It’s been so exciting seeing all the plots thriving and watching the community come together has been so great. Some friendly reminders: on Thursdays there will be produce available for the community on a first come first serve basis and the next Good Food Box order date will be on August 14 to 17.
Garden Tip of the Month
One of the joys of working in our community garden is growing healthy, delicious produce in harmony with nature. As many gardeners have experienced, though, it’s not just humans who love fresh veggies—pests do too! From nibbling rabbits to aphids on lettuce leaves, unwanted visitors can quickly undo a lot of hard work. The good news? There are plenty of safe, natural remedies to help keep pests at bay without harming the environment or our crops.
Castor Oil: A Mole and Vole Deterrent
If you’ve noticed small mounds of dirt or tunnels near your plot, you might be dealing with burrowing animals like moles, voles, or gophers. One of the most effective natural solutions is castor oil. It doesn’t hurt the animals, but it does make the soil taste and smell unpleasant to them, encouraging them to move along. You can mix a few tablespoons of castor oil with dish soap and water to create a simple spray or try castor oil granules for easy application. Just remember to reapply after heavy rain.
Companion Planting: Nature’s Teamwork
Some plants naturally repel pests—and when you plant them near your veggies, they can help keep your garden safer. This practice, known as companion planting, is both effective and beautiful. For example:
• Marigolds deter aphids and nematodes.
• Basil can help repel mosquitoes and flies.
• Nasturtiums act as a “trap crop,” drawing aphids away from your vegetables.
Adding a few of these to your garden plot can protect your crops while attracting pollinators.
DIY Sprays to Keep Insects Away
Several easy-to-make sprays can keep insects from feasting on your plants:
• Garlic spray (blend garlic cloves with water and a touch of dish soap) works well against soft-bodied insects like aphids.
• Chili pepper spray deters mites and whiteflies.
• Neem oil, available at most garden centres, acts as a natural insecticide. It interferes with insect reproduction and feeding and is especially effective on caterpillars and beetles. Spray it on leaves weekly, following the label directions.
Protecting Against Rabbits and Other Critters
Larger animals like rabbits and raccoons may see our garden as a free buffet. Luckily, there are several humane and eco-friendly ways to discourage them:
• Sprinkle blood meal or bone meal around your plot to repel rabbits.
• Use egg spray (blend raw eggs with water and garlic) to create a smell animals dislike.
• Scatter human hair or pet fur around the garden beds—some gardeners swear by this to keep curious critters away.
• Planting strong-smelling herbs like mint, rosemary, or lavender around your vegetables can also serve as a natural barrier.
For the Birds
If birds are snacking on your berries or greens, there are a few tricks to try:
• Hang reflective tape, old CDs, or foil strips around your plot to startle them.
• Place owl or hawk decoys nearby and move them every few days to keep the illusion alive.
• For fruit-heavy plots, netting is the most effective long-term solution.
Working With Nature, Not Against It
By choosing natural remedies and preventative methods, we’re supporting a healthy garden ecosystem that’s safe for kids, pets, pollinators, and our produce. These gentle but effective tools help us garden sustainably while reducing our reliance on harsh chemicals.
We hope these natural tips or remedies work for you! Happy planting!
Click here to the North Haven Community News home page for the latest North Haven community updates.
