“
Keeping your garden clean is just another way that helps
growers avoid the use of harsh pesticides on their plants.”
• Sweep up your mess after your work
is done. Foliage that is removed from
plants may be housing pests, and those
pests may still be there waiting to jump
back onto the host plant. So make
sure all clippings are picked up and
disposed of. A small cordless vacuum
works well here as well.
• Install a strong, removable floor covering
such as a poly-style tarp or a strong reflective material to catch water, chemicals
and soil spills. This will make clean up
easier and help stop some of those creepy
crawlers form getting into your garden.
• Never have your indoor garden near
any open timber or carpet. Our
friendly little spider mites thrive
in those environments and
once your garden is infested
with spider mites, they are
extremely hard to deal with.
Simply cover any exposed
wood beams and rip out
any old carpet.
• Don’t let your animals
in your garden,
especially your indoor
garden. They carry
pests that don’t react
to us or them but
are simply hitching
a ride to their next
meal. After playtime
with the dog or cat,
wash your hands,
change your clothes if
you have to, and even
use that small vacuum
to help suck away
any pests that might
be clinging to your
clothes and hands.
• Don’t smoke or handle tobacco
near the garden. Tobacco products
may contain the living and easily
transferable tobacco mosaic virus,
which will destroy your garden
and everything your soil comes
into contact with. If you use
tobacco products, wear gloves and
protective coveralls whenever you
work in your garden.
• Controlling the contents of your
soil is another way to help keep
your garden clean. Knowing its
contents, the source of its microbial
life, and if any fungi or viruses are
present in your soil is a good start.
Also try covering exposed soil with a
weed-barrier-style cloth topped with
about ¼ in. of clean playground
sand—the type you can get at most
home improvement centers is a
great way to help eliminate pests
and keep your soil clean.
K
eeping your garden clean and
clear of clutter will not only help
stop some of the pests from getting
in, but it also provides a healthier
growing environment that leads to
better results and bigger yields. By
simply thinking clean, you and your
garden will both be better off.
Jeff Walters is a former marine who
spends most of his time outdoors
fishing, hiking, hunting and gardening.
He is a self-educated former martial
arts instructor, published author, hot
rod enthusiast and co-founder of many
outdoor-related websites. His current
focus in on green energy and learning
how to live a sustainable lifestyle.
Maximum Yield USA | June 2016
117