Pests

Aphids

Aphids are soft bodied, pear-shaped insects that suck the sap out of plant tissue. They are a familiar garden pest and seldom cause major damage. Aphids are also a favorite food source of ladybugs, lacewings, and other beneficial insects. Because of this, I tend to leave aphid colonies alone to provide food for these good bugs. If they're still around after a couple of days, and close inspection shows no sign of beneficial insects (look closely, they can be small!) I use a strong jet of water from my hose to knock the aphids off.

Leaf miners

Leaf miners are identified by their damage; brown trails and tunnels on the leaf surface. The damage rarely kills a plant, but it does make it less palatable.

If you have problems with leafminers in your garden, float a lightweight row cover or insect barrier fabric over the bed after planting. This prevents the adult females from laying eggs on the leaves. No eggs, no leafminers.

Snails*

Slugs

Slugs are a common garden pest that can quickly devor beds of young seedlings or cause damage to mature plants. They can be a challenge to eradicate...