## How to Save Your Vegetable Garden from Insects
Insects are a common problem for vegetable gardeners. They can damage plants, stunt growth, and even spread disease. But there are a number of things you can do to protect your garden from these pests.
### 1. Use companion planting
Companion planting is the practice of planting different types of plants together to benefit each other. Some plants, such as marigolds, have natural insect repellent properties. Planting them near other vegetables can help to keep insects away.
Other companion planting combinations include:
Tomatoes and basil: Basil helps to repel tomato hornworms.
Carrots and onions: Carrots help to repel onion flies, and onions help to repel carrot root maggots.
Cucumbers and radishes: Cucumbers provide shade for radishes, and radishes help to repel cucumber beetles.
### 2. Use mulches
Mulches are a great way to suppress weeds and retain moisture in the soil. They can also help to deter insects. Some good mulching materials include:
Straw: Straw is a good all-purpose mulch that is effective at repelling insects.
Wood chips: Wood chips are a good choice for mulching around trees and shrubs. They can help to suppress weeds and retain moisture in the soil.
Compost: Compost is a nutrient-rich mulch that can help to improve the soil and deter insects.
### 3. Use insecticidal soap
Insecticidal soap is a natural pesticide that can be used to kill insects on contact. It is safe to use on vegetables and fruits, and it will not harm beneficial insects. To use insecticidal soap, mix it with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions and spray it on the affected plants.
### 4. Use neem oil
Neem oil is a natural pesticide that is effective against a wide range of insects. It works by disrupting the insect’s hormones and preventing them from reproducing. To use neem oil, mix it with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions and spray it on the affected plants.
### 5. Use diatomaceous earth
Diatomaceous earth is a powder made from the fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of algae. It is a natural pesticide that works by dehydrating insects. To use diatomaceous earth, sprinkle it around the base of plants or on the leaves.
### 6. Use beneficial insects
Beneficial insects are insects that prey on pests. They can be a valuable asset to your garden, and they can help to keep pests under control. Some beneficial insects include:
Ladybugs: Ladybugs eat aphids, mealybugs, and other small insects.
Lacewings: Lacewings eat aphids, thrips, and other small insects.
Praying mantises: Praying mantises eat a variety of insects, including caterpillars, grasshoppers, and flies.
### 7. Keep your garden clean
One of the best ways to prevent insect problems is to keep your garden clean. Remove any dead leaves or other debris that could attract pests. Also, avoid overwatering your plants, as this can create a moist environment that is ideal for insects.
### 8. Rotate your crops
Crop rotation is the practice of planting different types of crops in the same area each year. This helps to prevent soil-borne diseases and insect problems. When you rotate your crops, be sure to plant families of plants that are not related to each other. For example, you should not plant tomatoes in the same area where you planted potatoes the previous year.
### 9. Use row covers
Row covers are a physical barrier that can be used to protect plants from insects. They are made of a lightweight fabric that allows sunlight and water to pass through, but they keep insects out. Row covers can be used to protect a variety of plants, including vegetables, fruits, and herbs.
### 10. Be patient
It takes time to develop an effective insect control program. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Keep at it, and you will eventually be successful in protecting your garden from insects.