She said her organic tips deter flying insects and critters that slither into vegetable beds.
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Rebecca Pow MP is the UK’s Minister for Nature and also the first female Conservative Member of Parliament that Taunton Deane has had.
She has a Green Heart Hero Award from The Climate Coalition and previously hosted her own gardening TV show.
The mother of three revealed to The U.S. Sun the skills she learned from living on a farm that anyone can use to nurture a vegetable garden.
She grows a range of vegetables including potatoes, salad leaves, radishes, and herbs.
HOME RECIPES
She makes an organic repellent from items that most people already have in their homes.
“To control slugs I use a biological control comprised of nematodes [roundworms] which can be watered on,” Rebecca said.
“I use soapy water to spray aphids home in or on broads beans, or if there aren’t too many I rub them off by hand.”
FIGHTING FLOWERS
The green-fingered mom revealed she’s also strategic about flowers, opting for blooms that look beautiful and deter bugs.
“I add flowers to my veg beds to help draw pest insects to them rather than the crops, marigolds are useful for attracting the carrot root fly for example,” she said.
“The flowers are great for cutting for the house.”
According to Gardeners’ World, marigolds grow best in well-drained soil in full sun.
They should be planted after the risk of frost has passed and flowering can be extended by removing the dead heads.
COVER CROPS
Rebecca revealed a DIY hack protects her vegetable patch from flying pests while speeding up the growing process.
“Making a tunnel with metal hopes or wire with fleece over the top helps protect crops from a range of flying pests, this also creates a warm environment that helps to bring crops on early,” she said.
“Also look out for seed varieties that are resistant to various pests.”
An “easy” to use fleece tunnel is sold by Tierra Garden for $42 at Walmart.
Customers have given the weather-resistant item a 4-star rating.
One reviewer described it as “sturdy and effective,” while another said it was “quick” to set up when used to protect their young seedlings from frost.
Tips for keeping pests from your garden
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- Plant companion plants such as peppermint to repel rats.
- Place Garden Netting Pest Barrier, $8, Amazon, over your flowerbeds.
- Fill open-top containers with beer and place in soil to repel slugs.
- Spray plants with Neem Oil, $9, Target, to repel ants, flies, and spiders.
- Dust your flowerbeds with Diatomaceous Earth, $8.26, Amazon.
- Mix 1 tablespoon dish soap, 10 drops peppermint oil, and 4 cups water and spray on flowerbeds.
- Place eggshells around your plants to protect from slugs and snails.
KEEP AN EYE OUT
Rebecca’s non-toxic tips for deterring pests come after she revealed experience isn’t needed for adding a vegetable patch to your home garden.
“Even in the smallest space, you will be able to grow something,” Rebecca said.
“A light spot is recommended and an outside tap is helpful for watering purposes.
“Better still, a water butt — then the water is free.” A water butt is a rainwater storage unit.
“Growing vegetables is rewarding and fun as you watch the plants develop before your eyes, so give it a go,” she added.
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