Tackling August Garden Pests

August in New Brunswick, Canada, is a time of abundant growth and vibrant blooms in gardens across the region. However, it also brings with it a unique set of challenges in the form of pesky garden pests. These unwelcome visitors can wreak havoc on your precious plants, but fear not! In this blog, we will explore some common garden pests that emerge in August in New Brunswick and discover effective, natural methods to bid them farewell, ensuring your garden remains a thriving oasis.

Cabbage worms are the larval stage of white butterflies that lay their eggs on cabbage family plants such as broccoli, cauliflower, and kale. These voracious eaters can quickly defoliate your prized vegetables.

Natural Solution:

• Introduce parasitic wasps: Encourage parasitic wasps in your garden, as they are natural predators of cabbage worms. You can do this by planting nectar-rich flowers like yarrow or tansy nearby.
• Floating row covers: Cover susceptible plants with lightweight, floating row covers to prevent adult butterflies from laying eggs on them.

These distinctive yellow and black striped beetles target potato plants, as well as tomatoes and eggplants, devouring foliage and weakening the plants.

Natural Solution:

• Handpick: Regularly inspect your plants for adult beetles and their orange-yellow egg clusters on the underside of leaves. Remove and crush them to control their population.
• Diatomaceous earth: Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around your potato plants. The sharp particles will deter beetles from crossing over and damage their exoskeleton, causing dehydration.

 

Squash bugs are a menace to squash, zucchini, and pumpkins, as they pierce plant tissues to feed on sap, causing wilting and stunted growth.

Natural Solution:

• Beneficial insects: Attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and praying mantises, which are natural predators of squash bugs.
• Trap boards: Place wooden boards or shingles near your plants overnight. The bugs will gather there, allowing you to remove and destroy them in the morning.

 

Spider mites are tiny arachnids that suck the sap from plant leaves, leading to discoloration and webbing.

Natural Solution:

• Hose down: Spray your plants with a strong jet of water to dislodge and wash away spider mites from the foliage.
• Introduce natural predators: Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and predatory mites to your garden. These predators feed on spider mites and can help keep their populations in check.

 

August in New Brunswick, Canada, presents a cornucopia of garden delights, but it also attracts various garden pests that can challenge even the most seasoned gardener. By employing natural and eco-friendly methods, you can protect your plants and maintain a harmonious garden ecosystem. Embrace the power of beneficial insects, utilize barriers and traps, and employ organic remedies to bid farewell to these unwelcome guests. With your dedication and nature's helping hand, your garden will flourish, providing a beautiful and bountiful harvest for your enjoyment. Happy gardening!