Gardening in Colorado Springs can be incredibly rewarding—but keeping pests out of your garden? That’s another story. Between our unique climate, elevation, and native pest population, it takes a little extra effort to protect your plants from unwanted guests. Now that we have reached the point where a hard freeze is unlikely, many will be getting outside to plant gardens. Whether you’re growing vegetables, flowers, or native plants, here are five effective tips to help pest-proof your garden this season. Here are 5 easy ways to deter pests from invading your garden.
1. Choose Pest-Resistant Plants
Start with the right plants. Native and pest-resistant varieties are naturally better equipped to handle local threats. Consider planting marigolds, lavender, and sage—not only do they thrive in Colorado’s climate, but their scent also repels common garden pests like aphids and whiteflies. For vegetables, opt for varieties labeled as “pest-resistant” when possible. Also consider planting things like garlic and onion. The scents from these plants can deter some pests.
2. Encourage Natural Predators
Want a natural solution to your pest problems? Invite the good guys in! Ladybugs, lacewings, and even birds can help control populations of aphids, mites, and caterpillars. Add a bird bath, bug hotels, or flowering plants like yarrow and dill to attract beneficial insects and wildlife that prey on pests.
3. Keep Things Clean and Tidy
Pests love hiding in weeds, fallen leaves, and overgrown areas. Regularly removing debris, pruning plants, and rotating your crops can help eliminate breeding grounds for insects and rodents. Raised garden beds with clean borders also make it harder for crawling critters to invade. Remember how we mentioned bird baths above? Be sure to keep this water fresh and clean as well to keep mosquitos at bay.
4. Water Wisely
Overwatering not only harms your plants—it can also attract pests like fungus gnats and slugs. Stick to a consistent watering schedule and avoid letting water pool. Drip irrigation is ideal for delivering water directly to plant roots without encouraging excess moisture on leaves or soil surfaces. Standing water can also bring mosquitos and wasps.
5. Use Physical Barriers
Sometimes a simple net or fence can make all the difference. Row covers, copper tape, and mesh screens are excellent tools for keeping out everything from grasshoppers to voles. In Colorado Springs, where deer and rabbits are common in some areas, adding fencing around your garden might also be a must. Have you considered a raised garden bed? Keep in mind, voles can, and will travel up into them if they don’t have a barrier at the bottom as well.
Bonus Tip: If pests still manage to sneak into your garden, don’t wait for them to take over. Contact Complete Pest Control for a targeted, eco-conscious solution that keeps your plants—and peace of mind—intact. Contact us here.
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