Many gardeners begin their growing seasons with full anticipation of a lush, healthy, organic, plentiful garden. But when the first bug shows up, panic often sets in and, sometimes, a trip to the gardening shop for a bottle of something to “take care” of the invaders is deemed necessary. Sadly, that bottle isn’t always the best choice for the “organic” portion of the gardening dream.

But what else can a gardener do? Well, we’ve located a fantastic blog post that answers this age-old question. Sharon Lovejoy’s Fine Gardening article 35 Pest and Disease Remedies covers everything from deterring deer and rabbits to dealing with the creepy crawlers.

Here’s a just sample:

• Chamomile tea is a cure-all for fungal diseases
  It’s a little-known fact that chamomile tea has antibacterial and fungicidal properties that will aid plants suffering from fungus and mildew.
• Tricks for removing aphids, mites, and other small insects
  Scientists at Texas A&M University estimate that up to 90 percent of problems with aphids, mites, and spittlebug nymphs can be cured by dislodging them with a strong blast of water.
• Vinegar wreaks havoc on weeds
  Attack weeds with a directed stream of vinegar (5 percent acidity) mixed with a few drops of liquid soap.

And there are many more, take a look.

Comment and let us know how these tips work for you.