Page 16 - Allotment Gardener Issue 2 2024

PEST CONTROL
BEAT
PESTS
THE
GO WILD
Firstly, a natural and biodiverse garden will go some way to keeping a balance in your space. Yes, pests will be present, but as a part of a thriving eco-system, meaning that helpful plot visitors such as hedgehogs, ladybirds, frogs, birds and much more will help with managing pest infestations. Also, keeping a varied garden means that pests will have plenty to keep them busy, rather than just honing in on crops sitting in neat lines in otherwise bare ground.
If you want to attract more beneficial predators to your garden, there are many simple things you can do – from putting out bird feeders to creating a washing up bowl pond, making a small log pile, to installing a hedgehog house. There are plenty of options, with something for every size of garden. This natural balance is really beneficial to the garden, the wildlife – and the gardener!
ECO
WAY
Looking for ways to protect your crops that won’t impact the environment around them? The team at Grow Your Own magazine share their advice...
We all understand that garden pests are
an important part of a healthy, biodiverse gardening space – but that doesn’t mean we want them eating all of our crops! Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to protect your plants while still making your space inviting to a whole array of wonderful wildlife and not causing harm to the world around us. A lot of it is easier than you might think, too!
You may want to try a few different things until you find the right methods for you, but
it feels great to enjoy bumper harvests of your favourite crops and to know you haven’t been putting any harmful chemicals into your space.
16 | Issue 2 2024 | Allotment Gardener