How to control pests and diseases in a sweet tea garden

How to control pests and diseases in a sweet tea garden

Pest and disease control protects plants organically for safe tea ingredients. Common issues include aphids and mildew.

1. Inspect plants weekly for signs like yellowing leaves or webs.

2. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs to eat aphids naturally.

3. Spray homemade neem oil solution (1 tbsp oil per quart water) to deter pests; reapply biweekly.

4. Prevent fungal diseases by spacing plants to improve airflow and avoiding overhead watering.

5. Remove affected leaves promptly and dispose of them away from the garden.

6. Rotate crops annually to reduce soil-borne issues. Aim for a balanced ecosystem to minimize chemical use.