Pests and Disease

Insects are a natural visitor to any garden.But not all insects are bad for your plants and flower gardens. In fact, many are beneficial because they eat other insects that can be a problem. However, some bugs are harmful and, if not detected and treated properly, can cause severe damage to your garden.
Good gardening practices will deter pest problems before they begin
Ensure your soil is healthy by enriching it with homemade compost and other appropriate nutrients. This builds strong plants which are more resistant to most pests. See soil smarts.
Avoid planting the same crops in the same location year after year. This is especially important in vegetable gardens.

Keep your garden clean and tidy. Insects may start on nearby weeds or dead foliage and then migrate to your healthy plants.

Experiment with companion planting by growing certain varieties next to others. Marigolds, for example, actually deter insects.

Feed and water your plants regularly as directed (most annuals need weekly fertilizing). Properly nourished plants stay vigorous and are less susceptible to infestation and disease.
In spite of good pest prevention, some conditions might prevail that promote insects. Click on any of the following to determine if this pest is your problem.
Aphids
• Tiny yellow, green, or dark colored soft bodied insects cluster on the leaves, stems, and flowers.• Leaves are curled, distorted, and yellowing. Flowers are often malformed.• A shiny, sticky substance may coat the leaves.• Aphids are extremely prolific and populations can rapidly build up to damaging numbers during the growing season.• Ants feed on honeydew, a sweet, sticky substance excreted by these insects.
Mealy bugs
• Oval, white insects up to 1/4 inch long.
• Cluster in white cottony masses, on stems and leaves.
• Eggs and some adults can survive through the winter in warm climates.
• Leaves may be deformed and withered.
• Infested leaves are often shiny and sticky.
• Begonias and coleus are susceptible to several mealy bug species.
• Ants feed on honeydew, a sweet, sticky substance excreted by these insects.
Scale
• Tiny sap sucking insects that look like tiny bumps on plant leaves and stems.
• They hide under a shell cover that acts as a shield.
• They can kill plants if present in large numbers.
• Ants feed on honeydew, a sweet, sticky substance excreted by these insects.
Thrips
• Tiny insects resembling brown or straw colored wood slivers.
• Found at the base of petals in a flower bud.
• In cold climates thrips feed and reproduce from spring until fall.
• They are especially troublesome during prolonged dry spells.
• There are often silvery white streaks on the leaves.
• Flower buds turn brown and die before they open.
• Flowers that have opened are often streaked and distorted.
White flies
• Nymphs are oval, flat insects with short, sucking beaks.
• Nymphs are usually found on lower leaf surfaces.
• White flies are common to greenhouse vegetables and flowers but in warmer climates, they attack citrus and many ornamentals as well.
• Ants feed on honeydew, a sweet, sticky substance excreted by these insects.