The key concept behind controlling pests and diseases is to maintain healthy
soil and good watering practices, but that's not to say that undesirable
characters – from nematodes to gophers – won't visit. Natural controls are
considered a better choice than pesticides, which can contain chemicals that
upset the biological balance between your soil and plants. Natural controls
include hitting pests with a blast of water, releasing beneficial bugs (ladybugs
and lacewings), spraying insecticidal soap, and using compost tea.
Gardening
Pest Control
Team Up on Pests
You have three good resources when pests appear. The first is to take a damaged
leaf or stem to your local nursery so the experts can identify the problem
and offer solutions. The second is to contact the San Diego County Master
Gardeners Association for an explanation and advice. The third is to go to the
University of California's Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program
website. The site is a comprehensive database of plants, trees, pests and diseases.
It is easy to use.
1. Type the name of your damaged plant and click search
2. Click through photos of the pests and diseases common to the plant until you
see your problem
3. Review the solution
Click on illustration. In the San Diego region, we don't wait until spring to plant our
gardens. We plant in late fall and rely on winter rainfall for the extra water our new
plants need during their establishment period. We refresh our mulch in fall and spring
and prune in late winter.
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