Pests of the Garden and Small Farm: A Grower’s Guide to Using Less Pesticide

The use of pesticides today is a widespread concern – we worry about pesticide residues on our food, exposure in the workplace, and the risks to those in the agricultural industry. What can be done to effectively combat pests without inflicting further damage on ourselves and the environment? Integrated pest management (IPM) is a multi-pronged strategy to prevent and suppress pest problems. Through choice of plant type, planting practices, and adoption of mechanical, physical and biological combatent measures, the use of chemical antidotes can be minimized. IPM is the focus of this book, aimed at landscape gardeners. The book emphasizes environmentally safe methods and is profusely illustrated. This volume includes: landscape designs that prevent pests; planting, irrigating, and other plant care activities that prevent potential problems; resistant varieties; biological controls (use of parasites, predators or pathogens); less-toxic pesticides such as soaps, oils and microbials; mulches and other physical and mechanical controls; and references, suppliers list and glossary.