We have been raising organic vegetables for many years now, and I know firsthand the most frustrating thing for any gardener is an insect infestation. Many bugs lay their eggs and winter in garden soil, only to emerge in the spring to wreak havoc on garden plants.

Over the years I have tried many methods to control these nasty pests. Here is a list of some methods I find to be the most effective:

Amending the Soil: First and foremost, the most important thing you can do to control insects in the garden is to raise healthy plants. A healthy plant is much less likely to die from a bug infestation. The health of a plant is dependent upon the health of the soil. If you or someone you know raises organic chickens, chicken litter added to garden beds over the winter is the best way to have healthy plants in the spring and summer. Never put fresh chicken litter directly on plants, as it will burn them. Adding it to compost and allowing it to age will help keep your plants healthy when you use it as fertilizer during the growing season.

Floating Row Covers: Floating row covers will protect your plants temporarily when insects are most active and can do the most damage. If your plants don’t require insect pollination, floating row covers can be used for the entire growing season. Install the row covers when you plant your seedlings in the ground and leave them in your garden as long as possible.

Insecticidal Soap: Insecticidal soap uses fatty acids to break down the insect’s protective cuticles so that it becomes dehydrated and dies. Most home improvement stores and garden centers carry it and is usually sold as a concentrate to be mixed with water for use in a garden sprayer.

Neem Oil: Neem oil, which is derived from the seeds of the neem tree, contains natural steroids. When neem oil is applied to plants and sprayed on pests, the insects will stop laying eggs. It also hinders their appetite and growth.

Note: Neem oil can clog garden sprayers, so be sure to mix it with warm water and spray it immediately on plants. Reapply every 7 days during the growing season. Be sure to clean the sprayer and nozzle with hot water and soap immediately after use.

Diatomaceous Earth: Diatomaceous earth is a white powder made of fossilized algae. It has been used for decades as an organic pesticide. Diatomaceous earth contains silica, making it highly abrasive and absorbent. Silica removes oils and fats out of insects, and they eventually dry up and die. It can be applied dry by sprinkling it over the leaves of plants. It should be reapplied after it rains.

Captain Jack’s Dead Bug Brew: Captain Jack’s Deadbug Brew is an approved organic insecticide. It is my go-to bug defense and is effective against a wide variety of insects. It is safe to use for vegetables, citrus, fruit flowers, and various ornamental plants. It contains the natural substance spinosad. This substance is made by a soil bacterium that can be toxic to insects. It is actually a mixture of two substances, spinosyn A and spinosyn D. It is effective for killing bagworms, borers, beetles, caterpillars, leaf miners, spider mites, and thrips.

Note: Application interval time can be different, depending on the insect infestation, so be sure to read the directions carefully to determine how often to apply it to plants.

Pyrethrin: Pyrethrin is an organic compound derived from chrysanthemums. It possesses potent insecticidal activity by targeting the nervous systems of insects. Pyrethrin naturally occurs in chrysanthemum flowers and is considered an organic insecticide, except when it is combined with piperonyl butoxide or other synthetic adjuvants. It is a broad-spectrum, organic insecticide and is often sold as a concentrate to be mixed with water in a garden sprayer.

Note: Pyrethrin can kill beneficial pollinators, so use it very early in the morning or at dusk to avoid this.

Using one or a combination of the above methods should help you keep invasive insects from devouring your garden plants. Getting rid of pesky insects and raising healthy plants will ensure a bountiful harvest each year.