Pest Prevention for Seedlings

Prevention Over Treatment

The best pest management strategy is prevention. Healthy plants in good soil with proper water and light are naturally more resistant to pests and diseases.

Common Seedling Pests

• Fungus gnats: Small black flies, larvae feed on roots
• Aphids: Small green or black insects on new growth
• Whiteflies: Tiny white flying insects
• Spider mites: Tiny dots on leaf undersides, fine webbing
• Slugs and snails: Chew holes in leaves, leave slime trails
• Cutworms: Cut seedlings at soil level

Physical Barriers

• Row covers: Floating fabric protects from flying insects
• Collars: Cardboard tubes around stems prevent cutworms
• Copper tape: Deters slugs from climbing pots
• Netting: Protects from birds and larger pests

Natural Remedies

Neem Oil

• Organic pesticide and fungicide
• Mix according to package directions
• Apply in evening to avoid leaf burn
• Effective against aphids, whiteflies, mites

Insecticidal Soap

• Disrupts soft-bodied insects
• Safe for most plants when mixed correctly
• Apply directly to insects
• Reapply after rain

Diatomaceous Earth

• Powder made from fossilized algae
• Cuts insects that walk through it
• Spread around base of plants
• Reapply after rain or watering

Companion Planting

• Marigolds: Repel aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes
• Basil: Deters flies, mosquitoes, and aphids
• Nasturtium: Trap crop for aphids
• Lavender: Repels fleas, moths, and deer

Encouraging Beneficial Insects

• Ladybugs: Each eats 50+ aphids per day
• Lacewings: Larvae consume aphids, mites, small caterpillars
• Praying mantis: General predator of many pests
• Hoverflies: Larvae eat aphids, adults pollinate

Monitoring

• Check plants daily for early signs of problems
• Inspect leaf undersides where pests hide
• Use yellow sticky traps to monitor flying insects
• Keep records of what works in your garden