A GARDENING expert has revealed the truth about eliminating unwanted pests and bugs.
She divulged the tips and supplies she swears by to get rid of harmful critters.
Kera Gibbs, a gardener at the Pennslyvania Horticultural Society, urged all novice gardeners to stock up on knowledge before venturing into nature’s unknown.
She shared some of the most common mistakes she’s seen with The U.S. Sun.
“Colloquial tips and formal education benefit new and tenured gardeners alike,” she said.
“I recommend growing foods and flora that you enjoy! Don’t grow things you don’t eat or don’t have room for.
“Allow yourself to dream, but always be mindful of space and infrastructure!”
Another common and devastating mistake she sees often, she added, is planting mint directly in the ground.
The invasive plant spreads quickly and voraciously and should be planted in pots instead.
“Do not plant mint family plants in the ground! Read thoroughly what type of plants and seeds you are putting in your space,” Gibbs warned.
“The Penn State Extension is a wonderful resource for what plants are invasive in PA and otherwise!”
Gibbs recommended investing in basic gardening tools, such as gloves, to get rid of weeds and pests and techniques to attract friendly bugs.
“Truthfully, ‘non-desirables’ are never going to be separate from the experience that is gardening and cultivation,” she said.
“Creating a healthy ecosystem in your garden will bring in beneficial insects that eradicate the pesky ones. I’ll always push education there.
“Get a cheap or spendy kneeling pad [depending on your budget], a good pair of puncture-proof gloves, and get to pulling!”
Common tools she uses regularly include Neem, sharp pruners, and a hose attachment with different water streams.
Allow yourself to dream, but always be mindful of space and infrastructure!
Kera Gibbs
“Simple, natural chemicals in the garden can promote a healthy space. However, education is your best tool! ” she added.
Gibbs doesn’t believe that quality materials need to be costly and that creative budget-saving DIYs can save just as much time and energy.
“I swear by cheap spare foam boards to protect my knees. I am often kneeling down by flower pots or in beds,” she said.
“The wear and tear on my knees can be awful! Always protect your body when doing heavy lifting and awkward movements.”
She also advised gardeners to be efficient with their space, with techniques like vertical growing.
“I use space fencing or screening materials to trellis up all my vining things,” she said.
“Living in Germantown, Philadelphia, there isn’t always so much space. However, we can always grow UP!”
