Whether you have a window box for herbs and flowers or a garden that merits its own zip code, we all face the same challenge:  How do we keep our gardens healthy and pest-free in an eco-friendly way?  Nobody wants a tomato that's been growing in a patch of boric acid or their kids or pets playing in harsh chemical pesticides.  But what can we do to protect our gardens while keeping our kids, pets and planet safe?


I prefer a different approach.  Today's world is one in which a species goes extinct every 20 minutes.  We're losing biodiversity at a staggering rate.  So rather than killing all the bugs, let's search instead for a little balance.  The truth is, most insects are not harmful to plants.  And the bugs that are bad for your plants taste really good to other insects. So put away the sprays, pellets and pans of beer.  Instead, just encourage some good bugs to stop by for dinner and let the bad bugs be the meal.

First, choose a variety of plants.  A plant that might taste good to one pest can be incredibly resistant to others.  Also, bad bugs are usually plant-specific.  If you only have one type of plant, then just one type of pest can wipe out your entire garden.  Another good practice is to rotate your plants annually.  It will thwart pests that wintered in your garden and will help to keep your soil healthy.

Next, when selecting your different plants, try to make sure they're local.  Nature has had millions of years to help plants adapt to specific regions and climates.  Native plant life is by design healthier, hardier and lower-maintenance than exotic plant life.

Get your hands dirty!  Clear out debris that can shelter unwanted slugs, snails and earwigs.  Pull out dying or infected plants to stop the spread of aphids and disease (just make sure you dispose of them away from your garden!)  Spread mulch and organic compost to keep the soil nutrient rich.  And be sure to water early in the day so the soil and plants have time to dry.  Wet foliage and soil is a breeding ground for bothersome pests.

Finally, keep your hands (and tools) clean!  If you've been working in and around infected plants, clean your gloves and tools before moving on to the next section of your garden.

Now that you have a beautiful garden started, it's time to invite some dinner guests.  Parasitic wasps, aphid midges, ladybugs, hoverflies and lacewings might not look like polite company, but believe me; they're better than in-laws and will keep your garden looking great.  Lure them in with flowering plants like mint, daisy, wild carrot (Queen Anne's lace), cosmos, dill, tansy, marigold, and clover.  And if you see a millipede or centipede, don't worry; centipedes eat slugs and millipedes help break down organic matter.
 
With a little patience, you'll find the right sustainable balance and soon have a beautiful, healthy and vibrant garden that we will all appreciate for generations to come.