Grass clippings and leaves are also used, but I suggest they be composted instead, which helps eliminate any chance of insects or diseases being carried over into the garden. Grass clippings and leaves sometimes become incubators for both insects and diseases. Black plastic sheeting is frequently used for weed control in the vegetable or flower garden. Insect Control - Birds, ladybugs and praying mantises are the gardener's best friends when it comes to insect control. Birds can be encouraged into the garden by feeding, hanging a birdhouse providing a bird bath or by planting plants that provide berries for them to eat.
Ladybugs are now for sale by the pint, quart or gallon.
The average-sized garden can get by on a quart or less, as there will be about 25,OOO to 30,OOO bugs per quart. The cost is generally less than five dollars a quart. The average adult ladybug consumes between 40 and 50 aphids a day. Praying mantis cases are also available and each one hatches up to 400 young. The cost is rather nominal for a case.