Page 29 - IntraMuros November 2021

GARDENING

PROTECTING PLANTS AGAINST PESTS

By Elize Malan

“Toxins may be effective for a short period, but in most instances the problem will return,
because nature has the power to overrule” - Irmela Reichardt.

esidues of pesticides/insecticides Remember, total elimination of insects Rain will wash away smell and oil and
can be found in a great variety of is not the goal when applying poison. treatment needs to be repeated.
Reveryday foods and beverages, Controlling the damage to plants is the Benefits are that fruit and vegetables can
including for instance cooked meals, general idea. be used within 48 hours. Children and
water, wine, fruit juices, refreshments, pets can walk in garden areas without
and animal feeds. Furthermore, it should The following products can be considered any danger. There is no secondary
be noted that washing and peeling cannot as ‘safe’ for use in the home environment. poisoning and beneficial insects can
completely remove the residues. Ongoing only be killed on direct contact. (Shake
studies are proving without a doubt that Neem oil the bush before you spray and not a
the use of chemical pesticides can cause • It has been used as a natural pesticide single bee will be killed).
various health effects and diseases in for hundreds of years and can be found • Organic fungicides contain products such
humans. in many products used in our homes, as plant organic acids (activated ascorbic
such as soaps and cosmetics. It is acid) and are effective for treatment of
We do not really know what insecticides biodegradable and safe for birds, pets for example, powdery mildew, bacterial
and pesticides are being used during and fish, and only targets leaf sucking leaf spots and damping-off. Harvesting of
food production, but we can use safe and chewing insects. The oil kills insects products can be done 24 hours after the
options when treating insects in our own at all stages of development and can be last application.
environment. used for aphids, mites, mealy bug and
thrips, to name but a few. Other remedies
• As a preventative fungicide, it is used for • A liquid dishwasher soap solution can
black spot, rust and powdery mildew. be used to remove aphids from plants.
To kill fungi spray weekly until the fungi The soapy water sprayed on foliage will
clears up. damage the surface of plant leaves by
disintegrating the waxy coating, and
should not be used at all.
• Homemade herbal sprays and tonics are
effective, but preparing and applying
them as a preventative spray is time
consuming.
• Products such as tobacco dust are
advertised as organic, but can be
extremely toxic, especially for the person
applying the product.

At the end of the day, a walk in your garden
is the most effective pest deterrent. Your
power of observation will prevent serious
problems affecting the plants.

Tel: 012 804 1807
Fax: 012 804 0278
Web: www.garden-group.co.za
Organic pesticides/fungicides. Email: admin@garden-group.co.za
• The active ingredient is usually a
repellent such as garlic, canola oil and
in some products, natural pyrethrum.
These products have to be applied more
often than their chemical counterparts.

INTRAMUROS NOVEMBER 2021 | 27