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My gardening must-haves will stop pests and animals from snacking on your crops – plus ‘easy-growers’ for beginners
And the best foods to grow on balconies
A GARDENING expert has revealed organic tips for keeping pests away from homegrown fruit and vegetables.
She said many foods can thrive in backyards and listed those perfect for beginners to plant.
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Growing delicious fruits and vegetables at home to enjoy with family can be extremely rewarding.
However, it isn’t without its challenges as patches can be battered by poor weather conditions and pests.
Fiona Jenkins is a gardening expert at UK-based trades matching site MyJobQuote.co.uk.
Speaking to The U.S. Sun, she shared how homeowners can have a thriving vegetable patch in even the smallest outdoor spaces.
NICE FOR NOVICES
Jenkins said several factors should be considered before growing crops in a home garden.
“Most vegetables need a lot of sun to grow, so you need to weigh up whether you have a suitable place to put your patch,” she said.
“Another consideration is whether you have enough space to grow the veggies you like.
“Some crops such as squashes and cabbages need a lot of room whereas things like spring onions and radishes can be grown in a small space.
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“There are lots of things that are easy to grow at home but if you’re new to gardening then start small with herbs such as chives, mint, and rosemary and salad foods such as rocket, lettuce, and radish.
“Once you’ve built up your confidence, move onto other easy-growers such as tomatoes, carrots, potatoes and strawberries.”
TINY TREATS
“There’s a lot you can pack into a balcony garden with a bit of ingenuity,” Jenkins said.
“Strawberries will grow in hanging baskets and you can get special growing bags for potatoes.
“Bushy tomato plants and compact carrot varieties such as ‘Paris Market’ are also fine in containers.
“Salad leaves, herbs, and chard will grow in small pots, which can be hung from balcony railings.”
Growing plants that pests hate – like garlic, fragrant herbs, and marigolds – around your veggies, will act as a barrier.
Fiona Jenkins
A strawberry hanging basket kit costs $15.95 at Garden Land.
It includes an 11-inch decorative hanging basket, growers mix, plants, and instructions for how to get fruit within 60 days.
PEST CONTROL
Jenkins said unwanted insects that cause damage can be deterred from vegetable patches by positioning plants in difficult-to-reach areas.
She revealed companion planting can also be beneficial as critters won’t want to get close to any plants with a smell they hate.
“Using a growing table or tall raised bed makes it harder for slugs and snails to reach crops,” she said.
“Covering vulnerable plants with cloches helps to prevent butterflies from laying eggs and stops birds and rodents from snacking on your crops.
“Growing plants that pests hate – like garlic, fragrant herbs, and marigolds – around your veggies, will act as a barrier.
“To reduce weeds, you can lay cardboard and mulch between your plants.”
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.
A raised bed garden table is priced at $144.30 at Walmart.
According to the manufacturer, it is “perfect for the deck, porch, or patio” as well as city living.
Delighted customers have given it a 5-star rating and a top reviewer gushed about their experience using it to grow food.
“This is a terrific garden table,” they said. “It arrived quickly and was easy to assemble.
“We have limited space to grow herbs and vegetables and this was the ideal solution.
“We have it right outside our kitchen door.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
“The 'V' shape is perfect for growing deep-rooted veggies.
"Love the waist-height design and you can't beat the price! Great value.”
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