Pesticides and fertilizers should be used carefully, in the right amounts, when the plant requires it and never before a rainstorm. Spraying pesticides kills beneficial insects such as honeybees that pollinate our flowers. Natural pest control can be achieved by using native plants to attract beneficial insects and other predators that feed on the pests. Homemade compost goes a long way to providing nutrients for a home or church garden.

In addition to minimizing our chemical usage, we must also consider correct planting procedures. Like people, plants need to be placed in the right environment to thrive. If they are stressed, they become diseased and a target for insect pests and diseases that can weaken or kill them. Choose native plants or those adapted to the garden site. Plants like either sun or shade, dry or wet soils, rich soil or can tolerate poor soils. The plant tag has information about the plant’s needs as well as how far apart to space them and when to plant them. To keep the weeds down, mulch beds with wood chips, pine bark and pine straw.