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Photo Credit: ©2002 Buglady Consulting

Carefully inspect a plant for any pests before buying it. This means checking the roots, too!

IPM is the practice of long-term prevention and suppression of pests. Several methods are commonly used, including inspecting plants for pests, growing pest-resistant plant varieties and implementing good cultural practices in the garden. When enforcing IPM, pesticides are only used as a last resort when pest levels reach a level that you’re uncomfortable with. And if you do decide to treat with a pesticide, spray products that are considered “soft,” such as horticultural soaps and oils, are used.

One of the key components of IPM is scouting – inspecting plants for pests. (It’s helpful to carry a magnifying lens or loupe with you.) You’re probably already scouting and don’t even realize it: It’s basically looking around the garden and making observations. If you want to take an extra step, you can keep a notebook and write down what you see. (It’s important to keep dates along with your observations.) By keeping notes, you’ll eventually start to see patterns and learn when to start looking for particular pests before they attack.

Preventing the Problems

It’s well-known that when a plant is grown in optimal conditions, it’s less likely to have insect and disease problems. But why? (Because everyone says so, right?)

Let’s look at an example: Meet Amy. She likes to garden and loves roses. While at the local garden center, Amy finds two rosebushes that she must have for opposite sides of her driveway. She wisely inspects the plants for any apparent pest and disease problems. After determining that they’re clean, she goes ahead with her purchase.