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How to Prevent Colorado Potato Beetles: Helpful Tips
28.04.2023 15:56
The Colorado potato beetle is the main headache of any gardener who grows potatoes.
It is possible to prevent the pest from appearing. But this is not the easiest and fastest thing, as it may seem to inexperienced summer residents.
Crop rotation
This is the first important point in the fight against the pest. Every year, summer residents change the place where they plant potatoes.
Wood ash
Wood ash is the gardener's best assistant. Before planting and 2-3 times after, until shoots appear, the area is watered with an ash solution.
For 10 liters of water, take 1 kg of the product. In addition, when planting potatoes, sprinkle a handful of ash into each hole.
Mulching
But not every material will do. Celandine mulch is best. Colorado beetles do not like the smell of this herb. The pest is also sensitive to the smell of straw and hay.
Neighboring cultures
Developing the theme of smells, we can mention plants that also repel beetles. These include:
- onion;
- dill;
- garlic;
- cilantro;
- mustard;
- beans;
- calendula;
- tansy;
- marigold.
Mixing potato planting with these plants can help repel pests. These crops can be planted around the perimeter or slightly inside the bed.
Some gardeners plant several varieties. For example, they mix potatoes with calendula, cilantro and spring garlic.
Hilling
Regular hilling, loosening the soil and removing weeds also create unfavorable conditions for Colorado beetles.
The benefit of hilling is that it prevents the plant from forming additional shoots and creates a natural barrier to pests.
