How to Control Pest and Disease Problems in Your Garden

Overview

Home gardeners want pest-free yards. Diseases and infestations attack trees, vegetables, shrubs, flowers—but proactive steps protect your plants.

Integrated Management Steps

Step 1: Non-Chemical First

Predatory insects (lady beetles, lacewings, spiders) eat pests without crop damage. Sticky traps catch whiteflies. If using chemical pesticides, follow labels exactly.

Step 2: Crop Rotation

Rotate annually. Pests prefer specific plants and overwinter in soil. Rotation disrupts cycles by removing preferred food.

Step 3: Sanitation

Clear dead vegetation—reduces pest/disease breeding grounds.

Step 4: Fungus Prevention

Ensure air circulation and sunlight around plants. Fungus loves dark, damp conditions.

Step 5: Compost Vigilance

Check compost for mildew, insects, eggs before garden use. Rotting compost introduces mold and pests. Discard contaminated batches. Buy sterile compost from garden centers to avoid issues.

Step 6: Crown Gall Watch

Check roots/stems for fleshy white masses—sign of bacterial crown gall. Common on roses, pear/plum trees, raspberries. Remove entire root systems of affected plants.

Step 7: Tool Sterilization

Keep pruning tools and garden equipment as sterile as possible to prevent spreading infections among healthy plants.