Sometimes, the biggest home intruders don’t come through the front door—they sneak into your backyard garden. In Western PA, where warm summers invite lush blooms and bountiful veggie beds, pests can show up unannounced and leave your plants struggling to survive.

Thankfully, you don’t need harsh chemicals to protect your garden paradise. Here’s how to keep those unwanted guests at bay—naturally.

🌼 Build Resilience from the Ground Up

• Start with the soil. Healthy plants begin with healthy soil. Mix in nutrient-rich, organic compost to give your garden beds the strength they need to fight off pests.
• Plant with purpose. Choose plants that thrive in your garden’s sun exposure. Weak plants are more prone to pests.
• Recruit strong-scented defenders. Herbs and flowers like marigolds, chives, thyme, mint, and lavender don’t just smell great—they naturally repel pests and invite pollinators to your space.
• Mix it up. Plant a variety of flowers and veggies together. Interplanting helps confuse pests and prevents them from overtaking one section of your garden.
• Rotate your crops. Changing where you plant your veggies each year keeps the soil healthy and the pests guessing.

🐞 Defend Without Doing Damage

• Catch it early. Spotting pests in time? Trim damaged leaves or remove affected plants before the problem spreads.
• Welcome nature’s helpers. Ladybugs, birds, and beneficial insects are excellent at hunting down plant-eating invaders.
• Try row covers. These breathable sheets keep pests out while letting sunlight and water in. Just remember to lift them in the morning to let pollinators visit.

🏡 A Garden That Grows with You

From the terraced yards of Mt. Washington to suburban plots in Wexford, Pittsburghers love their outdoor spaces. Whether you’re growing heirloom tomatoes or a balcony herb garden, a little knowledge and care go a long way.

Creating a vibrant, chemical-free garden is just one of the many ways Western PA homeowners bring their property—and their lifestyle—to life.