I’m an organic farmer and my no-chemical tips will repel pests from your garden – there’s a boozy way to catch slugs
A GREEN-FINGERED woman has revealed how she maintains a thriving garden without harsh chemicals.
She showed the variety of plants, fruits, and vegetables growing on her farm which she shares with her high school sweetheart.
Amber Benge (@grace.walk.farm) has over 72,000 followers on TikTok, where she shares managing Grace Walk Farm.
The family has owned the land in North Carolina since 2019. She looked in good spirits as she shared the organic gardening tips they swear by.
“For the one who doesn’t want to use chemicals but the bugs keep stealing your harvest,” she said.
“This is how we garden without chemicals.
“Plant marigolds, sage, and rosemary all over the garden. They naturally repel pests.
“Use beer traps to catch slugs.
“Spray Neem oil or dust with Diatomaceous Earth for organic pest prevention.”
Amber showed that her gardening is overflowing with tomatoes, potatoes, and cabbage.
She revealed a DIY insecticide spray recipe that uses ingredients readily available from grocery stores.
“One tablespoon of dawn dish soap, 10 drops of peppermint oil, four cups of water,” she said.
“Spray as needed.
“Grow as much vertically as possible. Get the plants up off the ground to reduce contact with pests.
“Plant more than you need to leave extra for the insects. An organic garden can feed everyone.
“Don’t leave ripe fruit on the vine. It will attract more pests. Harvest often.
“Happy gardening.”
How to make a beer trap
The aroma of the yeast attracts the slugs rather than the actual alcohol, according to Better Homes & Gardens.
The slugs will drown or die of alcohol poisoning after smelling the beer and crawling into the trap.
Materials
- Several small clean contains that are at least four inches deep
- A few cans of cheap beer
Step one: Make holes in the soil everywhere you have seen slugs
Step two: Place the slug trap containers into the holes
Step three: Pour about three inches of beer into each container
Step four: Empty and reset the beer trap every two to three days.
She said the Dawn dish soap used for the insecticide spray can be swapped for Castile soap.
The video went viral with over 248,000 likes and many people took to the comment section to share more tips.
“Regular salt can be used as a slug preventer and killer,” one person wrote.
“Basil and marigolds in every row,” another said. “Garlic and lemon balm around the perimeter. No bugs nor animals.”
“Eggshells around your lettuce stop the slugs and snails from eating it,” a third commented.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
“I love this,” another added. “Just bought a house and I have nothing but a huge dirt lot!
“Can’t wait to find beginner-friendly start-up gardens.”
