My Favorite Pest Mechanical Solution for the Cut Flower Garden

If you're a gardening enthusiast, you know how frustrating it can be to see your beautiful blooms ravaged by pesky insects. The bane of my existence right now are weevils. These small, beetle-like pests are notorious for their voracious appetite for flower petals. They use their chewing mouthparts to create unsightly holes and cause significant damage to your blooms. Seeing your once-beautiful flowers marred by these invaders can be disheartening.

If you’re like me and strive for pristine blooms to use as cut flowers, you know this means business. However, while you’re aiming for flawless petals, you might also worry about the impact of chemical treatments on beneficial insects. Even products labeled as "organic" can have unintended consequences. Fortunately, there’s a straightforward, effective solution that doesn’t involve harsh chemicals: net bags.

Same for sunflower 'Fire Catcher.'

'Giant Sungold' doesn't stand a chance against the weevils.

What Are Net Bags?

Net bags, often used for fruits and vegetables, are breathable, fine-mesh pouches that can also serve as a protective barrier for your flowers. Are these net bags the most attractive? Not really. However, my main focus is finding perfect blooms for cut flowers. And these bags, when draped over your blooms, they create a shield that keeps insects away while allowing sunlight and rain to nourish your plants.

Protecting and giving zinnia 'Victorian Wedding' time to fully bloom without the threat of getting eaten.

'Victorian Wedding' on a different tone bloom. Love these new variety from Floret.

Why Net Bags Are a Great Choice

  1. Mechanical Protection: Net bags work on a physical level to prevent bugs from reaching your flowers. Unlike chemical solutions, they don’t pose risks to beneficial insects or the environment. The mesh is fine enough to keep out most pests, including aphids, caterpillars, and beetles, but still allows for air circulation and light penetration.

  2. Versatility: These bags come in various sizes and types, making them adaptable to different flowers and plants. Whether you’re dealing with delicate roses or hearty sunflowers, there’s a net bag suited to your needs.

  3. Ease of Use: Applying net bags is as simple as it gets. Just slip the bag over your flowers and secure it in place. They’re reusable and easy to remove for maintenance or harvesting.

  4. Cost-Effective: Net bags are relatively inexpensive compared to other pest control methods. With proper care, they can last multiple seasons, providing a long-term solution to flower protection.

Balancing Protection with Pollinator Needs

Personally, I choose to leave a few flowers uncovered in my garden. This not only provides a natural source of food for pollinators but also supports the broader ecosystem. While net bags protect many of my blooms, I recognize the importance of sustaining our local pollinator populations. A few open flowers offer a vital resource for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

Protecting sunflower 'Fire Catcher.'

Choosing Your Battles

In addition to protecting flowers from pests, I also contend with grasshoppers that love munching on leaves. Gardening is all about prioritizing; while net bags are excellent for keeping bugs off petals, I’m choosing to focus my energy on this specific issue. Each garden has its unique challenges, and sometimes it’s about selecting which battles to fight and which to accept as part of the natural landscape.

How to Use Net Bags Effectively

  1. Choose the Right Size: Select a net bag that fits comfortably over your flowers without crushing them. It should provide ample space for the bloom to grow and thrive.

  2. Secure Properly: Ensure the net bag is securely fastened to prevent pests from sneaking in. You can use twist ties or garden clips to hold the bag in place.

  3. Monitor and Maintain: Check the bags regularly for any signs of wear or tear. Also, ensure that the plants inside are not becoming too cramped as they grow.

By incorporating net bags into your gardening routine, you can protect your flowers from unwanted pests while keeping your garden eco-friendly and vibrant. And remember, a few uncovered blooms can help support our essential pollinators, striking a balance between protection and ecological harmony.