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Safe solutions to summer problems

Sustainable living  ›  Natural gardening  ›  How-to tips and videos  ›  Safe summer solutions

Bugged by pesticides? No worries. There are safer solutions to summer garden problems. You can keep bug problems at bay by following these easy and inexpensive techniques.

Annihilate aphids with water

No need for toxic pesticides when a blast of water will do the trick. Spray aphids right off your plants, leaving any survivors for birds and ladybugs to eat. 

Crush cabbage butterflies before they hatch

Inspect the undersides of broccoli, cabbage and kale leaves, squishing any tiny, yellow, almond-shaped eggs that appear by themselves. But leave the ones that appear in clusters, which likely belong to ladybugs. 

Leap ahead of leaf miners

Leaf miners eat their way through the middle of chard leaves, leaving somewhat transparent, whitish tunnels in their wake. Squish their teeny white eggs, often arranged in neat little rows. Cut off affected leaves, and beat the bugs to the punch by harvesting only the younger leaves.

Plant flowers, especially native ones

Native flowers attract the birds and bugs that will help you win the fight against pests!

Related Links

Natural gardening guidebook

Use this helpful guide to natural techniques to control pests and weeds, encourage beneficial insects and grow a healthier yard and garden.

Visit Metro's learning gardens

Find inspiration, see natural techniques at work and get hands-on help at Metro's demonstration gardens.