Being out in the garden is a great source of happiness for many people. But one of the few things that can quickly turn gardening into a stressful experience is insect problems.

Check out these garden insect control tips and tricks. Nip your garden insect issues in the bud now (pun intended) so you can get back to doing what you love!

Maintain good plant health to prevent insect problems

The plants that are most prone to insect infestations are typically stressed in some way, meaning they are not in their healthiest condition. To prevent insect problems in the first place, it’s best to maintain good plant health. Proper fertilization, watering, and healthy soil are all key in keeping plants healthy.

However, if you do find yourself with a pest problem, the following garden insect control tips can help.

Properly identify the pests that are in your garden

The first step in solving your problem is properly identifying the pests. Here are some of the most common garden insect pests:

• Aphids
• Cabbage maggot
• Caterpillars
• Colorado potato beetle
• Mexican bean beetle
• Flea beetles
• Tarnished plant bug
• Spider mites

Use beneficial bugs for natural garden insect control

Believe it or not, some bugs are actually good for your garden! If you’re looking for natural ways to control insects in your garden, using beneficial bugs is a great way to go. Here are some bugs you can buy or acquire to reduce or eliminate the pests in your garden:

• Ladybeetles
• Green Lacewings
• Praying Mantises
• Assassin Bugs
• Ladybugs
• Flower Flies
• Spiders
• Dragonflies

Eliminate weeds and keep things tidy

Weeds typically aggravate the issue of insects in the garden, since they provide an alternate food source and hiding place for bugs like whiteflies and slugs. You can simply pull the weeds out by hand to help control unwanted insects in your garden. There are also some natural herbicides you can apply.

Along with weed control, keeping your garden and yard clean and free of debris will also help with garden insect control. Do not leave cut tree limbs or plant debris in the garden. Damaged and/or freshly cut plant material tends to attract unwanted insects.

Use sticky traps

Sticky traps can catch all kinds of pests from flies to cockroaches and even some mice. Most products are safe even for indoor use.

Install a physical barrier

Consider installing a screen around your garden if you’re experiencing recurring insect issues. You could also try applying strips of aluminum foil to protect individual plants from migrating insects such as caterpillars.

Use organic pest control spray

Sometimes, you just need to use good old-fashioned spray for proper garden insect control. Luckily there are many organic sprays you can use that won’t harm your family, animals, other plants, or the environment. When you go to pick up your insect spray, just make sure the main active ingredient is one of the following: Spinosad, Bacillus subtilis, Azadirachtin.

Finally, here are some other helpful resources / websites on garden insect control:

The National Gardening Association Pest Control Library
Buglogical Control Systems

We hope these tips help you get rid of those nasty bugs that are destroying your garden once and for all!

Evergreen Turf is your source for the highest quality sod in Arizona. Our friendly, knowledgeable people are committed to answering all of your questions to ensure a stress-free experience with your new Arizona sod lawn. Whether you wish to sod a small play area for the family or an entire golf course, Evergreen Turf can help you make it happen.

Our team serves customers throughout Arizona, including Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe and Tucson. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions and our Spring Transition page for more spring lawn care advice, or give us a call at 602.626.9959 if you don’t find what you are looking for. Have a specific question about your lawn? Email us at info@evergreenturf.com. Better yet, stop by and meet the team at our convenient Chandler location.

In the past few years vertical gardens have become very popular, and there is a good reason for this. Going vertical means you can find the space that creates the exact type of light you need and it also allows you to have a garden where there may be no ground space. From herbs to succulents, creating a vertical garden lets you create a living work of art in and around your home.

If you have a blank wall or fence and you are looking to add a unique spin to the space, consider installing a beautiful vertical garden using these hints and tips.

Preassembled and D.I.Y Frames

Thanks to the popularity of vertical gardens it is easy to find preassembled systems. Online companies sell specialized systems that allow you to give just the right amount of nutrients and water to your plants. Local garden shops may also keep these systems in stock. These systems are usually made up of frames with a layer of mesh over the frames to keep the plants in place.

If you are looking to create a unique vertical garden you may want to consider building the frame structure yourself. There are many tutorials on the web that can guide you in creating a sturdy frame for your garden. Some accessories such as Wooly Pockets make building a vertical garden a breeze, these vertical planter pockets make it easy to just tuck your plants in, then enjoy your new garden.

Planting a Vertical Garden

When it comes to planting a vertical garden there are plants that you can use, that will survive better in our local climate. Some species of plants that work well in vertical gardens throughout the Tucson area include;

• Succulents
• Bromeliads
• Geraniums
• Croton
• Herbs
• Vegetables

Be sure to use the right soil for your garden, this will depend on what you decide to plant.

Tips and Tricks to Help Maintain Your Vertical Garden

How often you have to water and maintain your vertical garden will depend on which plants you decide to use.

Succulents are likely the most easy to care for, as they will only need watering every 7 – 10 days. Other species of plants such as herbs and geraniums may need to be watered every other day, especially throughout the Summer. If you have a system with a holding tank, watering becomes a little easier, as you can just keep an eye on the tank and top it up as needed.

If you do decide to install an automated watering system, you will need to clean filters and make sure all pumps and timers are working. This will need to be done on a regular basis to ensure your plants continue to receive the water and nutrients they need.

An automated system is not necessary to have a thriving vertical garden, however if you choose not to have an automated system, you may want to invest in plant sensors and soil monitoring devices, to make sure your garden stays healthy.

Keep a regular eye on all the plants in your garden, inspecting them for any pests or disease. For more on this, check out our article: 7 Tips for Natural Garden Insect Control.

As foliage dies off you will need to trim and clean them back to keep your garden looking well maintained.

Going vertical can turn a space that is drab and boring into a living work of art, and offers many advantages over garden plots, such as delivering the right light to the plants and conserving water. Use these tips to create a unique growing space in your yard.

Evergreen Turf is your source for the highest quality sod in Arizona. Our friendly, knowledgeable people are committed to answering all of your questions to ensure a stress-free experience with your new Arizona sod lawn. Whether you wish to sod a small play area for the family or an entire golf course, Evergreen Turf can help you make it happen.

Our team serves customers throughout Arizona, including Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe and Tucson. Browse our website for information and tips on how to create and maintain a beautiful lawn, or give us a call and talk to one of our sod specialists at 602-626-9959 if you don’t find what you are looking for. Better yet, stop by and meet the team at our convenient Chandler location.