In July we talked about Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as an approach to preventing pests in the garden before they become a problem. There should be three things (the disease triangle): the host plant, the conditions needed to support the pest/pathogen, and the pest/pathogen itself. If management and prevention practices eliminate any of these three things – there is no problem with pests.
The basic philosophy of this approach is data collection and garden management to reduce pest/threat in line with the growing garden ecosystem.
The issues can be addressed without resorting to sprays or insecticides – including organic ones. Healthy plants in a healthy garden ecosystem are less likely to succumb to problems. This is ideal.
If your garden is like mine, then the ideal is a standard that has not yet been reached. My garden hosted grasshoppers, aphids and powdery mildew. If we strive to be good IPM stewards, how do we deal with these pesky garden problems? Two strong words: business boundaries.
Boundaries of action are defined as the point at which the gardener takes action against the problem. Every gardener has a different tolerance. Here are some ideas to consider:
The action threshold may be ‘rare’. I hate locusts. I chase them with a shovel if I get the chance. But other than the little effect I make with a heavy tool, I let them live with my plants. why?
They are a food source for birds and I enjoy birds in the yard. Enduring the chewed leaves of my beloved fruits and vegetables encourages many species of birds on a daily basis — beloved musicmakers who have become pollinators and seed spreaders for flowers and perennials. I tolerate locusts because I love birds.
Perhaps when the action threshold is reached, the response is minimal. I am not a fan of aphids on my plants. But if I want ladybugs, I need something in the garden for them to eat. Ladybug feeds on aphids. Therefore, when I find an aphid infestation, I often spray insects from plants with a hose.
Sometimes I prune out the plant material and put it in my yard waste can. If I don’t get them all, don’t worry. I’ve just left something for the beetles to catch and I still have enough fruit and vegetables to harvest for myself.
The treatment may be mechanical. Many pests can be deterred by using row cover or other barrier. Fence or chicken wire is also useful in combating squirrels and rabbits.
The answer may be implantation or removal. Add more plants, enough of something the reward can be shared with the pest while still allowing you to harvest something. Or, conversely, remove the affected plant or plant matter to get rid of the garden pest.
Sometimes doing nothing is the best option. Think carefully about where your action thresholds will be and how strong your response will be. Happy gardening!
Donna Palmer is a San Bernardino County Lady Gardener who lives and lives in Chino Hills Gardens. Principal Gardeners at the University of California, San Bernardino County Cooperative Extension operate a free helpline to address questions related to home gardening and landscaping: [email protected]
