Botanical Pesticides for Container Plants

If you are interested in gardening or are concerned about the health of your plants, you may have heard about the need to use specific, organic botanical pesticides for container plants. You may even be wondering how Botanical pesticides work. How can a chemical compound that is introduced to a plant’s roots and leaves harm them? What types of organisms are they effective against? Understanding how pesticides work for a variety of common garden pests will help you decide if they are right for your plants.

1. Two Major Types of Pesticides

There are two types of pesticides that affect plants:

• Synthetic chemicals
• Natural chemicals.

The type of pesticide that you use depends on the source of the plant food and how it is grown. Most plants are exposed to pesticides from fertilizers, soil amendments, insecticides, drugs, and pests. Some plants, such as tomatoes, do not have any exposure to pesticides at all.

2. Determine the Chemicals According to Needs of Plants

Different types of plants are more sensitive to certain chemicals than other plants are. You must test your soil regularly to determine which chemicals it is vulnerable to. A soil test kit can be purchased at most garden stores. You should examine the pH level and the zinc and copper content of your soil. High levels of either mineral are detrimental to all plant life, so you should make sure to remove this material before using pesticides on your plants.

3. Botanical Pesticides Contain Natural Ingredients

Botanical pesticides for container plants are made from natural ingredients, so they are safe for your family and pets. However, there are precautions that you should take when using them. When spraying plants, never leave them standing in the water. Pesticides evaporate into the water and may not remain effective. Botanical repellents can help keep pests away, but they cannot prevent damage to the plant.

4. Applying Pesticides

4.1 Wear Gloves and Face Mask

Be sure to wear gloves and a face mask when applying the pesticides. You may also want to wear a dust mask to keep yourself safe from the dust. Cover all surfaces with plastic sheeting when spraying plants. This will prevent the solution from getting into your lungs and causing damage to your health.

4.2 Follow Instructions While Applying Pesticides

When applying botanical pesticides to your plants, remember to carefully follow the instructions on the label. For example, if you are applying Tea Tree Oil Bitter, do not apply the product to your entire garden. Instead, apply the solution only to the affected plants. This will prevent the solution from becoming too strong and killing your other plants.

4.3 Applying Pesticides to Garden

You may also consider planting a garden around your infected plants. The natural enemies in your garden will deter pests from attacking your other plants, as well as from eating your foliage and roots. You will find that there will be less need to apply the pesticide to your entire container garden, leaving your plants healthier.

5. Tips for Keeping Pests Away from Plants to Keep Them Healthy

5.1 Preventive Maintenance

Preventative maintenance is essential to keeping pests from attacking your garden. Monitor your plants to look for the telltale signs of infestation. White patches on leaves or stems are the first signs that a plant is suffering from pests. If you see any damage, do not hesitate to contact a professional pest control company right away.

5.2 Trimming and Pruning the Plants

Trim the undergrowth and prune the plant often to encourage new growth. This will discourage insects from taking hold in your garden. Use insect repellent that contains pyrethrum. It will repel pests and prevent them from coming back.

5.3 Use Fertilizers to Balance Plants Nutrients

To prevent harm to your plants, make sure that the fertilizer that you use contains the right balance of nutrients. When choosing a fertilizer, choose one that is free from nitrogen and phosphorous. Nitrogen and phosphorus are necessary for the growth and development of the plants, while copper is essential for plant food production. Do not use fertilizer products with a high concentration of either element.

5.4 Avoid Over-watering the Plants

Do not over-water your plant. If you water too often, the soil becomes too moist and conducive for pests to survive. Instead, water your plants every two weeks, allowing the soil to remain moist throughout the day. A humidifier is useful for ensuring that the soil stays moist.

6. Conclusion

Maintaining your garden is an ongoing battle against pests. A continuous battle means that there will be a constant struggle between the pests and the healthy plants. While it may be difficult to control pests completely with natural treatments, you can do your part by trying to prevent their entry into the garden. Preventing pests from getting into the garden and building resistance to their entry means less work for you in the future.