Disease and Pest Control

This article focuses on some basic organic methods that anyone, from the most experienced, to the first time novice gardener, can attempt to control pests and diseases within the confines of wherever they experience the beauty of a flower or vegetable garden!

Attentive Monitoring -

This past season, some of the more common insect problems I observed included:

Aphids, Spider mites, Thrips, Japanese beetles, Rose bugs, Tomato horn worms and Fungus gnats.

All have been found in greenhouses and frequently in a surrounding home garden. Nuisance pests such as Spittlebugs and Earwigs can be easily removed with a gloved hand or a well placed jet of water.

Pest Control -

Beneficial Insects - There are many insects that YOU actually WANT to see in your garden! We have all witnessed the benefits of Ladybugs, a predatory insect, and how they wander around eating aphids and Spider mites. Praying Mantis catch and eat a multitude of insects including soft bodied caterpillars. Lacewings assist the Ladybugs by devastating the aphid colonies thereby reducing ant colonies that are dependent upon the honeydew that is produced by aphids. Understanding the reduction in disease spread by infestation of aphids and spider mites which weaken otherwise healthy plants should only encourage you to put these little eating machines to work for you in full force. Oh yes, even Wasps contribute, they kill numerous caterpillars even the Tomato Horn worm. If you see insects or bugs in your Flower/Vegetable garden, pay attention, see what they are up to,Identify them, do a quick background check and if they are deemed helpful...? Leave them alone! They may actually be doing you a tremendous favor!

By forgoing chemical pesticides and choosing to utilize organic pest control, you'll strike a balance that needs little interference or monitoring. Organic pest control also makes sure that you target the problem, and salvage the local population of beneficial insects! Just something for you to sit and ponder.

Disease Control: Proper Diagnosis-

The most critical issue for management of plant diseases is obtaining a correct diagnosis!

This factor is essential in order to determine if the cause of the problem is a disease: (fungal or bacterial), an insect or mite, a nutritional or watering disorder, or something far more serious like an airborne driven disease in order to take the appropriate corrective actions to avoid an epidemic.

The best way to keep diseases under control is to practice good old fashion Garden/Greenhouse cleanliness!