Sustainability
Identify the problem and choose a targeted, safer response.
Holes in a tomato leaf do not reveal which organism caused them. Check what is present and whether damage is continuing before choosing a response.
Inspect under leaves, around new growth, and on nearby plants. Some insects on a damaged plant may be predators feeding on pests, not on the plant.
Choose plants suited to local growing conditions and care for them appropriately. Healthy plants and visible growth make problems easier to notice and manage.
For small, accessible infestations, remove pests by hand, prune localized damage, or dislodge certain pests with water from sturdy foliage. Inspect again afterward.
Row covers and plant collars can keep some pests away, but timing matters. Check plants repeatedly, since eggs, hidden insects, or returning pests may be missed.
Lady beetles and other beneficial insects can feed on pests, though they may not control every outbreak. Avoid unnecessary broad-spectrum sprays to help conserve them.
Natural or organic does not mean harmless. Products differ in ingredients, target pests, approved uses, and risks to plants, people, pets, and beneficial insects.
For edible crops, confirm that the label permits use on that crop and follow its directions, including the harvest interval. Ornamental plant products may not be allowed on food.
Integrated pest management means preventing problems, monitoring and identifying pests, judging whether damage warrants action, choosing targeted controls, and checking results.
Organic products can harm bees, so follow pollinator precautions. Do not remove every insect from a damaged plant: identify it first and act only when damage warrants control.
Keep reading