September is National Biodiversity Month which means it is time to celebrate plants and animals.

Biodiversity is the variety of all living things around us. Australia’s biodiversity is rich and unique, it is home to more than 500,000 animal and plant species, many of which are found nowhere else – making Australia one of the world’s ‘megadiverse’ countries. Native vegetation is a vital component of our nation’s biodiversity with most of our plant species endemic to the continent.

What you can do:

Create a natural habitat in your backyard. ...
Bayside Council Biodiversity Blitz 2023 link here
Take action on weeds. ...
Be a responsible pet owner. ...
Reduce, reuse and recycle. ...
Start your own compost bin or worm farm for food waste if you have space

6 natural pest control methods to banish nasties for your garden

Ditch the chemical pesticides and make your garden greener than ever with these natural treatments.

https://www.homestolove.com.au/5-natural-pest-control-tips-for-your-garden-2276

It's the scenario every gardener dreads. You take a look at your carefully tended pot plants or garden, and seemingly overnight they have been overrun with nasties.

Before you run out to the shops in a panic, you might want to use some of old-fashioned natural pest control methods that your grandparents are probably familiar with.

Not only are these natural pesticides better for the environment and your health than chemical pesticides, they're also super budget-friendly!

1. HOME REMEDIES FOR BLACK SPOTS ON PLANTS

Humidity, not spacing out your plants sufficiently and excessive rain can cause havoc with fungus problems occurring in your veggie garden or roses.

You can make your own natural fungicide spray by mixing one part milk (full-cream organic is best) with 10 parts water. Alternatively, try mixing one tablespoon of bicarbonate soda with one tablespoon of vegetable oil, two drops of dishwashing liquid and 4.5 litres of water.

Spray plants thoroughly as a preventative or as a treatment.

TOP TIP

Avoid getting fungus problems in the first place by pruning on low humidity days to reduce fungal diseases in open wounds and spacing plants well so there is air circulation.

2. NATURAL INSECT REPELLENT

This is a true classic and should be part of every gardeners arsenal. A homemade garlic/chilli-based spray is effective for small sucking insects such as aphids as well as caterpillars.

Combine crushed garlic and chilli (powdered chilli will do if you don't have fresh) with one tablespoon of vegetable oil and a small amount of dishwashing liquid or soap flakes. Leave to soak overnight in a jar, then strain and spray on plants. Avoid contact with your skin and eyes and keep away from kids.

Use within two weeks of mixing.

One of the most common caterpillars you'll find in the vegie patch is the green larvae of the cabbage white butterfly. Photo: Brent Wilson / aremediasyndication.com.au

3. NATURAL SLUG REPELLENT

Mix one part espresso (real, not instant) with 10 parts water and spray on areas of the garden where you've seen slugs and snails.

The caffeine will absorb into their skin and kill them, so if you prefer a cruelty-free alternative try repelling them with copper barrier tape or picking the little slimers off by hand (after dark by torchlight is the best time).

You can also try killing slugs with beer.

4. HOW TO DETER POSSUMS

If possums are eating your plants, brew some Lapsang Souchong tea and spray it on your plants – possums can't stand the stuff.

They also don't like the smell of camphor blocks or mothballs, so consider hanging a few about. If possums (or birds) are feasting on your fruit trees, cover them with netting.

Find out how to deal with citrus pests > Photo: Brent Wilson / aremediasyndication.com.au

5. PLANT SMART TO WIPE OUT APHIDS

The best way to get rid of aphids is to invite their natural predators into the garden.

Plant mint, fennel, dill, yarrow, sunflowers and dandelion to attract ladybirds, praying mantis, hoverflies and lacewings – all of which will happily feast on your aphids.

BUYING BUGS

If you are struggling to attract native predators you can hire some. Bug for Bugs sells natural predators for your garden like lacewings sending larvae via the post! Just don't be surprised if they move on after they have done their business. They are basically contractors.

6. EUCALYPTUS OIL

Mosquitos are arguably the most frustrating of all garden pests. They're not particularly harmful to your plants but they do make gardening and outdoor entertaining more difficult. Eucalyptus oil is a natural mosquito repellent. Dab some on before you head into the garden or purchase a eucalyptus-based repellent from the supermarket.

SHOP NATURAL PEST CONTROL

Clockwise from top left: T2 Lapsang Souchong Black Tea, Amazon; 100pcs cedar mothballs, catch.com.au; Bosisto's Eucalyptus oil, Amazon; Hoyts chilli powder, Woolworths; clear glass spray bottle, Amazon

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