Vegetable Pest Control

Aphids are a common vegetable pest.

Don't let vegetable garden pests spoil your crop or your excitement. By adhering to a few basic guidelines, you should be able to navigate through any pest control issues that spring up in your garden.

Prevention

Healthy, robust plants may outgrow pests on their own.

The best way to control vegetable pests is prevention. To discourage pests and disease, make sure the soil is fertile, use native plants, and avoid wetting plant leaves or fruit when watering. Check plants often for signs of pests to stop them early.

Traps and Barriers

Cut off the bottom of a plastic bottle to make your own cloche.

Use traps and barriers to encourage pests to congregate away from plants or to keep them from being able to reach the plant. Glass/plastic cloches and row covers provide effective barriers.

Identification

Closely examine the undersides of leaves to help identify pests.

If encouraging healthy plant growth and using physical barriers doesn't work, then closely examine the plant to identify the type of damage. Look for signs of chewing, piercing or other evidence such as a trail of slime to help you target your pest control solution.

Biological Intervention

Lady beetles feed on common garden pests.

Choose an organic or inorganic pesticide that is tailored to the specific pest that is targeting your plant. Use store-bought or homemade products but remember to carefully read labels and follow instructions. Introduce beneficial insects that prefer to feed on the pest that's plaguing your garden.

References

• Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service: Home Vegetable Garden Insect Pest Control
• Oregon State University: Using Home Remedies to Control Garden Pests