17 February 2026

Spring garden pest control guide

Spring Garden Pest Control: Embracing Organic Solutions

Spring is a time of renewal and growth in the garden, but it’s also when many pests begin to emerge. Managing these pests organically not only protects your plants but also supports a healthy ecosystem. This guide will explore effective organic pest control methods, focusing on the use of nematodes, outdoor pest control strategies, and natural repellents.

Understanding Organic Pest Control

Organic garden pest control is about maintaining a balanced ecosystem where beneficial insects thrive, and pests are kept in check naturally. This involves using biological controls, cultural practices, and physical barriers to manage pest populations without resorting to harmful chemicals.

Nematode Controls

Nematodes are microscopic worms that naturally occur in soil. They are effective at controlling various garden pests by infecting and killing them. We have a range of nematode products that are safe for children, pets, and wildlife. These include:

• Slug Nematodes: A natural way to manage slugs, offering an alternative to chemical slug pellets.
• Leatherjacket Nematodes: Ideal for controlling leatherjackets, which are the larvae of crane flies.
• Sciarid Fly Nematodes: Effective against sciarid flies, especially when soil temperatures reach 10°C.

These nematodes are easy to apply; simply mix them with water and distribute them over the affected areas. Regular application throughout the spring can help keep pest populations under control.

Outdoor Pest Control Strategies

Outdoor pest control involves a combination of cultural practices and physical barriers to prevent pest infestations. Here are some effective methods:

Cultural Practices

• Crop Rotation: Changing the location of your crops each year can prevent the build-up of soil-borne pests.
• Companion Planting: Certain plants can deter pests or attract beneficial insects. For example, planting marigolds can repel whitefly, while dill attracts ladybirds.

Physical Barriers

• Insect-Proof Mesh: Use fine mesh to cover vulnerable plants, preventing insects from reaching them.
• Mulching: A layer of mulch can reduce water loss and improve soil health.

Pest Repellers, Sprays, Traps, and Barriers

We stock a variety of natural pest repellers and traps that can help manage garden pests:

• Box Tree Moth Traps: Use pheromones to attract and trap moths, preventing them from laying eggs on your plants.
• Waspinator: Mimics a wasp nest to deter wasps from entering your garden.
• Copper Tape: Acts as a barrier to slugs and snails, which are deterred by the metal.

These products are chemical-free and safe for use around pets and children.

Encouraging Beneficial Insects

One of the most effective forms of natural garden pest control is to encourage beneficial insects that prey on pests. Ladybirds, lacewings, and hoverflies are natural predators of aphids and other soft-bodied insects. Planting a variety of flowers can attract these helpful insects to your garden. Use ladybird houses, lacewing chambers etc to encourage beneficial insects.

Conclusion

By embracing organic garden pest control methods, you can protect your plants and promote a healthy garden ecosystem. Using nematodes, cultural practices, and natural repellents, you can effectively manage pests without resorting to harmful chemicals. Remember, a balanced garden is a healthy garden, and every small step towards natural garden pest control makes a significant difference.