Here I show you how to get rid of beetles naturally in the vegetable garden.
You know, those critters that nibble your feet of potatoes, tomatoes and eggplants in a matter of days!
They are formidable because they reproduce very quickly and invade all your crops in the blink of an eye . To the point of ruining everything...
It goes without saying that you have to get rid of them as soon as you spot them. But of course, you have to do it in a natural way.
Because there is no question of putting poisonous pesticides on the vegetables that we will eat a few days later!
Fortunately, my market gardening grandfather had his natural tricks to prevent the proliferation of beetles.
Since I have been using them, my potatoes are no longer invaded by these parasites of about ten millimeters.
Here are 4 tips to get rid of beetles naturally . Watch:
This method may seem daunting and off-putting.
However, it is one of the best and most natural.
Of course, it is suitable for small crops and not for a garden with 200 feet of potatoes:that would be too long.
For my part, I plant about thirty feet, and I pick up the beetles by hand.
Operation to be repeated every 3 or 4 days in case of heavy invasion.
Just pick up these big insects one by one.
Bring gloves if the beetles disgust you.
Then, take the insects and put them in a container to store them.
Check well on the stem and under the leaves, they often hide there.
Once the beetles have been harvested, you can burn them, drown them, throw them in an airtight bin...or give a handful to the birds.
You'll see, they love it!
I put a cup in the middle of my yard and I watch the blackbirds, crows and other birds feast on the beetles.
At least nothing is lost and everyone is happy!
Nowadays, the companion plant method is back in fashion.
It's about using the virtues of each species to help each other.
Horseradish :easy to maintain, it can be planted on the edge of the potato patch. Its smell keeps the beetles away.
The datura (datura stramonium):this beautiful shrub repels most garden pests. Just plant it next to your crops, it's super effective. But beware, it is ultra toxic, especially for children and animals.
Linen :This pretty, long-stemmed plant grows quickly. By planting flax all around your potato patch, it will form a sort of screen as it grows. This screen will divert the beetles, they will be less numerous.
The concern: definitely, this flower is the pest control par excellence in the garden. It also acts against the beetle. Plant marigold seeds around your potatoes...plus it's pretty.
Castor oil: another beautiful shrub that will act against parasites and in particular the Colorado potato beetle. It's super effective, but one more downside:its seeds are extremely toxic to animals and humans. Use with caution.
There is a variety of tomato whose leaves look strangely like those of the potato.
It's a perfect lure!
Plant a few feet of "brandywine" around your potato patch.
Since tomatoes are taller than potato plants...
...the beetles will first be attracted to the tomatoes and will leave your potatoes alone!
This trick is awesome, isn't it?
Nettle slurry as well as horseradish or tansy slurry are also good organic insecticides to fight against beetles.
I give you the easy recipe for nettle manure here.
Know that black soap is also effective in treating plants against Colorado beetles and their larvae.
