Basil Organic Pest Control

Planning Prevention

• Choose disease-resistant varieties of basil, and avoid planting it in the same place each year. Avoid planting a lot of basil in the same area or among other plants with the same insect predators so that the area doesn't become a pest beacon. Plant herbs that attract beneficial insects (called insectary plants) to keep sucking insect populations down.

Prevention in Cultivation

• Avoid disease pests by watering basil at the base of the plant. Mulch plentifully so that the soil stays moist, but not as wet as it is right after a watering to help roots avoid soil-borne fungus. Ring the base of the plants with copper wire or a tin can (not aluminum) with the base cut out and a cut down one side so it opens like a collar to keep slugs away.

Treatment

• Drench the plant in insecticidal soap when insect pest populations are overwhelming. Remember, if there are very few mites, aphids or other soft-bodied insects, the basil plant will be fine while you leave the pests to be consumed by your beneficial insects. Hang sticky tape to trap whiteflies, and pick off Japanese beetles as you see them.