CLINTON TOWNSHIP ORGANIC COMMUNITY GARDEN
Organic gardeners face challenges.
Be prepared.
Gather ideas and information for success.
The Good
Ladybugs do a fantastic job controlling pest insects in the garden. They're one of many beneficial insects. They're easy to identify and, oh, so cute! Much less adorable is the ladybug larvae which resembles a tiny, spiney, prehistoric alligator-esque creature of sorts. Looks aside, its appetite for controlling bad guys is just as voracious as the familiar red spotted adult - so please don't squish it!
Get introduced to many more good guys and you may even be surprised to learn that an insect you thought was a pest is actually your friend!
The Bad
Here's a comprehensive list of garden pests with links to specific fact sheets to aid you in identification. Once you've made an identification, then you can decide if, how and when you'll manage the problem.
Consider preventative measures such as using row covers to exclude pests from tender young plants. Remember to remove the covers when flowering begins so pollinators can do their work.
The Ugly
At the OCG, our worst pests seem to be those that attack our cucurbits (zucchini, squash, cucumbers, gourds and melons). Arm yourself with information on how to defend your crop and victory shall be yours this year!
