and snails.

For Japanese Beetle trap directions, and for other organic pest control, click here to read our article, Home Organic Gardening Pesticides. It will give you recipes for organic gardening pesticides.

The Best Organic Pest Control on Cape Cod

Organic pest control on Cape Cod, as elsewhere, is most effective if the gardener is proactive. Clean the garden area well before planting to keep pests from hiding. Plant marigolds, garlic, and onions among other plants to ward off many pests. Keep your soil and plants healthy so they will be less likely to fall victim.

The Best Organic Pest Control on Cape Cod

Organic pest control on Cape Cod, as elsewhere, is most effective if the gardener is proactive. Clean the garden area well before planting to keep pests from hiding. Plant marigolds, garlic, and onions among other plants to ward off many pests. Keep your soil and plants healthy so they will be less likely to fall victim.