The greenhouse that allows us to grow and protect our plants all year round, is a sanctuary for botany lovers. It offers a controlled environment, conducive to the growth of many plant species, regardless of the vagaries of the weather outside. However, even in this oasis, harmful insects find a way to invite themselves in and disrupt our haven of peace. These small intruders, often unwanted, can affect the health of our plants and reduce the quality of our harvests. Faced with these challenges, how can we defend ourselves without resorting to aggressive chemicals, potentially dangerous for the environment and for ourselves? The answer lies in natural methods. Crop Mogul presents various natural tips for effectively combating insects in a greenhouse , while preserving the delicate balance of this ecosystem.
Why Favor Natural Methods?
In today's fast-paced world, it can be tempting to turn to quick, often synthetic, solutions to solve our problems. However, when it comes to gardening, and especially in the closed environment of a greenhouse, caution is advised. Here are some major reasons why choosing natural methods is not only a good idea, but also a necessity for protecting your plants and vegetable garden.
The Respect of Environment
Every intervention within our greenhouse has repercussions on the delicate balance of this space. Chemicals can contaminate the soil, water and even the air, harming biodiversity and potentially the health of plants. Natural methods, on the other hand, aim to work in harmony with nature rather than against it.
Absence of Chemicals
The use of chemical pesticides and insecticides introduces potentially harmful residues onto our plants. For those of us who grow fruits and vegetables in greenhouses, this can have direct implications on our health when consuming them. In addition, these products can alter the taste and nutritional quality of the crops.
Encouraging Useful Biodiversity
Natural methods not only target pests, they also promote the life of beneficial insects . These helpers, such as ladybugs or bees, play a crucial role in pollination and the natural regulation of pest insect populations.
Durability
Unlike chemical solutions, which can lose their effectiveness as pests develop resistance, natural methods offer sustainable solutions . They encourage a balanced ecosystem where pests and their predators coexist in equilibrium.
Natural Tips to Fight these Insects
Controlling harmful insects naturally is not only environmentally friendly, but it is also an approach that promotes a sustainable balance within the greenhouse.
The Use of Companion Plants
Companion plants play a valuable role in organic gardening. They act as natural repellents or attract pest predators thanks to their specific properties. Here are some of the most effective ones for your greenhouse:
Basil: This aromatic herb, in addition to its many culinary uses, is an excellent repellent against flies and mosquitoes . Planted near tomatoes, it can also help repel aphids, whiteflies and fruit worms.
Mint: Feared by many insects, mint can naturally repel aphids, ants and even mosquitoes . However, it is advisable to grow it in pots or containers to prevent it from becoming invasive.
Nasturtium: Not only is it an attractive ornamental plant, but nasturtium also acts as a trap plant for aphids . It attracts them, keeping them away from your other crops.
Marigold: This bright flower is effective at repelling nematodes and other soil dwelling insect pests , such as slugs. Plus, it can attract beneficial insects like ladybugs.
Introduction of Beneficial Insects
Beyond companion plants, nature offers us another effective solution against harmful insects: auxiliary insects . These natural predators of pests can prove to be powerful allies in the biological regulation of the greenhouse. By deliberately introducing them, you can create a self regulating ecosystem where insect populations are kept in balance.
Ladybugs: These small, colorful beetles are real war machines against aphids . A single ladybug can consume several hundred aphids in a single day. They can be introduced directly into the polytunnel and reproduce naturally if they find enough food.
Parasitoid Wasps: Despite their intimidating name, these wasps are harmless to humans. They lay their eggs inside pests such as whiteflies or caterpillars. Once the larvae hatch, they consume the host from the inside, thus regulating their population.
Predatory mites: These microscopic spiders are excellent predators of red spider mites , one of the main pests for greenhouse crops. Once introduced, they actively hunt their prey, helping to reduce or eliminate infestations.
Lacewings: These delicate looking insects are nevertheless formidable predators for many pests such as aphids, whiteflies or the eggs of other insects . Their larvae, in particular, are very voracious and can be of great help in controlling populations of harmful insects.
Beneficial nematodes: These microscopic soil worms specifically target the larvae of harmful insects, such as white grubs or codling moths. They are introduced directly into the soil and act in a targeted manner without affecting other organisms.
Introducing beneficial insects is a process that requires some knowledge of your greenhouse's ecosystem. It is a long-term investment, because once this balance is achieved, the pests will be naturally controlled, thus limiting the need for external interventions.
Homemade Spray Preparations
Homemade preparations made from natural ingredients can offer a gentle and environmentally friendly alternative to commercial pesticides. Not only are they economical, but they also allow you to treat specific problems while knowing exactly what you are putting on your plants. Here are some effective preparations that you can make at home:
Nettle manure
Preparation: Put fresh nettles (without roots) in a bucket, cover with water and let ferment for about a week.
Use: Once fermentation is complete, filter the liquid and dilute it to 10% (1 volume of manure for 9 volumes of water) before spraying on the plants. It is an excellent repellent against many insects and it also acts as a natural fertilizer.
Garlic decoction
Preparation: Crush about ten cloves of garlic and boil them in a liter of water for about fifteen minutes. Let cool and filter.
Use: Use this decoction directly on the leaves of plants. It is particularly effective against aphids, mites and fungi.
Diluted black soap
Preparation: Mix 2 tablespoons of liquid black soap in a liter of water. Make sure to use a pure black soap, without additives or perfumes.
Use: Spray directly on harmful insects such as aphids, scale insects or white flies. Black soap suffocates them without harming the plant.
Tansy infusion
Preparation: Infuse 100 grams of fresh tansy leaves (or 30 grams if they are dried) in a liter of boiling water for about twenty minutes. Let cool and filter.
Use: This infusion is effective against aphids, red spiders and certain types of caterpillars.
The milk mixture
Preparation: Mix one part milk with nine parts water.
Use: Spray on plants affected by powdery mildew or downy mildew. Milk creates a hostile environment for these fungi.
Regular and preventive use of these preparations can greatly reduce the need for more radical interventions. In addition, they are respectful of the environment, the biodiversity of your greenhouse and, of course, your health.
By favoring natural methods of prevention and treatment , not only do we protect our environment and our health, but we also promote a harmonious balance between plants and insects. Adopting these natural tips means choosing a respectful , effective approach in harmony with nature , thus guaranteeing the prosperity of our crops for the seasons to come.
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