This method is all about going back to basics. All of the work is in the preparation of soil and feeding plants correctly. This approach works to strengthen plants and therefore ward off attack from pests and diseases, reducing the need for controls in the future.
Physical barriers
Early season barriers such as netting will keep birds at bay from your crops such as pigeons off young brassicas or in the summer, from ripening fruit. Deer can also be held back with a netting frame. This The natural choice method does require forward planning as you will need to be timely in setting up your barriers.
Fine mesh will keep off insects, such as carrot fly and cabbage white butterflies.
Plant Guard is a natural spray which forms a barrier on the top and underside of leaves to stop fungal spores from infecting plants and stop insects laying their eggs on the leaves. By using this spray regularly, there should be no need for insecticides or fungicides.
For tackling weeds without the use of weedkiller, try to use a surface mulch of bark or other products, such as Bloomin Amazing, Weed stop Decorative ground cover, or even Weed Stop fabric. These all work by smothering the weeds so that they can die naturally from depriving access to sunlight.
Another product we recommend is from the Resolver range and it’s called Weed Preventer. This is sprinkled onto the soil surface, forming a barrier which stops weed seeds from germinating.
Copper tape or eggshells can be used to deter slugs. New products are being developed all of the time now.
Feeding
There is a huge array of organic plant feeds available for specific plants. Our colleagues instore will be happy to help with specific plant requests. To start you off, Fish, Blood & Bone is a great all-rounder that gives a good start to plants when dug into the surface of borders.
How to improve your soil yourself
Homemade compost creates a great soil conditioner, provides plants with essential nutrients and adds bulky organic matter to the soil. This matter acts as a sponge to hold moisture in light, sandy soils and help break down heavy clay soils, making them easier to work.
Not only is compost so good for the garden, but it gets you into the habit of recycling more grom the kitchen too, where there is potentially a lot of unnecessary waste.
What can be added to a compost heap?
• Grass clippings that have not been treated with weed killer or a lawn ‘weed and feed’ treatment
• Soft weeds that have not set seed
• Fruit and vegetable peelings, egg shells (never cooked food)
• Out of date salad from the fridge
• Farmyard manure, horse manure, chicken and bird manure
• Chopped prunings from the garden – shred or finely chop large woody pieces first
• Cardboard and newspaper, if well mixed in and in small quantities.
No dig gardening
This is an organic gardening method that provides rich soil and prevents weed infestation. No dig gardening works by refraining from disturbing the soil. This preserves the natural processes it goes through and therefore allows natural organisms to thrive. Weeds are controlled by mulching which blocks their access to sunlight, eventually causing them to weaken and die.
We highly recommend a soil conditioner called Bloomin Amazing, which is a by-product of the green energy industry. It’s plant-based, so vegan-friendly and is 100% peat free too. Use Bloomin Amazing as a soil conditioner by simply spreading over the surface of the soil.
Prevention methods can take time to see results so there may be a need to deal with
Slug control
Other natural methods of pest and disease control
Organic fertilisers and manure
Plastic-free plant pots
