Nematode infestations are a common reason people seek help. Though many gardeners are familiar with diseases and insects that can cause harm to plants, nematodes are a little more difficult to deal with. There are several steps you could take to ensure your garden is pest-free.
In order to control nematode populations, it is a good idea to keep your soil bare for a full year. This is a great method to prevent egg hatching. However, you should be sure to avoid planting weeds on bare soil. You may also want to add compost to the soil. You should make sure that the compost is turned regularly to encourage the natural decay of black walnut leaf. Use them as a mulch for your garden beds.
Planting nematode resistant plants is another way to eliminate nematodes. Planting nematode resistant varieties of crops is the best option. You can also try planting nematode-resistant plants such as African daisies, cantaloupe, eggplant, and pepper. The plants you choose will have the highest chance of surviving nematode bites.
If you don’t want to buy nematodes you can plant cereal-rye. This will dramatically reduce the population. This will prevent nematode damage from other plants in the garden. You can take steps if you fear that nematodes could cause damage to your garden.
Organic matter is essential for your garden. To reduce pests, a high amount of organic matter is vital. This organic fertilizer is best used as a neem meal. It breaks down to provide low-nitrogen levels to the soil. It is also good for soil microorganisms. Solarizing your garden will allow the sun to warm the soil and cook the nematodes.
Rotating crops is an effective way to control plant parasitic nematodes. You could be infected with these nematodes if you grow similar crops. This is why it is important to rotate the sites of your garden and alternate the type of crops. Your gardens should be rotated every three years. The best way to eliminate nematodes is to add potassium to the soil.
Nematodes can cause damage to plants above and below the ground. They can cause plants to look stunted or discolored. They can also lead to nutrient deficiencies. Oftentimes, they will not produce fruit or vegetables. If you are concerned about a nematode infestation, you should act immediately. You can use a wormkiller to get rid of the infestation and help your plants grow well.