Hi — Julien here. Earlier this week, I was surprised to find a grasshopper munching on my two-week-old lettuce seedlings.
Almost immediately, I grabbed my little ones, brought them inside, and gave them some water, so that they could recover.
Thankfully, there was only one little critter this time and it was eating slowly. But now that the rains are almost here, I know the bugs will follow.
So, to kick things off in the first issue of the newsletter, I’d like to share:
🪴 5 tips to manage pests in the garden without using chemicals
But before we continue, notice I said “manage” pests and not “get rid” of them completely. This is because there will always be some stubborn bugs who just didn’t get the memo. Now, with that out of the way, let’s move onto the first tip.
![grasshopper-on-cabbage-plant grasshopper on cabbage plant](https://www.microfarmguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/grasshopper-on-cabbage-plant.jpg)
1. Use Physical Barriers
This is by far the best thing you can do for your plants. However, it is not always possible.
Nevertheless, if you have access to insect netting that will be awesome. These nets will protect the plant while allowing them to get enough light.
I already have an old mosquito net and some insect netting, so if necessary, I can use these as a barrier until the seedlings are large enough to be transplanted.
2. Keep the Seedlings Happy and Healthy
Lettuce is a cool-weather plant, but we’re in the midst of a drought, and it’s hot outside! I’m talking almost 90°F every day. So, I’d be surprised if they aren’t experiencing some level of stress.
And stressed plants tend to attract pests more often than not. This stress can come from a lack of nutrients, temperature, damaged leaves, too much or too little water.
So, at the very least, we need to aim to provide the best growing conditions possible, and hope for the best.
3. Remove Any Existing Pests
Some bugs are just stubborn or curious and will find their way into your garden regardless of what you do.
So, you’ll have to walk through the garden occasionally to check for bugs, worms, or other pests on the plants.
![Bugs-On-Cucumber-Vine Bugs On Cucumber Vine](https://www.microfarmguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Bugs-On-Cucumber-Vine.jpg)
The last time I searched, I found some potato and other stink bugs on the cucumber plants.
If you find anything, consider physically removing them with a blast of water or capturing them in a bottle.
Personally, I prefer to use a bottle with a mixture of diluted dishwashing liquid. All you’ll need to do is just flick the bug into the water, and it will do the rest.
4. Transplant Seedlings When They Are Large Enough
Generally, I like to up-pot my seedlings until they are large and strong enough to survive outdoors.
This allows me to monitor and protect the seedlings before transplanting, and saves me from a lot of frustration.
Leaf-cutting insects like grasshoppers usually target tender seedlings or struggling plants. So, I’ll let them grow as large as possible before transplanting them into the garden.
5. Remove Eggs from Plants and Surrounding Areas
Apart from the bugs, you also have to watch out for their eggs…
Many pests lay eggs on the underside of leaves and nearby structures.
So, you should search for these and remove them before they hatch and become too numerous to manage.
While searching, I found a couple of eggs on the older leaves of some of the plants, which I had to remove any way.
Thankfully, I didn’t see any aphids or worms. Those can be a headache if they take root.
Now, will this get rid of all the bugs? Of course not, but hopefully, it will keep them at bay until the seedlings grow strong enough to cope with a bit of pest pressure.
In the meantime, all is well. However, I’ll have to be more diligent and keep an eye out for more pests in the future. On that note, let’s take a look at the:
📬 Ask Julien (Q&A)
This week, I have a question from a friend of mine, Leandra, from Grenada.
Leandra Asks: Hi Julien, the tractor finished leveling the area around the house, but I’m concerned that the loose soil will wash away when the rains start to fall. Is there anything I can plant to prevent this?
My Answer: Hi Leandra, the best plant I know for erosion control on a slope is Vetiver grass. It’s a fast-growing, clumping grass whose roots can grow several feet into the ground, holding it in place.
In your case, you can plant a hedge, about one plant every 6 inches, on the edge of the terrace the tractor made and on the riser to cover the exposed soil.
However, you’ll have to wait until the beginning of the rainy season to plant it. So, you will experience some erosion until the plants are established.
Do you have a gardening question? Ask It Here.
💡 Tip of the Week
Look under the leaves of plants and remove any insect eggs you find. Potato, squash, and other stink bugs lay their eggs under the larger leaves. And in some cases, they will lay them under the leaves of neighboring plants.
📸 Garden Spotlight
![carambola flowers carambola flowers and leaves](https://www.microfarmguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/carambola-flowers.jpg)
This week, we’re featuring some beautiful Carambola flowers. These flowers attract bees, and other beneficial insects, which help pollinate my kitchen garden.
I’d love to see what’s happening in your garden! Whether it’s a blooming flower, a vegetable patch, or a unique garden setup…
Send in your photo and you could be featured in a future garden spotlight!
📢 This Week On the Blog…
Every week, I publish a new article, guide, or tutorial video for the blog. In case you missed it, I’ll post the most recent here every week.
This Week: A Beginner’s Guide To Hassle-Free Gardening
Last Week: Chicken Wire Compost Bin Project
Before That: 5 Key Differences Between Gardening and Farming
You can read all my latest gardening articles here.
🌐 Cool Things I Came Across This Week
![DIY-Vermicomposter-Plans-And-Instructions DIY Vermicomposter Plans And Instructions](https://www.microfarmguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DIY-Vermicomposter-Plans-And-Instructions.jpg)
📸 I came across this cool little image on Facebook this week. It gives detailed instructions on how to make a simple DIY vermicomposter, and from the moment I saw it, I knew I had to try it out.
📺 I’m all into natural farming, but that doesn’t mean I oppose tech. In fact, I felt like a kid at a trade fair when I saw this vertical farm setup. Watch Video
📽️ I’ve had mixed feelings about goats lately, since they have been raiding my food forest. However, I really enjoyed seeing how this community is putting them to good use in this short documentary. Watch Documentary
📧 Did I Miss Anything?
Great! You made it to the end! What do you think of the very first issue of my newsletter?
Feel free to share what you’d like to see in future issues — whether it’s a specific topic, gardening tips, photos of your garden, or questions you need answered.
Your input helps improve this newsletter, so don’t hesitate to share your comments and suggestions!
Remember, my newsletter goes out every Friday morning, and I’m looking forward to hearing from you.
Until next week… Take care. Stay safe. And keep growing!