Organic Remedies

I'm not sure if this ones been done already Guys an Gals so don't jump on me to hard (well at least not the Guys) if it has. How about anyone who has ORGANIC methods of pest control sharing them with the rest of us. Even the old wives tales have some truth in them.
Green/White and Blackfly control. These ones I’ve used and do work.

(1) Garlic.
Plant a garlic clove at the foot of each plant. The plant absorbs a natural systemic insecticide from the growing garlic with none of the taste or scent.

(2) Ladybugs.
(At least that’s what we call them in Scotland) small red/orange bugs with three to seven black spots on their casing. These are a natural predator of all the flies mentioned and the LB larva (ugly little buggers) have a voracious appetite for them. Both work in or outdoors. Whenever I’m out I always carry a matchbox with me and if I see any I collect them and set them free amongst my plants.

(3) Slugs and snails.
Get the buggers drunk. They are natural alcoholics and can’t resist the smell of beer, make a pot with a lid on it leaving about a half inch of space between lid and rim, then bury the pot up to its neck in the ground next to your plants, fill it about half full of beer and watch the pests drown in a drunken stupor. (What a way to go).
That’s a few I’ve used in the past I’ll put more up as fast as my failing memory will allow. Meantime there must be hundreds more out there lets hear them. Keep on growing. Phallca

Yup, LB is an ugly bugger!

We calls 'em Ladybugs in the States.

I've also read insect repellants can be made from tobacco as well as soapy water. Also, spiders (as long as they don't build their web IN your buds ) are good insect-killers.

Slim

Organic pest control is about the only thing I ever use, unless it is a very pricey ornamental plant with a severe infestation of something that has become resistant, and even then I am extremely careful.
I believe that the first thing to consider is whether the damage being done is cosmetic, or likely to harm the life (or productivity, in our case) of the plant. In my opinion, some cosmetic damage is inevitable when growing outdoors.

What the hell is a slug?

Slugs?

Slimey little bastaaard?
Snail without a shell?
Opisthobranch Molluscs?

Eloquently put 3hounds couldn’t think of a better description for them. Your right about the outdoor problem wind, sun and rain will take they’re toll on the plants as well as wild/domestic animals and insects. Keep on growing. Phallca

Hi Slim. Yes I know that one well, the old gardener that trained me used to have us smoking ourselves silly (back in the 70s pre tobacco warnings) so he could extract the nicotine from the doughts (Cigarette ends) for an insecticide lol (tight fisted old bugger but he knew his stuff) trouble is nicotine is a deadly poison and I’m reluctant to advise something like that but it certainly does bump the bugs off quick enough. Keep on growing. Phallca.

Hey I just made gardener time for a joint to celebrate. Keep on growing. Phallca.

spiders

what happens if a spider builds his web on your plants will it hurt it at all. ofcourse i'm gonna remove it but that doesnt mean another one is not gonna do it any suggestions??peace

99.9% of the spiders in the world are beneficial.... they eat other bugs.
Here is a typical one from my backyard!