Keeping your urban garden thriving means dealing with unwanted visitors. Pests can quickly damage your carefully tended plants, but you don't need harsh chemicals to protect them. Start with prevention by choosing healthy plants and using quality potting mix, as stressed plants attract more pests. Create physical barriers by placing copper tape around planter edges to deter slugs and snails. For flying insects, install fine mesh netting as a protective cover.
Companion planting is a powerful natural strategy. Intersperse herbs like basil, mint, and rosemary among your vegetables—their strong scents naturally repel many common pests. Marigolds are another excellent choice, as they deter nematodes and other insects with their distinctive smell.
For existing infestations, try homemade sprays. A simple mixture of mild soap and water can control aphids and mites. Neem oil solution, applied weekly, disrupts the life cycle of many pests without harming beneficial insects. Regularly inspect your plants, especially underneath leaves, and remove any pests you find by hand. This consistent monitoring helps catch problems early before they escalate.
Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings that prey on harmful pests. You can attract them by planting flowers such as alyssum and cosmos. By combining these methods, you can maintain a healthy, productive urban garden that stays beautiful and pest-free throughout the growing season.