One Gardener’s Journey to Natural Pest Control
Sharon Whatley likes to know what her family is eating. And it’s not always easy to find out.
“There is no way to tell what is sprayed on vegetables and fruit before they get to the supermarket, and I wanted to have control over that,” said the Tustin resident.
She started a garden in her backyard six years ago to ensure her family ate only naturally grown, chemical-free produce. But then the bugs arrived.
“When I began to get garden pests and went to the nursery for advice, they suggested I use harsh chemical methods, which defeated the whole purpose of having a garden,” she said.
Turning to Organic Gardening
Whatley began searching for alternatives to chemical pest control. She researched and joined the Orange County Organic Gardening Club, learning how to control pests organically.
About the Orange County Organic Gardening Club
- Offers educational programs, guest speakers, and demonstrations
- Meets every second Tuesday at Mercury Federal Savings in Tustin
- Boasts 70 member families
- Has been active for 25 years
Principles of Organic Pest Control
“Your first line of defense against pests is to have healthy plants,” said Bud Anderson, vice president of the club.
- Healthy, well-nourished plants resist pests more effectively
- Avoid planting stressed or yellowing plants, as pests are drawn to yellow
- Select disease-resistant varieties (e.g., tomato plants labeled “VFN”)
- Start seeds in containers and transplant mature seedlings
- Protect young plants with newspaper collars to deter cutworms
Debris Control
Keep garden areas clean and free of debris to avoid attracting pests. Remove yellowing leaves and ailing plants promptly.
Organic Chemical Methods
Insecticidal soaps suffocate aphids, whiteflies, and mealybugs without harming beneficial insects.
- Can be homemade: few drops of dish soap in water
- Stronger solutions: add garlic, onion juice, and hot pepper
- Commercial options: brands like Safer are widely available
- Spray early morning or late afternoon to prevent leaf burn
Natural Pesticides
- Rotenone: Extract from tropical legumes; effective against beetles and borers
- Pyrethrum: Made from Chrysanthemum flowers; targets aphids and leafhoppers
Note: Organic sprays break down quickly and must be reapplied often, but they don’t contaminate your food.
Biological Pest Control
“In nature, organisms keep each other in check,” said biology professor Sharron Clark. You can apply this to your garden by using biological controls.
Examples of Biological Controls
- Diatomaceous Earth: Destroys soil pests by damaging their exoskeletons
- Bacillus Thuringiensis (Bt): Bacterial solution that kills caterpillars and worms
- Beneficial insects: Introduce ladybugs, praying mantises, lacewings, spiders, and wasps
Barrier Methods
- Beer traps and salt barriers deter snails and slugs
- Netting protects crops like broccoli from butterflies
Companion Planting and Garden Layout
- Marigolds: Repel a wide variety of pests
- Nasturtiums: Deter aphids and squash bugs
- Sweet basil: Keeps tomato and cabbage worms away
- Mint: Repels pests affecting cabbage and tomatoes
Crop Diversity
Avoid monoculture. Interplant different crops to interrupt pest feeding cycles and reduce infestations.
Simple Manual Methods
- Spray aphids with strong water jets
- Hand-pick caterpillars, worms, and snails
- Trap sow bugs under pieces of wood
- Leave blue sow bugs—they carry a disease that controls the population
Embracing the Balance of Nature
“You’re not insect-proof, you’re insect-deterrent,” said Anderson. “Pests have a role in the ecosystem. Organic gardening helps create a balanced, self-sustaining garden.”
Sharon Whatley’s Success Story
Since switching to organic pest control, Whatley’s garden has thrived. “Five years ago, I constantly battled pests. Today, my garden is healthy, and I enjoy chemical-free produce,” she said.
