Common Garden Pests

Just like people, it's inevitable that your container plants will deal with pests or diseases at one point or another, so keeping an eye out for signs of either can save your plant if spotted early enough. There are a few things that container gardeners can do to ensure the health of their plants, such as practicing prevention, acting immediately when trouble is spotted, using chemical or organic means to deter pests or by encouraging friendly insect eating visitors to your garden.

When it comes to prevention, container gardeners need to watch for over watering, mold growth, drastic changes in temperature and for pesky slugs snails and other common plant pests.

There are literally hundreds of pests that may attack your plants, flowers, herbs or vegetables, and some are nearly microscopic, like leaf miners, while others are more obvious, like rabbits and mice. In some cases, a magnifying glass may be necessary to see some pests. Mealy bugs, flies, worms and ants all cause damage to plants, so it's important to attend to your garden on a regular basis in order to ensure your plants remain pest free.

The most common pests in container gardens include, but are not limited to:

Aphids – these insects love sap and multiply rapidly, stunting plant growth.

Slugs and snails – these mollusks feed at night and will eat leaves, stems, flowers and seedlings.

Scale insects – these tiny brown or gray insects are sometimes hard to spot, but they can be found on stems and foliage.

Caterpillars – sure they're cute, but as larvae of moths and butterflies, they feed mostly on leaves.

Weevils – these white, fat, wormy looking larvae eat plant roots. If not destroyed, they turn into black beetles.

Thrips – these pests are also called thunder flies. While you may not see them, they cause silver-white mottling on leaves and flowers.

Red spider mites – these pests are extremely small and attack the underside of leaves, turning them a yellow-white color.

Lily beetles – are bright red beetles with black heads.

No matter what type of pest you find, it is important to get rid of it as soon as possible. Examining your container plants regularly, especially areas that show new growth, as these locations will be attacked first by pests. In some cases, merely removing the pest is adequate.

In some cases, a good spray with a hose will get rid of most pests, like aphids, which dwell on the underside of leaves. A gentle solution of water and soap offers a safe, organic method to ridding plants and flowers of pests as well, without threatening the long-term health of the plant.

More severe infestations require the use of organic or chemical sprays or powders to get rid of them. However, use chemicals only when absolutely necessary and then use the most appropriate product for your type of flower, shrub or plant.

Many gardeners find that encouraging visits by "friendly predators" often helps to prevent pest invasions. For example, if you have the room, a small pond or birdbath bowl sunk into the ground will provide a nice habitat for frogs, butterflies, ladybugs and birds, all of which eat aphids, slugs and other plant pests. In addition to being eco-friendly, your garden will be enhanced by the appearance of a variety of visitors, even if you don't have a yard. Birds will become accustomed to any water supply, whether on a rooftop of patio, so encourage their presence and offer nectar, seed blocks or other ways to attract them.

Releasing large numbers of ladybugs or praying mantis' into areas of your garden infested with insect pests is lots of fun and can be a very effective means of controlling aphids, mealy bugs, leaf worms, and many other pests.

Ladybugs should be released at night near the base of infested plants where they will seek out and devour insect pests. Praying mantis are aggressive predators that will feed on many of the larger insect pests including grubs, beetles, leafhoppers and caterpillars.

In addition, homemade garlic or hot pepper sprays can protect young seedlings from flea beetles and aphids. To prepare, combine finely chopped garlic and onions (or hot peppers) with water, let it steep for a while, and then strain out particles. Spray vulnerable plants often, especially after a rainfall. You can also sprinkle ground cayenne or other hot ground pepper directly onto leaves to deter chewing pests. This is most effective in the morning when leaves are moist with dew.

Protect your garden plants from cabbageworms, caterpillars, hornworms, aphids, flea beetles and other chewing or sucking insects by routinely using a natural spray that you can make at home. Such sprays must be applied regularly, especially after a rainfall, because they wear off faster than chemically designed sprays. An example of a homemade spray follows.

Homemade Bug Repellent

6 cloves of garlic

1 Tbsp dried hot pepper

1 minced onion

tsp pure soap (not detergent)

1-gallon hot water

Note: As a word of caution-- Keep this spray away from children, and pets.

Blend listed ingredients and allow to sit for one to two days. Then, strain and pour the liquid into a generic spray bottle and spray leaves and plant parts.

Ground cayenne or red hot pepper can also be sprinkled on the leaves of plants, though apply to slightly damp leaves in order to repel chewing insects.

Adding bone meal or fertilizer to planting hole will keep squirrels, chipmunks, dogs and other mammals away from your gardens.