Good garden hygiene, crop rotation, healthy soil, netting and hand removal can all reduce pest pressure. The aim is not necessarily a completely insect-free garden, but a productive garden where damage stays manageable.
Not every insect in a vegetable garden is a pest. Ladybirds, lacewings, hoverflies and many other predators help keep aphids and soft-bodied insects in check, while birds and frogs can also contribute.
Work with the garden ecosystem before reaching for a spray.
