Best Organic Pest Control: What Works, What Doesn’t

Our nationwide reader survey reveals the best vegetable garden pest control methods.

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Adobe Stock/laurha

Last fall, MOTHER EARTH NEWS launched our Organic Pest Control Survey to learn more about the best organic pest control methods — and the not-so-great methods — when it comes to limiting insect damage in organic vegetable gardens. About 1,300 gardeners from across North America responded, providing new, region-specific insight into vegetable garden pest control.

Our survey had strengths and weaknesses. It included opportunities for open comments, which became the source for the practical tips in this article. But, although we asked many questions about specific methods, we failed to always list chickens and ducks, which we learned many gardeners regard as essential players in controlling Japanese beetles and other garden pests.

We were surprised by some of the results. For example, we suspected gardeners would report that coping with various root maggots was a challenge, but 90 percent of respondents reported getting good control with crop rotation. Similarly, flea beetles didn’t make the list of worst pests because most gardeners achieve good control by using row covers and growing susceptible greens in fall rather than spring.

Ultimately, the survey revealed 12 widespread garden pests that give gardeners grief. Here are the nitty-gritty details, including down-in-the-dirt advice on how to manage each pest, plus details on which pests are the worst in each region and a reference list for the best organic pest control by pest.

1. Garden Slugs

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