Organic Pest Control for Your Vegetable Garden: A Guide to Using Neem Oil, Spinosad, Bacillus thuringiensis(BT), and Pyrethrin If you're an avid gardener, you know that pests can be a big problem. But before you reach for chemical pesticides that can be harmful to the environment, consider using organic pest control methods instead. Here is the organic pest control routine I do here on Cog Hill Farm, and have been practicing this routine for years.
There are 4 organic pesticides I use, and they are Neem Oil, Spinosad, B.T., and Pyrethrin. Now 3 of these I rotate weekly, and those are Spinosad, B.T., and Pyrethrin, and then the Neem Oil, I use it every week. So for example, this week I will spray the garden with neem oil and spinosad, and then next week I will do nem oil and B.T., and then the next week I will do neem oil and pyrethrin, and continue this cycle every week throughout the growing season. Three big tips is, #1 I spray late in the evenings, because it does not cause the plants to get stressed out by having an oil standing on them in the blazing sun, and also is way better for the bees, butterflies, and any other beneficial insects or pollinators. #2 is you can mix the neem oil with any of these pesticides in your sprayer, and that will save you a lot of time. #3 is to pick a certain day of the week to be your spray day. This will become a recurring habit, and that way you will be less likely to forget about spraying or trying to remember when was the last time you sprayed your garden. Because here is the key thing about controlling garden pest organically, you have to be proactive and not reactive. Organic pest controls are typically great at preventing an issue or an outbreak, but if you wait till you have a major issue or an outbreak, then typically organic pesticides are not going to help or eliminate your issues. (Now if I had to choose just one combo it would be spinosad and neem oil)
Here is a link to purchase any of these: CLICK HERE
Neem Oil: Neem oil is derived from the neem tree and is a natural insecticide that is effective against a wide range of pests. It works by disrupting the insect's hormonal system, making it difficult for them to feed and reproduce. To use neem oil in your vegetable garden, mix 1-2 tablespoons of neem oil with one gallon of water and spray the solution onto the affected plants.
Spinosad: Spinosad is a natural substance derived from soil bacteria that is toxic to many types of insects. It works by affecting the nervous system of the pest, leading to paralysis and death. To use spinosad in your vegetable garden, dilute the product according to the instructions on the label and spray it directly onto the affected plants.
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt): Bt is a naturally occurring soil bacterium that produces a toxin that is lethal to many types of insect larvae, including those of many moth and butterfly species. It works by breaking down the insect's gut lining, leading to death within a few days. To use Bt in your vegetable garden, mix the product with water according to the instructions on the label and spray it onto the affected plants.
Pyrethrin: Pyrethrin is a natural insecticide derived from the chrysanthemum flower. It works by attacking the insect's nervous system, leading to paralysis and death. To use pyrethrin in your vegetable garden, mix the product with water according to the instructions on the label and spray it onto the affected plants.
When using any type of pesticide, it's important to follow the instructions on the label carefully and to wear protective clothing and equipment, such as gloves and a mask. In conclusion, organic pest control methods such as neem oil, spinosad, Bacillus thuringiensis, and pyrethrin can be effective ways to protect your vegetable garden from pests without harming the environment. Happy gardening!
Jason
Cog Hill Farm