Natural plant protection products , based on plant substances, make it possible to reduce or completely abandon the use of harmful chemicals. In this group of protective preparations, we can choose fromnatural plant protection productsprepared by ourselves, mainly based on herbs and weeds, and ready-made biopreparations available for purchase in the store. Additionally, we can use traps to catch pests. Here are proven ways tochemical-free garden !
By running a garden without chemicals and using natural plant protection products,
we produce he althy, ecological food
When during a visit to the garden, we notice that our plants are sick or attacked by pests, the easiest way is to use quick and effective chemical plant protection products. While these measures are widely used, and in some cases even necessary, there are risks associated with their use. Improperly used chemical preparations can be dangerous not only for plants, but also for ourselves.
Therefore, it is much safer to runa garden without chemicals , and use onlynatural plant protection productsbased on decoctions and extracts of weeds and herbs. We can prepare many of these preparations on our own, thanks to which they will be cheaper than ready-made preparations purchased in the store. We can also reach for ready-made biopreparations available on the market as well as devices and preparations for attracting and catching pests.
In addition to the above-mentioned methods, it is also worth paying attention to beneficial insects in the garden that feed on pests of garden plants, thus helping to reduce the number of pests in our gardens and plots.Unfortunately, the chemical plant protection agents used, apart from pests, can also be harmful to beneficial insects. This is another reason to have achemical-free garden , based on natural methods of growing, fertilizing and protecting plants.
Natural plant protection products prepared by hand
Thenatural plant protection products , prepared on their own, include extracts, decoctions and liquid manure obtained most often from fresh or dried herbs. Plants are watered or sprayed with such preparations, as a rule, 3 to 4 times during the period of greatest risk to the plants. They are mainly preventive. They may turn out to be insufficient when there is an increased number of diseases or pests of plants. When used preventively, however, they are not harmful to the environment (unless, of course, we use them in excess and in too high a concentration) and can be included in the regular, planned treatments in the garden. The yield of plants sprayed with self-prepared preparations can be safely harvested 3 days after the treatment (and sometimes even after 1 day).After such a period, the smell of the preparations disappears.
Harvesting of plants for the preparation ofnatural plant protection productsis carried out on sunny, warm and dry days, in the appropriate phase of plant development. After harvesting, the plants are dried in a shaded, airy, preferably roofed place. We spread the plants in a thin layer or hang them on strings. Dry plant material packed in paper bags should be stored in a dry room.
Natural plant protection products , prepared independently, can be divided into the following groups:
Extracts- are obtained by pouring hot water over the plants and soaking them for the next 24 hours, it is best to prepare it the day before the planned treatment and not to store for more than 1 day, because then fermentation takes place, changing properties of the preparation,
Decoctions- are made by pouring water over the plants and soaking them for one day (up to 24 hours), then boil them (or boil them for 20 to 30 minutes) and use after cooling.
Extracts and decoctions for spraying plants as well as decoctions intended for storage (hot decoction poured and tightly closed in a jar retains its properties even for over 3 months) should be carefully filtered, e.g. through thickly folded gauze.
Infusions- plants are poured with boiling water and left under cover for about 30 minutes,
Liquid manure- plants are poured over with water and left for several weeks (from 2 to even 6 weeks) until they ferment, the liquid should be stirred daily to ensure the access of oxygen necessary for fermentation (note: it may give off unpleasant smell), the liquid manure can be used when it is clear and there is no foam on its surface, it can be used for a period of 1 to 2 months.
Commercially available natural plant protection products
If we do not have time or want to preparenatural plant protection products , you can buy ready-made biopreparations.We can choose not only plant preparations, but also biological preparations - bacterial, preparations based on insect viruses or those based on parasitic fungi.
The main advantage of biopreparations is their high selectivity, which means that when used correctly, they are not harmful to humans and other organisms living in the garden, except for those for which they are intended. They are not harmful to the plants themselves, beneficial insects and bees. They do not have a grace period and no prevention. Pathogenic agents and pests cannot become resistant to them, which can happen when we use pesticides. However, it is necessary to carefully follow the instructions and recommendations for use.
Unfortunately, biopreparations also have disadvantages. First of all, they work slower than chemicals - they do not kill pests immediately, so plants may be damaged for some time. If it is necessary to act immediately in the event of a very strong disease or pest, the biopreparation may turn out to be insufficient.Therefore, sometimes when spraying plants, it is recommended to alternate the use of a biopreparation and a chemical agent. This allows to somehow reduce the side effects of using chemicals and, at the same time, achieve greater efficiency than with the use of the biopreparation alone.
Sticky boards and pheromone traps
Coloredsticky boardsandpheromone trapshelp in determining the moment of the appearance of the pest and determining its number. Depending on the application, a colored plaque or a suitable trap must be selected. Unfortunately, we must remember that.these devices will not be effective enough for mass-trapping pests. Sticky boards for pests and pheromone traps, however, can support us when we usenatural plant protection products .
Yellow sticky boards- used in greenhouse crops or in tunnels, one board per 20-25 m² of a greenhouse or tunnel, designed to catch the greenhouse whitefly,
Blue sticky boards- designed for catching flower thrips, especially useful in the cultivation of ornamental plants on window sills,
Orange sticky plates- used to determine the presence of carrot pollen,
White sticky plates- help in signaling the presence of an apple fruiting body and a yellow-and-yellow fruiting body
Pheromone traps(Grapodor, Pomodor, Medchem-1, Medchem-2) - designed for signaling (determining the date of the outlet of apple fruit and plum fruit, red apple leaf rollers, retina leaf rollers).
