Because we have decided to go with an organic and non-GMO crops we are faced with the challenge of how to control pests that can decimate our crops and garden. The only way I can figure on how to do this is a multi-layers approach of breaking up the pests life cycle, beneficial insects that will prey on pest larva and predators that feed directly on the pest along with some old fashioned manual picking the pests off of the garden plants!!
The first step will be crop rotations, granted that will not help with many of the more mobile pest that feed on crops it will help to minimize the damage from those that are focuses on one particular crop like some of the corn worms and potato beetles. The next step is to encourage beneficial insects by providing good habitat for them and then purchasing a starting supply. Beneficial insects include Lady Bugs, ground beetles and different kind of wasps and spiders. We will provide a good natural habitat for the beneficial insects by bordering the crops with natural vegetation and flowers. Including naturally flowing Minnesota plants will also provide additional natural pollen sources to keep the honey bee population healthy. Cover crops will be used between seasons in order to provide protection for the good insects but also in order to prevent soil erosion and assist in fixing nitrogen issues.
The final piece of the puzzle will be Guinea Fowl. The more I read about them the more I like them. Like all of the other livestock on the farm they have a niche they will fill as well as provide multiple benefits. Guinea Fowl love many of the pests that cause havoc on crops and they love ticks even more while leaving the fruits, vegetables and crops alone. They are ideal insect predators providing for almost all of their own food. They produce a leaner yet darker meat carcass then chicken. They also make quite a racket when predators are in the area! On the down side, they are one UGLY bird!
The first step will be crop rotations, granted that will not help with many of the more mobile pest that feed on crops it will help to minimize the damage from those that are focuses on one particular crop like some of the corn worms and potato beetles. The next step is to encourage beneficial insects by providing good habitat for them and then purchasing a starting supply. Beneficial insects include Lady Bugs, ground beetles and different kind of wasps and spiders. We will provide a good natural habitat for the beneficial insects by bordering the crops with natural vegetation and flowers. Including naturally flowing Minnesota plants will also provide additional natural pollen sources to keep the honey bee population healthy. Cover crops will be used between seasons in order to provide protection for the good insects but also in order to prevent soil erosion and assist in fixing nitrogen issues.
The final piece of the puzzle will be Guinea Fowl. The more I read about them the more I like them. Like all of the other livestock on the farm they have a niche they will fill as well as provide multiple benefits. Guinea Fowl love many of the pests that cause havoc on crops and they love ticks even more while leaving the fruits, vegetables and crops alone. They are ideal insect predators providing for almost all of their own food. They produce a leaner yet darker meat carcass then chicken. They also make quite a racket when predators are in the area! On the down side, they are one UGLY bird!
I know there is much more to cover here but it is something I am still doing a lot of research on.
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