As a gardening journalist, I come across so many different tricks to seemingly prevent gardening problems. While many of them have proven useful, some aren't always the best advice to follow – including the latest trick of using plastic forks to keep pests away from plants in the winter.
It is a pest control method that involves sticking plastic forks up into the soil to create a barrier for the pests that destroy plants. While it is true that the spiny nature of the forks deters some pests to some extent by making it difficult for them to reach plants, it is not necessarily the most sustainable or effective method.
Why you shouldn't use plastic forks for pest control
(Image credit: Richard Levine via Alamy)
The idea of sticking plastic forks into the soil around your plants to create a pest barrier can be a tempting, cheap and quick pest control trick, but it is a method Drew SwainstonGardens Content Editor houses and gardens, says: “is full of potential flaws.”
Even though you may not see the damage, Drew notes, “Putting a large number of forks into the soil risks releasing a lot of potential microplastic particles into the soil.”
This, in turn, affects the health and structure of your soil, including nutrient retention, and impacts plant growth. In addition, growing plants in contaminated soil can also lead to microplastics being ingested by humans.
Additionally, plastic forks are not the strongest material. Inclement weather and small animals can cause them to become loose and break, instantly negating any pest control function they provided.
Since the plastic forks then need to be replaced regularly, this can also become quite a wasteful method.
Above all, Drew points out that it may not even work as effectively as you'd hope:
“Small pests such as slugs are not bothered by forks sticking out of the ground, while large quantities of forks are needed to effectively repel larger pests such as rabbits, rats, squirrels or cats.”
“It is an inefficient method of repelling only a small proportion of seasonal pests, and it poses a danger to wildlife who could scratch or gore themselves,” he explains.
This is where non-toxic garden replacement products and methods come into play, offering more reliable protection through natural means and plastic-free products.
“I think the best way to keep pests away from your vegetables over the winter is to cover large plants with netting, cover smaller plants or seedlings with a cloche (glass from Amazon) or portable cold frame cover, and use companion plants with aromatic herbs or alliums to deter pests,” suggests Drew.
Drew trained as a journalist and wrote for many websites and publications before training in horticulture. He worked as a professional gardener for several years, specializing in vegetable gardening. Now he brings his expertise and passion Houses and gardens as a member of our team.
What to use instead of plastic forks for pest control
(Image credit: GKSFlorapics via Alamy)
Now that you know why you shouldn't use plastic forks for pest control, you can look for alternative methods.
This also includes companion planting, where you place the best pest deterrent plants near the plants you want to protect.
These are plants that often give off a scent or release a chemical that pests can't tolerate, such as marigolds (seeds from Walmart).
Or you can use other scent sources that deter pests, such as a peppermint pest spray (from Amazon).
You can also use crushed eggshells in the garden to create a barrier against pests, creating a prickly and uncomfortable border that pests will not want to cross.
There are many eco-friendly gardening tools that deter both winter garden pests and spring garden pests. This includes using a burlap barrier or cover made from natural fibers. You can find garden sacking on Amazon.
Below you can shop some of our top picks for non-toxic winter pest control tools:
Peppermint repellent spray
This peppermint pest control spray is a natural pest control solution. It can be sprayed around and on the most vulnerable plants, with the scent deterring a variety of harmful insects.
Use this chicken wire to build a fence around your plants. It keeps away a variety of pests, including squirrels and deer, protecting your plants from damage.
Burlap is a natural material that is ideal for a variety of uses in the garden. You can create barriers to keep pests away from plants and also use them for frost protection and weed control.
Marigolds are one of the best plants for pest control. They produce a strong odor and a natural compound called pyrethrum that many harmful pests cannot tolerate.
Use these wire cloches to cover smaller and younger plants. They keep a number of pests away from plants, including squirrels. These cloches measure 9.13 x 9.13 inches.
Live Beneficial Nematodes
Beneficial nematodes are microscopic roundworms that prey on a variety of destructive insects and pests. Simply add it to your watering can to apply to your beds and borders.
FAQs
Yes, you can use metal forks for pest control by sticking them face up into the ground. It creates an unpleasant barrier for pests and keeps them away from the plants. This is a more sustainable option than plastic forks, but still not necessarily as effective as plant covers and companion planting, as many pests are able to get past and avoid the forks.
As you adopt winter pest control methods, make sure you also take the time to protect pests from overwintering in your shed. This is a warm and sheltered place that can harbor a number of destructive pests during the winter months.