Organic Garden Pest ControlThere are numerous organic garden pest control methods. Organic pest control recipes can be anything from companion planting to using natural predators to get rid of pests. Organic garden pest control can also include pesticides made from natural sources. There is nothing more heartbreaking to a gardener than having her roses or lettuce infested with aphids or her tomatoes munched by hornworms. After going to all the time and effort to grow these treasures, to tend transplants, to nurture the vegetable patch, one’s first instinct is to reach for a spray can of poison and declare war! There are, however, more earth friendly organic pest control solutions that are just as effective and much kinder to the health of your soil, your plants, and your own body. Please see Green Organic for organic pest control solutions. Plants are “happier” planted together in groups. Who says you have to have a bed of just one particular vegetable? Mix it up a bit! My bush beans did incredibly well one year when they got all mixed together with the pumpkins. I could hardly find the beans—nor could the pests! So be brave and step out of the box! Stop thinking in terms of neat, straight rows composed of only carrots or lettuce. Let them flourish together in a group. Check out All New Square Foot Gardening: Grow More in Less Space! Plant marigolds and nasturtiums with tomatoes and other veggies. The idea is that they attract certain bugs away from the plants you’re trying to protect. I like to plant Egyptian onions, garlic and garlic chives amongst my roses. See Roses Love Garlic: Companion Planting and Other Secrets of Flowers Call in the troops! Plant flowers and bushes that will attract birds and beneficial insects to your garden. Consider a bird bath or fountain near your garden. Create toad houses with a broken clay pot set upside down in a shady spot. Build a bat house on your property. No need to battle alone. There are some pesticides derived from botanical or mineral-bearing sources which are considered acceptable in an organic garden. I will list a few. However, I must caution you. Too often, when trying to eliminate pests, you may also get rid of their valuable predators as well. Whenever possible, I think it is best to work with nature, rather than interfering. Healthy plants, fed with lots of nutrients, planted in diverse groups, are better able to withstand attacks from a few pests. Although some organic pesticides may evaporate more quickly than chemicals, be careful to thoroughly read, and follow, instructions before applying. They may be derived from botanic sources but they can still be toxic or, at the very least, an irritant to humans. Always consider even organic pesticides a last resort. Neem: This product is made from the tropical Neem tree. When consumed by insects, it interrupts their life cycle, preventing them from laying eggs. It can also be helpful in preventing pests from feeding. Use it for aphids, beetles, thrips, caterpillars, leafminers, etc. It is best used before a significant infestation occurs. Rotenone: This is derived from the roots of a few Asian and South American plants. It is slow acting and kills by poisoning the stomach of feeding insects. It can be used for beetles, caterpillars and aphids. Diatomaceous Earth: Do not confuse this with the DE used in swimming pool filters. It is not the same! This is useful for killing slugs and soft bodied insects. The sharp particles cut the insect’s body, causing it to lose fluids and die. Bacillus Thuringiensis: A bacteria that is used to attack moth and butterfly caterpillars. It is effective when ingested during the larva stage. These are some practical organic garden pest control methods to keep toxic pesticides out of our food and away from our lakes and rivers.
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by Mel Bartholomew, and 
by Louise Riotte.
by Louise Riotte. Consider mixing herbs into your flower garden. Be creative with the foliage colour and texture of herbs, while at the same time fighting “the enemy”! Consider perusing 
by Patrick Lima, to give you ideas on how to put this together. This book is especially helpful for northern gardeners.