Garden pests can damage a healthy crop before you realize there's a problem. In Episode 139 of Gardening with Daddy Pete, Melvin and Jay York explain how integrated pest management (IPM) helps you identify, prevent, and manage pests without reaching for pesticides first.

You'll learn why scouting your garden regularly matters, where aphids, squash bugs, eggs, and other insects often hide, and how early detection can protect your plants. The discussion also covers squash vine borers, bagworms, deer, rabbits, plant diseases, crop rotation, companion planting, trap plants, native landscaping, and the role of healthy soil.

Melvin and Jay explain how soil testing, proper amendments, compost, and mulch can reduce plant stress and help plants withstand disease and pest pressure. They also cover practical garden maintenance, including pruning, mowing, removing debris, and choosing planting dates that can help you avoid peak pest activity.

The episode draws on information from the North Carolina State Extension Gardener Handbook and encourages gardeners in every region to consult their local extension office for research-based guidance.

You'll also hear important advice about using composted cow manure, mushroom compost, and other soil amendments correctly. These products should be mixed into the soil rather than used as a stand-alone planting medium.

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