Fundamentally, it's important to first look for the cause, because the goal isn't to spray as much as possible against pathogens and pests, but rather to treat the plants in such a way that they have no chance of attack. The first step, of course, is analysis: What's wrong with the plant? The second step, however, shouldn't be: And what can I spray against it?
But rather: Why did the plant get this disease? Aphids often appear on the leaves when plants are growing quickly and it's very windy. Slugs are present when there are tender leaves and shoots on the one hand, and damp nights on the other. A loose mulch, for example, is an ideal refuge. My advice: Get to the bottom of the problem. And then it's time to strengthen the plants. To do this, you can make teas and broths, stimulate soil life, and provide nutrients. Changing the humidity can sometimes work wonders, too.
Classic home remedies against pests
Lice:Spray with a mixture of water, dish soap and spirit; nettle manure
Fungal diseases in roses:Add one cup of milk to one liter of water and spray the plants regularly.
Fungal diseases in the vegetable garden:Yarrow broth
Red spider and mites:Horsetail broth
Scale insects and rust:Male fern broth
Flea beetles, whiteflies:Tansy broth
But you don't just have to fight them; you should always bring help into the garden. So-called beneficial insects ensure that pests don't get out of hand. Therefore, it's important to ensure that birds feel comfortable in the garden. Many songbirds feed on insects and don't distinguish whether they are harmful or beneficial to the plants. They will grab them wherever there is plenty. Other beneficial insects can be attracted with the help of an insect hotel, and classic methods such as a pot of wood shavings are also popular with earwigs. They decimate the lice, as do ladybugs. Hedgehogs help against slugs, and so there are numerous cycles that are important in pest control. However, if I work with chemical compounds, I can't prevent damage from occurring and the entire structure from becoming unbalanced.
Good to know
Mulch helps control weeds. Regularly mulching with wood chips, grass clippings, and leaves will reduce weed seeding in your garden, as this layer makes life difficult for weeds. You can also mulch with grit or gravel. But be careful: You don't want to create a rocky desert, and while the organic mulch materials decompose over time, removing grit and gravel is a hassle. The choice should be carefully considered.
Resistant varieties: Breeders have taken on the issue of disease. They have selected plants that are less susceptible because they have made health their breeding goal. This doesn't necessarily mean genetic engineering is involved; it can also simply be based on observation. Therefore, it makes sense for beginners to look for a "resistant variety" label. Especially with roses, leaf health is a characteristic that has been given at least as much attention as beauty, color, and fragrance, so that the leaves become less spotty and yellow in summer. Resistant vegetable varieties are also an important aspect to ensure that gardening remains enjoyable.
