Every gardener has stories about battling pests in their gardens such as aphids, mites, ants, scales, and whiteflies, along with diseases such as powdery mildew, damping off, and various fungal infections! We cannot experience the joys of gardening without also dealing with the pests and diseases that can harm the plants in our gardens.

How can we manage pest problems in a sustainable way that will not harm people, animals, or the environment? UC Integrated Pest Management (IPM) gives research-based solutions that use a variety of techniques which focus on long-term solutions.

During the month of July, the Stanislaus County UC Master Gardeners will be giving talks at county libraries on Pest Management in the Garden which will discuss what IPM is, and how it can be used to manage pests in our gardens. Learn how to monitor your plants for pests, recognize who the beneficial insects are (we want to protect them!), what environmentally friendly strategies such as biological, cultural, and mechanical controls can be used to manage pests, what to know about pesticides, as well as sources for information and help. Some common garden pests will also be covered.

So come and gain knowledge of how you can manage pests in your vegetable and flowering gardens in ways that focus on long-term prevention, while protecting beneficial insects and helping your garden thrive.

 Denise Godbout-Avant has been a UC Master Gardener in Stanislaus County since 2020