Garden pest control: Part 2

Have you embarked on your own garden DIY project recently only to notice that your plants are being destroyed by disease and pests?

These are the biggest challenges that face green-thumbs, but the good news is that with a bit of forward thinking you can protect your garden against these nasties.

If you've got a problem with your plants or you simply want to implement some safety measures, keep in mind the following tips when you head into the backyard next.

Soil drainage

Drainage is essential to prevent your plants being affected by rot - without it, roots become soggy and will inevitably decay. To minimise the likelihood of this, use a good-quality soil and if you have your plants in a pot, make sure there are drainage holes.

Move growth regularly

When a plant is grown in the same place year after year, it can be more susceptible to harbouring a pest population. To avoid this, rotate your plants and vegetables annually to ensure insects don't get too comfortable.

Plants for pest control

Certain plants can actually repel insects, so it makes sense to scatter your garden with some of these varieties as a safety shield. Artemisia, basil, chives, marigolds and sunflowers are all commonly used to deter insects in the backyard.