Container plants can occasionally get fungus gnats, whitefly, aphids, and other pests. For harmful pests, use an organic spray that is non-toxic to humans (such as “Safer” brand), or make your own spray. Spray more than once to get the bugs that hatch from any eggs. Isolate “sick” plants to avoid spreading the problem to other plants.
Homemade Bug Spray
- Combine and store as a concentrate:
- 1 tbs. liquid dish soap
- 1 c. vegetable oil
- Mix 1-2 tbs. concentrate with 1 c. water in a spray bottle.
- Apply to stems and both sides of leaves.
Cats are a serious problem for container gardening. They especially love greens. Place wooden shish kebab skewers into plants to discourage cats from lying down in them or from using them as litter boxes. Alternatively, you can cover soil with black garden cloth and/or rocks.
Pest Control Sources
Organic pest control: GardensAlive.com